By Amy CovingtonAs the controversial real estate "bubble" tumbles toward its imminent burst, homeowners look for new ways to increase their home's value. In the past, you could slap some paint on a wall and bam, instant home improvement. As more and more people choose to spend time at home versus going out, they want their homes, or at least certain areas, to feel like a retreat - their own private oasis. According to research from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 35 percent of homeowners surveyed currently have a finished outdoor room and one in three of those homeowners who do not (34 percent) plan to design and furnish an outdoor room by spring 2007. When you apply this data to everyone, more than half of United States homes could have an outdoor entertaining area some time next year. "We are seeing a big trend in people investing in the outdoor living areas," said Leslie Wheeler, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Director of Communication. "With more people looking for ways to enhance their homes, it isn't surprising that they're turning to their backyards, decks and patios. Homeowners want all the conveniences of an indoor kitchen outdoors such as an island complete with refrigerator, grill, sink and countertop surface. There are wonderful products on the market today to extend the outdoor living season and make outdoor living comfortable and enjoyable." Enjoying Life, a Smart Financial InvestmentMost consumers who invest in an outdoor living and entertaining area think that their investment with yield a return, should they decide to sell their home or borrow against it. Industry professionals interviewed for "Designing Out: The Home Lifestyle Report" agree that a home's outdoor space can add as much as 30 percent to the total value of a property. Lifestyle factors are also driving consumer demand for outdoor living spaces, with 50 percent of survey respondents saying they spend more time at home than they did five years ago. Survey respondents also said that relaxation and wanting to spend more time outside were the primary drivers for an outdoor room, with entertaining coming in a surprising last among the top five reasons listed. 
Getting StartedIf you're just hearing about this trend and are not sure where to start, Katherine Whiteside, best-selling garden and cookbook author advises people to start simply. "By definition, an outdoor room is simply an outdoor area that homeowners can use for relaxing, cooking and entertaining," said Whiteside. "By adding some furniture and propane appliances to an existing patio, garden or deck, you have the beginnings of a great outdoor room." When planning your outside room, Whiteside recommends paying attention to your climate. "Think about protection from the elements: sun, rain and cold. Use a market umbrella or a canopy hung with mosquito netting to protect yourself from sun and rain. But what happens when the evenings get cold? Consider a propane tabletop heater. At 3 feet tall, they can heat up to 5 feet in diameter. Outdoor Leisure just came out with a spectacular Bistro Tabletop Heater with a hammered bronze powder finish. The same company also offers a gas light patio heater. If you have the space, install a propane fire pit, which can be used during spark bans and is marvelous for putting your feet up while stargazing." Protection from the elements leads right into comfort. "You have to be warm," said Whiteside, "so think about installing a porch floor with propane radiant heating. You need a place to sit down, so think about comfortable furniture. And if you live in an area near water, bugs are a consideration. A propane mosquito chaser can keep pesky insects away from you and your guests." 
Fire up the grillNo outdoor room would be complete without a place to dine and a grill. "Today's propane grills come with all sorts of accessories that make creating appetizers and a main course a snap. You can get a rotisserie, a grill with a burner next to it, even woks. And, if you have three or more propane-fueled appliances, consider putting in an underground tank, so there are no unsightly above-ground tanks and you won't have to worry about running out of fuel during your backyard party." The industry's top-selling appliances in the outdoor living category mirror the preferences of PERC's survey respondents and Whiteside's suggestions. After outdoor lighting (94 percent), other propane appliances dominate the list of must-have accessories: 86 percent of those surveyed said gas grills and mosquito eliminators were a necessity, followed by outdoor fireplaces (67 percent) and patio heaters (53 percent). Whether you live in a shoebox or a Mediterranean oceanfront mansion, outdoor rooms have taken the forefront and summer is the perfect time to clean up your backyard and transform it into an outdoor living space where your children can play and you can relax or entertain friends. One ay to improve the value of the backyard is to add an attractive and functional structure, such as a gazebo, pavilion, poolside cabana, or playhouse - even a yoga hut, artist's studio, dog house.. music practice room, hobby workshop, or any other private retreat. Another possibility is to build a backyard home office, away from the distractions of the house. No matter how large or small your yard, a water garden, pond or fountain is a great way to create a tranquil getaway just feet away from your back door. 
Tranquil WatersSteve Sandalis, owner of Mystic Water Gardens in Los Angeles who has a large celebrity following, believes adding a water feature brings a peaceful element to any backyard, and in his opinion,the bigger, the better. "Consider making your water feature bigger," he said, "allowing it to meander through the backyard rather than being tucked away in the corner. It will create a stunning environment in which to live and relax." Sandalis offered the following tips for creating a water feature:
Materials List:
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Grills
Cal Flame MC700 We love the Cal Flame MC700 barbecue island. It's a part of the Master Chef Series, which is designed for the frequent barbecue cook who requires bar seating and counter space for dining and entertaining. The Series is mid-priced with numerous options that enable the consumer to create a convenient outdoor kitchen facility. The MC700 has a U-shaped countertop around the grill. It comes with a 2-burner grill (option of natural gas or liquid propane), tile top and stucco base and single-door under-counter storage. Available options include up to a 5-burner Convection grill, beverage tap, refrigerator, food warmer, side burner, LED lighting, entertainment system and built-in waterfall.
