The lazy days of summer might seem far away right now, but this is an opportune time to begin daydreaming. Every year about this time, I begin to prepare for how we will use the yard and patio during the hot months. I take stock of what has been worn down during the winter and notice what needs replacement or sprucing up. Personally, I'm fighting a losing battle with gophers right now. I envision a vast green lawn and they apparently see dinner spread out for months to come. However, I am more focused on how to improve our use of the outdoors from an aesthetic and practical point of view.

No matter how restricted your space is, make sure that you have a place to dine al fresco. An apartment balcony might hold just a 24 to 30-inch diameter bistro table, but make sure it also has an umbrella hole. Shade assures that you will use the furniture more often. Know that there is a half-umbrella available that is perfect for deck and balconies. Visit Grandin Road to find their Outdura, which extends 54 inches out from any door and fits into the most confined spaces. I find myself replacing our table umbrella every two to three years because I tend to leave it outside all year long.

If you live in a part of the nation that is pestered by mosquitoes, know that removable, washable protection can be adapted to most outdoor spaces that convert them into living areas. Check out www.mosquitocurtains.com to see how you might create a no-bug zone! With a choice of Velcro attachments or aluminum tracking similar to hospital cubicle curtains, installation of a safety net connected to solid covering or open trellises of your porch or patio can offer relief from insects.

One of my favorite summer additions is a hammock. You can attach a hammock to trees or sturdy wood parts of your house. You might prefer a free-standing version as shown. Napping or reading a book while swaying in a hammock is one of those delicious summer memories. Sleeping outside on a screened porch is a way of life in parts of the country when, often, mattresses are dragged out onto the porch during the sizzling months.

Now days there are bright and fun outdoor textiles that allow for colorful accent pillows or cushion upholstery. Combined with a vast array of all-weather area rugs, you can construct a comfortable outdoor room just about anywhere! Chairs, sofas, rockers, gliders and porch swings are designed to get you to relax. Ottomans and outdoor recliners invite you to settle in just like you would inside in the living room or den. Take advantage of the improvements in outdoor furniture to build a super comfortable outdoor room. I think back to the harsh aluminum patio furniture of the 1950s and recall the hard and hot seating. We've moved past webbing and screen materials on seating to upholstered all-weather cushions with soft fabrics that sport patterns and texture.

Lighting is another feature that is vastly improved in outdoor design. Lots of us have safety-oriented spotlights outside, but this isn't the type of lighting that creates atmosphere. We tend to want torch or path lighting that is soft and dreamy and remind us of soft Japanese lanterns swaying in a gentle night. There are devices that attached to the spokes of your outdoor umbrellas that feature festive twinkle lights. They are perfect to establish a celebratory atmosphere. In order to read or see clearly, look for devices that support down-facing lights and attach to your umbrellas. Know that there are battery operated table and floor standing lamps as well as outdoor-rated plug-in lamps. There are pre-lit market umbrellas and commercial grade drop-string lights that, when strung in enough quantity, afford enough light to party with all night. I have looped clear Christmas lights on my fence and leave them up all year long. In fact, they are also strung in the large pine trees in the yard.

Photo Credit: Kohl's

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at [email protected]. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.