Left: Partially obscured by the planter, the outdoor kitchen is tailored to fit snugly into its own nook, complete with cooktop, sink and under-counter refrigerator.

Right: Although set away from both pool and dining area, the kitchen remains convenient to both.

Real working kitchens, adjacent to outdoor entertainment areas, make this property something special. Although unique stylistically, it has been designed to complement the way each family entertains.

Inspired by the bright white hill towns of the Spanish Andalusia, and by the resorts closer to home along the Mexican Riviera, a contemporary home in Bel Air, California, was sculpted of stucco over structural steel.

Positioned on an angle to the house, its patio, pierced with a brilliant blue rectangular pool, leads to an equally dramatic outdoor dining terrace that is elevated three steps and then three more. The upper portion of the terrace is defined by a half wall with wrought-iron inserts and structural planters. On the lower-level, an efficient kitchen offers room for both food preparation and storage.