LUXETRENDS®
Elegant Outdoor Living Environments
For some, outdoor living and entertaining is a seasonal activity with a definitive timeframe, while for those in accommodating climates it is a year-round luxury. We always cherish time in an outdoor escape and offer the following suggestions, ideas and inspiration to get the most out of your experience.
Central to today's al fresco at-home entertaining are modern outdoor kitchens with durable refrigerators, possibly an outdoor range, useful accessories and, of course, the grill. Appliances included in these culinary havens continue to grow more sophisticated. Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is at the forefront of the innovation. A leader in exceptional outdoor cooking equipment, Kalamazoo's K900 Hybrid Grill is the only grill to cook with any combination of charcoal, wood and gas. An inventive drawer system allows for the three different grilling methods and has been praised by Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and other renowned chefs.
For an evening soiree or a night of tranquility on the deck, lighting is the dramatic ingredient. One way to obtain that atmosphere is to dot the landscape with lighted pots, planters and stands from Rotoluxe. In addition to providing a warm glow through CFL/LED lighting, the lightweight pots are impact and UV resistant. Rotoluxe products are designed and manufactured with a focus on environmental sustainability and are sure to set the mood at any nighttime gathering.
Lighting the deck effectively and seamlessly can be difficult, but TimberTech solves this challenge with DeckLites - the first architecturally integrated low-voltage lighting system devised by a decking manufacturer. Award-winning DeckLites are perfect for an intimate gathering or quiet reflection.
With varying numbers of guests, space constraints and other factors, versatility is a key concern when selecting outdoor furniture. Stackable furniture sets available from Opulent Items provide that flexibility in an aesthetically pleasing and unique package. Their Pyramid Set serves as a decorative tower when not in use and can be deconstructed into two chairs, two tables and two ottomans.
When creating your outdoor living environment, incorporating natural elements is an essential. A growing trend is "waterscaping" - elaborate water features that go beyond a static fountain and include complex water gardens and ponds stocked with Koi and engulfed by gorgeous foliage. Aquascape, Inc., an award-winning company and leader in water garden design an products, brings together creativity and ecology in their designs that enhance natural landscapes and create a treat for the senses.
Sound is another element that generates ambiance and an artistically created wind chime is an easy way to embrace the surrounding elements and produce a calming tone. Founded by Grammy award winning musician Garry Kvistad, Woodstock Chimes manufactures precision wind chimes, many of which are tuned to specific musical scales for the purest sound. Offerings also include exceptional creations such as their Moonlight Wave Chime with copper color disks designed to emulate moonlight reflecting off the ocean and gentle sounds of waves coming ashore.
Welcoming wildlife to your property completes the immersive natural experience, and a simple way to do so is with a hummingbird feeder. Beautiful and practical, Parasol hummingbird feeders invite the captivating birds to your garden for viewing pleasure. Parasol's original blown glass feeders combine form and function in an elegant design that attracts the graceful creatures.
Incorporating these or inspired ideas of your own can help maximize the enjoyment of your personal meticulously created luxury outdoor environment.