Families trade living rooms for outside havens

Families are investing record amounts of time and money to create stylish outdoor living spaces furnished as carefully as their indoor living rooms.

In fact, the $6.2 billion outdoor furniture and grill industry is expected to grow steadily over the next three years as everyday homeowners are turning into creative exterior decorators. And, according to two-thirds of architects, they're increasingly demanding options like outdoor kitchens and heated decks and patios.

"Out is the new in as more families turn their outdoor spaces into comfortable places for sharing meals, hosting parties and relaxing," says Kelly Semrau, vice president of global public affairs and communication for SC Johnson. "Outdoor living spaces should be an extension of the home. So as a family company, it's important we're providing products that help make this space as clean, comfortable and enjoyable for families as their indoor rooms."

Since more families are taking advantage of outdoor rooms and patios, SC Johnson offers tips for bringing the indoors out and keeping the outdoors in order, too.

Use nontraditional outdoor furniture: New weatherproof products mean lawn chairs aren't the only option -- think backyard couches, beds and even waterproof televisions. Or redefine "home office" and add a desk to your suite of patio furniture. Work will never be the same.

Be an outdoor gourmet: Appliances like refrigerators and ranges are joining grills outside. However, with outdoor conditions, dirt may build up more quickly in the outdoor kitchen. Tackle the mess and germs with an antibacterial multisurface cleaner.

Set the mood while keeping away unwanted guests: Why not have your outdoor lighting do double-duty? The OFF! PowerPad lantern gives off an atmosphere-enhancing glow while repelling mosquitoes from an area up to 225 square feet. For additional protection from mosquitoes and other bugs, use personal insect repellent.

Be inspired: An outdoor living space can be a wonderful, inspirational place for the whole family to work on arts and crafts projects. Keep supplies like paints, brushes, crayons and beads organized and portable by storing them in Ziploc brand containers.

Outdoor living can be as neat as it is fun. SC Johnson products and other quick tips can keep outdoor spaces clean and comfortable -- and with less effort than ever -- so families can spend more time together enjoying the comfort of their own outdoor living spaces.

Visit SC Johnson's Clean Home Journal, www.clean homejournal.com, for more outdoor living tips or visit www.scjohnson.com.

Information courtesy SC Johnson