A guest blog from our friend Karla Krengel

Biophilia. It doesn’t sound very sexy, but it is probably my favorite word in the design world. It describes our innate draw to nature. As humans, we are drawn to commune with nature and whether we realize it or not, we feel healthier and happier overall when we are surrounded by Mother Nature’s bounty.

With what has been going on in our world for the last year plus, it is no wonder we are drawn to the outdoors. Even prior to Covid, our desire for outdoor living spaces had been on the rise. That too, comes as no surprise, when you think about what has been happening INside our homes over the last 20 years or so. INside our homes, we have been striving to “bring the outdoors in,” when it comes to living & design.

In the 1990’s, cherry cabinetry with its red undertone was hot because the red tone reflected warmth, we started taking down walls & created larger open rooms within our homes – and with some walls which were left, we turned them into plant walls! We’ve added more & larger windows to our homes in the last years – oh, & natural stone, no matter your favorite form, is almost today’s default choice for countertops.

It was just a matter of time, before the realization of meeting our need for nature and all of it we were putting INside our homes, moved us outside.

And, that brings me to another favorite word, “Friluftsliv!” Friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv) is the Nordic concept which has been embraced for centuries, and that is “Open Air Living.”
So, here we are, ever craving to live in open air & expand our outdoor space. It’s such a large concept, let’s narrow it down & explore what we want & need for outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor Kitchens.

1. Flow. There is a lot to think about in regard to the flow!
– How will your inside & outside kitchen flow between each other?
– What kind of doors / openings will you have between your outdoor kitchen & the indoor kitchen? Will EVERY item you need be outside in that kitchen? Most likely not. So, how do you flow the food / serving pieces from inside to out? Is it via a window, is it via a clear path you walk with the items? If you go through a door, will it be a door you can easily navigate with full hands?
When designing interior kitchens, one of the most important considerations is to make sure others are not in the way when the cook is doing their thing! Whether it is when just the family is home or when you are entertaining – make sure to keep the outdoor kitchens cooking area, out of traffic zones.

2. Appliances. There is a TON to think about in regard to flow with appliances, as well! Will all appliances be duplicated indoors to out? Most likely not. For example, keeping items cold in Summer, how will your kitchen flow from inside to out in regard to the fridge, if you don’t have a fridge outside? Your grill will most likely be your cooking surface, but where / how will you cook sides? Probably inside. How do you get those outside & where do you place them once they are outside? On a countertop for family style serving, in a warming drawer, or will they go directly to the tabletop? However you entertain, it is important to consider these sorts of scenarios now, prior to your outdoor kitchen’s layout.
Bottom line: Each appliance you duplicate or don’t – will impact your traffic flow between your 2 kitchens.

3. Countertop space. Probably the place we short ourselves most often in outdoor kitchens, without even realizing it until it is too late. As we discovered under the topic of outdoor kitchen flow, we will end up carrying items from inside, outside. Where the heck are you going to put all of those items when you carry them out – in addition to the space you need next to cooking & prep surfaces & serving!

4. Storage. The size & shape of items you are storing all year outside, or even most of the year, is probably pretty different from what you have inside. Grilling tools tend to be long & narrow. Most likely you’ll want a drawer, or somewhere not in the elements, to hang them when not in use. If you have a Big Green Egg type smoker/grill, where will you keep the charcoal? Your storage needs are different outdoors, so prepare a list of items you want to store before ordering those outdoor cabinets!

5. Weather. My husband & I have “his & hers” grills. His is a stainless gas grill which looks like a UFO about to take off with all of it’s lights & mine is the Big Green Egg. Our family is made up of 2 people & we have 2 grills. We like to cook with our grills – no matter the weather, no matter the season. From personal experience – I encourage you to think about the weather.
– If someone is manning (or womanning!) the grill, who wants to do that with rain pelting down on you as you cook? You more often plan your meals on what you want to eat for dinner or entertaining – not based on the weather. Don’t forget to provide some sort of break from the weather above over your cooking surface.

