Barbecue used to mean hot dogs or hamburgers cooked over charcoal briquettes. Today, grilling has a whole new meaning. Elaborate equipment for outdoor gourmet cooking can be accompanied by all the conveniences of a well-appointed kitchen. Stoves, refrigerators and even dishwashers are available to furnish your “outdoor kitchen.”

Having friends over for relaxing dinner outside? Picnic benches and lawn chairs have given way to a wide range of stylish and comfortable outdoor furnishings. Tables and chairs, sofas and gliders can be accessorized with outdoor carpets, cordless lights and music systems.

Whether you’re starting from “square 1″ and imagining your dream outdoor living space, or just want to improve on what you’ve already got, here are some tips to help you on your way:

• Start with the end in mind. Spend a good deal of time thinking through your goals, budget, wants and needs.  Come up with a plan that you can implement and stick to it.
• Make it convenient. Keep access to the kitchen, bathroom, water and electricity in mind.
• Plan for privacy. Privacy is important to both you and your neighbors.  You won’t have walls, so plan on using fencing or plants if there aren’t any objects already providing visual separation.
  
• Don’t do it all at once. It’s good to know what you want your end results to be, but create your plan so that it can be accomplished in stages.
  
• Complement your home. Choose colors, decor and styles that work well with your home’s exterior and surroundings.
  

Take a look at your house and start thinking about taking advantage of the outside as well as the inside. Making the most of your outdoor space may just dramatically increase the living area you thought you had!