I’ve been this way since I was a kid. If I have the choice I will always choose eating dessert first before the meal. (I typically don’t admit this or even act on it so I can keep myself a respectable functioning adult with a relatively fit mid-section. )
This is because I L-O-V-E dessert.
I also L-O-V-E living outdoors.
So, I got thinking . . . how can the two cohabitate this winter? Chicago winters get long y’all (I know I don’t have to state the obvious) and it’s just beginning. So . . . I know we have plenty of time to make living outdoors delicious!
Don’t worry or panic, camping gear is not required.
It’s as easy as these two steps.
First step,you have to believe that fire pits and grills work in the winter. Last time I checked this is a true fact i.e., not fake news. Matter fact 75% of griller owners grill in the winter.
And since I know that 64% of US adults own a grill or smoker, I know that access to said fire creators (industry term) are available.
Second step, you have to have some great dessert recipes that work on a fire or a grill.
To remedy the recipe situation, I’ve got you covered with the following 4 recipes. I think they are the bee’s knees. They’re mouth-watering, simple desserts that you will most certainly want to try.
I also feel it’s my duty to let you know that we can provide you with an outdoor kitchen and fire creators should you be interested. It’s a specialty of ours!
Admittedly, Sarah (Vaile) tagged us first on her Instagram feed. (She’s right, blue hydrangeas can woo!)
I was so excited I immediately checked out her other posts.
And, this is what happened:
Photos of an unconventional, inspired powder room and cloak room start populating her feed. Like many of the other folks commenting, we too were blown away by its boldness and artistry. It’s so not what everyone else does. It says, I am comfortable in my own skin and here’s what I have to say. Right!?!
Pink (it’s Sherwin Williams “Framboise”) may not be everyone’s taste, which is totally fine, but you still have to admit that these spaces are amazing.
We believe they are.
We talked about them at our design collaboration meetings and we talked about them at our staff meetings.
And then I got an idea.
Why can’t we create a concept rooftop that is inspired by Sarah Vaile’s two rooms? I’m not knocking the world of whites, grays, and blacks for outdoor spaces – they’re probably my 3 favorites. But, what if we threw convention and resale-ability out the window?! What if we got to do whatever the hell we wanted?!
What if our alleys were filled with shades of colors other than browns and blacks? What if we chose your childhood favorite color and made that the color of your pergola? or the privacy screens? or all your cushions?
I know it sounds crazy and we may never see a pink pergola in Chicago, but . . . . . . wouldn’t it be wild!
Abbott & Costello Who’s On First came to mind this week. (A Classic Must Watch!) I thought, is this how confusing it feels when you just want to find the right company to work with when you’re pursuing design and construction for your outdoor space?
My inspiration on this topic came from a conversation I had this week with a potential client. (Thank you, Brian G.)
I realized how important it is to understand the who’s who in the professional world of landscaping because the lay of the land (pun intended) can be very confusing.
So, I have broken it down into 4 categories. There are
companies that only do design work.
companies that only do the installation.
companies that do both.
companies that do both and then some.
Each company or person has an area(s) of expertise and that is how they will design your experience for you. (Note: these do not include any home builders or architects. These company descriptions specifically focus on landscaping.)
Companies that do the design place a high value and premium on the design they will create for you. (Such as architects that design landscapes, landscape architects, landscape designers – different levels of education and expertise.) You will be buying your design from them. Because you own it, you can then take that design to whomever you want to do the installation. Often times, these companies will offer you their management services as well. You pay them to facilitate the multitude of subcontractors needed to implement your project. These subs may be companies that they have developed relationships with and will choose to use only them. Because they are working for many clients at the same time, these subs will operate on their own timeline, which can cause management headaches and longer timelines.
Companies that do the installation will work with a plan that is provided to them. (These are often the companies subcontracted with by the first category.) Depending on the scope of work needed, there may be need for multiple companies to complete your project, and then you become the project manager. Quality companies that do the installation will not have any issue reading plans to complete the work, but if there are any changes with design or construction, you also take on the responsibility of making these decisions.
Companies that do both the design and the installation are a perfect combination. Not only are the designs of high quality, but they are also implemented by teams under the same roof. These companies know their staffs’ skills and manage their timelines. If there are any issues that come up with design or with construction, the designers are immediately accessible.
Companies that do both the design and the installation and then some are the crème de la crème. At Topiarius, we not only provide high value design (with our in-house landscape architect and designers) and installation (with our general contracting license, our full staff of carpenters, a 5,000 square foot wood shop, and our full staff of landscape construction crews), but we continue our service with fine gardening and seasonal rotations (with our fully staffed maintenance team). So once the project is complete, we will continue to provide care and annual color through all seasons. We stand by our installations and want to help you enjoy them for years to come.
