Steal This Look: An Outdoor Kitchen Hidden from the Tourists on Lombard Street - Gardenista
Landscape architect Brennan Cox’s client is used to crowds.
“Her mother bought the house probably in the Fifties and lived there for a number of years, there’s a strong attachment to the house,” says Cox, co-founder of Berkeley-based Groundworks.
The fence, backsplash, under-counter cabinets, and storage closet (which houses irrigation meters, lighting controls, and trash bins) all are yellow cedar for a unified look.
Kitchen Components
Photograph courtesy of Brennan Cox.
“The grill is a Weber that we modified to fit into the space,” says Cox.
Grill
Cabinetry and Fencing
For a similarly warm look, Clear Grade Alaskan Yellow Cedar paneling boards are machined to fit together tightly.
Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, simple Orrnäs Handles measure 6 11/16 inches long and are $9.99 for a two-pack at Ikea.
Drawer Pulls
“We couldn’t get away from showing hinges” because of the budget, says Cox, who chose a simple, sturdy profile.
Lighting
LED wall lights cast a low, warm glow on the cedar fence.
Photograph courtesy of Brennan Cox.
Hardscaping
Granite pavers match the color of the outdoor kitchen’s granite countertop.
Black Beach Pebbles sold by the cubic yard and in bags are available in three sizes (including Small Black Mexican Beach Rocks as shown).
Photograph courtesy of Brennan Cox.
Both the granite and wood elements have chamfered edges.
Photograph courtesy of Brennan Cox.
A slim slot fountain surrounded by western black granite is built into the wall that backs up to the street.
“That whole wall is only about 12 to 14 inches wide and behind the wood is an existing concrete wall that was really ugly,” says Cox.
Available in standard lengths up to 36 inches, a Slot Scupper comes in five finishes including stainless steel as shown or copper finish; for information and prices, see Bobé.
The gravel size changes near the fountain.
Smooth, round La Paz Beach Pebbles with a 3/8-inch diameter are sold by the cubic yard and in bags. For more of our favorite gardens with San Francisco views, see A City Garden with a Spectacular View and A Chef’s Secret Roof Garden at the Fairmont Hotel.