Cool California

Bloomington, MN

Completed 2025

JPG2025-NARI_RotY-MINNESOTA-ResExterior200+_GOLD-CLR

“This project is thoughtful and highly functional reimagining of under-deck space, turning it into a versatile outdoor living area. Impressive craftsmanship in custom stone veneer, curved stucco detailing, and concealed drainage systems. The design team successfully combined aesthetics, innovation, and craftsmanship to create a seamless all-season extension of the home that maximizes every inch of space.” – NARI

Cool California transformed the underside of an existing deck into a protected outdoor kitchen and lounge, complete with a louvered pergola, see-through fireplace, patio, and fire pit.

The homeowners wanted an all-season space for cooking, dining, and entertaining, with seamless access from the home. A kitchen with a pass-through window to the basement bar, a wood-burning fireplace, and thoughtfully arranged furniture create functional, flowing zones.

California-Scandinavian materials—white stucco, stained wood, cool stone, and custom stone veneer—blend with clean lines, arches, and curves. Innovative craftsmanship included precise island framing, detailed window trim, concealed drainage, and a shored-up foundation.

Rivard Stone Contractor Competition 2025 1st Place Winner

Befores

Before of Cool California - Moms Design Build

TA-DA!

Behind the Design

Design Notes

Before

The underside of a deck: dead space, damp shade, and a big family that loves to host with nowhere protected to do it.

The Idea

Turn under-deck into outdoor rooms. A kitchen with two L-shaped islands slides beneath the porch — with a pass-through window to the basement bar — while a dried-in ceiling extends to a louvered pergola centered on a see-through wood-burning fireplace you can watch from three rooms at once.

After

White stucco, stained wood, and cool stone read California-Scandinavian; infrared heaters and convertible screen-vinyl windows stretch the season to three-and-a-half; and the fire pit circle out front stays kid-country for s’mores.

The Brief

—An outdoor kitchen protected from the elements — usable most of the year
—Reclaim the dead space under the existing deck
—Distinct zones for dining, lounging, and the kids
—Seamless access from the house

Materials & Craft

White stucco & painted Azek
Custom stone veneer (fireplace, fire pit, kitchen)
Louvered pergola
Infrared heaters & convertible screen-vinyl windows
Stained-wood ceilings

The pass-through

A basement bar window became a slider door and pass-through — drinks and plates move between inside and outside without a staircase involved.

One fireplace, three rooms

The see-through wood-burning fireplace anchors the interior lounge, the outdoor dining, and the pergola lounge simultaneously — every seat gets flame.

Geometry doing the work

Arches, circles, and axes line up: the lounge arch centers on the fireplace, the fire pit circle aligns with the walkway, interior arcs echo into the patio.

Three-and-a-half seasons

Infrared heaters plus convertible screen/vinyl windows and a dried-in ceiling mean a Minnesota outdoor kitchen that laughs at October.

The hard part

Building rooms under a structure that was never meant to hold them — precise island framing, concealed drainage overhead and below, detailed window trim, and a foundation shored up to carry the new life.