June 2012 Editor’s Letter

Outdoor living is top priority at home right now. Perhaps you built that deck you always wanted or got new patio furniture recently. If soaking up as much sun as possible is on your to-do list, adding an outdoor kitchen to your setup is the ticket to eternal summer. For one, it’s great for entertaining. People naturally gravitate toward the kitchen at parties, and having the cooking area outside creates a casual atmosphere that’s perfect for getting everyone involved with meal preparation. The key to promoting social interaction, as you’ll see in our outdoor kitchens feature, is positioning seating areas around workspaces.

Even if you can’t always be outside, you can at least make sure you have a good view. Today’s windows and doors are designed to maximize views and natural light as well as complement the style of your home and increase energy efficiency. Manufacturers can now create large panels of glass for walls of windows that also prevent air leaks, block UV rays and more. Find out what other trends we’re seeing in windows and doors in this issue.

Finally, I hope you’ll join us in thinking outside the box a bit with an exploration of Atlanta’s modern design movement. Modern? In Atlanta? Yes. Amidst the city’s traditional landscape are a growing number of modern-style homes that feature sleek lines, simple spaces and, many times, sustainable features. Helping to raise awareness about these bold and innovative creations is Modern Atlanta, which hosts an event each June that is turning Atlanta into an international design destination—“Design Is Human” Week. While a range of modern lifestyle topics is covered, one of the highlights is the Modern Atlanta Home Tour, which shows how practical and appealing cutting-edge design can be. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

3 Things You’ll Learn This Month

Fun features to include in your outdoor kitchen

Which window and door materials are most durable

How to add modern flair to your living space

Coming in July

Best Before-and-After Issue featuring the winners of our best before-and-after contest and inspiration for your next remodeling project. See all entries on our website, and tell us which ones are your favorite!