AFTER FLOATING IN THE POOL OR CHATTING FIRESIDE
AND ENJOYING A COCKTAIL, THE DAY CAN INCLUDE A FULL
MEAL PREPARED COMPLETELY OUTSIDE.
HILLMA N HOMES | F E A T U R E
From a practical standpoint, the makeup
of the kitchen itself is limited only by the
designer's own imagination. Basics such as
barbecue grills, side burners and griddles
allow breakfast, lunch, dinner and just about
everything in between to be served up outside.
More sophisticated upgrades are also available, with
gas or electric choices, pizza ovens and even warming
drawers. With so many possibilities, it is tempting
to transition into using the outdoor kitchen almost
exclusively. Not only does it reduce energy costs by
keeping the house cool even when the oven is fired up
and all burners are going, it also prevents cooking odors
in the home. From the preparation to the enjoyment of
the meal, there is nothing like fresh-air cuisine. A juicy
burger broiled to perfection on the grill easily puts a
pan-cooked or oven-baked burger to shame.
Aesthetically, the options are similarly varied.
Stacked stone dresses up the façade of a
grill, as does glazed ceramic tile. Weathered
wood lends the space a rustic look when used
either as an accent or in framing the kitchen
area. Hand-painted murals on the backsplash are an
artistic touch that can be carried from inside to outside,
following a similar theme or color scheme. Gorgeous tile
or ornate granite adorns countertops, often mirroring the
elegance and palette of the rest of the home.
For ambiance, lights strung across the lanai create a festive
or even romantic mood. And of course, the Florida foliage
that surrounds this outdoor environment also adds to the
atmosphere—swaying palm fronds, lush ferns and climbing
vines of brightly hued bougainvillea or Mandevilla blooms
naturally set a pleasant tone tableside.
From the preparation
to the enjoyment of the
meal, there is nothing
like fresh-air cuisine.
10 | Fannie Hillman + Associates