With the economy on the decline these days, homeowners have begun staying home more often and have started spending less money on elaborate vacations. They are looking for even more ways to make their time at home relaxing and inviting. The "staycation" has become a way for homeowners to enjoy time they take off from work without escaping their home for another place. Many of the trends this year fall right into place with this philosophy.


The extra money homeowners do have is being spent in creating relaxing outdoor environments that can be enjoyed every single day. Primarily, homeowners are creating luxurious outdoor living spaces and outdoor kitchens where quality family time can be enjoyed. And since these sorts of areas are becoming more affordable, you don't need luxury houseplans to make it work for you.

Gone are the days of plastic lawn chair leaving imprints on the backs of your arms and legs Backyard furniture has gone stylish as well as comfortable. There are countless options at retail stores today that include lounges, outdoor sofas, chairs and other furniture pieces that will transform your outdoor living space into a space that will rival your favorite interior spaces.

To complement the stylish furniture are several decorating options that add warmth and additional style to this area. Try throwing a plush outdoor rug under the furniture on the deck and instantly this space appears warmer and full of added comfort. Include candles, pillows, plants and flowers for added color and charm and suddenly your guests will never want to leave. Many of these accessories and furniture pieces have fabric that is able to handle the extreme weather elements and resist fading in direct sunlight. So the bright colors popular today such as turquoise, greens, yellows among others will remain bright and vibrant all throughout the warmer, sun-filled months.

Other trendy accessories include outdoor lighting, vases, artwork and tables. And, if your budget is less limited perhaps a flat screen television in a partially covered outdoor space? That will even draw the couch potatoes out to enjoy the great outdoors

Outdoor Kitchens Are Still Hot

Whether you're just creating an outdoor kitchen space or you are expanding an area you created years ago, there are many things that can get your outdoor kitchen cooking from simple extras to more involved design ideas.

To start, if you crave a fire source, get yourself a quality barbecue grill. There are so many choices from those that are mobile to built-in styles. And, many feature built-in stoves as well. So, the entire dinner can be cooked outdoors just steps from the patio table. Perhaps you want the warmth of a fire, but aren't much of a cook, why not add a fire pit with seating positioned around it? This will keep your outdoor living space in full swing all the way into the colder months. And if you have walkout ranch house plans or another style where the fire pit is close to house access, it can be a convenient gathering place for a party.

Besides a grill or fire pit, the outdoor living room and/or kitchen can feature outdoor ovens, refrigerators, wet bars and sinks. If you decide to include such amenities into your outdoor living space, soon you will find everyone outdoors and ready for a party.

Whether you choose one or many of these great outdoor living ideas, your backyard space will become more inviting, and comfortable; a place where all ages will want to gather and enjoy time together. And it doesn't really matter if you have a tiny house or a luxury custom home plan. Select some design trends mentioned above for style and select others for family enjoyment and you will create the perfect combination for memorable "staycations" all throughout the yearBy: Tina BergArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comIf you are building a home, consider not only the luxury houseplans you will use on your house, but also the outside configuration. House Plans and More has a wide range of floor plans, from walkout ranch house plans to a www.houseplansandmore.com/homeplans/luxuryhouseplans.aspx">luxury custom home plan.