Complete home remodel, including a bright new kitchen, two bathrooms, fantastic reclaimed doors, and new flooring and finishes throughout the home. Photos by Patrick Brickman.

Old Lyme, CT. Prime property for good reason, beach homes beckon you outside by appealing to the senses. The lulling sounds of rolling waves, the beauty of a seemingly eternal body of water, the salty smell of evening breezes, and the tickle of changing terrain underfoot all make waterside setups particularly peaceful. So with sand and sea bumping up to their backyard, these Connecticut homeowners were ready to max out their space for maximum outdoor living. To take on the transformation, they hired designer Michael Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry. Multiple terraces of stone and granite patios feature a breakfast nook, seating under a sail-inspired cloth shade, fire pit, and hot tub installed in stone. The outdoor kitchen’s design is especially distinct for two reasons: One, this section is built out and fully finished with stone and granite, and two, the space is sunken into the landscape to block the wind and protect from the elements. Outfitted with all the appliances needed for gourmet grilling in the great outdoors, additional amenities such as the gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance as well as a granite surround for seating complete this Connecticut cookery for optimum outdoor living. For more Outdoor kitchen ideas go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES.. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com Are you satisfied with your outdoor beach side space? If not reconsider your design. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your home. It begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. CALL 1-855- GET OUTDOORS to get started today Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley. Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.

Outdoor living fabulously designer and master outdoor kitchen builder offers much more than just grilling.Outdoor living fabulously for the stars..... That's the stars in your family. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your own home outdoors.Outdoor Kitchen Designed and built by Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties team designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Cool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES.Old Lyme, CT. Prime property for good reason, beach homes beckon you outside by appealing to the senses. The lulling sounds of rolling waves, the beauty of a seemingly eternal body of water, the salty smell of evening breezes, and the tickle of changing terrain underfoot all make waterside setups particularly peaceful. So with sand and sea bumping up to their backyard, these Connecticut homeowners were ready to max out their space for maximum outdoor living. To take on the transformation, they hired designer Michael Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry. Multiple terraces of stone and granite patios feature a breakfast nook, seating under a sail-inspired cloth shade, fire pit, and hot tub installed in stone. The outdoor kitchen’s design is especially distinct for two reasons: One, this section is built out and fully finished with stone and granite, and two, the space is sunken into the landscape to block the wind and protect from the elements. Outfitted with all the appliances needed for gourmet grilling in the great outdoors, additional amenities such as the gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance as well as a granite surround for seating complete this Connecticut cookery for optimum outdoor living. For more Outdoor kitchen ideas go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES.. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com Are you satisfied with your outdoor beach side space? If not reconsider your design. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your home. It begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. CALL 1-855- GET OUTDOORS to get started today

Outdoor Living should look, feel and entertain fabulously. Are you not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your design. Call us 1-855-GET OUTDOORS. THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com Michael Gotowala

Outdoor Kitchen Designed and built by Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties team designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Cool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

Old Lyme, CT. Prime property for good reason, beach homes beckon you outside by appealing to the senses. The lulling sounds of rolling waves, the beauty of a seemingly eternal body of water, the salty smell of evening breezes, and the tickle of changing terrain underfoot all make waterside setups particularly peaceful. So with sand and sea bumping up to their backyard, these Connecticut homeowners were ready to max out their space for maximum outdoor living. To take on the transformation, they hired designer Michael Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry. Multiple terraces of stone and granite patios feature a breakfast nook, seating under a sail-inspired cloth shade, fire pit, and hot tub installed in stone. The outdoor kitchen’s design is especially distinct for two reasons: One, this section is built out and fully finished with stone and granite, and two, the space is sunken into the landscape to block the wind and protect from the elements. Outfitted with all the appliances needed for gourmet grilling in the great outdoors, additional amenities such as the gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance as well as a granite surround for seating complete this Connecticut cookery for optimum outdoor living. For more Outdoor kitchen ideas go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES.. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com Are you satisfied with your outdoor beach side space? If not reconsider your design. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your home. It begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. CALL 1-855- GET OUTDOORS to get started today

Outdoor living fabulously for the stars..... That's the stars in your family. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your own home outdoors.Outdoor Kitchen Designed and built by Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties team designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Cool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com You too can live fabulously beyond the walls of your own home.

