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Spring trends for outdoor living spaces Spicing up your home's outdoor living space takes more than just a few flowerpots on the patio - especially with today's outdoor trends. More homeowners are choosing to transform their outdoor space with everything from entertainment centers to elaborate kitchens. Nearly two-thirds of architects reported an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens, decks and patios compared to one year ago. They also reported spikes in homeowners opting for upscale landscaping, more outdoor amenitiessuch as pools, tennis courts, courtyards and gazebos - and setting boundaries for their yards with fencing, walls and bushes. With the increasing popularity of water-resistant furniture and appliances, practically anything goes for the great outdoors and is now built to withstand rain and temperature changes. In fact, some homeowners are even opting to place flatpanel LCD or plasma televisions outside. Some TVs even have a wireless connection and are able to communicate to indoor cable boxes or DVD players. The most popular items homeowners say they plan to add to their outdoor spaces this year include lighting units, gas grills, mosquito eliminators, outdoor fireplaces or pits, and patio heaters, according to a national survey by the Propane Education and Research Council. Here are some other popular outdoor trends: + Fireplaces: Make them the centerpiece to your outdoor living space. They also can provide some heat, if necessary. + Fountains and reflecting pools: They provide tranquility to a backyard. Add small fountains in your garden or even a small stream running throughout the yard - viewable from inside your home, too. + Kitchens: Upscale gas grills or even brick pizza ovens are on the rise for fancy outdoor cooking. Some outdoor kitchens are even complete with sinks, ranges and refrigerators. + Gardens: The Garden Media Group predicts 2007 trends will include gardens with colorful foliage plants, such as elephant ears, ornamental grasses and iresine. Small gardens are also "in," according to GMG. Squeeze a small garden on your patio or rooftop, wherever there's plenty of sunlight. Also, consider a trellis with vines to create a natural canopy for your backyard.
Whatever outdoor makeover you choose, create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor by using architecture details, flooring, color schemes and window treatments similar to the inside of your home, suggests the American Society of Interior Designers. Then, when you head outdoors, you'll still feel right at home.
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