A New Era In Backyard Living
by Debbie L. Sklar

California provides the perfect climate for taking advantage of one of the latest trends in upscale homeownership: bringing interior warmth, comfort, and luxury to outdoor areas. Some of the more interesting attractions homeowners are installing today include built-ins such as high efficiency barbecue cook tops, Wok side burners, stainless steel refrigerators, speed racks for outdoor bars, fireplaces, and fire pits. The bottom line? Homeowners are investing a lot of time and effort in redefining their backyards for ultimate enjoyment.

“We’ve found that a growing number of consumers are looking for more than just a deck or patio — they want an elaborate, stylish outdoor room that is an entertaining center anchored around the grill,” says Betty Hughes, executive director of public relations at Weber-Stephen Products Co. And what buyers choose to put in their outdoor room is drastically changing. “As Baby Boomers continue to enjoy their peak earning years and Generation Xers earn more than their parents, people are upgrading their indoor kitchens with professional-grade stoves, range tops, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more,” Hughes says. “These homeowners are now applying that same top-of-the-line approach to their outdoor spaces.”

In fact, a recent International Furnishings and Design Survey revealed that by 2020, the distinct separation between indoor and outdoor spaces will have vanished. “The indoor great room that gained consumer acceptance a few years ago combined the kitchen, dining room, and family room into one big inviting space where it was easy for everyone to interact,” says Donna Myers, barbecue spokesperson for the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. “As Americans have become more enamored with a casual lifestyle, it’s logical that the whole concept of enjoying a number of activities in one place would shift to an outdoor great room where even the landscaping becomes part of the ambiance.”

Weber is one prominent manufacturer that has been quick to respond to the outdoor room trend. Says Mike Kempster Sr., Weber’s executive vice president, “Because our customers want their outdoor rooms to be well-equipped and coordinated in design, we’re widening our product lines with torches, lights, the Weber Chill portable outdoor refrigerator, and various other accessories to complement our grills.”

One indoor symbol of comfort that has become an outdoor must is the fireplace. These can be permanent or prefabricated, and their rise in demand has fueled a parallel surge in the desire for comfortable and resilient furniture. Owners Tony and Donna Stevens of Saddleback located in San Diego carry outdoor furniture lines by Tommy Bahama, Tropitone, and Brown Jordan. Says Tony, “The biggest trend in outdoor entertaining this summer is having a seating area around a fire area. For example, a love seat and comfortable couches make a great look and are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying on your own.”

Kayde Lininger, the manager at California Patio and Spas in Encinitas, agrees. “Homeowners want furniture that is high quality, will keep its beauty for years to come, and is also comfortable. The more comfortable and beautiful the furniture, the more time spent outdoors,” she says.

This increased focus on outdoor living has brought new life to old favorites, like the swimming pool — traditionally a focal point, it remains the queen of the backyard. Peter Poirier of Designs By Peter Poirier in Del Mar has specialized in swimming pool architecture, landscape design, and consultation for almost 20 years, and enjoys most projects that incorporate elements of simplicity and elegance. “The use of materials such as ledger stone and earth tone tiles that blend into the surrounding landscape have become very important,” he says. ”Fountains and waterfalls that complement, such as overflowing urns or cascades over stones, and lawns coming up to the poolside to create green and blue planes, landscapes with the purple hew of fountain grass or the silver tone of a dusty miller are the latest trends in pools.”

Poirier says shapes are also becoming more exciting and even though the curves are still there, there are now combinations of curves and straight lines. “These can be almost sculptural if designed well,” he says. “Spas are always a must and they should complement the pool’s design.”

And for the final touches? David Lee Soanes, a licensed architect and landscape architect who has been designing coastal, inland, and desert estates in Southern California for more than 27 years, says, “Ceiling fans (single or in tandem) offer subtle air flow to keep the space comfortable on extremely hot days, as do misters to cast air-born cooling. Pallapa or thatch structures add a feeling that you’re on vacation, and complementing Tiki torches here and there, up-lighted palms or shade trees, hidden speakers in the shrubbery, all help make the home a special place to relax with family or 100 or so of your closest friends.”

With the pool’s lure of bath temperature water and Porterhouse steaks grilling on the ultimate barbecue, it’s time
to kick up your feet and relax in your breathtaking backyard built for royalty.