When renovating a home, people often forget one of the most important components: the outdoor space. If done right, your yard can become more than an extension of your home – it can be your very own private escape! An outdoor space needs to be designed and decorated with the same care and attention as a kitchen or bedroom. From choosing the right furniture, to adding the right decorative compliments, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when creating an outdoor retreat.

Why sit when you can lounge?

Do you want to use your space to host parties, relax in a zen-inspired garden, or give your children a space where they can play? How you plan on using the space will determine what type of furniture you need. And with outdoor furniture, you can be a little more creative: chairs can be replaced with recliners, swings, loungers or even hammocks. Decorative accents are also essential: throw a few colourful pillows on your outdoor furniture or put an area rug under your outdoor patio set. As long as fashion meets function, almost anything goes.

Be wary of the weather

While you don’t have to worry about rain resistant finishes on your living room couch, the same cannot be said for your patio furnishings. It is important to keep the climate in mind when choosing your outdoor furniture. For example, if you live in a windy area, select heavier furniture as lighter plastic chairs are likely to turn up on your neighbour’s lawn! If you experience heavy, regular rainfall, try to stay away from materials like rod iron that are more likely to rust. And to lengthen the life of your outdoor pieces, make sure to store your patio furniture when weather isn’t in your favour.

Sneak it away

The days of hiding outdoor pillows in a boring and old plastic bin are long gone. If you build storage needs into your outdoor design, your weather sensitive pieces - such as pillows and tablecloths - will have a home all season long. And today you don’t even have to worry about finding the perfect match as many outdoor furniture sets include beautiful deck boxes that help pull the look of your outdoor space together.

Set the mood

Like any room in your house lighting is key and when it comes to the outdoors, solar powered lights are a great option. Solar lights are environmentally friendly - which is great news for the green-minded consumer who’s looking to save on their energy bills. Installation is also easy as there is no wiring or plugs to worry about! And with so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one to brighten up your own outdoor space.

With the right tools and tips, setting up a fun and functional outdoor space doesn’t need to be an overwhelming project. For more tips on how to create the ultimate outdoor retreat, visit www.homedepot.ca.

- News Canada (http://www.newscanada.com ) Image from Ananda Landscapes