The Talented Designers Share Their Personal Sanctuaries while Grilling with Us

With so many of us pressing pause on any vacation plans that involve air travel this summer, the whole concept of a “staycation” has taken on new meaning—with our own backyards suddenly looking like the best bet for a safe retreat. Of course, being stuck at home isn’t so bad when your space actually looks and feels like a getaway. So when we had the opportunity to check out the lush oasis of Kathryn M. Ireland we jumped at the chance. 

The occasion was a socially-distant summer kickoff IG Live BBQ with Kathryn Ireland, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Russ Diamond. Kathryn manned the grill with a little help from “knob turner” Russ Diamond while Martyn Lawrence Bullard joined virtually from his home bar.  

Martyn & Kathryn have been friends of Russ’ (& Snyder Diamond) almost as long as they have been with each other, and between sips of blood orange margaritas the conversation kept pace with the cooking and was quite revealing (Psst, Martyn & Kathryn also hinted about their current collaboration on a yet-to-be-revealed project, and we can’t wait to learn more!) Read on for a few key highlights or watch the full video of their toast to summer below.

Kathryn M. Ireland’s Backyard Setup

Ireland fell for Caliber’s 360-degree walk-around Social Grill™, a grill designed exclusively as an installation for David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, notable for its fully retractable ‘disappearing’ lid—a feature that Ireland loves, though its bright red color is what grabbed her attention first (it also comes in several other hues). “The one thing I kept of my house was its red garage door, so I saw this and thought, ‘Oh, it’s crying out to be in my backyard,’” the designer says. Or as Russ Diamond puts it, “it’s her Alfa Romeo.” Another sweet detail: Ireland uses a table hand-built by her son as both a prep area and serving space, positioned right in front of her grill. 

Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Backyard Setup

Bullard’s recent addition to his L.A. home is a complete outdoor custom kitchenware set-up from Lynx, including an All-Trident Grill with a rotisserie and a Napoli outdoor pizza oven. “I haven’t used my outdoor kitchen as much until these last few weeks, and now it's been an amazing adventure and I’ve had a great time doing it,” said Bullard. “The grill is the heavenly part, as it makes everything taste delicious and it's just so easy. And I’ve used the incredible pizza oven the most. You don’t just cook pizza in it; I’ve put casseroles in it among other things.” Bullard also admits to using his outdoor kitchen’s warming drawer to keep his pool towels toasty during late-night swims—a truly clever extension of his set.

The Food & Drinks

Malibu-based Jennifer Naylor Catering provided the meal that Ireland prepared, and it was full of backyard BBQ classics: Tri-tip cut sirloin and bratwursts, iceberg wedge salad, homemade coleslaw, corn on the cob and watermelon slices, plus blondie brownies with homemade ice cream. “What I love the most about receiving meals from her is having everything prepared for you, so you only have to organize it and cook it,” says Ireland. “Her cooking is so simple and good, there’s nothing overly fancy.” Bullard concurs, adding, “Wedge salad always reminds me of summer, as it's just so easy to make, which for me is the dream. I love making a table, but I’m not great at cooking anything.”   To toast to Summer, Martyn, Kathryn and Russ all enjoyed the artisanal blood orange margarita mixer that Jennifer Naylor sent along with the food. 

If you watch the IGTV video below, don’t miss taking a peek at Bullard’s enviable home bar, which rivals that of a licensed establishment in its selection. It includes Royal Fernery wallpaper from his own line Cole & Sons line, a green lacquer ceiling and a series of framed photographs of luminaries like Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and more, all candidly captured with drinks in their hands. Cheers!