FAMILY FEATURES
Outdoor living spaces have become one of the most popular renovation and homebuilding projects in recent years. A record number of

homeowners are transforming simple decks, patios and even bare grass lots into year-round rooms. In fact, a recent U.S. Census Bureau report revealed more than one-third of the $150 billion spent on home remodeling is dedicated to outdoor living areas.

"Outdoor rooms continue to be popular because they combine two of our favorite pastimes - entertaining and relaxation," says Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's "Helpful Hardware Man" and one of the nation's leading home improvement experts and authors.

And, it's about this time of year when Manfredini begins to turn his attention from winterizing his home to preparing his lawn and outdoor areas for the entertaining season. Beyond the "must-have" essentials, including a cooking appliance, a dining and/or conversation area, and a hearth or other heating unit, outdoor living spaces are all about making the design feel like it is part of the home.

Two of the most important elements are to make the space both guest-friendly and appropriate for all kinds of weather conditions, from blue skies to gloomy, rainy days. For the best sun protection, consider screened-in awnings, a garden umbrella over an outdoor table or natural shade from vines trained on a pergola. For cold weather comfort, the most popular homeowner request is for a fire pit, chiminea or portable propane heater to help extend the time spent outdoors.

The choices these days for seating are incredible, and limited only by budget and what you want to do. Comfort is the only prerequisite, notes Manfredini. Select sofas, chaise lounges, benches and other furnishings in sturdy materials such as wood, cast iron, or even anodized aluminum, and in fade-resistant, easy-to-clean outdoor fabrics. Also, look for do-ityourself furnishings with attachable casters, so you can easily move serving carts, tables and other items to different areas of the space.

Decorative details bring interiors to life, and the same is true of outdoor rooms. Customized sound systems, art works and sculptures, intricate fencing and more add personal touches. Overhead lighting as well as lanterns, pathway lighting and candles also set the mood.

Of course, nothing ruins the experience of the great outdoors more than pesky bugs. For the best mosquito control, try new Ortho "Mosquito B Gon" Hose End that you spray on with a garden hose, or the Mosquito Magnet torch, recommends Manfredini.

"People worry about what goes inside the outdoor room and sometimes forget about what surrounds it," adds Manfredini. "The view is so important. A wellmanicured lawn and beautiful landscaping are important to the overall look and feel." He recommends adding focal points, such as raised beds and trellises, a fountain, a shallow pond or even an arbor.

There is an endless array of projects to tackle for your outdoor living space. But, pros like Manfredini know the best designs are done slowly and evolve over time, so each year there is something new to showcase and appreciate.