Summer is upon us, and for many homeowners, this means getting ready to spend more time outdoors.

From BBQs in the backyard to relaxing nights lounging on the front porch, many people want to take advantage of the warm weather and move their regular daily events from the indoors to the outdoors.

And even if you live in a climate that will really not be conducive to outdoor living for a few months, there are ways to make the most of your setup.

All of this goes in line with a new trend we are seeing in the real estate world and that is the concept of having an “outdoor room.”

Now these rooms can be whatever you make them.

Whether you want an elaborate setup with a flat screen TV and fireplace or a cozy nook to spend some quality time with your family – the choice is up to you.

Many home improvement and furnishing stores have taken notice of this new trend and have begun catering their merchandise to work outdoors.

A recent article by Elaine Markoutsas of The San Diego Union Tribune, “Elegant ease,” discusses how these new outdoor rooms are becoming more lavish and elaborate, yet still fully functional to blend with the environment.

“The concept of the outdoor room has been germinating for some time, but it appears to be growing on more and more homeowners – and furniture manufacturers.”

‘Designer and television host Joe Ruggiero regards the outdoor room as ‘the new frontier,’ a merging of indoor and outdoor styles. The ambience is fueled by increasingly sophisticated consumers who already have designed kitchens modeled after ones they have seen on European vacations and baths inspired by fancy spas and boutique hotels.”

Once people have made the inside of their home as posh as it can possibly be, they move onto the indoors.

 And it seems that homeowners are stopping at nothing to create the most unique and comfortable outdoor space for their home.

“Whether it's creating a ‘chat pit,’ the new buzzword for seating around a fire pit, or erecting a pavilion, not just for a fancy party but to frame an outdoor room, consumers are expanding their shopping lists for leisure furnishings. What you spend depends on how many creature comforts you wish to export, from patio kitchens to entertainment options such as outdoor movies and television.”

From mail order catalogs to big box stores, every retailer in the industry seems to be jumping on this new design trend’s bandwagon.

“Some manufacturers, such as Fire Stone Home Products, have come up with a one-stop shopping idea. Its brilliant package is called the Outdoor Great Room and can include a fireplace, grills, lanterns and furnishings, all under a pergola, creating an instant setting for customization.”

“Creating a seamless extension of home interiors is the goal. With a landscaped backdrop, the vacation spot at home has it all: a place to snuggle, grill, dine, entertain and relax under the sun or moon.”