As New Jersey homeowners begin to make summer plans, many are opting to stay at home more often and even vacation in their community—a trend that has helped coin the phrase "staycation." According to one recent poll, moreover, two-thirds of homeowners say they would rather have a barbecue or cookout at home than eat at a restaurant.
So if you find yourself searching for a relaxing place to escape to this summer, look no further than your own backyard. Whether you’re seeking solace from the madding crowd or just want to enjoy relaxing with family and friends, there is potential just beyond your patio doors to transform your outdoor space into a personal retreat. The solution: Patioscaping, the art of transforming a simple backyard into an elegant outdoor oasis.
With more homeowners engaging in outdoor entertaining, Patioscaping offers the advantage of creating a beautiful outdoor patio space without having to make a significant investment in remodeling. As you consider investing in an outdoor living space, here are some tips that will make a big difference in the look and functionality of your property:
Know your home's style It's important to have an understanding of your home's architectural style when creating an outdoor room, so that your outdoor patio space complements your indoor living space. Whatever theme you carry outdoors, it should reflect your home's style, whether it's a Victorian, a Craftsman or a ranch-style home. 
Determine the use of your space Once you know the general architectural style of your home and, by extension, your patioscape, it's time to think about the activities you want to enjoy. If you like to entertain, consider planning a food preparation area or built-in counter to serve as a buffet or serving space. If you want to lounge and read in blissful silence, include a hammock, chaise lounges or wooden benches with pillows covered in durable outdoor fabrics. Make a sketch using scale-model drawings of furniture you'd like to include on your patio.
Set the stage with the right door. The entry to your outdoor patio space creates the impression of what's to follow on the other side. And because summertime barbecues, pool parties and picnics funnel traffic through your home's patio door, make it a pleasant experience—avoid irritating traffic jams, frayed screens and cloudy glass by installing doors that can stand up to the high traffic and look good over time. For example, patio doors made with fiberglass offer an ideal blend of beauty and durability—they won't ding, dent or rust like steel doors, and won't swell, rot, crack or warp like wood doors. And they come in a variety of styles, with either an exterior wood-grain or smooth look, and an interior that is ready to stain or paint. Fiberglass patio doors are designed as a complete system with components that work together to form the tightest seal possible, creating an energy-efficient envelope for your home. As an added incentive, homeowners who purchase and install qualifying entry doors through December 31, 2010, may be eligible for energy efficiency tax credits of up to $1,500 per household through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Make a green space even greener While shrubs and trees can add important texture to your green space, you don't need to completely re-landscape the yard. Colorful flowering plants around your patio's perimeter can create a dramatic effect and serve as a visual boundary from the rest of the yard, creating an intimate space that evokes an actual room.
Let there be light Another inexpensive way to add atmosphere to your outdoor patio space is to install accent lighting. String lights in festive colors and shapes; add drama by lighting a pathway to the garden, pool or pond; accent trees with lights at ground level or in the branches. There is nothing more beautiful than candlelight outdoors—just be sure to use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over. Plus, a well-thought-out exterior lighting design also delivers 360-degree home security for your exterior.
Allow for family fun Many families use the patio as a playground equipped with toys, swings, basketball hoops and wading pools. Add a clean storage area to protect bikes and toys when not in use, as well as indoor/outdoor floor coverings to protect children from scrapes and bruises.
By following these patio planning basics in creating the perfect outdoor patio space, your backyard will be transformed in an private oasis that you will enjoy all summer and for many years to come.