Nothing is more relaxing than a breath of fresh air, which is likely the reason why the lines between indoors and out have blurred immensely. More and more homeowners are moving their living rooms outside to well-appointed patios and decks, furnishing these spaces with all the comforts of their favourite indoor gathering spaces.

In fact, research shows homebuilders are now incorporating two- and three-sided outdoor rooms into home plans. Manufacturers too are addressing the trend by providing a wide array of products designed for outdoor living, giving homeowners nearly as many choices to decorate their outdoor living rooms as those inside their homes – including furniture, textiles, lighting, grills and even WiFi-enabled outdoor entertainment systems.

“Homeowners are spending as much time and effort on outdoor living projects as they do indoor decorating endeavors,” notes Denise Patterson, product manager for Krylon, the nation's leader in spray paint. “With the summer season upon us, now's the time to freshen up outdoor living spaces and make them 'relaxation ready' for the warm months of fun.”

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to spruce up an outdoor area is by refurbishing existing furniture and other pieces with spray paint. While you want furniture to look stylish, you also want something that is easy to clean and maintain, and holds up against the elements like rain, heat and sunlight. No one wants freshly painted furniture to fade, chip or rust before the season ends.

From wicker furniture and patio tables, to pottery and planters, Krylon's Outdoor Spaces line of spray finishes offers a wide range of durable, yet contemporary colours that can easily help you achieve sophisticated looks with the convenience of spray paint. Because homeowners are looking for more than just basic colours, they're available in several new, vibrant and exciting hues including poppy, ivy, ocean and sunlight.

Once your painting projects are complete, accent your bold colour choices with unique and interesting cushions and throw pillows made from stain- and mildew-resistant fabrics. Also keep in mind, your new furniture colours and coordinating cushions will “pop” and look brighter with the right kind of outdoor lighting. Depending on how you configure your outdoor living space, you can install lighted ceiling fans, environmentally friendly solar accent lighting to surrounding flowerbeds and even use portable lamps designed expressly for exterior use.

Living in the great outdoors wouldn't be complete if you didn't weave in natural elements such as fire and water. A grill and/or a fire pit and water features, such as a container pond, bird bath or waterfall planter further tie together the perfect combination of inside meets outside.

Additionally, portable patio heaters are a great way to let you enjoy your outdoor haven even when nights get chilly, allowing you to make the most of your space all season long.

And don't forget the entertainment. Outdoor-friendly systems exist for any budget – ranging from WiFi- or satellite-radio-enabled speaker systems for a little mood music, to high-end comprehensive systems that include plasma televisions and surround sound. All are designed to withstand any weather.

With all of the stylish and unique design options available to help you create your own backyard oasis this summer, why would you even consider spending your free time indoors? The season lasts only a few months in many climates, so make the most of it by designing an ultimate outdoor living room that's ideal for gathering, cooking, entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

More information about Krylon products can be found online at www.krylon.com.

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When warm weather sets in, it's usually our first instinct to head outdoors – but then you hear it… a soft buzzing sound that will instantly send you running back inside.

The panic that sets in when a bee or wasp buzzes nearby happens for good reason – they're dangerous. Reactions to insect stings can cause infection at the site of the sting, difficulty breathing and severe to deadly allergic reactions.

While both bees and wasps are beneficial to the environment, clashes with humans can happen if the insects feel threatened.

“Bees away from the hive aren't likely to be aggressive, if left undisturbed” says Bill Melville, a 35-year pest management veteran and director of quality assurance for Orkin PCO Services. “However, stay away from hive entrances as bees guarding food stores and young are much more likely to sting.”

Though bees do sting, people often confuse them with yellow jacket wasps. Unlike a bee, which can only sting once, yellow jackets can sting multiple times. Over time, some people can develop increased sensitivity to their stings, with future stings becoming life threatening.

To prevent run-ins with bees and wasps while outdoors, the experts at Orkin PCO Services recommend limiting their access to any water and food sources, especially those containing sugar. When picnicking outdoors, keep food in tightly sealed containers and cover pop cans as yellow jackets often enter cans unseen.

Think about other potential food sources as well – for example, regularly empty and wash garbage cans, which can contain pest-attracting residues. Position flowering plants away from places you frequent, such as doorways, walkways, decks and mailboxes. Keep your lawn free of bee attractors like white clover and flowering weeds.

To prevent stinging pests from making their way inside, fit screens and tighten seals properly on doors and windows. Frequently monitor for hives and nests around your home, and call a licensed pest control professional immediately for treatment and removal if you notice one.

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