Brent Charles, CEO at Lac du Bonnet’s Granite Mountain Stone Design, says his company is receiving more and more requests to install natural stone granite countertops in backyards around Winnipeg, throughout Manitoba and as far away as Vancouver. “Outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular. People want a nice big area with a fireplace. They’re spending more money on their backyards and a little bit less time in the house,” he says. When they are indoors, the strongest trend for kitchens is all white, including cabinetry and quartz countertops. (Don’t use these outside — you might not be able to find them in the winter.) “People are looking for pure white with a little bit of movement, the odd little veining. You can get pure colours in quartz. That’s more difficult to get with natural stone,” Charles says. Cont’d on page 104 Parade of Homes fall 2018 103
Some homeowners are even taking it outside. A growing number of foodies are not only grilling steaks on their barbecues year-round — they’re throwing a pepperoni-and- mushroom pie in the pizza oven in their backyard. Outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular, and they need to be able to stand up to the elements regardless of the season.
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