OUTDOOR LIVING An Open-Air Kitchen for All Seasons While developing this outdoor kitchen design, Gina D'Amore Bauerle of Denver-based D'Amore Interiors had to accommodate two clients: the homeowners and the weather. The former were looking to replace a 20-year-old, bare-bones grilling station with a fully featured, covered space that would support both cooking and gathering in comfort year-round. The latter posed non-negotiable conditions - extreme temperature fluctuations ranging from An alfresco installation stands up to the rugged Colorado climate without compromising on performance or style BY LESLIE CLAGETT sub-freezing to near 90ºF, as well as a dry climate - that would infl uence several aspects of the designer's vision for the project. Layout Drivers Microclimate trends guided some of the key planning principles of the space. To minimize the possibility of smoke blowing in the direction of the house, the grill was positioned on the east elevation, which is the furthest distance from the entrance to the building. The L-shape confi guration of the kitchen provides the long, continuous worktops requested by the clients and gives defi nition to both prep and dining areas. Bauerle placed the refrigerator drawers and the ice maker on the south-facing side of the patio at the outer end of the counter. Not only does this keep the cooling appliances away from the heat-producing 72 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025