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Another great grill manufacturer is Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, a company that has been making high-end grills, outdoor kitchens and recently, a martini bar, for 100 years. In addition to their awesome free-standing grills, Kalamazoo will literally build the kitchen of your dreams outdoors. The entire system stands fully finished in stainless steel and on its own leveling legs.
They will also integrate your kitchen into stone surrounds, outdoor enclosures or other hardscape treatments. Every outdoor kitchen cabinet door and drawer opening is surrounded by its own rain gutter, so any items you store inside will remain clean and dry no matter what the weather. Hand-crafted entirely of 304 and 316 stainless steel, including all hinges, handles, drawer glides and other hardware, your outdoor kitchen will withstand the elements and look beautiful for a lifetime.
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TablesXpand Patio Table We've all had surprise visits from friends and relatives or had "one too many" show for an intended small gathering. You're not about the haul out the dining room table to accommodate everyone. The Xpand Patio Table by Xpand Furniture is the perfect solution. This is a unique table design that expands without the use of leaves. All you have to do is pull slightly on the ends and it expands in the center, making entertaining a snap. It looks great when it is closed and equally great when it is open. It is engineered to move so smoothly and evenly the table can be expanded and contracted while glasses and dishes remain safely in place. Besides being a great conversation piece, it allows for maximum flexibility. Retail prices begin at approximately $2,300. The patio table is produced in Teak and Akazie, woods well suited to withstand outdoor environments. Expandable benches are available in sizes that are coordinated with the Xpand patio table.
Leisure seatingMVS Chaise by Maarten Van Severen If you like the modern look you'll love this piece of sleek outdoor furniture. Made out of Polyurethane foam with an upholstered feel, this modern chaise is height adjustable with a headrest cushion. The stainless steel base is designed specifically for outdoor use. Price for the outdoor chaise is $2,845. www.Vitra.com Egg by Pierantonio Bonacina This swing chair works well in any setting and is especially great for small backyards. Hang from a covered terrace in the city for an urban retreat. The chair features a steel frame and a shaped seat cushion and includes a nickel-plated hanging chain and fixing catch. Hang outside from a tree and enjoy nature at its best or hang inside and enjoy all year round. Sells for $1,928. www.EuropebyNet.com Large 'X' Loveseat Rachel Horn of Rachel Horn Interiors and Finca Home, creates beautiful, handcrafted iron outdoor furniture made in Mexico. Horn, an American interior designer, was born and raised in Mexico, educated and trained as an interior designer in California, and returned to Mexico six years ago to open an office, where she is now designing gorgeous luxury second homes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for a largely upscale American clientele. Her collections have appeared in House & Garden and Western Interiors, and in an upcoming issue of Veranda. This simple, hand-wrought iron loveseat with muslin cushions makes a wonderful modern, or traditional, accent to any backyard setting.
Bistro sets and Patio setsLou Manfredini, who regularly appears on network TV and hosts a Chicago radio call-in programs, recommends these outdoor furniture sets from Ace Hardware (go figure!) to transform any backyard into the perfect entertainment haven: Bellagio Balcony Set Contemporary yet comfortable, this bar-height balcony set is perfect for a party of two and is sure to make romantic fireworks even more enticing. Its black aluminum chairs are accented by red polyester cushions with black piping and an all-aluminum table. Suggested retail price: set of two chairs is $268.98; table is $159.99. Sonoma Patio Collection Great for large get-togethers. It offers an inlaid glass-top table and chairs with built-in headrests. Both table and chairs feature a powder-coated brown finish. The set of four chairs is $339.96. Tiki Bar Set This solid hardwood bar will give any yard and summer party the feel of a South Pacific island retreat. It makes the ideal centerpiece for any adult backyard get-together. Suggested retail price: Tiki bar is $599.99; set of two stools is $49.98.
Day bedsDaydream Four-Poster Daybed by Dedon You'll feel like a movie star taking an afternoon nap on this four-poster daybed. Place three or four around your pool and yard for a luxurious feel. Dedon's four poster lounge is hand woven from special Hularo fiber, a long color-fast and weatherproof synthetic (so a little rain won't ruin your beauty rest). Sells for $5,232.
