by Tracey Schabel

Created on: April 17, 2008

Spring is here and we need to be thinking about our outdoor space and gardens. Indulge in the great outdoors with a room that is as comfortable as your own living room. Laze the days away under a tree swaying in a hammock, or setting a pretty table for an impromptu luncheon. Don't overlook that patio that you have- curb appeal and outdoor rooms are an essential on today's real estate market, as well as an inexpensive way to expand your living space.

As we leave our homes to venture outside, don't forget one important thing- wash the windows. Windows are the jewels on a house and nothing improves your decorating more than clean windows- both inside and out! So scrub away, and get them sparkling.

Now, your outdoor space needs to be defined as an actual area. A deck, patio, slab of concrete all does this for you. Hang a hammock under the sprawling tree, or set up a metal scroll work table there. Place a bench at the end of a garden path or define a secret garden within your garden. All of these things define your garden space and make "outdoor rooms". Define the space further with architectural elements like walkways, flowering pots, and landscape lighting. Your room is ready to decorate.

Before placing the furniture-look at the hardscape that you are working with. If it is a cement slab, why not paint or dye it to soften the look. Add decorative bricks or pavers around the edges to give it more appeal. Use a natural fiber indoor/outdoor area rug like sisal or jute to define the actual conversation area. An area rug can be used on any surface to make it feel more comfortable and finished. If it's a grassy knoll, make sure the grass is maintained and soft under foot. You will need to move the furniture a bit in the grass, so that you do not kill off that area.

Place your furniture utilizing the space to its best advantage. Pick a focal point in your new outdoor room and place the furniture in a U-shape around it. Additional pieces can be placed in smaller conversation groupings, like a bench and table off to one side so people can speak with each other. Perhaps the furniture is the focal point, like a bench at the end of the path. Highlight it with some pretty flowering containers next to the bench. A potting bench adds interest, is useful for planting, and can be used as a buffet when eating outdoors. A great addition to your furniture grouping!

We now need to accessorize and decorate the space. No plant is better than a dead plant. Flowering pots and containers are

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