Also important in regard to weather:
– Where do the prevailing winds come out of?
– Where will the sun be when you are most likely outside cooking? Will the sun be in your eyes?
– Make sure your cooking area is comfortable – both when it is warm & cold

Yes, our outdoor spaces have truly evolved! A lot of pre-thought is going into them these days. We are living healthier and better – and our outdoor spaces and desire for upgrading those, are a true reflection of this.

Designated at a “Top 50 Innovator” in 2018 by Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine, Karla Krengel is a 3rd generation, Kitchen & Bath Industry entrepreneur at the helm of Krengel & Hood.

Krengel & Hood represents distinct Kitchen & Bath Industry products for fine living, including Open Air (outdoor) Cabinetry, Corsi, Greenfield & Siteline Cabinetry, Plain & Fancy Cabinetry – in addition to Southside Woodshop countertops.

She loves to travel, is learning so speak Norwegian, and loves to get outside to ski, snowshoe & skijor. She is naturally intrigued & engaged by all things “home.”

The post Top 5 Things to Know About Outdoor Kitchens And Biophilia appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

Russ Faulk, Grill Master and Chief Product Designer – Kalamazoo

A well-designed outdoor kitchen is easy to live with. If it feels like it takes an hour to get the kitchen ready for use every time you want to cook, you won’t be cooking very often. Key cooking items need to be able to live outdoors so they are ready to go. In exposed kitchens, our Signature Series of weather-tight cabinetry keeps all of your essentials protected. I also emphasize the use of low-maintenance materials in outdoor kitchen design – choices that can really handle the elements. You don’t want the outdoor kitchen that was supposed to be a luxury to turn into a chore instead.

You also want to design the kitchen around the functions of cooking and entertaining. The concepts of functional zones, landing areas and workflow planning are key to designing a cook’s kitchen. Hot zones, cold zones, wet zones and dry zones each require adequate space and careful consideration. Plan for how they will work together effectively for your main cooking and entertaining activities: prep, cooking, serving and cleanup. These are your primary workflows. It is helpful to remember that certain activities involve adjacent outdoor living spaces, and that people who are not cooking will still interact with the kitchen. A child coming to grab a cold lemonade from the outdoor refrigerator is a good example. It is a great idea to locate a beverage fridge near the edge of the outdoor kitchen so that your family and guests do not have to pass by a hot grill or heavy cooking activity to reach for a refreshment. If you dedicate enough space for each functional zone, you walk through each workflow, and you remember to leave landing areas (open places to set things down) at each key piece of equipment, you’re almost guaranteed to design a usable space.

My top tips for outdoor kitchen design are:

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• Complement the architecture of the home and make sure the outdoor kitchen does not look like an afterthought.
• You can never have too much countertop space. Counter-height rolling kitchen carts are a great way to expand counter space on demand.
• You really do need a sink.
• Plan for effective task lighting and ample ambient lighting. Keep those on separate controls.
• Choose the grill you know you are going to love for years to come. It is the heart of the outdoor kitchen, and it is not easy to swap out one built-in grill for another.

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Tony Quinn at Culliton Quinn Landscape Architecture is a trusted design partner. Please enjoy his blog post about getting ready for outdoor spaces!

As the light starts to change and crocuses push forth, we know that spring is coming.  Your mind begins to shift to summer barbecues and spending time outdoors with your family and friends.  But then you may realize your yard needs some serious attention. This could be the year you will finally get the outdoor living space you’ve been dreaming about.

First, you should consider your budget.  Landscapes are an investment; they cost money, and it’s important to know how much you can allocate to your new project.  It’s worth noting that landscapes can be completed in phases – you may want to spend “x” this year and allocate more to next year.  Your budget is very helpful when trying to define a program.

