According to a recent research report by the International Furnishings and Design Association, "the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments will blend into one big comfortable space." Creating a truly furnished room outdoors is a way to extend actual livable space, and a backyard oasis seems to be just the antidote for a nation of overworked people.

The growing trend in outdoor living, cooking and entertaining is overwhelmingly evident. Outdoor furniture sales are exploding; the outdoor fabric business is booming; hot tub installations are up; and outdoor kitchen appliances are getting more plentiful. "People are upgrading to better barbecue grills, that's for sure," says Andy Savant, senior product manager, Thermador. "They're buying larger models with more features to facilitate better results."

The barbeque grill has long been the focal point of backyard living. Now, this icon of the American lifestyle is getting plush surroundings, to the extent that outdoor kitchens are being created coast-to-coast. The selection of grills is getting better, too, evolving from a simple charcoal grill to gleaming gas stainless steel beauties, worthy of any designer kitchen. Thermador, at the luxury end of the grill spectrum, even offers fully assembled grills ready the moment you bring one home.

As for style, many backyard gourmets opt for the freestanding version with storage underneath and optional pop-up side shelves for instant workspace. At the high-end level, some homeowners build all-weather counter tops to stage a drop-in or slide-in unit. Thermador is one of several manufacturers that offer a variety of grill options. Its Char-Glo barbecue series offers a smoker tray to add hickory or mesquite flavors, a rotisserie capable of roasting a 25-pound turkey, and grilling space large enough to feed burgers to an entire Scout troop. Accompanying side burners, whether integrated into the grill or separate units, keep marinades warm or can be used to whip up dishes from scratch. It's a barbecue for the whole family and the group gourmets.

More information about the Thermador Char-Glo series can be found at www.thermador.com or by calling (800) 656-9266