Tag Archives: outdoor dining

Possibilities in the Vosges, France

The home gets a bit better every year, as old fixtures give way to modern comforts, like hot water. Outside, the mill pond glistens, the choking vegetation removed, the mill races restored, even though there’s no mill. But… maybe it could be even better… This concept blocks access to the pond from the street, orContinue reading “Possibilities in the Vosges, France”

Focaccia!

One day, I’ll get brave enough to try baking this outdoors, using charcoal for heat. I imagine the flavor will be wonderful, but I also imagine that uniform cooking might be problematic. For now, I’m making the stuff in the oven, varying the ingredients: fennel fronds or rosemary from the garden (or fennel seeds onceContinue reading “Focaccia!”

A new evening structure for warm summer nights

Most people think of shade structures, but what if you don’t use your patio at noon, especially in a place with hot summers? Maybe you like to see the evening sky, too. The solution? An evening structure, designed to screen late afternoon light but let the glory of the night sky shine through. When weContinue reading “A new evening structure for warm summer nights”

Art in the Garden!

Sac Open Studios has been a fun event. On the first day, people walked through the gardens, friends stopped by and other friends chipped in to keep things organized and greet visitors. Yesterday started ominous with thunder and a bit of rain – even though every weather app we viewed said, “it’s sunny and beautiful!”.Continue reading “Art in the Garden!”

We’re in Hearth and Home magazine’s Outdoor Rooms special issue!

The Outdoor Room, a special issue showcasing exactly what it says: outdoor rooms. More specifically, outdoor rooms with cooking centers and fire features, mostly. Our design had a challenge that was rather unique: we had to maintain access to the garage, and the owners had to be able to park a car behind the patio.Continue reading “We’re in Hearth and Home magazine’s Outdoor Rooms special issue!”

Front yard living

There wasn’t much space for a patio in the back, the neighbors are friendly, so why not create a living space in the front yard? Hello, everyone! While adults dine on the deck, they can watch the kids play on swings under the tree. The wood is unstained sustainable Fijian mahogany, left to go grayContinue reading “Front yard living”

6 tips for restaurants who are ready to reinvent their outdoor dining areas

You’ve spent a fair sum of money on your restaurant’s interior. What about outside? A great patio space can help your restaurant become a favorite during the many months when the weather is too nice to dine indoors. Here are six things to consider It’s not just seating. There should be some kind of POSContinue reading “6 tips for restaurants who are ready to reinvent their outdoor dining areas”