Kitchen Innovations You’ll be Thankful For!

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a huge undertaking. There is so much to consider – from making sure you have enough room to store incoming dishes to ensuring  guests are comfortable and have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. And most importantly, getting all the food to the table simultaneously,  with hot food hot, and cold food cold. Having your kitchen equipped to handle it all can make or break your Thanksgiving meal’s success. Kitchen innovators like Miele and Wolf are cranking out futuristic Jetson-esque designs that really think outside of the traditional (oven) box. Below are three design innovations that really give us the “gimmies” and address the need for convenience, speed, beauty, and flexibility so you can prep, cook, and clean like a pro!

Miele Combi-Steam Oven

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Miele’s Combi-Steam Oven is versatile enough to be the only oven needed in your kitchen. Creating appetizers, soups, fish, meat, vegetables, side-dishes or dessert individually or as a complete meal in one cooking process is always an easy task . As a fully fledged steam oven, it cooks foods delicately without the need for added oils and butters. It is also equipped with various oven functions including Convection Bake as well as operating modes such as Surround, Intensive and Broil. It shows its skill in Combination Cooking – a combination of moisture and blower heat for perfect results, particularly when baking and roasting. In other words, your turkey will get that golden-brown and crackling skin but with tender, juicy meat on the inside! Yum.

Wolf 6″ Ceiling-Mounted Hood – Stainless Steel

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This hood can be installed over an island or against a wall for greater design flexibility, an appliance meant to blend in, instead of stand out. On Thanksgiving Day (and really every day) you want to keep your kitchen heat, smoke, steam grease, and odor free. That means you need good ventilation! This ceiling-mounted hood by Wolf has a seamless design for a flush, concealed look that’s a perfect match for modern kitchen designs where minimalism reigns. And if you have ever struggled to turn on your fan only to nearly burn yourself on the range, you’ll love the ADA compliant remote control for this one. What’s more, the two LED light bars with two brightness settings on this hood provide additional workspace lighting!

Miele ProfiLine Dishwasher

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The new ProfiLine Dishwasher from Miele is the fastest Miele dishwasher to date. It’s the perfect solution if you want to have all the convenient features of a residential Miele dishwasher, but with a much faster cycle time. The ProfiLine dishwasher is not only easy to use, but will clean your dishes in only 24 minutes! Some other features we love about this product are the 3D+ Cutlery Tray that accommodates oversized cooking utensils like ladles, carving knives,  and mixer attachments.  Flex Care ensures the gentle treatment of your fine china and crystal with glass and cup holders in lower basket.  After a long day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, you’re going to breathe a sigh of relief and really get in the spirit of gratitude by eliminating another hour washing and drying those fragile heirlooms by hand!

314 Design Studio is proud to work with the leading kitchen and bathroom brands.  Give us a call 410-643-3444 to schedule your no-cost consultation with our designers to discuss how we can help  you bring your dream kitchen to life!

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Lisa Brown’s Fall Kitchen & Bath Trends—And All That Brass!

Design fact: Brass is back! If you love new design takes on old standards, you’re going to love what’s been happening with brass for the home.

314 Design Studio’s Lisa Brown gives us a look at 4 areas where brass is making a comeback.

Armstrong

Photo credit courtesy of Kichler Lighting LLC

Appliances

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Atlas Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink in Matte Gold. Photo courtesy of Signature Hardware.

“Yes, we are now mixing brass with stainless steel appliances!,” says Brown. This mixing of metals provides a subdued touch of luxury to the most popular gathering space in your home—making it a chic new spot for impromptu kitchen cocktails.

Hardware

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Hardware by Top Knobs, Chareau Collection in Honey Bronze finish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will also find the look of brushed brass as accents on drawers and cabinets in the form of pulls and knobs.

Brown adds: “Soft gold tones such as brushed and matte brass are back in vogue—color of gold!”

