Your Ultimate Outdoor Living Guide

The sun! The fun! Make the most of your extended summer space with these tips from the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute.

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Open-Air Living Spaces

The best indoor/outdoor rooms, or transition areas, are like extensions of the home. Our pros share tips on how to approach adding one to your yard.

START WITH A VIEW OF NATURE.

A big trend we're loving in outdoor living is the use of multi-panel doors (a.k.a.scenic doors) that blur the line between the inside and the outdoors. An update of traditional patio doors, these systems start at around 10 feet, often with three or more panels that either slide or fold open.

DESIGN AROUND ACTIVITY ZONES.

To maximize your outdoor living space, organize it based on discrete activity zones-for cooking, dining, lounging, etc.- and use outdoor rugs to help define the areas. Finish with a storage bench that offers seating and doubles as a spot for stashing gardening gear, cushions and the like.

COORDINATE MATERIALS.

Exterior products that can withstand harsh weather now come in textures and finishes that are as stylish as anything indoors. Think beautiful quartz countertops that resist sun and snow, outdoor cabinetry with fine powder-coat finishes and composite decking that's easy to mistake for real wood.

ADVICE

MADE IN THE SHADE

Stay cool and dry with these structures that combat the sun.