It goes hand in hand with summer and sun: inviting friends over for a pleasant evening on the patio, grilling up some perfectly seasoned chicken or some good old-fashioned juicy burgers.

But preparing and cleaning up outside? Many are reveling in outdoor living as sinks, refrigerators, even dishwashers, are becoming quick companions of the grill. And it’s not just the grilling that’s taking center stage, it’s the entertainment and relaxation aspects, too.

These outdoor living areas are popping up in increasing numbers as homeowners continue to pour money into home improvement projects, resulting in outdoor areas that are more sophisticated, homier, and a more popular area of the house.

In response, manufacturers are answering the call with stylish, full-featured hearth, patio, and barbecue accessories.

The result? The backyard patio has blossomed from an area graced with a fire pit, barbecue, and patio furniture to a fully furnished, thoughtfully constructed living space. Some outdoor rooms include a built-in eating and cooking area, complete with grill, refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher, as well as furniture that hugs a central fireplace. Decorative lighting, candles, patio heaters, and plush furniture are frequently used as accents.

"The outdoor room has matured to a cohesive setting area including elements of the family room, dining room, and kitchen," said Carter Keithley, president and CEO of the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. "The only differences between the outdoor room and the great room are the walls, the sun or the stars overhead."

The popularity of the outdoor room isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. As Baby Boomers reach their peak spending years and North Americans relish in the comforts of home in the wake of Sept. 11, outdoor rooms will continue to be in style.

And what’s the cost? Some of these lavish outdoor rooms cost upwards of $25,000. But industry representatives say they can be created for budgets less than an interior room remodel. Some of the higher-ticket amenities include a pool, spa, pool house, deck, cocktail bar, brick and pizza ovens, storage supply for wood, and built-in sound system.

"The beauty of today’s outdoor room is flexibility that accommodates budget, space availability and family lifestyle," said Keithley. "There is a wide range of luxurious products, no matter who the customer is or the size of their wallet."

And the outdoor room isn’t limited to the warm summer months. Many are spending time in this cozy area, grilling and snuggling around the fire, well into the winter and cooler months of the year.

If you find yourself on the fence about whether to invest in an enhanced outdoor room, then you may want to consider Heat-N-Glo’s indoor/outdoor fireplace. A see-through direct vent serves as both a fireplace and a window, so you can view the fire from your living room and patio at the same time. It’s weather-proof and holds up against the elements.

If you really want to wow your family, friends, and other outdoor guests, Hearth Technologies offers fireplace surrounds, barbecue grill islands, fire pits, and a patio gourmet grill that uses the latest in technology, moving burner convection grilling to make a perfect meal. It even determines when the meal is finished. more...