TopKnobs_Grace_Barrow

Hardware by Top Knobs, Grace Collection in Honey Bronze finish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighting

“Gold is showing up in every style … from Traditional to Contemporary! It is starting to peek out from all rooms of the house!,” Brown says.

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Photo credit courtesy of Kichler Lighting LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bath Fixtures

“Brizo, Moen, Kohler and all the hot names are showing up with golden highlights…is it a sign of the times?”

Lisa Brown (ASID)

Lisa Brown -web

Lisa is an Interior Designer with a bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts from UMASS Amherst and more than 20 years experience designing distinctive spaces. Her work has been featured in Annapolis Home Magazine.

Her background in interior design ensures each detailed varied taste in design is carefully thought out. These tastes add a unique dimension to the creative ideas she brings to the drawing board. From early 20th century historic,  the mid-century modern, current minimalist movement, and blending these styles into a space that is exciting, technologically up-to-date, interesting, and comfortable. Deeply ingrained in her, Lisa reveres historical preservation and understands how to breathe new life into spaces while honoring their historic design.

Have a design question for Lisa? Email or come visit her at the 314 Design Showroom!

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Take the Outdoor Kitchen Quiz!

The time has arrived! It’s what we’ve been waiting for all winter; the chance to be outside and dwell. For many this means enjoying an outdoor kitchen/living space created specifically for their needs— to suit a specific type of outdoor personality. If you are in the planning stages of creating an outdoor kitchen or looking to spice up your current configuration, may we suggest taking the following quiz? Which of these outdoor personas sounds most like you?

The Home Chef

Your outdoor kitchen is every bit as inviting and functional as your indoor kitchen. You won’t cut corners when it comes to quality appliances just because you can’t use them every day of the year. Your collection of event-specific aprons is second to none. You receive daily deliveries from Amazon pantry.

Photo by Steve Silverman

Must-Haves: Durable, reliable appliances. A design scheme that allows you to cook and entertain at the same time. (Photo courtesy of Steve Silverman)

The BBQ’r

You’re a regular at the annual spring home show, a curator of marinade recipes, you appreciate the efficiency of a silicone basting brush and love making the neighbors jealous with the smoky delights of your grill. You’re never happier than when you have a crowd of guests around you, drooling as they await their first bite of juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork butt, ribs, chicken or steak or those outdoor BBQ favorites – brats, hamburgers and dogs. For you—it’s all about the grill.

pit boss grill

Must-Haves: The proper grill, easy access to grilling space, and room to move. (Photo courtesy of pitboss-grills.com)

The Creative Cocktailer  

You let your guests know that dinner’s at 7, but the cocktails start pouring at 6. You scour Pinterest for creative and refreshing concoctions and have a hilarious collection of cocktail napkins that express your festive life philosophy. You love to color coordinate your drink stirrers with your dinner theme, you have a monogrammed ice bucket and you possess the ability to deliver a smashing toast at a moment’s notice.

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Must-Haves: Cozy seating for clever conversation, counter space for a garnish keeping and dicing, wine fridge, under the counter ice bin, ample outdoor barware storage. (Photo courtesy of Pinterest)

The Fresh Fish Phenom

You’re hooked on catching it and cooking it up yourself. However, cleaning it makes your better half wince. Your array of crab pots, seafood mallets and lobster hammers is unrivaled on your cul-de-sac.

