What's hot and what's not for outdoor entertaining

Bold colors and luxury items are ways to transform outdoor spaces.

What's In
Patio heaters
Solar lighting
Outdoor fireplaces
BBQ islands/Outdoor
Kitchens
Color and texture
What's Out
Shivering
Tripping
Unprotected bonfires
Charcoal grills
Bare and spare

Lusher and plusher are the key words to remember when readying decks, patios and other outdoor spaces for summer. Instead of looking to "rough it," many more people are looking to their own backyards for comfort, luxury, relaxation and entertaining while high fuel prices keep them close to home.

"The trend towards bringing the indoors out deepens this year," says Peggy Van Allen, "with lots of new products and new materials emerging to help bring hotel-like luxury home." Van Allen is manager of Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands Color Marketing and Design Services team. She points to patio heaters, outdoor fireplaces and barbecue islands complete with warming drawers, serving areas and running water as examples, as well as more durable, weather-resistant fabrics and paint finishes.

If you're looking to create just the right atmosphere for summer fun, "Start by thinking about ways to define space and foster intimacy and conversation," Van Allen says. Tents and temporary gazebos designed especially for outdoor entertaining, pergolas and trellises are useful for creating enclaves where clusters of seating can be nestled together inside or nearby.

Next, layer on textures and fabrics, adding seat cushions, then pillows and even throws. For help, look to products created especially for outdoor use, such as Outdoor SpacesTM spray finishes from Krylon®. Available in satin, metallic, textured and hammered looks, these spray finishes combine sophisticated style with quick application and an extra dose of rugged durability, so improving your outdoor furniture is ever-so-easy.

With Krylon Fusion for Plastic® now available in textured and hammered finishes, even plastic patio furniture can be upgraded to first-class.

Also new is Outdoor SpacesTM UV Fabric Protector, designed to help prevent the sun's rays from stealing the show of color from sun-exposed fabrics. "It's OK to be daring with color outdoors, because both bright sunshine and nighttime darkness call for strong contrast," Van Allen says.

Finally, complete the look with candles and containers overflowing with colorful flowers and foliage. Van Allen notes that even the bedroom is headed outdoors. A flea market find such as an old metal daybed spray painted with a fresh finish and outfitted with weather-resistant cushions can make a sensational sofa as well as a conversation piece.