Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/146141
cover story of concrete mixed with a pinch of nature and grilled well on the open flames can cook up an inviting outdoor kitchen if all of the elements are combined correctly. The market for outdoor living areas continues to grow with the new construction resurgence, so it's important to make sure you have the right set of skills needed for these projects. "Outdoor kitchens have exploded in popularity because they provide an enjoyable space to cook and share food in the beauty of a garden environment," says J. Gieo Peonsoneault, host and producer for The New American Landscape Channel, an online resource for the green industry. While you can build as large or small as your client's budget allows, there are four elements to consider when installing the perfect outdoor kitchen. 1. Space After you and your client decide where the outdoor kitchen will be constructed, you need to think about what size, shape and layout will work best in the space. The living area should be a natural extension of the house, not an obstruction. You'll also want to arrange the kitchen to give the clients a good view from inside. So, don't block the windows or make the barbecue counter the focal point. Another element to consider is where the wind blows from most often "because we don't want smoke blowing onto our patio areas," says Scott Cohen – garden artisan, public speaker, book author (including the Outdoor Kitchen Design Workbook and The Big Book of BBQ Plans) and owner of The Green Scene in Chatsworth, California. Once angled and placed, you'll need to decide how to best use the space to create an inviting eatery. "Just like indoor cooking areas, the outdoor space should be designed in a way that provides good workspace and allows interaction with guests," Peonsoneault says. "Outdoor cooking is something of a spectator sport, and people like to gather around the action." a u g u s t 2013 TLC0813_CoverStory.indd 21 TotalLa nd s ca p e C a re . c o m 21 Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, kalamazoogourmet.com A dash 7/24/13 2:32 PM