Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/37509
live at home The Great Outdoors After a Midwest winter, the arrival of warm weather is something to take full advantage of. That was precisely the goal Cindy and Barry Alvarez had when they built an outdoor getaway right in their Fitchburg backyard. Built before outdoor spaces became the hot home trend, the couple worked closely with Hart DeNoble Builders to fi nd products and fi nishes that could withstand the weather. The result is a stylish and functional space complete with a grilling station, seating area and attached bath- room. Designed to complement their lush landscape, it’s a part of their home they couldn’t live without. “We live out here all summer,” Cindy says. “We really, truly use it.” For Functionality: A quaint bathroom offers extra storage for poolside necessities, and offers guests and swimmers a place to freshen up without having to trek through the house. For Eating: A built-in grill is housed in stylish cabinetry, giving the outdoor space an interior feel while allowing storage for all the cooking utensils the family needs. For Relaxing: Comfortable outdoor furniture creates a conversation space near the fi replace and TV, where the family and guests take in sporting events or judge the couple’s grandkids in diving contests into the adjacent pool. For Summer Living: “We have such a short window of time to get out- side,” Cindy says of the reasoning behind creating their outdoor space. “Let’s make the best of it.” 20 BRAVA Magazine July 2011 Photos by David King (top left) and Brittney Scharine (right) Photos by Amber Arnold