Sonance speakers can be made in the shape of objects, like pedestals, which easily fit into the surroundings.
|
Entertaining outdoors is a popular way to spend time with family and friends. New products cater to this trend toward outdoor living and entertaining.
Food and Drinks
Many companies have gone beyond the ordinary grill to bring more options to outdoor dining. GE Monogram Outdoor Cooking Centers are made of heavy-gauge stainless steel and are designed for built-in or freestanding applications. They pair full-size grills with a dual-burner cooktop. A portable cart provides shelves and condiment bins to keep cooking materials organized and nearby.
To keep drinks cool, Vintage offers The Bartending Center, which can endure any weather condition, has a refrigerated base, insulated ice center, two drawers for chilling bottles or keeping food cool, a built-in sink and removable cutting board.
Music
Music is an important part of any gathering; however, playing music outdoors presents some challenges. "The most important thing about the outdoor speaker is its ability to stand up to the elements," says Mitch Witten, Sonance vice president of sales and marketing.
Also, because sound dissipates more readily outdoors, homeowners need stereos that play music at a higher level than is needed indoors, and speakers must be well-placed for optimal sound.
"Where you place speakers depends on the size and shape of the yard," says Witten.
Lighting
To keep guests safe and add atmosphere, use lighting to illuminate pathways and entryways. Also, light up architectural features. Green or black lighting fixtures blend in with plants and trees, which allows the lighting to appear more natural.
Related Stories
Custom Builder
Telling a Story That Preserves the Past
Custom builder and historic restoration and preservation expert Brent Hull walks us through the careful details of his Pennsylvania Farmhouse project
Custom Builder
Merging Ancient Construction With Modern Living
This vacation home pushes the boundaries of traditional log construction techniques and incorporates elegant details elevating this typically rustic building method
Construction
Detailing for Dissimilar Materials
Creating adequate separation between materials is critical to mitigating cracks (and worse) along cementitious surfaces.
Construction
Trouble-Free Stucco Overhangs
Transitions from walls to horizontal surfaces are prone to moisture problems. Attention to proper detailing in these areas is key.
Construction
2022 Custom Timber Home Building Outlook
A few of top tips from Mid-Atlantic Timberframes for working with timber frame providers, as well as what we’re seeing on the custom timber home building horizon for 2022.
Custom Builder
Veteran Builder Talks Group Purchasing and Building Science on DuPont's Residentially Speaking Podcast
Building Materials
Benjamin Obdyke Liquid Flashing
Benjamin Obdyke has expanded its line of flashing with the addition of a liquid-applied product
Architecture
Design Details: Feel The Burn
San Diego designer/builder Rob Wells creates the Gnar (short for gnarly) House that breaks some rules
Best Practices
Resilient Design: Ready for Natural Disasters
Resilient design creates homes that can survive natural disasters and stay functional in the aftermath