This classic post-and-beam house sits on a ridge in the Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA. With stunning views of Gibraltar Rock, Mission Canyon, and Cielito Overlook, the house’s original designers sited it perfectly and implemented an elegantly simple structural system based on a clear design vision. Unfortunately, several subsequent owners lacked that same clarity and made questionable remodeling choices based on passing style fads, effectively turning the house into something it was not and – most perplexing of all – turning their backs to the majesty of the surrounding mountains and valley. Working with the new owner, who saw through the noise of these misguided remodels, we set out to return the house to its roots and recreate its rhythmic geometry and interior flow. We added new wall-to-wall double sliding doors that open to the expansive northern views, bringing space and light to the living, dining, and kitchen areas and providing easy access to the surrounding natural environment. We also reconsidered the color palette and materials, simplified detailing and trim, and highlighted interior focal points such as the original slump block fireplace and newly remodeled kitchen. The house now entertains easily and provides a comfortable and gracious living space for its owner and guests.

Michael Gotowala founder of THE HOME OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE. Connecticut's Best in OUTDOOR KITCHENS.Outdoor Living Country Fabulous The difference between outdoor living and living outdoors fabulously begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. This multi level outdoor Living country fabulous outdoor kitchen with lower level outdoor great room does just that. The towering stone outdoor kitchen island is seen protruding above the upper level deck with enough room for sit up surround amongst the large full slabs of granite counter. The L shaped outdoor kitchen is complete with a DCS 36" grill head, ALFRESCO power burner, TRUE BEVERAGE outdoor refrigerator, Trash pull all inline with BROWN JORDAN OUTDOOR CABINETRY. Opposite side on the Upper level is an outdoor bar with ALFRESCO Ice bin and beverage center along side a TRUE Wine Cooler. Connecting the sprawling Outdoor kitchen island to the Outdoor beverage center over looking the Pool is Mahogany Deck posts and Black Fiberglass rails allowing the landscape to appear as you see it in the pictures very surreal. Underneath the mahogany deck is a weather proof and waterproof system allowing the lower level to stand high and dry as a great space to live beyond the walls of your home outdoors. This Great outdoor space adorned with outdoor zero clearance fireplace, curved granite dining booth, Heat, lighting, and TV make this a great outdoor room to spend endless hours outdoors no matter what the weather throws at you, Day or night during any of the four seasons Connecticut deserves. This blending of Stone towers, stone columns and Mahogany accented Deck makes outdoor living look and entertain fabulously. To live beyond the walls of your own home fabulously you must feel fabulous about your space. If not, reconsider your design. Call us today at 1-855-GET OUTDOORS. For more great outdoor kitchen ideas go to www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE

Outdoor Kitchen Designed and built by Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties team designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Cool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

There is a difference between Outdoor Living and Living Outdoors Fabulously and that is by DESIGN. Outdoor Living fabulously designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Michael Gotowala shows us the secret to success for living beyond the walls of your home outdoors. The idea at hand is to understand the intent of the space and transcribe some of the comfort levels of each family members lifestyle indoors and extend upon it outdoors. The result becomes endless hours of time spent outdoors with friends and family. This outdoor living design build project is truly fabulous. A beautiful gunite pool with Hamptons spa spilling over into the pool. Meandering walls and columns to uphold the sloping hillside. An open air pavilion complete with a swim up bar, bronze sink, tv, EVO grill and fireplace to entertain fabulously. This poolside open air pavilion becomes the focal of living space for those wishing to spend hours outdoors beyond the walls of their home. The curved Maui like pool and stone patio lead back towards the house where a separate Outdoor Kitchen area connects the deck of the main house to the back yard pool area. The outdoor covered kitchen area allows for food, conversation, and fun 10 1/2 months out of the year. Another outdoor living fabulous space by Outdoor Kitchen Fabulous designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by Preferred Properties. Connecticut's Best in Outdoor Kitchens. The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store located in Connecticut and Hill Street Southampton by Appt. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your design. Call us at 1-855- GET OUTDOORS THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Connecticut and Southampton. For more Fabulous Outdoor living design ideas and the best in Outdoor Kitchens go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com Michael Gotowala

