"The trend toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products has given rise to the use of solar shades to maintain the view while keeping heat and glare at bay."
-- Catherine Pulcine, interior designer, CPI Interiors, Kanata, Ont.
"Patios are replacing decks for outdoor living. They need less maintenance and have a longer life. Popular materials include concrete paving stones and natural materials like Tyndall Stone. Movable shading devices for patio living protect skin from sun damage during the day and roll back for evening stargazing."
-- Malvine Giesbrecht, interior designer, Synergy Architectural Interiors, Winnipeg
"Outdoor living means time to relax and unwind. The flora in an outdoor room should reflect those same themes of easy living and low upkeep; examples include potted gardens, low-maintenance perennials and grasses, and xeric gardens with drought-resistant plants that require less watering."
-- Tazim Lal, interior designer, Tazim Lal interiors, Ottawa
"What's hot this summer: built-in gas firepits, cabanas with screens or drapes, outdoor gas fireplaces, bars, rustic teak tables, and large lounging beds with lots of pillows."
-- Lisa Duxbury, interior designer, Two Degrees Interiors, Winnipeg
"Fireplaces, comfortable all-weather seating (especially oversize, cushy sofas), coffee tables, lighting and area rugs can be used to create 'rooms' in our garden retreats. A more casual lifestyle trend has resulted in groupings of soft sofas and chairs replacing the formal dining table on patios and decks."
-- Gayle Kiss, interior designer, Kiss Interior Design Studio, Toronto
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