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Terence Loose

It’s hard to imagine Donald Bonasia, who has to be Patioworld’s most enthusiastic manager ever, in his former life – as an award-winning designer of housewares who rarely saw the sun, much less a patio.

“Most days were spent doing injection molding in factories and shrink-wrapping in warehouses. I needed to get outdoors!” he says.

So, he retired, got bored and joined Patioworld in 2006. Since then, he’s been top sales producer every year. And speaking to Bonasia for about three minutes tells you why – he lives for patio design. Loves it. Oozes it. And mostly, he has fun with it. And the reason is clear: He gets to help design some pretty amazing outdoor spaces.

“Coastal Orange County residents follow the adage ‘Indoor Lifestyle has Moved Outdoors.’ Their decks, loggias and verandas have become important family gathering spots, and they incorporate the newest ideas and the most up-to-date features,” he says.

Try underwater sound systems, hidden caves under waterfalls, and outdoor movie theaters. “One client had a wine cellar under the pool with a viewing window to watch swimmers from below,” says Bonasia.

Another client, who was under house arrest, made him pass a security check, sign a confidentiality agreement, then had an elaborate luncheon prepared for Bonasia’s entire crew as they created the ultimate outdoor patio space on which the client could “do his time.”

After hearing all that, we had to drop in on Bonasia to see what his own home and patio was like.

What is the aesthetic sensibility of your home? My home is entertainment-friendly, very cozy, and of course, pet-friendly for my two small dogs.

What is your favorite room of your house? The back deck loggia with Sunbrella fabric window treatments. When the wind blows at night and the fabric blows in the lighting, it’s like a movie.
 
Favorite thing about your home? Its mountain views and peek-a-boo Catalina Island views, along with the outdoor feel and seclusion.
 
The best place to think/imagine in your home? Reclining on a chaise lounge in the back loggia enjoying the mountain view and ocean breezes.

What’s your perfect day at home? Watching my two small dogs, Coco and Gigi, sunbathing on the deck while I enjoy a nice Jacuzzi.

Your home is never without… Chilled Champagne in case of a spontaneous celebration.

If your house had a signature soundtrack, the song you would most play is… Getz/Gilberto, “Girl From Ipanema.”