When putting together an outdoor room, use the same thinking you would use for your interiors.

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Create space: Any 10-foot patio or deck can be quickly transformed with a gazebo. The tent-like structures usually are made of sturdy powder-coated aluminum, are easy to put together and can be found at a variety of retailers from Target to Lowes. Most come with mosquito netting that can be pushed back like curtains.

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Add a floor: Cover the deck, lawn or patio with waterproof outdoor rugs. All-weather rugs are usually made of woven polypropylene or Derclon. Try the fine kilim or Persian patterns found at Horchow (www.horchow.com).

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Decorate the walls: Weatherprint landscape artwork by Open Air Designs can adorn outdoor "walls." The prints are made from a digital process that bonds ink to aluminum, resulting in great abstracts and watercolors that are guaranteed not to rust or fade.

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Add lighting that will suit your needs: String lights work for a casual environment. For the romantics, hang a chandelier from a gazebo or pergola. You can take it a step further by installing an outdoor-friendly dimmer switch such as one made by Lutron and available at Lowes and Home Depot.

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Accessorize: Use your personal style to dictate your outdoor decorating needs. Cushions in bright prints, candles, statues, potted plants and firebowls add to that room-like feel.

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Bring out the good plates: If you haven't used your china since, say, last Thanksgiving, put a linen cloth on the table, along with some napkins, glasses and a bottle of wine. You'll be surprised how yummy barbecue can taste from a fine plate.