ALICE ECKERSON BRUCE ECKERSON
ECKERSONDESIGNASSOCIATES.COM
A desire for easy and casual outdoor entertaining with the family spurred the vision for a distinctive contemporary outdoor kitchen and pergola behind this Connecticut coastal home. The Darien homeowners connected with Bruce Eckerson of Eckerson Design Associates and relayed their wish for a space that showcased a modern, clean design with minimal detailing. With an infinity-edge pool overlooking the estuary being a large part of the project, the homeowners wanted a place to serve drinks, dine outdoors and do some grilling in a relaxed setting. When it came to the kitchen design, Eckerson searched for distinctive ways to accomplish the homeowner’s minimalist desires, showcase the pool, and also screen an accessway that led 15 steps down to the basement. “We were trying to do something different,” says Bruce. “We were trying to do something that broke the mold and was unique.” Bruce worked within the confines of the existing space and expanded the thermal finished bluestone surface of the terrace. He then set to work on the outdoor kitchen and covering. The resulting design hides nearly all the features—except for a grill,
side burner and top of the Big Green Egg—behind durable teak wood cabinets featuring a shiplaplook. Even access to the cabinets is secreted behind an easy push mechanism that further allows the kitchen to remain fresh and uncluttered. The horizontal and vertical lines of the kitchen design promote the clean and tidy façade. Tucked away behind those cabinets are the unattractive but necessary guts of the grill and the Big Green Egg, and a Perlick outdoor refrigerator and double garbage bins. A waterfall-edge countertop made with natural materials lends itself to the modern feel, and a taller backsplash helps conceal that 15-stair “hole” leading down to the basement. The pergola, which is being allowed to weather naturally, balances out the existing terrace while creating shade for the sun-drenched, southeast-facing outdoor space. Lighting within the rafters shines onto the grill and table, adding practicality and ambience. This outdoor space gives the homeowners a beautiful and functional place to casually entertain with their family while enjoying their pool and estuary views beyond.
Design + Decor
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5/19/20 5:46 PM