| While some interior designers like to bring the outdoors | | | | the outdoors for almost the entire year by protecting |
| in, more people are beginning to bring the indoors out. | | | | you from bugs and the elements. |
| Outdoor living spaces are the hottest trend in home | | | | Once you have decided what kind of structure you |
| decor these days, and there appears to be no end in | | | | want, you need to plan the decor. Be sure to think of |
| sight. Designers are coming out with stylish and | | | | your outdoor room as an extension of your home. |
| practical materials that are meant for the great | | | | Choose colors and textures that blend well with other |
| outdoors, and offer homeowners a great deal of | | | | rooms. Keep colors simple, and be sure to display a |
| options when it comes to creating chic outdoor | | | | variety of plants. Allow nature to be the focal point of |
| spaces. | | | | the room, with only a few decorative additions such as |
| The main benefit of adding an outdoor room is that | | | | fountains and wind chimes to accent the area. |
| you are able to extend your living area without having | | | | Buy weather resistant materials that will stand up to |
| to do expensive and time-consuming home | | | | the elements, but be sure that the furniture is |
| renovations. More room for the family to spread out in, | | | | comfortable as well. There is not much point in having |
| a romantic nook to pass the time in, a quiet space to | | | | an outdoor room filled with functional furniture that |
| read, or a vibrant place to entertain friends; an outdoor | | | | nobody wants to sit in. |
| room can do it all. | | | | Really make this a livable space. Comfortable chairs, |
| One question to ask yourself when planning your | | | | side tables, and attractive lighting offer a space suitable |
| outdoor room is what kind of roofing or shading | | | | for both solitude and entertaining. |
| structure you would like. If your home is hit with a lot of | | | | Have sufficient lighting in your outdoor room. Use string |
| sun in the summertime, you and your guests will find it | | | | lights, lanterns, or candlelight, depending on the |
| uncomfortable to sit outside for any period of time. By | | | | ambiance you want to create. |
| installing a retractable awning, you can adjust the | | | | Consider investing in some sort of outdoor heating |
| shade with the weather. Another viable roofing option | | | | device to make this area comfortable year round. A |
| is to build a shade trellis. This is a wooden structure | | | | fireplace can provide a warm and cozy atmosphere, |
| that has slats going across from end to end. While | | | | but can be expensive and difficult to move. Patio |
| these structures do not offer protection from the wind | | | | heaters are a much more practical option, as they are |
| and rain, they do offer some shade. It also provides | | | | affordable and take up much less space. |
| the option of adding grape vines or other climbing | | | | Creating an outdoor room for unwinding and |
| plants like wisteria. This will create a bit more shade, as | | | | entertaining is very hot right now. And because you |
| well as enhance the attractiveness of the space. | | | | are adding extra square footage to your home with |
| If you would like more protection from the elements, | | | | minimal effort and expense, you will reap the rewards |
| consider building a solid roof. Be sure to have a few | | | | when it comes time to sell your house. |
| openings at the edge in order to allow for air circulation | | | | Doug Jones is a top selling REALTORÂ(R) in the |
| and to prevent the area below from becoming too hot. | | | | San Diego CA real estate market. Contact Doug |
| Enclosed rooms that are surrounded by screens is | | | | today for daily updates of new home listings in San |
| another alternative. These rooms allow you to enjoy | | | | Diego. |