Photo by JWT Associates

Must-Haves: Extra sink, dedicated counterspace, extended dining table. (Photo courtesy of JWT Associates)

Come in and discuss your “Outdoor Kitchen Persona” with us and we’ll help create the perfect space for you! Call 314 Design Studiostoday to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are located at 314 Main Street in Stevensville, MD 21666 and open from 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

 

 

 

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Utility + Beauty: Next-Level Kitchen Sinks

Utility. It sounds like such a stiff word, but the truth is, utility can lead to flexibility. Utility and flexibility are two highly desirable attributes when it comes to kitchens, especially when it comes to your kitchen sink. Now, if that has you thinking about overwhelming stainless steel boxes with clunky faucets, think again. Today’s next-level kitchen sinks have solved the utility vs. beauty conundrum with models that are highly efficient and look great. (Photo courtesy of faucetmag.com)

Basin Basics

Design has evolved significantly from just having a basic porcelain rectangular hole and a standard tap in the kitchen counter. Everyday life today demands a lot from your kitchen. Luckily, we have so many conveniences that help expedite meal planning and prep time. We even have a variety of ways to make meals in 30-minutes or less, but what good is that if the mess takes an hour to clean up? Un-think your sink by remembering it does more than wash dishes and hands. Keeping prep confined to the sink area makes clean-up of leftover meal ingredients much easier and streamlines washing of non-dishwasher items such as steak knives and specialty glassware.

one sink two functions

One sink; numerous functions. Prolific sink series photo courtesy of KOHLER.

More Is More

If you have ever felt limited by a sink you chose for style underestimating what you would actually need it for, you are not alone. And sometimes even a standard double-bowl sink has its drawbacks. So if you are building or planning a re-model, take some time to assess what you need from your sink. If you’re the family that does most of the big dinner/holiday hosting, you may wish to consider a model that offers more.

double sink by Bocchi

This fireclay kitchen sink offers a colander add-on for easy rinsing and draining of food and a custom cutting board that offers a convenient surface for prep and cleanup. Photo courtesy of Bocchi.

While many current kitchen plans do boast an additional sink in an island across from the main sink area, you may wish to reconsider how placement affects the utility and efficiency of this area. The option above locates that extra sink right next to the main sink, but does so beautifully so the area does not look overwhelming but functional; clean and well organized. Being able to hide dirty dishes from guests under the covered sink portion is also an enormous benefit!

Specialty & Lifestyle Options

sexy black sink

The stainless steel sink above provides a washing, rinsing and drying area; especially practical for after-party cocktail and wine glass clean up. Photo courtesy of FRANKE.

Innovations have allowed homeowners to choose from a variety of accessories that turn what once was a place to just wash dishes into a total meal prep, clean up, and entertaining center.

utility collage

Enhanced sink workstations are available for the most discerning of home chefs. These smart designs can then be re-configured for the entertaining portion of your evening. Photos courtesy of FRANKE.

Your kitchen design professional can provide the latest news on kitchen sink and workstation innovations. Call 314 Design Studio today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience. Visit us online at www.314designstudio.com

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The Beyond-Basic Bathroom Refresh: 2019

Whether you’re looking to add some posh to your powder room or  amp-up your main or master bathroom this year,  bathroom designers are at the ready with their predictions of what’s new and what’s cool.

The Moody Truth: White bathrooms are always on trend, but you may be surprised to learn that in 2019, bathroom style is moving to the dark side. But to do it right takes some finesse. If you’re already a fan of bold design but have been a bit timid about how to make it work in a bathroom, bathroom interior designers in the know say now’s the time to go for it. And the bolder the better, like this all-black bathroom. Going dark and sultry is a great way to achieve the high-end, indulgent experience that’s trending for 2019.

black bathroom

Prime Personal Pieces: Unique statement pieces will remain a hallmark of inviting bathroom design in 2019. This trend may be the perfect solution to finding a creative way to showcase a family heirloom that you just love but don’t have a place for, or for that sweet flea market find you just had to have. Today’s most eye-catching bathroom vanities are those that once had another life—perhaps as a turn-of-the-century washstand or even a mid-century modern dresser. Just think of the possibilities!

