Expand Your Square Footage with Comforts of Home Outdoors

Expand Your Square Footage with Comforts of Home Outdoors

(ARA) - The yard work is done and you just want to sit back and admire your surroundings. If you're reclining in an old lawn chair that's seen better days, it's time to treat yourself to something that better complements your outdoor living space.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners will be improving or adding to their outdoor entertaining space in 2007.

Tom Ryan, an outdoor living expert with the online retailer, NetShops.com, agrees. His company, which specializes in outdoor living and home furnishings among many other things, has already seen a 40 percent increase in sales of outdoor living products compared to this time last year.

"House sizes are shrinking and backyards are becoming more important," says Ryan. "There's a new trend to living -- it's adding square footage and really expanding your life into the backyard. Spending quality family time outdoors and de-stressing from the long winter and daily life is worth a fortune -- for your health and happiness."

Ryan also states shoppers don't have to break the bank to improve their surroundings. NetShops.com offers outdoor living furniture and decorations to create a relaxing and entertaining setting in your backyard. Patio sets, hammocks, Adirondack chairs, porch swings, umbrellas, solar lighting, fountains, bird baths, wind chimes, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces all add comfort and extend your living space to the outdoors.

* From dining sets to conversation groups with a clean, exotic look, NetShops' array of patio furniture (PatioFurnitureUSA.com) can stand up to the elements with class. Crafted from weatherproof and UV resistant materials such as aluminum, resin wicker, wrought iron and recycled plastic, maintenance is a breeze.

* According to a survey conducted by the ASLA, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces will be among the top requests of homeowners in this year. Adding warmth and light to cool summer nights, you can extend your gatherings with the Double Diamond Mosaic Fire Pit Table, a copper bowl surrounded by hand-crafted mosaic tiles, set on a durable wrought iron stand (FirePitShop.com). Homeowners can also opt for a Stainless Steel Dome Fireplace with a heavy duty log grate and powder coated finish that won't rust or blacken with use.

* Adirondack chairs (AdirondackChairs.com) in matching sets are an outdoor favorite. Add an ottoman and side table for hours of relaxation. Adirondacks in new, bright colors will be hot this summer.

* Try the traditional style rope hammock (Hammocks.com) which are revered in South American countries where they're made and used as beds. You'll find the comfort incomparable. Hung in the shade of your favorite tree or set up in a hammock stand to move wherever you like, a cool hammock hits the spot, especially for a summer afternoon nap. Quilted fabric hammocks are also popular. The quilting provides maximum comfort, and they're made with durable outdoor fabrics for weather resistance.

* The ASLA survey also found that homeowners will be demanding water features, like fountains, in 2007. The relaxing sound of running water, wind chimes in the gentle breeze -- any outdoor décor that adds a touch of calming character will be in demand. Solar fountains (SimplyFountains.com) are a big hit as "green living" becomes more popular. And for nighttime yard enjoyment, solar lighting (SolarLightStore.com) brings ambiance and extended hours of use.

Finding these great comforts for outdoor living won't take a lot of time either. NetShops.com offers a huge selection of styles to choose from for every outdoor activity. With over 175 online specialty stores, NetShops focuses on selling products within a specific niche -- and with unlimited shelf space, they have an unparalleled level of choice.

"We put together complete sets of furniture, so if you like a style, other pieces are automatically included in the set. You don't have to spend a lot of time deciding on chairs to go with the table," explains Ryan. "You can choose from the basic patio set or customize a set -- add extra chairs, or choose from six finishes and 25 fabrics to match your décor and make it your own."

Unlike visiting the brick-and-mortar stores that have two or three items to choose from, NetShops' vast selection fits into one convenient location -- your computer. No driving around from store to store; just go online to shop for and compare hundreds of different styles.

Ryan says "you can top off your shopping experience with great customer service," as NetShops boasts over one million satisfied users.

Join the trend and impress the neighbors with your new and improved outdoor living space. Start shopping by logging onto www.NetShops.com or call (866) 370-4398.

Courtesy of ARAcontent