From Van Life to Dream Outdoor Kitchen: Faris & Lisa’s Journey with Stoll Industries
Faris and Lisa are a dynamic couple known for their adventurous spirit, having traveled to over 40 countries and lived out of a van for a year. After deciding to settle down near family, they set out on a new journey: building their dream home. Part of this dream included creating a stunning outdoor kitchen that would make their patio a central hub for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying life outdoors.
They've been documenting the entire process and sharing it with thousands of loyal fans on their YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Make sure to follow along!
Discovering Stoll for an Outdoor Kitchen Transformation
The inspiration for their outdoor kitchen island came from their long-time friends at True Flame and Fire Gear. Faris explained, "We’ve known the people over at True Flame and Fire Gear for a long time, and we’ve seen their outdoor spaces where they use Stoll. When we came back and saw our large patio with a high ceiling, we thought we could really put something here to enjoy the space.”
They connected with Stoll Industries through True Flame, and it immediately felt like the right fit. “When that connection was made, it was instantly like, wow, our vision from what we thought it could be, like, took it to another level,” Faris recalled.
Designing the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen & Living Space
Faris and Lisa had a clear vision for their outdoor patio, but it was the collaboration with Ivrie, a design expert at Stoll, that brought their ideas to life. Lisa shared, “The design process was really fun to do with Ivrie because she has so much experience, and she already has these ideas that she’s brainstormed and that she brings to the table.”
They worked together to create a design that maximized their space. “We stated the things that were really important for us, like we wanted an area to eat, an area to grill, and maybe a trash can and storage,” Lisa said. Ivory’s expertise helped them customize a cabinet that fits perfectly against their brick wall, and they also designed a countertop that doubles as a railing.
Faris added, “Basically, we just gave her our measurements, and she was able to come up with a few different plans and say, ‘Hey, what about this? What about that?’ And then we were able to choose from there.”
The choice of materials was another highlight of the design process. Faris explained, “Yeah, they’re different because we have the concrete countertop color, and then we have the black, which is graphite, on the cabinets. We just sent over a picture and were like, ‘We like this style,’ and she knew exactly what we were talking about.”
Installation: An Easy, Stress-Free Experience
Once the design was finalized, the installation process was straightforward and efficient, thanks to Stoll’s attention to detail. The components arrived pre-assembled, making the setup quick and hassle-free.
“They sent it fully formed for us because they wanted to make sure it was perfect,” Faris recalled. “You can also get it sent unassembled, but we got it preassembled. For us, it was a seamless project. We put on the leveling feet to adjust for the slight pitch of the patio, and that was it.”
One of the most challenging aspects was fitting the custom countertop/railing into place, but Stoll’s precision made it work. Faris said, “To our surprise, when we got it, it fit perfectly. We had so many different discussions with Stoll on the best cabinet design for our back patio, and we came up with this design where we’ll have this bar stool area that replaces one of the railings. We wanted to do that because it’s multifunctional.”
Enjoying the Ultimate Weatherproof Outdoor Kitchen
Since completing the outdoor kitchen transformation, Faris and Lisa have made it the heart of their home. Whether they’re cooking, grilling, or just relaxing, the space has become an integral part of their daily lives.
Lisa shared, “Our second morning in our house, I go outside, and Faris is making banana pancakes right on the stovetop, and it’s perfect.” The patio quickly became their go-to spot. “Every meal so far has been centered around grilling,” Faris added. “It’s more of an experience, and it’s fun to be able to have that. I think it’s a center point.”
Their friends have been equally impressed. Lisa said, “When people come over, they’re so excited for us, you know, with a new house, but the reaction of when people come to that outdoor space when they open up our back patio, was like, ‘Oh my gosh, wow.’ And they don’t even want to see the rest of the house—they’re just like plopped down in that area and ready to hang out.”
Advice for Homeowners: Trust the Process & Customize
Reflecting on their experience, Faris and Lisa have valuable advice for anyone considering a custom outdoor living space. According to Faris, “Anything is a possibility to at least talk about and see. Don’t write anything off until you’ve talked with the team because the Stoll team will try to figure it out.”
Lisa added, “Be open-minded and trust the people at Stoll to help you bring your vision to life and allow them to bring creative ideas to the table. They have so much experience building these outdoor kitchens that they might have an idea that you haven’t even thought of that can really elevate your outdoor kitchen.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Faris & Lisa
With their outdoor kitchen complete, Faris and Lisa look forward to making the most of it every season. Faris said, “Once the fall comes around, we're going to be out there enjoying it.”
Their journey with Stoll has been such a positive experience that they’re already thinking about future projects together.
Interested in another Stoll success story? Read our other interview, "Erika From Peony + Honey Talks About Her Fireplace Makeover
Want an Outdoor Kitchen Transformation For Your Outdoor Space Like Faris & Lisa?
Stoll Industries can help you reinvent your outdoor space into something truly special. Whether you’re dreaming about a cozy corner for family dinners or a full-scale entertaining hub, Stoll has the perfect solutions to bring your ideas to life.
Custom Kitchen Islands: Stoll’s outdoor kitchen islands are designed to fit seamlessly into any space. Whether you have a large patio or a smaller area to work with, our modular outdoor kitchens can be customized to meet your needs. The 62" outdoor kitchen island is a popular choice, offering a versatile setup for any space. Built with weather-resistant aluminum frameworks and finished with a durable outdoor-rated powder coat, these islands are made to last.
Personalize Every Detail: You can easily customize your kitchen with optional Stoll drawers for added storage and outdoor refrigeration to keep your drinks cool. Whether you want extra counter space or specialized features, Stoll’s flexible design options allow endless creativity.
Quality Craftsmanship: Known for our top-quality craftsmanship, our stunning outdoor kitchens come in an array of finishes, so you can choose the look that best complements your home. With custom countertop options and premium Stoll doors, your outdoor kitchen will function well while looking incredible.
Easy to Install, Built to Last: Setting up your Stoll outdoor kitchen is straightforward, thanks to our pre-assembled units and prefab outdoor kitchens. Plus, Stoll’s ultimate weatherproof outdoor kitchens are designed to handle all kinds of weather, so your investment stands the test of time.
Luxury without the High Price Tag: Stoll offers a range of products that combine luxury with affordability. You can create your dream outdoor kitchen without breaking the bank, making it easy to revamp your backyard at a sweet price point.
Why wait to create your dream outdoor kitchen?
With our custom solutions, we can help you create an outdoor kitchen transformation that breathes new life into your backyard. From durable materials to beautiful design options, we’re here to make your outdoor living dreams come true. Discover our outdoor living products and find your nearest Stoll dealer to start your project today.