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Beyond Shelving: One thing every homeowner wants is a bathroom with lots of storage. Satisfying this need without having the bathroom look like a product salon or a wall of drawers can be a design challenge. Voila! Enter the storage ledge. This covert, slim and sleek vanity style does double duty as both a design element and a clever clutter keeper. So keep that deodorant and blow dryer handy—just don’t keep it on your countertop.

storage ledgeThe Tex Mix: Porcelain. It’s beautiful—and for some it’s the one and only bathroom material out there. And the thought of swapping that out for other textures like concrete and plaster is…brrr; right?  Not so, say bathroom designers who are warming up these colder materials by combining them with warmer woods. Incorporating concrete  sinks into a wood base and framing the room with natural light makes this functional and durable vanity modern and fresh, not grey and dreary.

concrete bathroomStatement-Making Mirrors: Another great way to inject your personal touch into your bath or powder room is to display a show-stopping mirror. What’s awesome about this option, is just that—the options are endless. And with some imagination, you can even use the mirror to be the design inspiration for the entire room.

statement mirrorsReady to make some beyond-basic bathroom upgrades? Call 314 Design Studios today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience.

 

 

 

 

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4 Thanksgiving Challenges Solved Through Great Kitchen Design

If yours is the home that everyone visits for Thanksgiving dinner, you are well aware it’s going to be a long day filled with cooking, serving and cleaning. Imagine a Thanksgiving that affords more time for conversing, socializing and bonding with your loved ones. Through innovation and smart kitchen design, you don’t have to just imagine…because smart design can help you save precious time from prep to clean-up!

314 blog opener Nov 2018

 

Challenge #1: Finding it all

Get smart about storage. Consider carefully not only how much cabinetry you have, but how it will be configured—the ratio of that all-important lower cabinet space, with upper and vertical spaces. In other words, ask your design specialist about the latest innovations in storage that go beyond just having lots of drawers and cabinets. Using various spices to create all your special holiday recipes? Searching through a carousel can be tedious. Find them faster with a spice drawer inset kit that keeps them at your fingertips and placed so they are easy to read and grab. Smart design can also help out in those Thanksgiving moments when your hands are too full or wet and you can’t easily open a drawer or cabinet. The latest in auto-open technology allows you to open cabinets and drawers with just a gentle nudge and then close them with just a slight touch. You may also want to consider this feature for cabinets in those hard to reach places; like where that heavy-duty, but seldom used, roasting pan is stored.

Finding It All

Challenge #2: Timing is everything

Get double the lovin’ from a second oven—and have everything warm and ready to be served at the same time. No easy feat when you have a single oven, unfortunately, and when you consider that big juicy bird is already taking up all the room. And you can forget about adding side dishes or dishes that require different cooking temperatures. Who hasn’t had this holiday hosting problem? Having that second oven is a sensible solution that could come in handy throughout the year. Think about how nice it would be at Christmas cookie baking time, or when you’re really getting your Julia Child on and trying your hand at a soufflé and a rack of lamb simultaneously. And if you have more than one cook in your kitchen, this option actually becomes more of a necessity.

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Challenge #3: The cocktail hour

Consider a two-tier or dual level kitchen island so you can be still be in all-out prep mode while your island is pulling double-duty by providing serving and/or buffet space for cocktails and those all-important pre-meal appetizers. And while the lower level is serving, the upper level provides visual relief from the whirl of activity going on at countertop level. Entertaining aficionados may even wish to consider keeping guests from your kitchen’s hustle and bustle by planning a separate area within your kitchen space to include a dedicated cocktail serving and gathering station, complete with a wet bar, wine fridge, multi-level counters and convenient seating. If the party’s always at your house, why not consider this first-class hosting option?

two-tier counter 1

Challenge #4Large roaster pan vs. small sink

Once waged, this battle is seldom won without porcelain scratches and the spillage of wayward rinse water. Fortunately, beautiful and functional larger sink options abound and have become increasingly popular. From farmhouse-style sinks to sleek, 32-inch long by 17-inch deep inset stainless styles with apron front detailing, there are larger options to complement any kitchen design. Another wise choice is to add a second smaller or prep sink with a garbage disposal to your kitchen island for ease of workflow and quicker clean-ups. You can also place that second sink in a butler’s pantry (more info coming in our monthly newsletter) or in that separate cocktail area mentioned above.

big sinks

Are you up for a kitchen remodeling challenge? Call 314 Design Studios today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience.

