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RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2023 52 T he biggest "room" in the house is often the yard, and today's appliance makers, designers, and consumers are wasting no time filling it. According to a new report by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), producers of the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), demand for outdoor kitchens is heating up, particularly the high-end kind. Based on insights and advice from 11 designers spanning a wide spectrum of styles, the trade group has compiled an expansive "Luxury Outdoor Kitchen" research report, available at NKBA.org for $1,995 and free to members. Here are 10 key takeaways from their findings: 1. Luxury outdoor kitchens are a rapidly growing category, spurred on by homebound consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Luxury outdoor kitchens extend the usable square footage of a home and are becoming a new standard for luxury builds. 3. Designers can create a seamless flow between the home's interior and exterior through the creative use of coordinated fixtures, finishes, colors, and materials. 4. High-end installations require luxury-quality appliances, countertops, and cabinetry that can withstand the elements. 5. Comfort is the key to a well-executed backyard, and it should include amenities such as a galley workstation, refrigerator, ice maker, large-screen TV, and comfy seating. 6. Homeowners can extend their outdoor time throughout the year – and increase their return on investment – with fireplaces, firepits, hot tubs, and infrared heaters. 7. Designers can further extend an outdoor kitchen by creatively utilizing "unusable" yard space or creating an upper level. 8. Check off the sustainability box by sourcing locally, designing for durability, and incorporating natural, renewable materials. 9. It's okay to apply indoor design principles to outdoor entertainment areas – the luxury kitchen experience is transferable. 10. Outdoor exposure presents multiple challenges, including weather, temperature, humidity, wind direction, sunlight, and seasonal changes, but you can mitigate these with the appropriate selection of products and materials. To learn more about designing the outdoor kitchen, visit NKBA.org, where an NKBA Summit streaming session on "Designing the Outdoor Kitchen" is available for $99 (non-members). Alan Wolf is Senior Communications Specialist for AVB BrandSource, the nation's leading member-owned merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, furniture, bedding, and consumer tech dealers. OUTDOOR KITCHENS ARE HEATING UP YEAR 'ROUND NBKA offers 10 insights on luxe installations Alan Wolf Outdoor Trends RO