Summer is in full swing! I must confess I'm one of the few who loves a hot steamy Florida summer. Recently I got a call from a potential client with some extra space to fill outside by the pool (lucky them right?) Adjacent to the dining room and tucked into an alcove a new idea sprang to mind! How about an outside wine bar? Perfect for entertaining and here in Florida we can enjoy this scenario most of the year. There are a few things to remember if you're thinking of investing in outsider cabinetry.
The Right Stuff- Cabinets for the outside should be exterior grade, ready to stand up to humidity and temperature changes. Some good options include Mahogany, Cypress and Teak. These can be pricey, especially the latter two but there are other options. Why not consider a painted finish? As long as you're using an exterior grade paint over and exterior quality MDF you're set! Your friendly local custom cabinet maker can help you with any of these options. 
There are also cabinet lines that are manufactured for the outdoors. Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens makes powder coated stainless steel cabinetry for barbecues, outside kitchens and, yes, outdoor wine bars!! They tout their all powder coat finishes for low maintenance, protection from harsh weather conditions and a safeguard form chlorine (salt air) and muriatic acid which is used to clean pavers. 
We say "outside" but I recommend your bar area have at least an overhead cover. You gotta protect the goods, right? Protected or not, perhaps the most durable way to go is with a product called King StarBoard® ST. It is a special, high-density polyethylene sheet that provides a super tough surface for many applications. I like that it comes in colors and that color goes all the way through, no chipping ever!
I also love Dekton by Cosentino, a highly durable scientifically complicated package of counter top loveliness. Just have a look at these new colors!
Back to my client, here's what I envision for this space (at top). The stone wall lends a wine cellar feel while being totally suitable for this outside application. Here I'm showing the stone also on the adjoining wall but it would work equally well only over the bar. Last but not least, favorite art makes it your own with a personal touch. Just make sure your work is framed professionally so moisture doesn't enter into the picture, so to speak. If you'd like to explore creating your own little slice of heaven outside I'd love to help you. You know where to find me ;) Cheers and happy summer!
GRILLING & CHILLING
If you’re a hard core Floridian like me you know that we are enjoying the best weather of the year right now! Balmy evenings before the decent of the heat, humidity and bugs of summer beckon us to inquire “what’s cooking outside”? Well today the answer to that is A LOT! Outdoor cooking back in the day consisted of a basic charcoal grill and it was a project to coax those coals to just the right temperature. Outdoor kitchens have evolved from that primitive beginning and are quickly becoming a regular part of the outdoor living scene in our temperate climate. Here are some products to consider if you want to cook and entertain outside in your own little piece of paradise.
Until next time you can find me in the backyard!