Live from the Lawn at Strathmore’s Gazebo Stage

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

The Blue Ridge Arts Council presents the 36th annual Gazebo Gatherings Summer Concert Series in downtown Front Royal, Virginia. This free event, held on Thursday evenings at 7 PM at the iconic Town Commons Gazebo on Main and Chester Street, is co-sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Warren County, and the Town of Front Royal. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and arrive early to secure parking, as the event typically draws 150 to 200 people. The location in Front Royal, described as a 'town for all seasons,' offers a chance to experience Shenandoah culture and enjoy the historic city, with numerous restaurants available in the Main Street and Town Commons area for pre- or post-concert dining. The concert series features a diverse lineup of musical acts throughout the summer. The American Legion Community Band opens the series on June 13th with a varied repertoire ranging from marches to movie themes, and classical pieces to pop songs. This volunteer band, formed in 1986, performs from September to July and welcomes new members. On June 20th, Joe Martin will showcase his rock, jazz, and classical guitar arrangements, having established a career performing his exciting and emotional renditions at various venues across the northern Shenandoah Valley. Smoke & The Poet, a country/folk band from the Shenandoah Valley, will perform on June 27th, known for their original songs and covers inspired by red dirt country and roots music. July 11th features the Rock Bottom Band, a five-member group that covers music from the soulful 1960s to the rocking 1990s, offering a selection that appeals to a wide audience. On July 18th, From the Clay Duo, comprising Mark Clay and Kahle Magalis, will present a mix of original songs with strong, storytelling lyrics and classic favorites, captivating audiences with their talent. Medicine Wind, a versatile quintet, takes the stage on July 25th with an eclectic blend of classic rock, blues, Americana, and country genres. The Sidemen, seasoned musicians rooted in rock and roll, will perform on August 1st, featuring yacht rock and classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Rich Follett, an acoustic folk musician, performs on August 8th, offering easy-listening folk music, including familiar tunes from the 1920s to the present, alongside his insightful original compositions. Ryan Jewel, scheduled for August 15th, will share his relatable songs, drawn from personal experiences, delivered with rich baritone vocals and an authentic performing style. The series concludes on August 22nd with Vinyl Tracks, a classic rock band from Front Royal, VA, renowned for their Beatles tribute show. The Gazebo Gatherings aim to provide an enjoyable Thursday evening entertainment experience in Front Royal. #SummerConcertSeries #FrontRoyal #VirginiaEvents #LiveMusic #CommunityEvents #BlueRidgeArtsCouncil #FreeConcerts #ShenandoahValley #FamilyEntertainment

Sonos has partnered with Sonance, a company known for its discreet speaker systems, to introduce the Sonos Architectural by Sonance collection. This new line of home speakers is designed to integrate seamlessly into various environments. The collection features three distinct speaker types: In-Ceiling, In-Wall, and Outdoor, all of which are compatible with the Sonos Amp for streamlined home audio streaming. The primary highlight of this new collection is the debut outdoor speaker, which boasts a completely weatherproof design, ensuring year-round outdoor listening capabilities. This durability extends to resistance against humidity, water, salt spray, heat, UV rays, and even freezing temperatures. Users can power up to three pairs of Sonos Architectural by Sonance speakers using a single Sonos Amp. This setup is encouraged to maximize the system's performance and functionality. A key benefit of this integration is the ability to control all speakers through a single, intuitive app, which facilitates easy audio streaming and AirPlay 2 compatibility. Furthermore, the system incorporates TruePlay technology, an innovative feature that analyzes the acoustics of a room, including its size and any physical obstructions. This analysis allows the system to produce appropriately equalized sound, optimizing the audio experience for the specific space. Beyond the outdoor model, the collection includes In-Ceiling speakers, which are specifically designed for larger spaces. These speakers offer aesthetic flexibility, as they can be painted to match the ceiling, making them virtually invisible. They are available in both round and square builds to suit different design preferences. The In-Wall speakers, though only offered in a rectangular shape, also provide the option for customization through painting, allowing them to blend effortlessly with interior walls. Regarding availability and pricing, the Sonos Outdoor Speaker pair is set to retail for $799, and interested customers can sign up for notifications regarding its release. The In-Ceiling and In-Wall speaker pairs are currently available for pre-order, with deliveries expected by February 26. Each of these indoor speaker pairs is priced at $599. This collaboration between Sonos and Sonance aims to offer versatile and high-quality audio solutions that prioritize both sound performance and seamless integration into residential spaces. #Sonos #Sonance #OutdoorSpeakers #HomeAudio #Weatherproof #SmartHome #AudioStreaming #TruePlay #ArchitecturalSpeakers

The STUDIO at George Fox University offers interior design students practical, real-world experience by engaging them in projects for various clients, including nonprofits, schools, and residential remodels. This innovative lab moves beyond the conventional understanding of interior design, which often limits the field to aesthetic choices like matching paint colors and drapes. Instead, The STUDIO emphasizes comprehensive design solutions that incorporate local building codes, ADA regulations, and designs promoting health and safety, adhering to professional industry standards. For instance, students might employ trauma-informed design principles, utilizing color theory and spatial arrangements to foster a sense of security. Professor Casey Martin highlights the broad scope of interior design, noting that most everyday spaces benefit from the expertise of an interior designer. The program structure ensures students gain extensive hands-on experience through a combination of paid and pro bono projects, which Martin pre-arranges. She strategically assigns students to project teams based on their individual strengths and skill sets. A core component of The STUDIO's philosophy is empathy-driven initiatives, focusing on design challenges such as housing issues and projects for clients with limited design budgets. One notable project involved a collaboration with Portland State University architecture students and the Forest Grove Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to vulnerable communities. This team developed interiors for sleeping pods intended for individuals experiencing homelessness, integrating trauma-informed design within strict budgetary constraints. This project's success was recognized with a 2023 Changemaker Award and national acclaim from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for outstanding student work. Other projects include junior Taylor Ho and senior Tyra Hayashi creating Revit models of campus buildings for La Salle Preparatory High School in California, providing templates for future architects and designers. Senior Ilanahe Beatty worked with Kingsley Field Military Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to source U.S.-made products and develop a “typicals package” that aligns with military and GSA contract standards for current and future use. Through these collaborations, students in The STUDIO develop practical skills essential for their careers post-graduation. The program actively connects students with the Portland design industry, fostering professional relationships with mentors and preparing them for critical certifications such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED Green Associate exams. Furthermore, the class expands their professional network, introducing them to future clients and designers while they are still in school. Professor Martin summarizes the program's ultimate goal: to ensure that graduates feel fully prepared and confident to enter a design firm and immediately contribute effectively to projects. #InteriorDesign #RealWorldSkills #ExperientialLearning #TraumaInformedDesign #StudentProjects #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GeorgeFoxUniversity