Q & A with a Backyard Designer
Featuring Lisa Metcalfe Murphy of Anon Interiors

Outdoor living is very practical in warmer climates, what kind of design techniques do you employ to accommodate the weather in the Northwest?

Flexibility is the most important design aspect you can incorporate into your outdoor space. The most successful outdoor rooms in the Northwest have some form of shelter; a heat source such as a fireplace, fire pit, or outdoor heater; and a sun patio. On average, it only rains 155 days per year, but it is only clear 70 days per year. This leaves 140 days of clouds and mist. Luckily, the Northwest has an average high temperature of over 60° during the months of April through October, so an outdoor living lifestyle can easily be enjoyed seven-plus months out of the year.

Will an outdoor kitchen add more value to my home than it will cost?

Outdoor kitchens are one of the most rewarding improvements you can make to your home. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that outdoor kitchens provide as much as 130% return on investment.

Before starting to design my outdoor kitchen, what are some things I should consider?

You need to decide how much of the cooking process you plan on performing outside before you can properly design your outdoor kitchen. If you anticipate doing your prep work inside and transporting it to the grill, your outdoor kitchen requirements will be less extensive than if you intend to do all preparation, cooking, and cleanup outside. You should also consider the proximity to your indoor kitchen, as well as existing plumbing, electrical, and gas lines.

What role does the designer play and what benefits do they bring to the creation of an outdoor kitchen and room?

A good outdoor kitchen designer will offer expertise on functional kitchen design, appliance selection, and suitable outdoor lighting and finish materials. They will listen to your needs and offer creative solutions resulting in an outdoor space that compliments your lifestyle. A designer will also offer invaluable knowledge regarding local code and safety requirements. For instance, an experienced designer will know to confirm that all fixtures meet UL safety standards, and that most outdoor outlet receptacles need to be specified as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock and fires. Whether you are looking to simply locate a few freestanding appliances, or create an entire outdoor kitchen and room, I highly suggest consulting a proficient outdoor kitchen designer.

What are some of the design trends you see in outdoor kitchens?

The days of setting up a table and umbrella next to the BBQ are over. Homeowners are looking for a fully functional outdoor kitchen and living space that is an extension of their home. Outdoor rooms allow the whole family to enjoy the outdoors while still performing daily tasks such as cooking, eating and cleanup.

What materials are appropriate for outdoor kitchen surfaces?

Everything in your outdoor kitchen must be waterproof. All finishes should be impervious or frost proof surfaces, which are surfaces that absorb less than .05% moisture. Examples of impervious surfaces include porcelain tile, brick, granite, Icestone, stainless steel and glass. If you decide to use glass, make sure to consult a glass specialist regarding the suitable thicknesses for outdoor applications; thicker glass is less-resilient to dramatic temperature changes. Also, be cautious when selecting any manmade countertop materials because almost all of them use a resin as a structural binder. Acrylic and polyester are the two main types of resin. Acrylic is the only UV stable resin, meaning that it is unaffected by sunlight and is suitable for outdoor use. Products containing polyester resin should not be used outside, because the resin will fade in sunlight and may acquire a yellow tint over time. Polyester resin is also very brittle and is more likely to crack or chip.

What are the best color palettes to use for an outdoor room?

The best color palette is one that compliments the style of your home. Make sure to take into consideration the light reflectance value (LRV) of your outdoor kitchen surfaces. For instance, black has a LRV of zero, which means it absorbs all light and heat. So, although Absolute Black granite is a suitable surface for outdoor use, it is not recommended for areas in direct sunlight because it will absorb most of the sun’s rays, resulting in a very hot surface. On the other end of the spectrum, white has an LRV of 100, so it reflects light and heat and causes a considerable amount of glare. I would select colors in the middle of these two extremes. One easy way to gauge the performance of a material is to leave it in the sun and personally evaluate its heat and light reflectance properties.

I have a limited budget and need to create my outdoor kitchen over a couple of years. How should I proceed?

A quality grill is the heart of a successful outdoor kitchen. I would begin with this item and purchase additional components at a later date. This extended timeframe will ease you and your family into the outdoor living lifestyle, and give you a better idea of what elements are essential for your individual cooking needs. For instance, I had a client in a similar situation who initially outfitted his outdoor kitchen with a grill and a side-burner. After cooking outdoors several times, he realized how time-consuming it was to transfer all of his sauces, spices and tools from his indoor kitchen. The following summer he expanded his outdoor kitchen to include a locking refrigerator and stainless steel cabinets. This allowed him to permanently store all of his grilling utensils and condiments outside.

What do you recommend as the top five appliances and features for my outdoor room?

The top five appliances will always vary depending on your preferred cooking style. However, I feel that every outdoor kitchen should consist of a quality grill, sink, refrigerator and side burner. Beyond the 4 above-mentioned features, I would encourage you to add an element of fun into your outdoor kitchen. There are multitudes of excellent outdoor-rated products such as pizza ovens, warming drawers, wine coolers, kegerators and even hybrid grills.

Will I need building permits for my outdoor kitchen and room?

In the City of Portland, a building permit is not required to construct an accessory structure that is 200 square feet or less and no more than 10 feet tall. However, a zoning permit could be required. Also, depending on the scope of your outdoor kitchen, you may be required to obtain electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits. I would recommend calling your local planning department early in the design process to identify their specific jurisdictional requirements.

When should I start planning and building my outdoor kitchen if I want to start using it in May of next year?

The earlier the better! The construction process seems to always continue longer than expected, so I would start immediately. Every project is unique, but I usually allow 2 months for design, at least a month to receive contractor pricing and perform any value engineering, and 2 months for construction and material lead times.

An outdoor kitchen serves as the family magnet. A place to enjoy intimate dinners, or a wonderful place for a party when you avoid the common mistakes.

By Lisa Metcalfe Murphy
Anon Interiors
503.709.1071