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When Jamie and Nicole Broussard set out to build their home, they had a specific vision for their backyard — constructing the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertainment area. The end result is a poolside paradise equipped with top outdoor appliances and a touch of rustic charm, all tucked under graceful archways. “It’s used mostly for family gatherings,” says Jamie, whose three sons were all in or near their teenaged years when the home was built. “I really wanted an area big enough for the family to hang out and cook by the pool.”
The Broussards got that and more. Because their outdoor kitchen is enclosed on three sides and attached to the house, it has the all comforts of an indoor room combined with the fresh air and sunlight of a traditional patio. This space’s design also means the Broussards don’t have to worry about pop-up showers that would normally send other homeowners scrambling for their back door. “When it rains, it doesn’t really affect us,” Jamie says. “We can just go right into the covered area or back inside. It’s covered and convenient.”
The Backyard Brief:
-
Year Built:
Completed in 2019 -
Location:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -
Island Layout:
Linear -
Frame Materials:
Brick -
Countertops:
Leathered Granite -
Primary Fuel:
Natural Gas -
Placement:
Attached -
Shelter:
Covered -
Water:
Yes
Gameday Goals
If football season is in full swing, you can probably find the Broussards enjoying their outdoor area. Jamie says they host friends and neighbors about every other weekend during the fall, which is why this space has not one but two outdoor TVs. The first faces the bar so hungry guests gathering in the outdoor kitchen can keep an eye on the big game. The other TV is mounted above the outdoor fireplace, but the real reason for its placement is that it makes the above-ground hot tub the best seat in the house! When Jamie and Nicole aren’t wowing guests with their homegating skills, sons Brant, Brock, and Brady are usually swimming with friends as their favorite music or movies play on the outdoor TVs.
Year-round Relaxation
Though the Broussards love hosting during football season, they didn’t build their outdoor kitchen to use it only half the year. The fireplace allows them to continue relishing the coziness of their outdoor space throughout colder months when jumping in the pool just isn’t an option. Surrounding the fireplace is a deep seating set, which is a great place for guests to gather in front of one outdoor TV. The seating arrangement and barstools combined can comfortably seat 10 people, making this outdoor kitchen the perfect place for both a summer cookout and a cozy fireplace session.
A Grillmaster’s Dream
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a grill, so Jamie got two and a little extra. The built-in Blaze 40-inch gas grill has five burners to handle heavy-duty gameday cooks or simply grill up a few burgers while the family takes an afternoon swim. Jamie normally uses the nearby double side burner for veggies, though there are some mornings where he gets the urge to make breakfast on it. But the most versatile piece of his culinary arsenal is the kamado-style cooker, which sits in a recessed portion of the counter and has the power to grill, smoke, and bake. Watching Jamie grill can be just as entertaining as anything he puts on the outdoor TVs!
Even the Pool Stuff
Despite building their outdoor kitchen attached to the house, the Broussards still prioritize having everything they need outdoors and right at their fingertips. Stainless steel storage doors and drawers hold all the necessary grilling accessories like tools and seasonings, but they’re also home to some uncommon items. “I even put pool stuff in there,” Jamie says with a chuckle.
Drink Up
All that relaxation and fun can be thirsty work, so the Broussards included a built-in Blaze outdoor refrigerator for conveniently located refreshments. With ample room for drinks, this spacious storage spot prevents friends and family in wet swimsuits from needing to head inside to grab a beer or water and gives them more time to enjoy the Broussards’ backyard. Outdoor refrigerators can also be a griller’s best friend by holding condiments or prepped food waiting to go on the pit. This one is positioned between the grills and seating area, offering easy access to beverages and BBQ sauces alike. Throw in an ice maker and pull-out garbage can across from the grill, and the outdoor kitchen feels like a vacation home away from home.
A Clean Routine
The Broussards’ outdoor kitchen features plenty of counter space, but the outdoor sink does most of the heavy lifting before and after food starts cooking. Jamie likes to season his meat on a rack over the sink for fast cleanup, and it’s also deep and wide enough to fit any tool or accessory that needs scrubbing after a long day over the pit. When it comes to minor cleanup, the Broussards have a simple but secret weapon — paper towels in a stainless steel paper towel bin. “It’s really convenient because I can keep the paper towels dry even though we’re right by the pool,” Jamie says.
Rustic Retreat
Contrasting the stainless steel grill and appliances that make this outdoor kitchen a cooking powerhouse are layers of natural textures, which give the space its sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. White-painted bricks lining the walls and archways serve as a backdrop for the rough-hewn cypress beams in the ceiling and vent hood above the two grills. To supplement their style and provide much-needed water resistance, the Broussards chose leathered granite for their poolside countertops. One of our favorite parts of this outdoor kitchen is the small passageway next to the grill that lets in light and helps the space feel more open. It all comes together to form an outdoor area that’s as beautiful and durable as it is entertaining.
Something for Everyone
Jamie and Nicole made sure to fill their outdoor space with awesome features that maximize their guests’ backyard experience. They installed outdoor fans to add extra cooling on those sweltering summer days, and the sparkling fire bowls around the pool enhance the outdoor area’s ambiance. Speaking of the pool, the Broussard boys can go wild on the built-in basketball goal while mom and dad watch with a drink from their lounge chairs. The outdoor shower connected to the side of the home gets regular use, too, as does every part of the Broussards’ multi-use entertainment space.