The Great Outdoors

When these lucky homeowners need a quiet moment of relaxation after a long day, they don't have to travel very far to "get away from it all." One step outside the back door instantly transports them to an out-of-doors wonderland, full of resort-like amenities and natural beauty.

On cool September evenings during the transition from summer to fall, this outdoor living space offers a perfect place to curl up with a good book by the fire or watch a late-season baseball game.

But their 25-year-old home didn't always boast such incredible alfresco appeal. The remarkable renovation began just a year ago when the owners decided it was time for a new deck.

"We wanted something that would be updated and maintenance-free," says the homeowner. "When we started looking at different options, we decided to add a fireplace, too."

The next logical step was to create a chic yet cozy seating area surrounding the inviting Isokern fireplace. To achieve a timeless look, the homeowners chose a neutral palette of classic black and khaki. Stylish furniture and accessories made to withstand the weather make this space live more like an outdoor "room." Curtains, a rug and snappy throw pillows tie the space together with casual elegance. Above the fireplace is an outdoor TV, which allows this family of Cardinals fans to watch their favorite team play while relaxing outside.

"Families want outdoor living spaces they can enjoy in all types of weather," says Tom Lewis, contractor and president of Lewis Contracting, Inc. "A covered structure is a great option since it offers protection from the sun and rain. Outdoor fireplaces are also popular." Tom worked closely with Robert Ruyle of Robert J. Ruyle Architects to create this outdoor oasis. 

Adjacent to the covered outdoor living room, the dining table, which seats eight and looks onto the home's beautiful backyard, is a perfect place for hosting dinner parties when the weather is nice.

On the opposite side of the outdoor living room is a sophisticated grilling station, complete with a stainless steel, heavy gauge PGS gas grill and double side burner, finished with a stunning stone veneer that matches that of the impressive Isokern fireplaces, which are known for being both cost-effective and easier to install than their stick-built, masonry counterparts.

"There are lots of materials today that mimic the look of more costly alternatives," says Steve DuBois of C. Bennett Building Supply. "For this project, choosing the Isokern modular masonry fireplace and using cast stone instead of natural stone made all the difference." 

At the bottom of the stairs below the deck, a second sitting area faces a towering wood burning fireplace, where the family's two children enjoy roasting marshmallows on chilly nights in the fall.

"We used to spend more time fixing and maintaining the deck than using it," says the homeowner. "This project has turned our maintenance nightmare into a wonderful outdoor living space."

RESOURCES:
Building supplies – C. Bennett Building Supply, Inc., 1700 W. Terra Lane, 800-530-5601, www.cbennett.net; Contractor – Tom Lewis, Lewis Contracting, 71 Muirfield Hill Ct. North, 636-939-9553, www.lewiscontractinginc.com; Robert J. Ruyle Architects, 636-978-5659 Outdoor furniture – Restoration Hardware, 1196 St. Louis Galleria, 314-863-7566, www.restorationhardware.com; Outdoor furniture – Forshaw, 825 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 314-993-5570, www.forshaws.com; Floral arrangements and accessories – MKS Designs, A John-Richard Boutique, 272 Lamp & Lantern Village, 636-227-8777, www.shopmks.com; Fabric selection – Denise Fogarty Interiors, 314-757-1112, www.denisefogartyinteriors.com