Creating an Outdoor Room

You've had a hard day at the office. Your kids are driving you nuts. Where do you go for comfort?

How about going to your backyard to a space that's comfy, inviting and relaxing? Designing outdoor rooms has become big business for landscapers, interior designers, stores like Home Depot and contractors.

People want to have more living space, and what better place to live than on your patio, deck or backyard grass.

The options are immense now for those wanting to spruce up their spaces outdoors. You can buy everything from bars and matching stools, to complete outdoor kitchens with refrigerators and working sinks to sectional couches. Retailers also are selling waterproof televisions, hot tubs with loads of electronic equipment attached, and extravagant fountains.

All that luxury can cost big bucks. But anyone can fix up their backyard space, whether it's small or large, to become their favorite room. It takes some color, imagination and a little work.

If you don't already have a deck, porch or patio, build one, or get some friends to help. You can also contract someone to do it for you, but there are so many people at big box stores that can help you every step of the way. In fact, these stores hold classes on such subjects as deck building. Call your local store and find out what's on their agenda.

If you have a great piece of land, then buy one of those large canopied umbrellas for shade. There are also large, offset umbrellas that actually can withstand strong winds. They set inside heavy cast iron bases and can shade lawn chairs or your dining areas.

You can buy weatherproof rugs to keep feet from getting too hot on cement. Lamps and other outdoor lighting can add a splash of elegance and keep it safe when you are outdoors at night.

Stores are now offering big discounts on their patio furniture. If you still have those ratty whicker chairs that fall apart every time it rains, it might be time to toss them to the trash and get new ones. The array is huge on what kind of materials and colors to choose from when selecting just the right set.

The big trend for many people is buying lounging chairs, love seats, couches and ottomans. It gives you and your friends a place to put up your feet and sit around drinking your lemonade and catching up on the week.

The trickling sound of a nearby waterfall or fountain can also bring back some calm into anyone's life. People are also adding ponds to their yards to give it a more tropical feel.

For chilly nights, many homeowners and renters are buying outdoor fire pits or fireplaces. There's nothing like sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows and watching the stars.

People are finding it easier to cook outside these days, too. They don't have to mess up their kitchen or turn on a hot stove. You can purchase a variety of gas, charcoal or electric grills for the outdoors along with outdoor pizza ovens and accessories that make cooking more fun and entertaining.
Homeowners have also invested a lot of time and money into designing complete outdoor kitchens. They can do everything in that kitchen that they do in their inside kitchen.

It's a matter of taste and money. But there is something out there for everyone's budget.

Companies continually design new outdoor furniture to make things more comfortable and usable for clients. Some people are rushing to buy gathering height tables and stools for the outdoors just like they did for their own kitchens. They fall halfway between the height of a bar stool and a conventional dining chair.
People are also buying outdoor showers to clean up after swimming or gardening. But for privacy, homeowners are adding hedges, fences and screens.