This information will start you off on the right foot.
Always ask questions so you have the clarity you require.
Contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have for us.
We’d love to get started with our complimentary consultation.
When my cousins and I would visit my grandparents’ house, the five of us would walk over to the nearby school and playground. Like most kids, we knew how to make each other laugh (I mean, really belly laugh) with small dares and ways to keep the youngest at bay.
This was back in the days when the hard earth was your landing pad, sharp metal edging was on the really tall slide, and the swings could send you flying feet into the air as the swing-set poles thudded around in the ground.
The swings were a favorite because all five of us could do it at the same time. Between the underdogs and showing off how far we could jump, I can’t forget swinging to the highest arc. I’d feel fear creep in, the chain do a small gitty-up, and then POW! my stomach would drop! Oh, that could make me scream and laugh all at once.
Over the past few months, we’ve been forced to slow down.
A lot can happen when we slow down.
For me, I’ve remembered simple things like being on the playground with my cousins and I’m reminded how much fun there is to have in life. How simple acts like swinging on a swing make me feel alive.
There’s no good reason such lighthearted moments should only be for kids.
So, while these hanging chairs (below) won’t get you 10-15 feet off the ground or cause your stomach to drop, they will keep your heart light and a smile on your face.
Having your home’s outdoor space be a place that brings you joy is what Topiarius does.
Especially now, as we spend so much more time in our homes, you have every reason to need this and make it happen.
Not only does Burger King believe you should have your hamburger your way, StruXure does too. (I mean a 1974 reference is still relevant, right?)
This past winter Topiarius became a certified designer and installer of StruXure pergolas and accessories. After a few installations this past year, we realized that because it’s such a well-built and creative system, that we needed this product in our installation portfolio.
StruXure pergolas are 100% customizable and that flexibility allows any client to have a configuration that integrates with their overall home design while integrating state of the art accessories and features. The overall structure is powder-coated aluminum, which helps with weight load on rooftops and is extremely rust resistant and low maintenance.
The pivoting louver system is the highlight. Because of its smart capabilities it can open and close based on the weather. When winds are too high the wind sensor will automatically open the louvers to reduce the wind load on the pergola. When rain is detected, the pergola louvers automatically close. Don’t worry about snow and freezing water because, you guessed it, the louvers will adjust to prevent sticking and damage. The louvers can also be adjusted through an app on one’s phone, so if there’s too much sun or not enough, it can be adjusted as needed. If you really love technology, then you can utilize the voice-controlled commands.
The pergola can have different architectural elements that can help it integrate into the design of its location. (These pergolas work great in both residential and commercial locations.) There are options for corbel ends, cornices, column wraps, caps and bases. There are 6 standard colors, but custom colors and wood grains are also available to choose from.
As for the accessories. If you’re interested in lighting, fans, retractable sides and screens, and heating and cooling then it is easy to incorporate. The pergolas even allow Topiarius to provide our own unique design customizations.
Here’s a project – from before, in progress, to completion.
A standard rooftop in Chicago. Lovely umbrella, but just not enough to allow the level of outdoor living this family wants.
Work began over the winter. The StruXure pergola is able to span the width of the roof top.
The louvers and the recessed lighting are installed. On this project, Topiarius custom designed the metal panels that provide the privacy around the perimeter.
Rooftop begins to take shape with furniture and containers/plants. This family is going to be living outdoors more comfortably and more often!
Choices and options can be amazing, right? But when you’re trying to make a simple choice and you’re faced with endless options, it can stop you before you begin. Finding the perfect grill is no different. So, rather than getting lost in the possibilities, I had a conversation with Zac Selleck from Chicago Gas Linesto help me sort through all the chatter and make this process easy.
What is it you love cooking?
There are no longer distinctions between what you cook inside and what you cook outside. From being able to boil water, fry an egg, bake a pizza, sear steaks or tuna, smoke ribs, bake potatoes, grill vegetables, rotisserie cook a chicken . . . it is all possible. Because you don’t have to limit your options, what are you truly desiring to cook outdoors? Maybe it’s just a few options or maybe you’re saying yes to all of the above.
If you’re interested in pancakes, a hash, grill cheese, or bacon? Then, skillet cooking is an option. If you’re interested in being able to sear proteins like steaks and tuna then look at infrared grills; they will allow you to cook at a higher temperature in half the time. Or if you prefer the slow cooking process of smoking ribs, pork belly, or roasts because the beautiful smoke ring is the only thing that matters, then smokers are your focus.
What will fuel the grill?
