Q: What was the overall inspiration behind the design of this project?

Mandy: We have a lot of color, patterns, layers, and textures incorporated into the interior of our home, and we wanted the exterior to echo that. It was important for us to select a tile with texture to give the outdoor kitchen more depth and dimension. We even took it a step further by cutting the tiles into different widths and installing them in a staggered pattern to complement the board and batten siding above.

Q: How did your approach to designing a space in your own home differ from working on a client’s home?

Mandy: The initial approach was similar to my process for a client’s home, starting with research into materials, colors, and patterns. But for my home, I leaned toward more daring color combinations—choices that might not be approved by clients. I wanted to push myself beyond what’s trending or ‘safe.’ I’m a big advocate for color, so it felt right to showcase how it can be incorporated in a bold way.

Q: Were there any unique challenges when designing your own space?

Mandy: Any extra challenges were self-imposed, for sure! We wanted to push the design with the tiles, so we cut them into two different widths and came up with a staggered installation pattern. Then, we decided the kitchen opening needed to be arched, which required a huge template to cut the curves perfectly along the bottom of the tiles. And let’s not forget the outdoor dining table! After falling in love with the pink quartz slab, we decided it needed more than just the kitchen countertop—it became the tabletop for a poured-in-place outdoor dining table, complete with a removable lazy susan.

Q: Were there any must-haves for this space?

Mandy: Uniqueness was the biggest must. We really challenged ourselves to avoid installing materials as-is and to select options that might feel too daring for some. We love to use our home as a case study to inspire others who may be on the fence about embracing more color, pattern, and texture.

Q: Can you explain the design and technical choice to feature the Cosmopolitan Quartz Polished slab from Walker Zanger as the outdoor kitchen countertop?

Mandy: Does “it’s perfect” count as an explanation? Prior to landing on the Cosmopolitan Quartz, I had picked out a slab with a flamed finish. The flamed finish slab was enticing because the torching resulted in a rough, beautifully raw texture and an outdoor-rated finish. However, the same day I selected the flamed slab, The Cosmopolitan Quartz was introduced to me and all other decisions fell to the wayside. It was the statement piece I wanted, a perfect color choice against the dark green backdrop, and after confirming that it could withstand being outdoors, I never looked back.

Q: What about the Gubi Taupe Prints tile on the exterior of the house?

Mandy: When we visited the showroom, we kept gravitating towards textured tiles versus those with a smooth surface. We landed on the Gubi Taupe Prints tile because the vertical textured lines gave us the depth we wanted and complemented the board and batten siding we had running above it.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the space?

Mandy: This might sound cheesy, but my favorite part is how much it will be enjoyed now that it’s complete. We love entertaining, and this outdoor kitchen will be the heart of many gatherings with family and friends. It’s a space designed to be used and loved!

Q: How was your experience selecting stone and tile from a Walker Zanger showroom?

Mandy: Visiting the Costa Mesa showroom was an absolute treat. The new layout and lighting made it easy to envision how the products would look in our space. When we moved to the slab yard to select the countertop, it was even more inspiring. There’s something about touching and seeing all the colors and patterns in person that gets the creative juices flowing.