66 NASHVILLELIFESTYLES.COM APRIL 2015

THE GOOD LIFE | AT HOME

Let Me ENTERTAIN YOUThe owners of Embers Grill & Fireplace share what it takes to create a striking outdoor kitchen and bar.

BY KRISTIN LUNA

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68 NASHVILLELIFESTYLES.COM APRIL 2015

THE GOOD LIFE | AT HOME

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rother-and-sister duo Crystal and Zach Watson

know there’s more to planning an entertaining space than installing a grill, a Kegerator, and a few chairs and calling it a day. At their 11-year-old company, Embers Grill & Fireplace in Brentwood, the Watsons not only sell all the components needed to create a dynamic outdoor kitchen and bar, but they also visit clients’ homes and provide free design services. Here, the pair shares a step-by-step approach to creating a great-looking— and functional—outdoor entertaining area.

Step 1Consider the area you have to work with, what you want to do with your outdoor kitchen, if you’re expanding or adding onto an existing space, and how many people you would like to be able to entertain. “Sometimes, people come in here and have no plans at all, so we give them ideas of what they can do,” Zach says. “But a lot of times, people already have a plan, so we work off of that to show what all can fit into the existing structure.” Crystal adds, “It really works well if we are just one part of an entire outdoor living space overhaul that they’re doing and they come in and say, ‘I have a 10-by-10-foot space to work with, and these are the things I want.’”

Step 2Next, determine what makes sense for function and flow; from there, it’s time to sketch out a design. “We’ll lay it out so that there’s a prep area, a cook area, a serve and entertain area,” Crystal says. Embers works with their clients’ builder to make sure it all fits in with any existing design scheme and factor in details like which way the refrigerator door will open.

Step 3Time to choose the necessary appliances.

B “Sometimes, people come in here and have no plans at all, so we give them ideas of what they can do. But a lot of times, people already have a plan, so we work off of that to show what all

can fit into the existing structure.”

Crystal and Zach Watson

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The Watsons like to educate their customers on the different models and why one refrigerator might cost $4,000 instead of $1,000. “We like talking about food. A lot of times people will say, ‘I need a grill for hot dogs and hamburgers,’ but we’ll tell them about all the other things they can cook outside, like pizzas, chickens, veggies, side dishes,” Zach says. “For example, there’s a piece you can install that allows you to do pasta noodles, or we can do a wok for stir-fry.”

Step 4Too often, sitting areas are overlooked, says Zach. “Just like indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens become the area everyone comes to,” he explains. “Most of our kitchens have an L-shaped, U-shaped, or island [seating area]. Any time you can put people out there, it becomes more interactive.”

Step 5Next comes the layout. “You don’t want to put the grill in front of where people sit,” Zach advises. “It’s going to be hot and smoke’s going to blow in their face. So usually the seating area is where we put the bar stuff. Then the cooking area will be in a separate place where you’re not going to smoke everyone out.” From there, Crystal adds, you will want to group appliances together accordingly, like a pizza oven beside a prep station.

Step 6The decision to add luxury items is one of the final steps before ordering all of the components. In addition to the outdoor kitchen/bar area, you might want to outfit the space with a TV, fireplace, fire pit, seating area, or water features like a pool.

Step 7Once the ordered appliances come in, it’s time to install. The Embers team installs what they sell, so they’ll work with the builder on an installation timeline. When the kitchen is ready to go, they take it one step further and prepare a meal in the space as a way to teach their clients how to use their new appliances.

What’s TrendingThe Watsons give us a peek at the outdoor kitchen trends emerging this year.

1. Covered StructuresWhether it’s extending an existing roofline over a patio area, building a new pavilion around a

pool area, or erecting a structure like a pergola, providing a cover gives extra protection from the outdoor elements, resulting in a cozy area for cooking and dining. Grills and smokers that are built in and up against a wall in a covered application will benefit from an outdoor rated ventilation system. Outdoor overhead and ambience lighting also enhance the overall experience. >>>

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70 NASHVILLELIFESTYLES.COM APRIL 2015

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2. Built-In Grill vs. Fully Functional KitchenOutdoor living is moving from simple free-standing or built-in grills to the addition of outdoor appliances, like side and power burners, sinks and beverage centers, refrigerators, outdoor wine units, beverage dispensers, ice machines, dishwashers, dry storage pantries, and trash centers. These details help make the outdoor cooking space a more complete, fully functional kitchen.

3. In the Zone Homeowners are leaning toward outdoor kitchens with more customization instead of the standard generic kit. In doing custom designs, people are thinking through the space in terms of the prep zone, cook zone, serve and entertain zone, and the best overall layout for the outdoor appliances in the allotted space. Having zones maximizes the function and flow of the area.

4. Quality Yields DurabilityAs more people invest in larger outdoor kitchen spaces, they’re also investing in custom materials. Choosing well-built, American-made, heavy-gauge, double-walled, true stainless steel appliances ensures that they will withstand vigorous climate changes and conditions. The demand, appreciation, and value of luxury lines are increasing not only because of their quality, durability, and features but also due to the increasing amount of outdoor kitchen appliance options available from higher-tiered brands.

5. Wood vs. StoneQuality and handcrafted structures for an outdoor kitchen provide lasting durability and an upscale look to complement the home. Stone has been a leading material used in outdoor kitchens; however, sleek wood designs and reclaimed wood are also making their way in.

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