This is a great time to start thinking specifics and pull together inspiration images.  Do you want a lounge area with a firepit or maybe a dining area with an outdoor kitchen and grill?  A pergola can be nice to define a space and to help filter direct sunlight. Water features are not only a great focal point but can also be incredibly effective to buffer out unpleasant noise like traffic from a busy street nearby.   Do you have concerns with privacy or security? New fencing helps secure your property, screen out unsightly views, and can be a great decorative element in a garden. Or maybe think big and give your kids that pool they’ve always wanted.  Whatever your program, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional.

Doing your research on a landscape architect /designer is vital to the success of your project.  I recommend starting online. Review their work samples, call their offices, bring them to your home for an interview.  Often, people get impatient and hire the first person they find just to get a project going. This could be a huge mistake.  It’s always good to assess someone’s business online and weigh your options to make sure you have the right fit for your project.

Having selected a designer, the fun begins.  This is your chance to share all of your ideas and also your desired project budget.  With your feedback, they’ll assess your property and put together concept plans to present their ideas.  Once a design is finalized, they should be able to give you an estimate for project costs and provide a clear plan and timeline to move the project into construction.

A landscape project does not happen overnight.  It takes months between the initial interview process and the completion of your vision. You must understand this commitment and plan far in advance so that all your expectations can be met.  But getting started is the first step, and maybe this time next year you’ll be singing a different tune about your summer landscape.

The post Spring is Coming appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

Images Courtesy of Belgard

Sometimes it’s just unrealistic to build everything you want at one time. However, you can still save yourself a lot of money and headaches by planning ahead. If you have an overall vision for your backyard that you plan to build out in phases, below are some questions you’ll want to consider before beginning the process.

SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER?

If you’re talking about a large scale makeover, it’s often a good idea to enlist a landscape designer to design your completed makeover, even if you don’t plan on doing everything at once. For example, if you plan to install a pool now and an outdoor kitchen down the line, you’ll need to know where the gas and electric lines will need to go, as well as footings for any heavy items, such as a porch post or a fireplace. The added cost of a professional design can save you from having to rip up and replace sections of a patio or pool deck later.

WHAT FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND?

When you’re planning an outdoor living space, think of what you would plan for an indoor living space. Think lighting, music, televisions, gas or electric appliances. Consider your local climate and think about ways of keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Installing junction boxes or live outlets where you may

need electricity later will make a huge difference. Just remember that everything will be out in the elements and needs to be outdoor-rated with safety in mind.

DOES MICHAEL MENN LTD. OFFER DESIGN SERVICES?

Image courtesy of Schmechtig Landscape Company

Yes, working with a Michael Menn Ltd. gives you access to a network of landscape professionals we have successfully partnered with over the last 25 years.

The multi-faceted design above represents the perfect opportunity to plan a phased project. Phase I could include the patios, walkways, and fire pit. Phase II could include the outdoor kitchen’s grill station and brick oven. Phase III could include the outdoor fireplace and bar. Phase IV could include embellishments like the arbor, seat wall, TV stand, pillars, and hardscape lighting. In order to phase this out properly, before installing the patios, all future utilities would need to be run, and placement of future heavy elements would need to be fortified with the proper footings.

Working with our trade-partners and us is an easy and effortless way to start the process for transforming your outdoor living space. Call or email me for a free consultation. 847.770.6303

or

Michael@michaelmenn.com

Thanks

The post Outdoor Living appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

Today’s post comes from a great friend and colleague of mine. Toni Callahan at Schmechtig Landscapes. Read below on how to make the best choice in choosing the landscaping company for your home.

Many of us choose to hire a landscape company to care for our homes property and given that they are caring for your home, you want to choose the best company for your needs.

Your search should begin with assessing your own requirements. Do you want a new landscape design to include a complete outdoor kitchen with dining area and living room featuring a fireplace or fire pit? Are you looking for a lawn service company to mow your lawn each week or do you require more services like weeding, planting seasonal flowers, container pot service, lawn fertilization, plant fertilization and irrigation service?

