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ROOM WITHOUT WALLS THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT Make the most of summer fun

May 6, 2007 12:35 am

Tammy Zitz loves nature.

It makes sense, then, that the interior decorator decided to move the focus of her business outside and work on the booming trend of outdoor rooms.

"I'd much rather be outside than inside; that's why I specialize in that," Zitz said. "My passion is in outdoor rooms."

She's not the only one.

In a recent survey by Weber Grills, 49 percent of the respondents said that the design of their outdoor room is just as important as that of their indoor rooms.

Zitz, who owns the interior design company Sassy Spaces, flips the idea of bringing the outdoors inside in favor of bringing the indoors outside.

Whether they're simply a space to enjoy nature or elaborate entertainment spaces with televisions, kitchens and artwork, outdoor rooms are on the rise.

Simple grills and picnic tables of the past are out; outdoor rooms that offer the luxury of the inside are in.

Outdoor rooms are characterized as places with cooking, eating and entertaining areas.

With their increase in popularity, the cost of outdoor rooms has also risen. According to the Weber study, the average cost of the rooms grew to $10,100. With all of the amenities offered for outdoor rooms, it's easy to see where that money can go.

Most outdoor rooms have one thing in common: grills.

Ninety-seven percent of the respondents to the Weber study said they have grills--and many spent more than $1,000 for their grills.

From weather-resistant couches to glare-proof televisions, items for outdoor rooms are often more expensive than those for the inside.

Televisions are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor rooms.

A 23-inch SunBrite outdoor television, which has a flat screen and is high definition-ready, costs $2,299 at backyardstuff.com. The TVs are unaffected by rain, dirt and insects; they resist scratches and work in temperatures from minus 24 to 122 degrees.

Cal Spas and Cal Flame manufacture various hot tubs, grills, fireplaces and entertainment systems to make the most of outdoor spaces. Visit calspas.com for ideas.

Owners can also enjoy art in their outdoor rooms.

Several companies offer art that has been reproduced on durable, weather resistant materials and can be mounted on a wall or placed on an artist's easel.

Many large furniture companies like Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel have special furniture collections for outdoor rooms that have the same look and feel of their indoor furniture, but are made with tougher materials to withstand the elements.

Zitz is ready to help a customer improve the space they already have, or help them from square one.

"It all goes back to where they start, whether they have a room," Zitz said. "If they have nothing, they have the option of gazebos. That's the least expensive route to take."

Zitz has worked only with gazebos so far, including at her own home, and has used outdoor rugs, fabrics, pillows and couches to achieve the perfect outdoor room.

Zitz is prepared to expand, though, and make her rooms as elaborate as her clients want.

"This is my first spring season offering this service, and once the weather decides to be kind to us again, I hope it to be a great one," Zitz said during the the colder-than-average early spring.

As someone who appreciates being in nature herself, Zitz loves the fact that she is able to help others experience it in customized outdoor rooms.

"[My favorite part is] giving my clients a place they can enjoy family and friends while being surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature," she said.