“Barefoot Contessa” highlights outdoor entertaining

Each year, House Beautiful magazine brings home entertaining to life with its “Kitchen of the Year” at Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y. The magazine’s monthly columnist, Ina Garten (known as the Barefoot Contessa), inspired the 2009 Kitchen of the Year, with both 1,000 square feet of culinary space and another 1,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment space. The Parisian café ambiance in the relaxing outdoor space is created with Sunbrella® awning and furniture fabrics from Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, Glen Raven, N.C., and custom retractable awning systems from Tri Vantage.

Three awnings covering 40 feet gave the outdoor space the right mix of sun and shade. Awning design, construction and installation were donated by Hudson Awning & Sign Company, Bayonne, N.J., and Somfy Systems Inc., Dayton, N.J., provided the awning controls and motors. The kitchen reflects the trend toward home entertaining in outdoor rooms, and during its July appearance at Rockefeller Center, hosted cooking demonstrations and home design ideas. The kitchen is featured in the October issue of House Beautiful and online at www.housebeautiful.com.