Spring HOME IMPROVEMENT outdoor luxuries like fully functional kitchens. How to create an Outdoor Living retreat Homeowners have various Al fresco entertaining has taken off in recent years. It's much more common today to find homeowners who want to extend living spaces to the outdoors in meaning- ful ways that go beyond a few lawn chairs and a stand- alone grill. Dream backyard living rooms mirror similar spaces indoors and contain features like cozy comers, lush furniture and televisions or movie projectors. Plus, they often abut additional options when designing out door living spaces. Above all else, spaces should be creat ed with the goal of encour- aging people to get together. Here are some ideas. Poolside retreat Homeowners with pools and other water features likely want this area to be the star of the entertaining space. Furniture will be more of the lounging variety, with com- fortable chaises and spots to catch the sun. If a swim-up bar isn't possible, a rolling bar cart can be stocked with es- sentials for cocktails or mock- tails for the kids. Furniture near the pool will be exposed to a lot of sun, so look for durable, sun-resistant fabrics. Fireside nook Gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a treat when the weather cools down. Mirror the look of the same setup indoors by arranging outdoor sofas so they flank the fireplace. Add some ottomans or side ta- bles for stowing mulled cider or hot chocolate. A mantel above the fireplace can hold pots of greenery or candles that add to the ambiance. Consider a custom banquette Unused corners on a patio or rooftop retreat can utilize a custom-made banquette that provides the func tionality of a sofa sectional outdoors. Have a contractor design it to the exact specifi- cations of the area, and add a rug to ground the space. Vary the flooring Depending on the enter- taining space, a balance of soft grass, pavers or other hardscape will be necessary. Certain areas will need to be hard enough for chairs and other furniture, particularly for those who are including an outdoor dining table in the design. Create some privacy Some homeowners are lucky enough to have natural barriers that offer privacy in their entertaining spaces. When there isn't enough, tall shrubs, inexpensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an out- door living area more cozy and private. Consider placing tall, potted plants on rolling casters to improve privacy as the need arises. Outdoor living spaces are all the rage, and they can add value and functionality to most any home. SH242654 $500 Down Layaway until June 1st ABOVE GROUND POOLS Starting at $3599 INSTALLED 18' Pool/Liner/Skimmer Installed includes/Sand/Block/Excavation up to 3ft! Plus Tax FLOOR MODEL SPA SALE Save Up To DIMENSION ONE SPAS $6000 FREE Steps - FREE Coverlifter - FREE Chemicals POOL OPENING CHEMICALS ON SALE NOW! Westmoreland Pools & Spas, Inc. North Huntingdon 10620 Route 30 724-864-7300 Shop NOW at: www.westmorelandpool.com 325812 Spring HOME IMPROVEMENT outdoor luxuries like fully functional kitchens . How to create an Outdoor Living retreat Homeowners have various Al fresco entertaining has taken off in recent years . It's much more common today to find homeowners who want to extend living spaces to the outdoors in meaning- ful ways that go beyond a few lawn chairs and a stand- alone grill . Dream backyard living rooms mirror similar spaces indoors and contain features like cozy comers , lush furniture and televisions or movie projectors . Plus , they often abut additional options when designing out door living spaces . Above all else , spaces should be creat ed with the goal of encour- aging people to get together . Here are some ideas . Poolside retreat Homeowners with pools and other water features likely want this area to be the star of the entertaining space . Furniture will be more of the lounging variety , with com- fortable chaises and spots to catch the sun . If a swim - up bar isn't possible , a rolling bar cart can be stocked with es- sentials for cocktails or mock- tails for the kids . Furniture near the pool will be exposed to a lot of sun , so look for durable , sun - resistant fabrics . Fireside nook Gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a treat when the weather cools down . Mirror the look of the same setup indoors by arranging outdoor sofas so they flank the fireplace . Add some ottomans or side ta- bles for stowing mulled cider or hot chocolate . A mantel above the fireplace can hold pots of greenery or candles that add to the ambiance . Consider a custom banquette Unused corners on a patio or rooftop retreat can utilize a custom - made banquette that provides the func tionality of a sofa sectional outdoors . Have a contractor design it to the exact specifi- cations of the area , and add a rug to ground the space . Vary the flooring Depending on the enter- taining space , a balance of soft grass , pavers or other hardscape will be necessary . Certain areas will need to be hard enough for chairs and other furniture , particularly for those who are including an outdoor dining table in the design . Create some privacy Some homeowners are lucky enough to have natural barriers that offer privacy in their entertaining spaces . When there isn't enough , tall shrubs , inexpensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an out- door living area more cozy and private . Consider placing tall , potted plants on rolling casters to improve privacy as the need arises . Outdoor living spaces are all the rage , and they can add value and functionality to most any home . SH242654 $ 500 Down Layaway until June 1st ABOVE GROUND POOLS Starting at $ 3599 INSTALLED 18 ' Pool / Liner / Skimmer Installed includes / Sand / Block / Excavation up to 3ft ! Plus Tax FLOOR MODEL SPA SALE Save Up To DIMENSION ONE SPAS $ 6000 FREE Steps - FREE Coverlifter - FREE Chemicals POOL OPENING CHEMICALS ON SALE NOW ! Westmoreland Pools & Spas , Inc. North Huntingdon 10620 Route 30 724-864-7300 Shop NOW at : www.westmorelandpool.com 325812