PFK-Spring-2018

31 donsappliances.com Local Certified Kitchen Designer, April Spagnolo of Evalia Design, has crafted many outdoor kitchens and living spaces during her design career. She offers her expert advice on how to start planning your outdoor oasis! BY APRIL SPAGNOLO When designing an outdoor living space, many homeowners inquire about where to focus their resources, and where they can cut back to save money. The options for outdoor kitchens can be endless much like interior kitchens, but a few great items to include no matter your project size or budget are a high-quality grill (like the DCS by Fisher & Paykel pictured here), serving/ prep area, and sink. If it’s in your budget, you can also add things like under counter refrigerators, cooktop burners, and storage. I’m always looking for ways to cut corners or costs without compromising a project’s integrity — I want the homeowner to get the maximum value out of their investment. This statement may sound funny coming from a designer who also sells cabinetry, but when it comes to outdoor kitchens, I typically advise clients to have their contractor frame the “cabinetry” space and use stainless steel fronts set into stucco, as you see in the project pictured here. These fronts are durable and help keep the budget in check. Color and style can be added by using cabinetry on the island and stainless fronts around the perimeter.