There is a difference between Outdoor Living and Living Outdoors Fabulously and that is by DESIGN. Outdoor Living fabulously designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Michael Gotowala shows us the secret to success for living beyond the walls of your home outdoors. The idea at hand is to understand the intent of the space and transcribe some of the comfort levels of each family members lifestyle indoors and extend upon it outdoors. The result becomes endless hours of time spent outdoors with friends and family. This outdoor living design build project is truly fabulous. A beautiful gunite pool with Hamptons spa spilling over into the pool. Meandering walls and columns to uphold the sloping hillside. An open air pavilion complete with a swim up bar, bronze sink, tv, EVO grill and fireplace to entertain fabulously. This poolside open air pavilion becomes the focal of living space for those wishing to spend hours outdoors beyond the walls of their home. The curved Maui like pool and stone patio lead back towards the house where a separate Outdoor Kitchen area connects the deck of the main house to the back yard pool area. The outdoor covered kitchen area allows for food, conversation, and fun 10 1/2 months out of the year. Another outdoor living fabulous space by Outdoor Kitchen Fabulous designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by Preferred Properties. Connecticut's Best in Outdoor Kitchens. The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store located in Connecticut and Hill Street Southampton by Appt. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your design. Call us at 1-855- GET OUTDOORS THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Connecticut and Southampton. For more Fabulous Outdoor living design ideas and the best in Outdoor Kitchens go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com Michael Gotowala

Old Lyme, CT. Prime property for good reason, beach homes beckon you outside by appealing to the senses. The lulling sounds of rolling waves, the beauty of a seemingly eternal body of water, the salty smell of evening breezes, and the tickle of changing terrain underfoot all make waterside setups particularly peaceful. So with sand and sea bumping up to their backyard, these Connecticut homeowners were ready to max out their space for maximum outdoor living. To take on the transformation, they hired designer Michael Gotowala, president of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry. Multiple terraces of stone and granite patios feature a breakfast nook, seating under a sail-inspired cloth shade, fire pit, and hot tub installed in stone. The outdoor kitchen’s design is especially distinct for two reasons: One, this section is built out and fully finished with stone and granite, and two, the space is sunken into the landscape to block the wind and protect from the elements. Outfitted with all the appliances needed for gourmet grilling in the great outdoors, additional amenities such as the gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance as well as a granite surround for seating complete this Connecticut cookery for optimum outdoor living. For more Outdoor kitchen ideas go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES.. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com Are you satisfied with your outdoor beach side space? If not reconsider your design. You too can feel fabulous about living beyond the walls of your home. It begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. CALL 1-855- GET OUTDOORS to get started today Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES

Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Outdoor Kitchen Designed and built by Michael Gotowala Outdoor Kitchen Designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES Michael Gotowala and his Preferred Properties team designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Cool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

Outdoor Living Fabulously starts with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. There is a difference between Outdoor Living and Living Outdoors Fabulously and that is by DESIGN. Outdoor Living fabulously designer and founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Michael Gotowala shows us the secret to success for living beyond the walls of your home outdoors. The idea at hand is to understand the intent of the space and transcribe some of the comfort levels of each family members lifestyle indoors and extend upon it outdoors. The result becomes endless hours of time spent outdoors with friends and family. This outdoor living design build project is truly fabulous. A beautiful gunite pool with Hamptons spa spilling over into the pool. Meandering walls and columns to uphold the sloping hillside. An open air pavilion complete with a swim up bar, bronze sink, tv, EVO grill and fireplace to entertain fabulously. This poolside open air pavilion becomes the focal of living space for those wishing to spend hours outdoors beyond the walls of their home. The curved Maui like pool and stone patio lead back towards the house where a separate Outdoor Kitchen area connects the deck of the main house to the back yard pool area. The outdoor covered kitchen area allows for food, conversation, and fun 10 1/2 months out of the year. Another outdoor living fabulous space by Outdoor Kitchen Fabulous designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by Preferred Properties. Connecticut's Best in Outdoor Kitchens. The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store located in Connecticut and Hill Street Southampton by Appt. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your design. Call us at 1-855- GET OUTDOORS THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE Connecticut and Southampton. For more Fabulous Outdoor living design ideas and the best in Outdoor Kitchens go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com Michael Gotowala

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Spacious kitchen with lovely white finished cabinets and a sleek feel.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beaded inset cabinets