There is something about the heat of the summer that recalls the magic of a childhood spent outdoors. For many, summer days meant freedom, fun, and endless possibilities. As long as you were home before dark, there was no limit to the trees you could climb, the creeks you could swim, or the fields where you could play.In this issue, we celebrate the great outdoors and explore how to bring it home. From the ocean to the lake to the woods, our featured designs are woven into the natural fabric of their sites. When you live on a country property, you’re likely to encounter wildlife. Turn to our garden department for some tips on encouraging helpful critters while deterring destructive ones. Hiking trails oer opportunities for wildlife viewing, too. In our lifestyle department, we share the benefits of hiking, along with bucket-list trips and gear to support your adventures. There are plenty of hiking trails leading to breathtaking views along the west coast. Buckle up for an epic road trip along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway/Pacific Coast Highway, which spans the coastlines of Washington, Oregon, and California. Stop along the way for super-fresh seafood, or indulge from the comfort of your home with this issue’s recipes. Featuring salmon, clams, and crab, our seafood menu is truly a catch.As always, thank you for your business, support, and friendship. If you are ever in need of professionalassistance and advice, please do not hesitate to call. You can be assured that your needs will be met with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

                                                                 Going Green
​Want to infuse your interiors with hints ofthe great outdoors? Go green. Introducing shades of greenthroughout your home via paint, fabric, artwork, or even dishware, is a subtle nod to nature. Note the shades that occur organically in your favorite locales (ocean, forest, meadow, etc.) so your home can echo those places to

If you love squeezing every last drop out of summer, spending time outdoors is a must. Enjoy your everyday activities on the patio with an outdoor kitchen. Here, we share some considerations to keep you cooking all season long.Budget, as always, will help dictate your process and selections. Be mindful of investment and resale value if applicable to your situation. Thankfully, an outdoor kitchen is attractive to buyers and can oer great return on investment (especially post pandemic shutdowns). Once your budget is set, consider function. What is doable in your space? Where are your hookups? If you need help with a design, look for a local expert or use online resources such as Yardzen or Tilly. When making a plan, address plumbing, electricity, venting, and durability. Safety is paramount, even in a casual space. Never place a grill in an enclosed area or within ten feet of your home (per Weber grills and a host of safety organizations). You can easily spend tens of thousands of dollars having an outdoor kitchen professionally built. If that’s beyond your budget, consider some DIY solutions. Check out salvage shops for cabinets, tile, and more. Find durability and aesthetics with stainless-steel, natural stone, concrete, and tile. Thoughtful material choices will help create a space you’ll enjoy that can stand up to the elements too.If you live in a region with dramatic winter weather, weatherproof your kitchen just as you would any other exposed space. Cover a grill, empty a refrigerator, and drain any water lines before freezing temps hit.Find a happy medium between custom and DIY with buildable outdoor kitchen sets. (We love the look of the Esola outdoor kitchen set in weathered teak from Frontgate.) Online sources help you select stand-alone pieces. Finally, do a little dreaming with bonus features such as a pergola, overhead fan, outdoor TV, and Bluetooth music system​