Al Fresco, All Day

For designer Candace Nordquist, creating outdoor recreational spaces was always part of the plan for her home, located on a quiet inlet on Puget Sound. “The water is very usable with ideal southwest-facing exposure,” she says. “My husband likes to be outside almost year-round and we love having people over.”

A roofed structure with a scored concrete floor overlooks the water. Integrated concrete planters separate it from the lawn, where guests play bocce ball and cornhole.

A gas fireplace with a textural tile surround anchors a seating area with plenty of well-cushioned spots to settle in. Pull-down shades on the pavilion’s two open sides offer respite from rain or sun. A ceiling fan keeps the breeze moving, while in-ceiling heaters ensure warmth regardless of weather.

A 36-inch Outdoor Wolf Grill is nestled next to the chimney. Nordquist, who appreciates the brand’s quality and that products are American made, chose this gas model after recommending it to satisfied clients who gave great feedback on it. Her husband, who she says is the “grill man,” signed off on it too. “I wanted to carry the same contemporary style throughout,” she says, noting that she installed Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances in her indoor kitchen too.

The 13-inch Wolf Side Burner is the designer’s domain. “In the summer we do a lot of clambakes; a side burner was crucial so we don’t have to cook that inside,” she says. “There are clam beds in the bay right off our ramp, and we catch crabs nearby too.”