o u t d o o r s
livin g
K
yme Chiapuzio loves to
entertain. Although her
Mission-style bungalow in
Corona del Mar, California,
offers plenty of living space for
Kyme, husband Tony, and
daughter Chelsea, large indoor
gatherings can be cramped. W ith their kitchen-
equipped backyard, however, the Chiapuzios can
throw a party by simply sliding open the back doors
and inviting everyone outside.
“Tony loves to grill,” Kyme says. But the original
backyard layout had Tony barbecuing w ith his back
to the party. “W e needed to rethink the design,” she
says. Plus, they wanted a plan that stylistically
synced w ith their house. “A goal o f the new
backyard was to incorporate traditional elements of
M ission style—fire, water, earth, and air,” says Kyme.
Th e ir new, improved backyard features all that and
more: a fire pit, fountain, planting beds, plenty of
entertaining area, and a food prep station.
A n L-shape concrete bar is packed w ith space-
saving, b u ilt-in kitchen appliances so Tony can grill
and still be part of the action. The dining set’s
position next to the bar lets food go straight from
g rill to table. The cushion-clad couch lets guests
relax before and after eating.
The bar and couch are made o f poured-in-place
concrete. But, w ith no plans to move, Kyme wasn’t
reluctant to commit to their permanence. “W e love
the house, and we love the view,” she says. And w ith
space to entertain
16
to
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guests, she can indulge
her love o f entertaining as well.
122 MARCH 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
