Trends for outdoor living spaces

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. To get a spa feel, some homeowners are even installing outdoor showers near their pool areas.

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.