Dabbieri Blog

This Summer: Why Not Eat Out More?

Who needs to tackle summer traffic at the beach to get a perfectly cooked steak? For many people the idea of an outdoor kitchen is somewhat whimsy! What’s wrong with that? One of the best sources for outdoor kitchen combinations is Viking, which still manaufactures all its “Made in America” products from their home base in Greenwood Mississippi.

This beautiful lakeside kitchen provides everything you expect from a kitchen – except the walls.  Featured Viking appliances include a 41” w. built-in gas grill with rotisserie, an outdoor warming drawer to keep food fresh and warm as it comes off the fire, gas double side burners and an outdoor beverage refrigerator. 

A combination of wood cabinets and Viking stainless steel cabinets house all the appliances and even a sink, providing the ultimate in outdoor living. To learn about the options and to learn more about Viking (you will want to use this company after hearing their humble beginnings) visit www.vikingrange.com.

Outdoor kitchens are not typically ‘by the lake’ such as the one pictured above, but more likely seen as an extension of the home. Here are three tips when deciding placement: The outdoor kitchen should be as within a reasonable area near the main home and its kitchen to allow for ease in entertaining and to also reduce some costs by using existing pipes and plumbing. Most people like a buffer wall for protection from wind and inclement weather.

Finally, take into account the layout of the home, outdoor kitchen and landscape. It you don’t have an area facing west to enjoy rosy summer sunsets, maybe now is the time to let Mother Nature be your clients ‘wall art.’

 

Flooring by CPA Hosts Inaugural Design Your Difference Day

Nearly 50 people gathered for a wonderful day-long design event, the “Design Your Difference” conference on June 4, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The event was hosted by Floor Coverings by CPA and sponsored by Luxe Magazine and The International Design Guild.

The event featured three guest speakers and was kicked off with an IDG continuing education unit training on “Networking” that had the designers mixing and mingling with purpose.  Attendees took away from the session practical knowledge to help them make the most of their networking efforts and build their businesses.

Jen Bertrand, winner of season 3 of Design Star, followed the training and delivered a funny, moving and motivational speech on how she went from Army brat to pushing the boundaries of design and everything in between!  The designers loved her story and many were inspired by her resiliency and positive approach to life.

Jen and IDG’s Kathleen Callahan then challenged the Denver audience to “Design for a Difference” and presented the contest and video to the group.  Designers were lined up with questions after the presentation and we expect to see lots of entries from the Mile High city.

The final segment of the conference was led by Angela Lenhardt, author of “A Charmed Journey: An Inspired Guide to Personal Transformation.” She was full of positive energy and motivated guests to be the best version of themselves they can be.  

A book signing by Angela Lenhardt and wine and cheese pairing followed the day’s activities and provided the ideal opportunity to designers, guests and CPA staff to socialize and recap the day.

IDG showrooms looking to offer free CEU training to their design professionals can contact Kathleen at [email protected] for information.

Glen Isle White Seating Collection

In creating the right outdoor space, one must consider the mission or purpose for the space. The outside should be a reflection of what is inside and there should be no penny pinching. One of the most important components to outdoor design is furniture. Good, solid, well made and stylish furniture is a must when the interior is grand.

This is the Glen Isle White Seating Collection from Frontgate. The beauty of this neoclassical collection is in the details; the sturdy aluminum frames are casts in molds that are hand carved by master artisans. Notice the notched cushions and detail in the tabletops.

Savor the beauty of the cushions and pillows inspired by the Pantone spring colors this year; dusk blue and poppy red. Totally delicious.

Frontgate is a direct marketing company that caters to an upscale clientele and is the recognized leader in catalog and online shopping for the home environment. They are also very good partners offering a trade sales program ideal for designers, architects, developers, realtors and other business professionals who work directly with clients who expect fine craftsmanship and enduring quality. See www.frontgate.com for more information.

Pretty Patio

Patios and porches do more than hold furniture and accessories.

They are where we sip morning coffee and read the newspaper, where we offer a light lunch with friends or where we sit late at night into the wee hours giggling with the kids or guests in anticipation of yet another warm summer day.

Porches and patios don’t come with rules, they are ‘too casual’ for that. This is where we have permission to take afternoon naps or read hot steamy summer romances.

There is nothing more sublime than the sound of wind chimes, summer breezes and no curfews.