Photo: Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping
Photo: Ronnie Mitchell and Son Landscaping
“Circulation when grilling, with its heat and smoke, is important.” Edwards says it’s possible to have a TV even in an exposed location by installing one that’s specially designed and rated for outdoor use. When space permits, he likes to have an outdoor seating area similar in layout to an indoor living room, in keeping with the philosophy that, “Outdoor living is about bringing the rooms inside your home outside.” Edwards has worked with Sound Decisions in Roanoke to install surroundsound speaker systems that can be controlled by your cell phone, and notes that many outdoor features, including pool lights and pumps, can be managed via cell phone, allowing homeowners to adjust settings even while out of town. During cooler weather, Mitchell says, “A fire pit or fireplace built somewhere in the project makes a nice addition, and most clients want this feature.” Edwards recently completed a double-sided fireplace that allows the homeowners to see
through the fireplace to the lake beyond. Fire pits are affordable alternatives to full outdoor fireplaces, and are natural gathering spots in an open air space. Freestanding patio heaters can provide additional warmth during times when the air is chilly but the fresh air and scenery beckons. While there are a seemingly endless array of possibilities where outdoor kitchens are concerned, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the design needs to work for you. Covered pavilion or open air, simple grilling station or expansive space with cooking, seating and living areas, an outdoor kitchen can take many forms, but its primary purpose is to get you outside enjoying meals in the sunshine or under the stars. We hope there will always be dads grilling on a Weber, but with so many possibilities for today’s outdoor chef, you can create new memories and enjoy life at the lake like never before. ✦
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Landscaping • Seeding & sodding • Lawn Care Paver driveways • Paver walkways • Paver patios • Tree services Retaining walls • Paver & Retaining wall repair • Firepits Outdoor living spaces • Custom stonework • Erosion control
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