Prairie Run Open Space

Lauren Michele and Joe Caves, environmental policy consultants, discovered their dream home, a century-old Prairie-style mansion in midtown Sacramento, after repeatedly admiring its unique character during their neighborhood strolls. The couple, who had initially placed a deposit on a new townhouse, were fortunate enough to reclaim their deposit and purchase the historic property when it unexpectedly came onto the market. This residence, known as the Shields House, once belonged to Judge Peter Shields, a pivotal figure in the establishment of what is now UC Davis, with the campus library bearing his name. His wife, Carolee, was also a significant benefactor to the university, having an arboretum garden named in her honor. The Shields House, built around 1913, features a distinctive Prairie architectural style, mirrored by a twin structure next door. These two houses, originally built by William Murcell, shared a common courtyard and a standalone garage. Catherine Turrell of Preservation Sacramento highlights the house's combination of simplicity and classiness, noting the resurgence of interest in the streamlined Prairie style. Michele, a UC Davis alumna, feels a special connection to the house given its history with Judge Shields. After their Bali wedding, Michele and Caves filled their new home with positive energy and undertook extensive renovations guided by feng shui principles. While maintaining the original structure, windows, and antique door hardware, they replaced warped oak flooring with walnut and reconfigured a downstairs bathroom. A significant transformation involved changing the interior color scheme from serious steel grays to friendly butter yellow and clean white trim, which dramatically increased the sense of spaciousness and natural light. The couple also incorporated Balinese artwork from their wedding trip, which introduces a natural element into their Prairie-style home. Living in their dream home offers the couple an ideal lifestyle; Michele now works from a sun-filled former sleeping porch, and Caves enjoys a short walk to his office or works from home. The serene courtyard, with its babbling fountain using recycled water and iridescent glass tiles, serves as a peaceful retreat. Both Michele and Caves express deep gratitude for finding their perfect home, appreciating its proximity to amenities and the overall sense of tranquility and contentment it brings to their lives. #PrairieStyle #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #SacramentoRealEstate #HomeDesign #FengShui #ArchitecturalPreservation #DreamHome

The growing popularity of outdoor kitchen spaces is driven by various factors, including access to new types of cooking equipment, an increased connection to the environment, a love of nature, and the ability to utilize additional space beyond the indoor kitchen. The primary motivation for many consumers is the ability to "bring the party outdoors" and expand entertaining space. This trend is observed in both warm-weather and colder climates. Designers are capitalizing on this by creating complete outdoor kitchens that either complement the indoor kitchen's design or stand as independent spaces with unique features. This article examines three outdoor kitchens that showcase enhanced entertaining areas, nature-inspired design elements, and new cooking functionalities. One example is an outdoor kitchen designed by architect Doug Burdge in Malibu, CA, where warm weather and ocean views make outdoor living a lifestyle. The two-story home, modeled after Cape Cod residences, maximizes ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, and a wraparound patio. An open-air pavilion features a fireplace and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, including an Earthstone pizza oven, Viking barbecue, side burner, hood, undercounter ice maker, Perlick undercounter refrigerator and freezer, Sharp microwave, Asko dishwasher, and InSinkErator disposal unit. This setup allows for year-round gatherings around a resort-style pool, sunken lounge, and fire pit. Burdge notes that most of his projects in Malibu include pools and various outdoor kitchen setups, ranging from basic sinks and counter space to more elaborate designs with dishwashers, pizza ovens, and specialty appliances based on client needs. Another featured outdoor kitchen is in Rockport, ME, designed by Deborah Chatfield of Chatfield Design. This project was inspired by the clients' trip to Italy, prompting the integration of an outdoor pizza oven they brought back. The design blends Tuscan elements with Maine's aesthetic, incorporating an exposed wood beam ceiling, large column supports, and stone work reminiscent of Italian architecture. Overhead lighting with a Tuscan yet contemporary feel and a long picnic table facilitate group gatherings. Beyond the pizza oven, the kitchen boasts a Kalamazoo grill, a two-burner cooktop with a custom copper hood, and a custom-made granite outdoor sink for large pots. Custom-built cabinets allow for permanent outdoor storage. Despite Maine's shorter outdoor season, infrared lights were installed to extend the usability of the space. Chatfield acknowledges that such elaborate outdoor kitchens are rare in Maine but were justified by the clients' extensive entertaining needs, desire to use the space year-round, and the stunning lake and bay views. The third outdoor kitchen, located in Coral Gables, FL, was designed by architect Jorge L. Hernandez of JLH Architect and interior designer Celia Cabral Domenech of Living Interior Design. This space is designed for large gatherings and seamlessly connects with the indoor areas. It features coral stone, which provides both aesthetic appeal and shelter. The client's love for barbecuing led to the construction of a pavilion tied into the house, incorporating a Kalamazoo grill and custom-built blackened mahogany furniture. The design unifies indoor and outdoor spaces through a consistent grayish color palette and complementary ceiling treatments—a white wooden coffered ceiling inside and a timber gabled ceiling outside. The outdoor kitchen, an extrusion from the indoor kitchen wing of an H-shaped house plan, ensures an easy flow between the two areas. It is equipped to host over 50 people, featuring a Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Built-in Grill, a gas-fired pizza oven, four cooktop burners, stainless steel cabinetry, energy-efficient refrigerator and freezer drawers, an outdoor glass door wine chiller with UV protection, and an outdoor dishwasher, enabling it to function as a fully independent kitchen and entertainment hub. Hernandez highlights the increasing demand for outdoor living spaces, attributing it to a renewed connection with nature, environmental awareness, and the desire for more entertaining space. He emphasizes the importance of treating outdoor kitchens as meticulously designed rooms, integral to the home's overall aesthetic and functionality, to avoid them becoming merely utilitarian barbecue areas. #OutdoorKitchen #HomeDesign #EntertainmentSpace #KitchenDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomKitchens #LuxuryLiving #OutdoorAppliances #DesignTrends