September 2009 Developments - 42

Design Ways to Extend Resort Living Space, Help Reduce Cost: Outdoor Kitchens t a time when travelers are watching their dollars, resort and timeshare development professionals are leveraging the amenities of their properties to continue to attract vacationers. One such amenity that could be a draw for today’s traveler is a personal outdoor kitchen. According to the Property and Environment Research Center, 43 percent of Northeastern homeowners and 32 to 34 percent of those in the Midwestern, Western, and Southern regions report having an outdoor room. Although not all of these outdoor areas include kitchens, it is representative of the emerging trend that vacationers welcome in a property. The increase in timeshare rentals between 2007 and 2008, according to SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, signiﬁes a whole new market of vacationers that have recognized the value in timeshare rentals. Spacious vacation accommodations offer room for the whole family and an opportunity to skip or reduce the cost of restaurant dining as a result of on-property amenities. The ﬂexibility of appliances in an outdoor kitchen goes a long way in the eyes and pockets of travelers. A well-planned outdoor living space can become an owner’s or guest’s perfect Kelly Saﬁs A The KitchenAid® Outdoor Kitchen Line is designed to minimize trips back to the kitchen and maximize the enjoyment of outdoor gatherings. gathering place, adding a new dimension and creating an additional “room” to enjoy. The outdoor kitchen can be an affordable way for resort developers or managers to add function and design to any outside area, helping to make their property a more distinct travel destination. Even if there is only room for a grill, it is an option that can help differentiate the timeshare from competitors. Outdoor kitchen areas can extend a vacation home’s living space without major modiﬁcations, exposing the interior of the facility to the elements or causing costly remodeling projects. Along with travelers having more time to enjoy their surroundings, these additions can add value to real estate, eliminate additional indoor cooking heat, and make it easier on an air-conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature, while keeping the clean-up mess outdoors. After opting to include an outdoor grill or kitchen suite, designing a multifunctional, roomy space takes some thought. Designers and development professionals have a choice between freestanding and built-in outdoor kitchen options, as well as a number of competitively-priced appliances. Freestanding kitchens offer more ﬂexibility to move appliances and drink carts around to accompany small or large groups. Depending on available space, however, a built-in kitchen makes the ultimate visual impact on an outdoor room. It deﬁnes the space and allows for a more architectural feel. Designers also can introduce rich materials, such as stone and brick, to complement the facility’s surroundings. The KitchenAid® Outdoor grill line offers grill masters the tools necessary to master the craft. The 36-inch freestanding model recently was named a 2009 Vesta Award ﬁnalist in the gas barbeque category. Choosing grills and other appliances capable of standing up to the environmental elements associated with the location is essential. Whether it is the cooler climates in the north or warmer climates in the south, appliances that stand the test of time are good choices. There are several factors to consider when procuring key items. For example, consider the corrosionresistance factor of the grill. Look for a freestanding or built-in grill that is made with grade 304 stainless steel, which retains its ﬁnish through a wide range of atmospheric conditions. These grills can come with stainless steel burners, angled sear plates, and denser grate patterns for consistent heat over the entire grill surface; some lines offer several size models. Other features that can be added include electric warming drawers, built-in thermometers, and interior halogen lights (on built-in models) for easier viewing when grilling after dark. A refrigerator also makes for a good addition to this outdoor kitchen suite. Keeping in mind the heat factor of the 42 Developments • September 2009

September 2009 Developments

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2009 Developments