 

 

 

 

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Rub a Dub Dub… Got Pups in Your Tub?

No doubt if this is your situation, you have had more than your fair share of sandy or muddy dog paws to contend with. Fortunately, with a few enhancements and tips, your bathroom can be ready for any dirty dog that comes its way. (Photo courtesy of Consumer Affairs.)

Dog_in_bath_Consumer affairscom

Here are 3 ideas to help make bath time for “Bowzer” more of a breeze!

1. If you’re building a new home or are already considering a bathroom, laundry or mudroom remodel, you might want to use the opportunity to install a dedicated dog wash station. Your designer will work with a plumber to install the proper basin or shower pan, drain and fixtures. A tile professional can help create a practical yet polished surround for your pet’s bathing area.

One of the first things you will want to consider when creating your plan is the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, a step-in shower is your best option. If you are a small dog lover, you will want to have a more tub-like design that you either lift your pet into or build steps or a ramp to help them easily access the tub. (Photos courtesy of The Bark, Home Channel TV, Pets Best and Houzz.)

dog bathIf you go the step-in shower route, it should be outfitted with at least a curb to keep water from splashing out. If you have a very well behaved dog you may be able to skip installing a glass or other type of panel to control splashes, but experts generally recommend adding a short shower curtain or glass wall.

Talk to your home designer about incorporating storage aspects into the design above and aside the shower area so everything you need can be easily accessible.

2. To make your pet’s bath time a safe and happy shared experience make sure to include a rubber mat in the bathing area and a non-slip rug for those wet paws, as dogs tend to be fearful of slippery surfaces. (Photo courtesy of The Dogington Post.)

bath_mat by The Doginton Post3. To make your existing tub more pet friendly you can affix a clip to the wall to help tether and keep your dog more stable during bathing. You can also install a flexible hand-held shower head or an adjustable height sliding shower head. Some sliding versions adjust low enough for your dog to feel like he has his own personal shower. (Photo courtesy of Total Living Concepts.)

dog-shower by Total Living Concepts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to make your bathroom more pet-friendly? We’re here to discuss your ideas. Call 314 Design Studios today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are located at 314 Main Street in Stevensville, MD 21666, and open from 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

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The Islands Have It! Form, Function … and Fun New Lines & Designs

It’s no secret that the kitchens that evoke the most convivial environments have at least one thing in common, a stylish island that offers both panache and purpose.

Today’s islands, indeed, offer all that and more. However, the earliest versions of kitchen islands were actually just work stations in the form of long narrow tables that were all about purpose and utility. With the appliances and plumbing fixtures of the day needing to be tethered to walls, the only place to situate them was in the middle of the room. They did the job of providing extra prep space, but that was long before our open floor plan living concepts created the need for work stations to have a makeover. (Photo above is from 314 Design Studio’s gallery of home projects.)

While some more pleasing attempts at “island living” were introduced in the ‘60s and ‘70s, today’s kitchen islands have their roots in those larger rectangular structures that took center stage in America’s kitchens in the ‘80s and ‘90s. And back then, in the land of the big, bigger and biggest, one might argue the primary purpose of an island was to help fill or connect space in the late 20thcentury’s largest kitchens.

It’s a beautiful thing now that we have come full circle and have figured out how to better use this wonderful device for productivity and gathering in a way that’s totally 21stcentury.

Customization Comes Home

Beyond being breakfast and homework central, islands have evolved in how they are laid out, what they are made of, how they are styled and constructed, and how they are situated within the kitchen space.

