Open Up Your Home with an Outdoor Room

It wasn't too long ago that a backyard gathering meant pulling out the folding chairs, placing a plastic tablecloth over the picnic table, and firing up the Smokey Joe. But as more of us opt to spend leisure time at home, rather than going out, this classic backyard retreat has been taken to a new level. The trend to bring the comforts of the indoors to the outside is at an all-time high. How to make an instant impact in your garden.

From full-blown kitchen areas to outdoor entertainment systems, retailers everywhere are offering new products for the latest, most popular home addition: the "outdoor room." But it's okay if you're not ready to go quite that far. You can turn your outdoor space into a very livable extra room by focusing on these basics.

Dining Comfort
Whether you've stuck to the Smokey Joe or moved to a jacked up gas grill, cooking and dining is typically at the heart of any gathering. To make food preparation easier and to keep you where the action is, an outdoor prep station is a practical addition. Also, a long oblong table is great to accommodate appetizers and buffet-style dining. To encourage more lingering around the dining table, be sure you have ample room and comfortable seating for guests. With the growing popularity of outdoor rooms, you'll find an endless selection of stylish, weather-resistant outdoor furniture to choose from. Search online. Page through magazines. You'll find no shortage of ideas.

Socializing Comfort
Along with tables and chairs for the eating area, consider creating groupings of chaise lounges, couches and side tables. Low seating is ideal to promote lasting conversation. Getting late? The right lighting adds just-right ambience. While candles and lanterns are always favorites, for that indoor feel you can add lamps made just for outdoor use. How about some mood music? Outdoor speakers are relatively easy to install. Or keep it simple with an iPod station.

Lounging Comfort
Invite your guest to settle in and enjoy the warmth, sights and scents of an outdoor fireplace. This provides cozy comfort that will extend your time spent outdoors later into the season. Other ways to keep your yard looking great in Fall.

When creating your outdoor room, remember that your landscaping is your most important accessory. A well-kept lawn and tended-to plantings will keep you surrounded with what you're trying to enjoy: the beautiful outdoors.

For tips on how to keep your outdoors beautiful, read our article "When to Prune and How to Do It" and watch our video, "Weed Control Made Easy."