Backyard Bling

Maybe you've heard your kids say it, or overheard the word on MTV, but the catchword in today's mainstream society is: bling. Cars have it. Designer jeans have it. Expensive jewelry (the original application of the term) definitely has it. And now even backyards have it. What is bling? Robert Bledsoe, owner of Cripple Creek Rock & Landscaping and the designer of this outdoor oasis in Sibley, Mo., describes bling as "high-end outdoor living areas — done right."

For homeowners Dr. Raj, the medical director for the Hope Cancer Institute in Kansas City, Kan., and Denise Sadasivan, owner of Plaza boutique store Hemline, this sophisticated environment provides a relaxing getaway from busy schedules. It is a showpiece but also a playground.

From the back of their spacious home, 5,000 square feet of flagstone flares out to encompass many different areas. "It's bigger than most commercial jobs, size wise," Bledsoe says.

There's the fountain and pergola nearest to the house, added to tie into the new design, and the existing octagonal screened dining pavilion and decking, that steps up to the main surface area. In front of that are the fire pit with raised, eye-shaped flower beds and the lagoon-like pool with grotto, slide and flame columns. And, finally, there is the outdoor kitchen and lounge area that, with one extra wall, would be its own little cottage. But even without that wall, it is home to the Sadasivans and their family and friends on many occasions. Denise celebrated her 50th birthday here in style, with a pig roast and Polynesian dancers. This football season, Dr. Raj surely will kick back in low-key style with barbecue and beer while watching a game on two 50-inch plasma screens.

Walls built of solid rock and a tongue-and-groove ceiling integrate into the treed landscape. A back deck with organic custom metal railing offers a scenic overview. Inside, natural materials and luxury appliances work together.

Food and drinks are kept nearby in a French door refrigerator. A massive Viking smoker oven and accompanying charcoal grill cook the food, and an ice maker helps cool the drinks. A warming drawer saves food for latecomers. Double Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers clean the plates. It truly is one seamless, working kitchen, inside or out.

And it's easy on the eyes — and ears — too. A black granite curved bar top seats up to six people. Beaded glass in the knotty pine cabinet fronts obscures a mish-mash of outdoor plates and glasses while maintaining a feeling of openness. Select Indian Sunset chopstone in varying sizes features a warm palette of rust, gold and brown. Rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware softens the look of so much stone.

The technology incorporated is top-notch as well. Lights dim, a gas fireplace ignites remotely, and built-in speakers keep the party going. A VIA! touchscreen pad ties into an ELAN home system, which handles all audio/video controls. "It's the best you can get outside," says Bledsoe's partner Mike Strope.

Because the kitchen cabinets are more exposed to the elements than if they were inside a house, Bledsoe used a two-step sealer process to prevent moisture and humidity from affecting them. Granite would not normally be recommended for outdoor usage either, but the roof stops direct light and rain from ruining them.

The Sadasivans waited one year and three months for their backyard bling to be complete. Now with nothing left to want, they can focus on their goals and enjoy their time off.