Trends to Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space

(Family Features) No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is more popular than ever, as homeowners look to “bring the indoors out” and create spaces that are true extensions of the home. The newest designs in outdoor living spaces do not simply feature the look of the indoors, but the functionality as well.

“Advances in all-weather materials have made it possible for homeowners to enjoy more and more of their favorite activities outside,” said Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world’s No. 1 decking and railing brand and leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products. “The movement toward ‘outdoor rooms’ has evolved into fully functional outdoor kitchens and entertainment centers that make it even more difficult to determine where the indoors end and the outdoors begin.”

Regardless of the size of your deck - or budget - these simple tips from the experts at Trex can add interior function to your outdoor oasis:

Absolute Al Fresco

While grilling and al fresco dining are longtime hallmarks of backyard entertaining, outdoor kitchens are now finally living up to their name. From storing seat cushions to keeping drinks cold, today’s outdoor kitchen accessories can make outdoor spaces look as put-together as the rest of the home. Among the newest advancements is the Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, which features outdoor cabinetry and functional elements such as trash bins, ice chests and storage drawers that eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips inside the home.

Railing Redefined

Even railings have taken on a more functional role in today’s backyards. One of the most popular trends is “cocktail railing,” which provides a flat surface for drinks and plates. By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that complements your home’s deck, while making great use of space.

Lights, Please

Lighting is another “bright” idea for adding versatility to the outdoors. Lighting systems that incorporate deck lighting and other exterior lighting work together to create ambiance that can be adjusted for any setting. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture. Connection Protection The idea of enjoying a favorite show or movie outdoors has always been enticing, but not exactly practical. However, with advancements in both equipment and equipment storage, enjoying the big screen experience in the great outdoors has never been easier. Electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment equipment specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in

lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, storage options now include durable, wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully conceal and protect pricey electronics from the elements.

Material Matters

Just because people are spending more time on their decks doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking such as Trex Transcend, resists fading, staining, scratching and mold - and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water. The latest generation of composite decking also features wood-grain patterns and rich, saturated colors that look and feel more natural than ever before.

For more information and outdoor living inspiration, visit trex.com.