Stephen Kenn's Vision for an Outdoor Kitchen: Blending Nature with Modern Design

Outdoor Living Concept Design

WestEdge Design Fair booth design by Designer, Stephen Kenn

Designing an outdoor kitchen that seamlessly integrates with nature is no easy feat, but Stephen Kenn achieved this beautifully for the West Edge show. Inspired by desert elements, he transformed a booth on the cement lot of the Santa Monica hanger into a space that felt authentic and connected to the environment.

The setup featured premium Twin Eagles Dometic equipment, including the 42” C Series Gas Grill and Teppanyaki Flat Top Grill, placed in Urban Bonfire cabinetry and Dekton by Cosentino countertops. Stephen's customized Dometic MoBar added a personal touch, while his furniture provided comfort and style. An Umbrosa pergola offered shade, and Marly Garden planters infused greenery, perfectly complementing the desert-inspired color palette of greens, tans, and whites.

Stephen Kenn is known for his sophisticated yet approachable design style, blending timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. His love for crafting unique furniture and creating thoughtful spaces is evident in this outdoor living concept.

"After working on the MoBar project with Dometic, I learned they were putting together a booth for the WestEdge Design Fair, which caters to the California design community for both interiors and exteriors. My wife and I recently bought property in Idyllwild, dreaming of building a cabin in the forest and bringing that level of hosting into nature. As our conversations evolved, Dometic suggested, 'Why don't you create our booth?' This became exciting for me as we planned to embody the forest, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree desert feel, featuring our outdoor furniture and Twin Eagles grills."

- Stephen Kenn

Stephen Kenn dives into his design philosophy, drawing inspiration from California's diverse landscapes, from forests to desert terrain. His vision embraces a balance of natural elements, combining warm, earthy tones with sleek, modern functionality. Through careful material selection, he aims to create an inviting outdoor space that reflects a seamless integration of nature and contemporary living. Watch the full video to hear Stephen's thoughts on the creative journey behind this unique setup.