Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
If you've ever dreamed of having your own outdoor kitchen, you might be surprised to learn that you can build one yourself DIY. Outdoor kitchen ideas range from simple to elaborate, and can fit a variety of outdoor spaces.
Using your choice of favorite cooking appliances and other tools, you can create the stylish outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Here's how:
The best way to transform an outdoor kitchen is by putting together the proper layout and materials. What is your available space? What elements of an indoor kitchen should you include? Consider the total backyard and how much room you need to dedicate to the cooking process to make a design plan and budget.
It's crucial for any kitchen to have sufficient prep space. Luckily, there are some simple solutions for creating prep zones in an outdoor kitchen. A simple folding table or bar cart are excellent space-saving furniture pieces you can use for preparing ingredients or plating food.
As for tools to include in your prep space, go with cutting boards, grilling utensils and cleanup supplies. Having an outdoor sink gives you a convenient way to wash tools and prevent cross contamination while cooking.
There are many ways to set up the actual cooking area of your outdoor kitchen. One popular choice is an island style kitchen. An island will typically contain the main cooking appliance, such as a stainless-steel grill or wood fired pizza oven.
Airflow is also essential, so watch out for the space above the grill when choosing the perfect spot. Have a fire extinguisher and other safety supplies within reach to stay safe in the kitchen at all times.
Where in your yard will you set up your outdoor kitchen? Depending on the size and layout of the space, you have options. Installing your kitchen against walls or patios is convenient as it will give you quick access to the house. However, check your local fire safety regulations to make sure any fire is a safe distance away from the main structure.
Positioning an outdoor kitchen farther from the house allows more freedom in configuration, but can make logistical factors like connecting to utilities more complicated.
Once you establish the basics of your outdoor kitchen, it's time to think decor. Find durable and weather-resistant furniture to use when dining or entertaining outdoors. Bar seating is a fun and simple way to seat multiple people while saving space.
It is recommended to have a pergola or retractable roof or canopy to protect outdoor kitchens and dining areas from the elements. Decorate your choice of overhead structure with festive string lights or lanterns.
A DIY outdoor kitchen build can be a big undertaking, but your hard work and planning will pay off with every delicious meal you cook in your own backyard.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.
