Perspective:
It's a Lifestyle!
Close to 20 years have passed since we began writing about the trend we called the Outdoor Room.
August 2017
August 2017 Articles
Perspective:
Take it Outside
By Lisa Readie Mayer
A look at trends impacting the Outdoor Room, and the opportunity awaiting specialty retailers (if they choose to capitalize on it).
2017 Retail Penetration:
Outdoor Room® Products & Services
At the beginning of June, a questionnaire was sent to 2,431 retailers of hearth, patio, and barbecue products. A total of 206 were returned and usable.
Studhorse
By Richard Wright
In this vacation home in the northern Cascades, Tom Kundig has created both a structure and a lifestyle, and an irresistible force to be outside.
Hot Tubs Are Hot Again
By Bil Kennedy
After a listless post-recession recovery, hot tub sales are finally taking off.
Best Barbecue Store?
By Lisa Readie Mayer
A converted carwash becomes the new-and-improved location for the Chicago-area Backyard Barbecue Store.
Chill Zone: Outdoor Entertaining Space
By Julie Dugdale, Photography by Carl Vernlund
One need not be without a cocktail in hand, a game on the TV, and a breathtaking view when lounging at this renovated haven of entertainment.
Special Section:
The Outdoor Room® Design Ideas
By Lisa Readie Mayer
Our annual special section highlighting the work of architects, designers, landscape architects and retailers. A feast for the eyes and mind.
Upgrading Outdoor Spaces
By Erin Carlyle, Houzz
A survey by Houzz sheds light on the costs, location, motivation, rationale and products involved in projects that enhance an outdoor lifestyle.
Elements of the Outdoor Room®
Here’s a variety of necessary products for the well-appointed Outdoor Room.
The Essential Element Campaign
Earth. Air. Water. Fire. These four elements are considered integral to life, but in our industry, fire is without question the most essential of them all.
2017 June Business Climate
In early July, Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,500 Specialty retailers of hearth, barbecue and patio products, asking them to compare June 2017 sales to June 2016. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 192 useable returns.
Parting Shot: Privacy Regained
When a line of three–year–old blue spruce trees began to die off, so did the privacy they afforded this incredible backyard.
eNews
Letter to All Our Readers from Richard Wright
Friday, September 4, 2020
After 40 years and 480 issues, Village West Publishing/Hearth & Home is no longer. The lights have...
Business Outlook Is More Pessimistic
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Every week since the end of April, the Census Bureau has been asking the nation's small businesses about...