Landscape companies vary in size and their offerings. Some firms provide basic lawn care while others provide the additional services needed to care for your home’s outdoor spaces throughout the year like spring and fall cleanups; weekly grounds service which includes mowing your lawn, removing and disposing of debris before lawn mowing; pruning and trimming selected trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover; seasonal plant maintenance of perennial and annual beds and weeding. A full service landscape company knows when to perform each service like lawn fertilizer and plant bed fertilizer, lawn aeration to help your lawn improve soil conditions and reduce thatch, plant root feed to provide plants with a readily available source of nutrients, insect control for preventive and curative application control of grubs in your lawn, boxwood blight fungus control, dormant pruning, and more.

Search online for landscape companies in your area. You will learn a lot about a company from their website.   Websites reveal who they are, how long they have been in business, photos and awards of their work and if they are a full service landscape firm capable of caring for all your property’s needs – a one-stop shop. Look for accomplishments in the industry. Is the company a member and involved in their states landscape contractors association like the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association? Do they have Licensed Landscape Architects on staff? Do they have Certified Landscape Technicians, horticulturists and other degreed licensed professionals on staff? What professional associations are they members of? How many years have they been in business? Do you want a company who reaches out and is involved serving charitable organizations? Do they provide a detailed written proposal to eliminate any confusion as to the services you have contracted to be performed and pricing?

Once you have selected and interviewed a few firms, check each companies proposal carefully. Some may seem low and others high. Make sure you clarify the wording on the service offerings to compare apple to apples. Find a company that aligns with you. Asking questions and being honest about your needs and budget will ensure your satisfaction with the landscape company you choose.

The post Landscape Company – How to Choose the Right One for You appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.

Today’s post comes from a great friend and colleague of mine. Toni Callahan at Schmechtig Landscapes. Read below on how to make the best choice in choosing the landscaping company for your home.

Many of us choose to hire a landscape company to care for our homes property and given that they are caring for your home, you want to choose the best company for your needs.

Your search should begin with assessing your own requirements. Do you want a new landscape design to include a complete outdoor kitchen with dining area and living room featuring a fireplace or fire pit? Are you looking for a lawn service company to mow your lawn each week or do you require more services like weeding, planting seasonal flowers, container pot service, lawn fertilization, plant fertilization and irrigation service?

Landscape companies vary in size and their offerings. Some firms provide basic lawn care while others provide the additional services needed to care for your home’s outdoor spaces throughout the year like spring and fall cleanups; weekly grounds service which includes mowing your lawn, removing and disposing of debris before lawn mowing; pruning and trimming selected trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover; seasonal plant maintenance of perennial and annual beds and weeding. A full service landscape company knows when to perform each service like lawn fertilizer and plant bed fertilizer, lawn aeration to help your lawn improve soil conditions and reduce thatch, plant root feed to provide plants with a readily available source of nutrients, insect control for preventive and curative application control of grubs in your lawn, boxwood blight fungus control, dormant pruning, and more.

Search online for landscape companies in your area. You will learn a lot about a company from their website.   Websites reveal who they are, how long they have been in business, photos and awards of their work and if they are a full service landscape firm capable of caring for all your property’s needs – a one-stop shop. Look for accomplishments in the industry. Is the company a member and involved in their states landscape contractors association like the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association? Do they have Licensed Landscape Architects on staff? Do they have Certified Landscape Technicians, horticulturists and other degreed licensed professionals on staff? What professional associations are they members of? How many years have they been in business? Do you want a company who reaches out and is involved serving charitable organizations? Do they provide a detailed written proposal to eliminate any confusion as to the services you have contracted to be performed and pricing?

Once you have selected and interviewed a few firms, check each companies proposal carefully. Some may seem low and others high. Make sure you clarify the wording on the service offerings to compare apple to apples. Find a company that aligns with you. Asking questions and being honest about your needs and budget will ensure your satisfaction with the landscape company you choose.

The post Landscape Company – How to Choose the Right One for You appeared first on Michael Menn Ltd. Architecture-Construction-Excellence.