Grills measure their efficiency in BTU’s. British Thermal Units are a “measurement of how much heat a grill generates at its maximum output. If you think of BTUs like your car’s fuel efficiency or MPG (miles per gallon), BTUs measure your grill’s fuel efficiency or OPB (output per burner) as well as all the burners combined.” [1]
While each grill will operate with its optimum BTU, depending on its make and model, all grills operate more efficiently when they are fueled by a direct gas line providing consistent and dependable fuel. When there isn’t a direct gas line, options are propane, charcoal or pellets.
Often exterior gas lines are added after home construction. It is only a recent phenomenon that home construction will include these lines to outdoor spaces. While it is most often feasible to retrofit a line to your grill, it isn’t always possible.
What size are you looking for and where do you want it located?
Grills come in many sizes from 21” – 54” widths, but 36” is the most common. Many companies have other appliances that they offer too, such as side burners and refrigerators. The additional options make it easy to get the exact configuration you want.
If you have an outdoor kitchen design, you will want a built-in grill. If you do not, then you’ll need the additional cart for a free-standing set-up.
Now that you have answered these 3 questions, here are the TOP grills on the market right now. All of them will make your outdoor cooking and dining amazing experiences.
According to Zac, the best grill on the market right now is LYNX. They were bought by Viking about 2 years ago, so as LYNX they continue to bring the high-end quality they’re known for and are backed by a recognizable brand name of VIKING.
The 36” gas grill from LYNX begins at $5,800 (without stand).
Not only is the Hesten Aspire another excellent grill, you have the added dimension of being able to choose from 9 different color front panels. If you’re looking for a way to reflect your personality in the design of your outdoor space, then Hesten is a great place to start.
The 36” Hesten Aspire begins at $3,500 (without stand).
If you’re looking for a grill that is straight-forward and uncomplicated, then Broilmasteris the option for you.
The 36” Broilmaster begins at $2,200 (without stand).
We’ve designed many outdoor kitchens to include the Green Egg, so it’s worth mentioning here. It is an all-in-one grill that grills, smokes, roasts, and bakes while using natural lump charcoal. But, know it may take you some time to learn how to maximize its power. It is a grill that relies heavily on air intake and when there is a slight 10-15 mile per hour wind, the grilling process can easily become more challenging and make cooking inconsistent.
To see more designs of grills in outdoor spaces, visit our Pinterestboard.
Tired of only seeing what Restoration Hardware, CB2, and Wayfair have for outdoor furniture? Want something that is more unique and speaks to your style?
Luckily enough . . . you’ve got us! We can help you find all the luxury outdoor furniture companies that don’t float to the top of your Google search.
What you need to know is luxury brands sell in 3 different ways
You can
buy directly from companies and purchase pieces at MSRP (manufacturer suggest retail price)
buy from a company that sells specific lines of furniture and purchase at MSRP or a bit less.
buy directly through your landscape design company. We have access to all of these outdoor furniture companies and can provide you with better deals.
To get started, start viewing furniture by going directly to a company’s website.
There is no reason to have luxury outdoor furniture shopping being the “thing” that is frustrating. We can help directly you to more sites and other luxury furniture designers that we work with.
If you’re thinking about renovating your outdoor space, but aren’t sure where to begin, Topiarius can help. Click on The “No Surprises” Guide below for your free download.
In this article you’ll
Learn how to prioritize spaces.
Identify how you want to live in your outdoor space a MAJORITY of the time.
Determine what views are the best.
Understand the importance of roof construction.
Learn how to incorporate water and gas sources.
Think through your flexibility.
See how your interior esthetic impacts your exterior design.
Figure out your first steps in creating a budget.
Learn how different landscape design companies are organized.
Working on your landscape design in January and February is like visiting vacation destinations off-season – you will wait in shorter lines and have faster access to the sites.
There are many reasons for this reality in the landscape world. Here are a few:
The design process takes time. Topiarius works very hard to provide each of our clients with unique solutions to your individual design needs. We take inventory of what you have, what you need, what you want, and what you do not know you need or want. It is not unrealistic for the design process to take a month – even longer if the project is complicated.
Spring is our busiest time of the year; it’s when many of our clients contact us. While we are committed to getting all of our clients unique design solutions, the progression of your project can occur more quickly in January and February than in May.
If your design includes special order items these are much easier to procure in the landscape off-season than they are during the height of it. A typical lead time of 3 weeks can often get pushed out to 6 or 8 weeks in the summer.
There may be a chance that we can get started on some parts of your project during the winter. We have a full wood shop where much of our custom work is completed. If your design includes a pergola, outdoor kitchen, custom containers or any other custom built work we can get started on construction even when the ground is frozen solid.
Our goal at Topiarius is to create AWESOME, daily. By contacting us during the winter months you are ensuring “shorter lines” so you can enjoy your AWESOME landscape as early in the summer as possible.
