WHERE INDOOR COMFORTS MEET OUTDOOR DELIGHTS: Ed Kellum & Son and Starpower Transform Your Backyard Experience
By Melissa Chaiken | Section Editor
The trend is shifting from traditional living rooms to outdoor entertainment areas. A glance at new constructions, renovations, or various home and garden publications reveals the rising popularity of outdoor spaces. These areas embody the health-conscious and laid-back lifestyle that many aspire to achieve. The backyard has evolved into an extension of the home, serving as a personal retreat or even a destination for a “staycation.” While many outdoor spaces are designed around pools, having a pool is not essential for creating an inviting environment. An outdoor living area can be as straightforward as a connected patio or a standalone porch featuring a slanted roof.
The charm of outdoor living spaces lies in their unpretentious nature. With nature as the backdrop, minimal embellishment is required. Adding a few aesthetically pleasing accessories, particularly those crafted from rustic materials like wood or metal, can enhance the area’s character.
Many outdoor settings are not only visually appealing but also highly practical. Most include at least a built-in grill, and often feature additional amenities like a refrigerator, wine cooler, or other culinary tools. Fireplaces or fire pits are also becoming common elements in outdoor designs. While some view their outdoor lounge as a digital detox zone, it’s increasingly common for people to incorporate entertainment systems into these spaces. David Pidgeon, CEO of Starpower and Ed Kellum & Son, notes, “What was once exclusively indoors is now finding a place outdoors. Television sets and surround sound systems are becoming essential components of outdoor living areas nationwide.”
When it comes to incorporating outdoor cooking equipment and cooling features, the process is relatively seamless. However, Pidgeon cautions that investing in an entertainment system designed specifically for outdoor use is crucial. These specialized systems are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions, impacting audio quality, temperature control, and overall durability.
With the expertise of Starpower and Ed Kellum & Son, you can create an outdoor living space tailored to your lifestyle and budget. Their team of sales professionals, installers, and designers is ready to help you merge the comforts of indoor living with the charm of the great outdoors.
An outdoor sanctuary serves as an excellent venue for bonding with loved ones, right in the comfort of your own backyard.
Discover fresh ideas for outdoor entertaining with Bobbie Ames!


This complete Alfresco beverage center (Model AGBC-30 plus accessories) keeps a cocktail gathering’s worth of drinks and barware close at hand. Food & Entertainment Editor, Bobbie Ames, suggests, “Setting up your bar outdoors allows guests to serve themselves.”