StructuresThe Ultimate Backyard Office While the idea is to enjoy the outdoors, structures, like a gazebo or cabana, can actually enhance the outdoor experience, as well as protect you from the sun's rays and pesky bugs. The experts at Cedarshed Industries, a company specializing in high-end gazebos, pavilions, cabanas, playhouses, and other outdoor structures, have seen an increased demand for these kinds of outdoor products. They recently released its design for the Ultimate Backyard Office, a customizable 10'x12' structure with lockable windows and doors and attached deck that makes an attractive alternative to the spare bedroom or garage. Cedarshed uses high-quality western red cedar, which is naturally aromatic, nontoxic, insect resistant and beautiful either with a clear stain or weathered to a silvery gray. Each structure comes as a customizable do-it-yourself kit that includes panelized roof, walls, floor, doors and windows, all necessary hardware and instructions designed for assembly in 1-4 days using only basic carpentry skills. Cedarshed's wide range of styles, shapes and sizes fit any yard, patio or deck. Gazebo prices range from $4,144 to $8,424; sunhouses start from $2,374 and playhouses start from $1,424. The Ultimate Backyard Office starts from $12,999. These kits and others can be purchased online at www.Gazebos-and-garden-sheds.com Beach Cabin by Pierantonio Bonacina Whether beachside or in the backyard, the whole family will love the beach cabin. Designed by Mary Bloch, this sturdy piece is constructed from woven natural cane on a rattan frame with aluminum stands. A waterproof canvas cover and quilted seat cushions, offer comfort and convenience as well as a safe haven from the sun's harsh rays. The Beach Cabin includes a matching footstool. This piece works well in any setting and is perfect for the backyard with minimal privacy. It's also great for a beach-side back yard. Sells for $3,531. Gardenhouse by Vixen Hill Create a private outdoor sanctuary where you can enjoy your backyard without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes or scalded by the sun's intense rays. Approximately 15 feet in diameter, the Gardenhouse features screen panel inserts for upper and lower opening, with screened-in cupola and upper tier; cedar floor and step, standard double door, two-tier cedar shingle roof, and Queen Anne baluster inserts on the bottom and Queen Anne curve inserts for the upper opening. Price starts at $16,200.00. You can also design your own gazebo. We like Vixen Hill products because they combine classic design and cabinetmaker joinery with computer-aided engineering, and their products exceed the requirements of National Building Codes.
TabletopLounge Chip & Dip designed by Neil Cohen Whether you're relaxing with your family in the backyard or throwing a neighborhood shin-dig, you can't go wrong with the Lounge Chip & Dip platter. Designed with subtlety and flair, this tray is the epitome of a lounger lifestyle. Your chips have their own sloping bevel and your dip its own bright hollow. $150.
UmbrellasVizor Outdoor Umbrella by D'Firo Design We've all been there, moving our chairs, our food and bodies under an outdoor umbrella that fails to provide shade where we need it. The problem lies with outdated umbrellas that only provide useful shade when the sun is directly overhead. Fortunately, there is a way to stay cool, comfortable and safe all day long - with the added benefits of style and design. D'Firo Design's patent-pending Vizor is the only shading device on the market specifically designed to produce targeted shade over the course of the day. The sleek asymmetrical canopy can be rotated effortlessly from the comfort of your chair via a small release handle. The Vizor provides twice the shaded hours of an 11' octagonal umbrella, and three times that of a standard 9' umbrella. Yet, the graceful canopy closes easily over any standard outdoor table. The result is shade where you need it and a UV protective canopy where it will do the most good: between you and the sun. "It is a sensible solution that is long overdue," explained David Lenahan, designer of the Vizor who began considering the problem some years ago while sitting under a patio umbrella that wasn't shading him. Lenahan, who has over 30 years of experience as an architect, is naturally driven to question the elements of shelter and design. He was amazed to learn that shading products haven't evolved significantly in hundreds of years. "The existing products on the market were not, by any stretch of the imagination, solutions for the 21st century," observed Lenahan. "They are primarily focused on fashion, and do not consider the predictable movement of the sun." The asymmetrical Vizor canopy, available in a selection of contemporary colors, can be purchased online at D'Firo Design for $995. The uniquely styled base, designed to complement the Vizor, is available in a black powder coated finish for $349. Patricia Table When you're outside relaxing you need a place to set down your frosty margarita. This delicate hand-wrought table with a floating glass top fits in with most decors. Goes perfectly with the Large X Loveseat by the same designer.
FountainsBeckett Garden Accents Slate fountains present a sleek and tranquil point of interest for any backyard. Beckett Garden Accents offer slate fountains for high-end backyards and patios. The sound of trickling water is soothing, and the water element brings a natural beauty to any landscape or climate with little-to-no-maintenance. "Water features and décor go hand-in-hand," says Larissa Gleason, marketing manager, consumer division of Beckett Corporation. "The vast array of decorative fountains available today meets the versatile needs of the discerning home decorator, while making a unique statement. This line offers consumers the opportunity to explore water features in new capacities beyond traditional concrete fountain designs." Beckett Garden Accents provide accessibility for both the water gardening enthusiast to get creative with other water elements, while through a compact, lightweight design. Affordably priced, Beckett Garden Accents are available by special order through Home Depot and other lawn and garden centers, costing between $415-$500. Mystic Water Gardens of Los Angeles Many people think they need a huge yard to have a water garden, but Steve at Mystic Water Gardens creates water features for all kinds of spaces. All Mystic Water Gardens water features are natural mini-ecosystems made with environmentally friendly materials and are chemical-free.
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