314island5Standard rectangular islands are still extremely prized and popular for the way they can accommodate a sink, a stovetop, a seating area and how they can provide a ton of extra prep and storage space, especially for those large countertop appliances and cooking accessories. (Photo above is from 314 Design Studio’s gallery of home projects.)

However, non-standard islands are making their mark on kitchen culture and making their way into spaces you wouldn’t necessary think would work for an island. These three newer trends do, however, because they were well planned for and well executed. So talk to your qualified design team if you’re planning a new home or just a new kitchen.

Shape Shifters

Playing with shape is the primary way islands are changing the kitchen landscape. Consider this Pentagon-shaped version. (Photo below is courtesy of Houzz Magazine.)

photo credit houzz magazineBy adding a triangle-shaped portion of marble to a rectangle portion, you create a more interesting aspect of design to the kitchen. In addition to the extra seating this approach provides, it adds a wow-factor to the room’s aesthetic that a rectangle alone just can’t do.

Talk about conversation starters, the room below with its angled island and contrasting color combo, creates great flow for foot traffic and appeals to the eye as it surveys the layout of the room. (Photo below courtesy of convencionviahispania.org.)

islandviaconvencionhispanaorgThis design makes the most of the existing space without sacrificing flow or style. Indeed, both wine and appetizers are all that are needed to get a party started when you have a sensibly styled showpiece like this one.

There is also something to say for subtlety in design. We love the way the island below curves and moves so well within a limited space, making the room’s layout all the better for it. (Photo below is from 314 Design Studio’s gallery of home projects.)

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It’s also a winner when it comes to extra storage, entertaining space and a dual-level approach to the countertop allowing for simultaneous prepping, conversation and noshing to be going on. Exactly what you want and need your kitchen to do!

Excited to get started? Call us today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are open 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.314 Design Studio is located at 314 Main Street, Stevensville.

 

 

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Three Reasons To Create an Outdoor Shower Oasis

Days out on the boat, fishing dockside with the kiddos, and afternoons by the pool are wonderful Chesapeake endeavors that are best followed up with a refreshing shower once back on dry land. Here are three reasons why you may want to re-think where you are taking that shower.

  1. IT’S PRETTY PRACTICAL

With all the attention being paid to our alfresco living spaces, it is only logical—and at times, more practical, to have that facility incorporated into your outdoor living scheme. Not to mention, all the sand and other land particles that WON’T make it into your house, if they’re washed off outside first. #lessmess!

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(Photo courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2IT HAS ZEN PROPERTIES

Beyond convenience, installing an open-air shower as a complement to your adjacent outdoor living areas provides another chance to feel more in harmony with nature and enhance your sense of well-being with its inherent spa-like vibe.

outdoorshowerspa

(Photo courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. IT ENHANCES VALUE

Creating an outdoor shower experience on your property, can also give you an opportunity to flex those creative bones and style a space that adds to the overall aesthetic and enhances your property’s amenities and value.

outdoor whole bath

(Image courtesy of House Beautiful)

NEED MORE INSPIRATION?

With the variety of materials including treated real woods, stacked stone and amazing composite products that mimic the look of natural materials, you will have many options when it comes to designing the space.

From rustic, to moody, to modern there are many ways to provide for both the privacy you will want to have with the aesthetic you find most pleasing.

showers

Want to discuss your ideas for an outdoor shower project with an expert? Our talented team of certified designers can help you assess your needs and then combine them with the right materials, fixtures, and creature comforts specifically designed for outdoor living spaces. Call us today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are open 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

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Outdoor Kitchens That Offer Sizzling Summer Style

Before you know it, summer will be here—and you know what that means when you live on the Chesapeake Bay—letting the good times roll outside and enjoying sun, fun, family and friends!  We’ll bet you cannot wait for fresh-caught Maryland Crabs and BBQs! While your appetite may well be ready for your first crab feast, can you say your outdoor space is? Fundamental to good Maryland living is enjoyment of outdoor living and entertaining.

