Great Rooms In The Great Outdoors

There’s been a revolution at home. Indoors and out, new and remodeled homes increasingly reflect America’s desire to create a haven for family living and casual, relaxed entertaining as an antidote to the hectic lives most of us lead.

In the early 1990s, family-friendly great rooms started replacing more traditional indoor floor plans that included a separate living room, dining room and kitchen. This new open-floor design allows families to be together while one member is preparing dinner, another watching TV, and yet a third is setting the table or working on a craft project. The openness also makes for great entertaining, because even those on kitchen detail can join the party.

With today’s penchant for outdoor living, it’s no surprise that the newest twist to the great room is moving it to the backyard. Contemporary backyards are quickly becoming extensions of traditional indoor rooms - plants, furniture, appliances, sound systems and other accoutrements are common. And just as family activities indoors revolve around the cooking and eating area, the kitchen is a focal point of the outdoor great room. Which helps explain the growing popularity of big beautiful gas barbecue grills that are literally self-contained outdoor kitchens.

Our eagerness to enjoy at-home leisure activities, combined with a strong economy, has given impetus to the luxurious backyards most families once only dreamed about. Gardening has become one of the foremost American pastimes, and homeowners want to both enjoy and show off the fruits of their labor. It’s easy to understand why patios and decks are being added to new and existing homes in record numbers, pool and spa sales are booming, exotic natural ponds are almost commonplace, and patio heaters or fireplaces are becoming must-haves to extend the traditional outdoor living season on either end, while also ensuring comfortable day-into-evening use of the backyard regardless of the temperature.

Outdoor furniture has also gone upscale and is being sold in record numbers. In fact, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal, outdoor furniture is a 2.2 billion-dollar business - double what it was just a decade ago. And Hearth & Home, a trade publication, reports that the 1999 season for casual furniture was so spectacular that it surpassed the exceptional results of 1998.

Is it any wonder that barbecue grills, the centerpiece of those outdoor kitchens, have escalated from simple charcoal braziers or kettles, or basic inexpensive gas grills, to awe-inspiring complete cooking systems? asks John Ducate, Jr., CEO of Ducane Gas Grills which pioneered the earliest luxury gas grill for home use almost twenty years ago. Barbecuing has become enormously popular because it fits into today’s casual lifestyles, while also offering the robust flavors adventuresome consumers seek today in their food, continues Ducate.

Since more than 64% of gas grillers now cook out several times a week year around, it’s easier to justify the cost of buying a top-of-the-line grill like our stainless steel Par-T-Grill which includes a large cooking surface, separate vertical heat source rotisserie, built-in smoker tray for wood chips, a covered condiment tray and salad bar, ice chest, beverage bar, slide-out utensil rack with three-piece barbecue tool set, grooved cutting board and ample storage space.

When opened up, this impressive grill becomes a versatile, 8-foot long, complete food preparation center. Research conducted by the Barbecue Industry Association reinforces that people are willing to spend more money furnishing their backyards. Consumers tell us they are tired of having to replace their grills every couple of years and say they’d rather spend more money on a grill that will last much longer, according to industry spokesperson Donna Myers.

The increased interest in specialty accessories that make it easier to flame-cook certain foods indicates that experienced barbecuers are willing to make a significant financial investment to save time, increase convenience, and make their barbecuing more versatile, says Myers. Ducane, the premium grill manufacturer which encourages consumers to invest by stepping up to the plate to buy their last grill first, offers a wide range of top-quality grills to fit any backyard.

You can choose natural gas for a permanent installation or propane for greater mobility, in trim consoles or sleek cabinetry housed in gleaming stainless steel or bright red bases, featuring single or double grills that can provide from one to six burners for greater cooking versatility and control. Another popular choice today is a Ducane custom built-in that can be dropped into a brickedin grilling center. You can opt for a rotisserie, one or two side shelves, a side burner that lets you cook a pot of pasta or baked beans, and warming shelves that add to the overall cooking area.

As an alternative to brick, consider a tile or stone base. Then choose from a variety of fancy countertops, built-in refrigerators, compactors, or even dishwashers for maximum convenience outdoors. The combinations and options are endless so you’re sure to find the perfect elements to fulfill your dreams within your allotted budget. Builders have come to recognize the value of the outdoor great room and some now offer several different customized packages as an add-on to the basic cost of a home. These additions can range from $30,000 to nearly $100,000, depending on what is included. If you’re a handy do-ityourselfer, this is one time you’ll reap significant rewards.

If you need professional help, start thinking about your priorities before discussing the project with your contractor. But whatever those priorities, you’ll want to include a premium or super-premium Ducane gas grill, such as their spectacular new all-stainless, brass-trimmed Meridian line with its professional-quality cooking features that ensure a lifetime of care-free barbecuing pleasure. It’s time to stop dreaming about a sensational backyard and get out there and do something about it. If you’re longing for more quality family time, there’s no better way to enjoy it than firing up your grill and then sitting down to a succulent, fun-filled barbecue meal.

About The Author:

Jay Rocher is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com. Home decorating tips and ideas to showcase any room with style.