Fab Firepits, Gorgeous Grills and Outdoor Accessories That Set the Tone for Spring

MOORESVILLE, N.C., March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Gone are the days of rickety patio furniture and tired lawns. With outdoor living set as the new lifestyle, you'll be saying 'ciao,' 'au revoir,' 'buh bye' to neglected decks and hello to stylishly furnished outdoor living spaces.

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"Homeowners are giving outdoor living spaces the same attention to detail and functionality as interior rooms," said Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design and brand at Lowe's. "This year, it's out with the gnomes and in with stylish grills, over-sized outdoor furniture and weather-proof outdoor rugs, clocks and screens that help create beautifully designed outdoor spaces."

As the indoor/outdoor line continues to blur, Birdsong recommends thinking of outdoor living space much like a room, starting with flooring. "Think in terms of concrete, stone, grass, a combination of these materials and even decking," said Birdsong. Lowe's now carries Trex decking, in addition to ChoiceDek, which are both made of recycled materials and are eco-friendly options.

Walls and ceilings can be created using a trellis, arbor, gazebo or even trees and shrubs. Plus, Birdsong says outdoor space designs now incorporate built-in fireplaces, fountains and cooking areas with granite or stone countertops and gas grills featuring high-tech options like infrared technology (check out the all stainless Jenn-Air Four Burner Gas Grill, Item #242610 for $999). Accessories are also a must-have and Lowe's has a wide selection of outdoor fashion items ranging from $4.97 to $54 -- think oversized planters, hanging wall decor and garden statuaries.

Outdoor furniture styles are also taking cues from indoor spaces. A complete set, like the Harbor Town Collection available exclusively at Lowe's, includes coffee and end tables and oversized couches and chairs finished with cushions, piping and tassels. Outdoor dining sets now offer more detail and incorporate colors found inside, such as pecan brown and brick red, no longer limiting consumers to just tropical greens and blues.

Like designing an indoor space, Birdsong says homeowners should consider privacy, noise, ease of use, maintenance as well as child and pet safety. Eco- friendly gardening products, such as Miracle Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix (#78595, $5.97), contain all-natural ingredients.

Lighting is another easy, affordable way to create ambiance outdoors. Try Brightscapes Tool-Free landscape lighting kits ($79-$149), which are low- voltage landscape lights that allow homeowners to assemble and install the lighting and power pack without using tools.

For more outdoor living ideas, including product information and images, visit Lowes.com/presspass and click on "Idea File" and "Image Gallery" or visit your local Lowe's store.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2006 sales of $46.9 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 13 million customers a week at more than 1,375 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 60-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.