For those of you who’ve worked the grill, made essential runs to the kitchen, and were still able to pull off the perfect barbeque, you deserve a tip of the cap. But aren’t you tired of the frenzy it creates? Then bring the kitchen outdoors, it will make life a little easier.

You can start this process by relocating the grill to the gazebo. If you’ve tolerated the hot sun for long enough, this type of open air structure is perfect for a shady barbeque. You’ll also have enough room to accommodate accessory items and storage. This cuts down on those back and forth trips to the house. If you want to eliminate these excursions altogether, think about an outdoor grilling station.

Grill Stations

A scaled back grilling station doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the outdoor station, but they are very functional and aesthetically pleasing. These stone or brick constructions are built around the grill and include permanent storage or food preparation areas. They’re great additions to the patio or deck because of their rustic appeal. You can also convert wood planter boxes into outdoor cabinets. By taking sheet metal and molding it around the planter lid, now you’ve got the makings of a metal door. Just attach some cool-looking hinges and you’ve got a makeshift outdoor cabinet for supplies. More elaborate grill stations include sinks, bottle boots for chilled juices or wine, and an insulated ice box that acts as a mini-refrigerator. These grilling stations are professionally built and installed. They cost right around $1,900 for a top of the line unit.
Photo credit: Rite Remodeling
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Spring is here and it’s open season for indoor/outdoor living. I was at one of my local home and garden centers over the weekend, and it was a party! There’s nothing like that early Saturday morning buzz that bubbles up among dozens of happy householders chatting over planters, browsing the racks of blooming things, discussing deck furniture, and tossing gardening supplies onto their trolleys. It’s a guaranteed high.

After all that enthusiastic carrying-on, I want to share the effervescence of the season with you. You might already be going like a house a-fire on your own deck decorating, or maybe, like some of my friends, you’re in planning mode for building or adding on to your deck this year. In either case, there’s nothing like looking at great examples of deck design for inspiration.

Here are some beauties, custom built by some of CalFinder’s licensed contractors:

Redwood Multi-Level Deck

Equinox Landscape Construction

With all the lush greenery, this large deck gives the luxury of feeling suspended up in the trees. It takes advantage of the hillside terrain by being built on levels, connected by a gracious staircase. The railings are integrated into the design for safety and beauty and enhance the structure’s overall appeal.

Architectural Simplicity and Harmony

Prociw Construction & Roofing

Elegant contemporary architectural design joins this deck seamlessly to the house with ease. The repetition of materials used for the house is complemented with different elements and materials that, all together, make a striking combination. Subtle and welcoming. (more…)

The Rolls Royce of wicker patio furniture, Home Infatuation’s new collection will have you chanting ooooh’s and aaaaah’s as you savor each new piece.

Built to last forever, this chic new line offers a sophisticated elegance with sturdy, all-weather construction. Whether it’s a chaise with an Italian influence or a contemporary loveseat, every piece is made with top-quality wicker woven with resin fibers and top-grade, resilient rust- and corrosion-proof aluminum frames.

The new line offers sofas and loveseats, chaise lounges, patio chairs and tables, dining tables, ottomans, and deep seating furniture. (more…)