Outdoor patios have come a long way since the days of a wooden picnic bench gracing 24 x 24 concrete patio tiles with a charcoal BBQ in the corner. Today's decks and patios come complete with sofas, end tables, overstuffed chairs and ottomans. The old patio tiles are replaced with slate, and huge, elaborate gas grills complete the ensemble. With nothing but a sliding glass door separating a home's interior from the patio, there is very little distinction between the two.

In the following, local Sarasota designers offer some suggestions in creating the ideal outdoor living space.

Furnishings

It's time to throw out the old plastic chairs and make way for the plush double chaises with overstuffed cushions and coffee tables. You can buy any entire suite of aluminum furniture that looks like mahogany along with water resistant cushions. Design consultant Bart Kuhn, recently sold a $16,000 outdoor king-size bed complete with canopy! New synthetic versions of wicker are becoming increasingly popular especially with their natural appearance and ability to handle the elements without cracking.

Outdoor fabrics have come a long way from plain off-white sailcloth to bright floral prints in various textures. The current trend is moving toward earth tones and plush seating. Apart from its water-resistant and durable properties, these textiles are virtually indistinguishable from their interior counterparts.

Glass-top tables are gradually being replaced in popularity by stone (natural or resin) top tables, which also provide a nice accent to a slate floor.

No living room would be complete without electronics. Outdoor speakers are widely available and even televisions. A flat screen TV can be installed over a fireplace or on a wall with a protective roof or waterproof cabinet.

Accent pieces to warm up your outdoor living space include acrylic area rugs, lamps, and artwork. Window treatments are also popular in the form of screens, waterproof shades, or drapes that can be tied back at the corner of your patio.

Cozy up your space by adding a stone fireplace or table-top fire pit with comfy chairs. A patio heater doesn't have the same charm, but extends the seasonal use of your outdoor space.

Let's Eat

In keeping with the trend of bringing the indoors out, kitchens are no exceptions. In addition to the larger-than-life gas grilles, it's not uncommon to see ranges, cook tops, pizza ovens, and rotisseries. The objective is to have a large grilling area, capable of feeding a crowd. Also common are counters for preparation and portable outdoor bars, refrigerators and icemakers. You'll also need cupboards to store your outdoor glassware and dishes.

Decorate with Light

Much of your entertaining will be done at night and your patio should be well lit. Get creative by illuminating trees, pillars, stairs or other areas of your home. Try a new technique called moonlighting that creates a subtle glow on the tops of trees. Save energy and cost with the use of low voltage lighting that uses very little power.

Other lighting accents can come in the form of glowing planters, mood light candles or even illuminated wine buckets.

For your pool or spa, fiber-optic cable can add a dramatic effect, as well as underwater lighting.

When choosing your outdoor fixtures, pick durable products such as aluminum, copper or brass to avoid rust and dissipate heat.