While outdoor design trends may have started with a simple charcoal grill and a beverage cooler, outdoor living spaces evolved in the mid-2000s as a most-wanted home feature, with many new home builds featuring outdoor kitchens integrated into patio and deck floorplans. Today’s outdoor kitchens are “next level” offering even more options with new materials, appliances and aesthetics to rival even our most urbane interior kitchen floorplans.

In other words, grab your biggest crab pot and get ready for your next summer on the Chesapeake with these outdoor kitchen innovations.

crabs

(Photo ©2017 Lisa J Gotto)

Material Maneuvers

While granite remains widely popular when it comes to indoor countertops, and stone is a wise choice for outdoor surfaces due to its durability, an innovative material that blends the glamour of the former with the weather-resistant qualities of the latter is now available in the composite category. This outdoor-rated composite is called DEKTON and is known for its strength and style. DEKTON withstands high temperatures, and resists stains and dinging from heavy utensil use. It provides the long-term durability aspect that is a necessity for enduring outdoor use.

Dekton-Outdoor-Kitchen

(Photo Courtesy of DEKTON)

Those first-generation outdoor kitchens rarely strayed from using stainless steel when it came to outdoor cabinetry, and with good reason. Like stone, it is one of few options that is both weather- and termite-proof. But manufacturers have added marinegrade polymers and teak options to the mix.

The marine-grade polymers are durable, easy to clean and come in variety of colors for customization and the use of teak can bring the woodsy warmth so many homeowners desire in a kitchen—even an outdoor kitchen.

brownjordan3

(Photo Courtesy of Brown Jordan)

Appliance Advancements

What is the biggest must-have item in the outdoor kitchen marketplace right now? The pizza oven! More than just a way to accomplish a quick meal, the pizza oven is giving families a unique, new way to connect and create fun quality time. Outdoor pizza ovens come in a variety of materials and sizes, free-standing and built-in, and in every type of style from modern to rustic. Other items that families are asking for and are available now are smokers, flat cook tops, and better storage options. Industry leaders predict the next big trend will be outdoor heaters; a great item to have for those cooler Bay breezes and to extend outdoor kitchen use beyond the summer season. The objective is to provide more options that appear less obtrusive and blend better with our outdoor kitchen surroundings.

Best-outdoor-pizza-oven-2016

(Photo Courtesy of Kalamazoo)

Appetizing Aesthetics

Creating a seamless transition from the inside of your home to your outside property is the priority in aesthetics today. Design and build options are available that open up a space so much that you can walk through the front door of a home and see a vista of the outdoors uninterrupted by drywall. Imagine your Bay area home providing that type of view.

To achieve uninterrupted site lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, 314 Design Studio experts recommend level floors with seamless room transitions and utilizing flooring materials suitable for indoor or outdoor spaces.

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(Photo courtesy of marca-corona)

Today’s porcelain floor tile options that mimic wood and stone provide the option for opulence because they look just as beautiful indoors as they look outdoors. Both wood and stone-look options are available in many varieties to complement any décor and help create the wow factor of the seamless look.

pool house

(Photo courtesy of Curtis Martin Photography for Lundberg Builders)

This four-season, 500 square foot Cape Cod style pool house was designed by architectural designer, Bob Moreland and built by Lundberg Builders. The exterior mixes a stone front facade and vinyl siding to match the original home, a custom-built cedar outdoor shower and attached storage area. The interior includes a cozy wood burning fireplace with a stone tile chimney facade, a limed-oak ceiling, porcelain ceramic tile flooring for durability, and a LaCantina folding wall system. The folding wall system is a fantastic way to connect indoor spaces to your outdoor living space. 

Do you have an idea for an outdoor kitchen and living space you would like to discuss with our designers? Our talented team of certified designers can help you assess your needs and then combine them with just the right materials, appliances and creature comforts to create a space that not only maximizes function and form but also blends substance with your unique sense of style. Call us today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are open 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

 

 

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