Accessories for outdoor living getting better

The deck and patio lifestyle has been around forever, but the amenities that make it attractive -- furniture and accessories -- seem to get better as time goes by.

Styling, function and materials continue to improve, and fabrics are chic-chic. You can cook to your heart's content, entertain in high style or just veg out. Homeowners now give as much design thought to these outdoor suites as any room in the house.

So what's new out back in 04?

"Homeowners will see a lot of new entertaining and decorative items this season," says Marybeth Cornwell, seasonal living vice president for Lowe's. "Furnishings will be even more fashionable, and fabrics will be lively and trendy."

Stainless rules on the cooking front. Grills, entertainment centers -- and now coolers -- are must-haves for serious outdoor buffs. "It's the natural continuation of the commercial look in kitchens," says Cornwell. "It's beautiful, strong and won't rust. Look for more of this to come."

Cornwell says consumers can expect to find these offerings at Lowe's this season:

Balcony-height tables and chairs. Taller than regular tables but shorter than traditional high dining sets, the comfort height of these furnishings means no more climbing on or off tall deck chairs. And, the height allows easier viewing over railings.

Colors. Greens and blues are in vogue for cushions. Also hot: tropical prints.

Special orders. Any of 28 fabrics can be special ordered to fit 13 different cushion sizes. Re-cushioning can bring older furniture sets back to life.

Stainless steel gas grills. For the power-hungry, Jenn-Air's 60,000 BTU model features more than 1,000 square inches of cooking area. Other stainless models start around $400. Cast aluminum griddles are among many new accessories. Don't forget a protective cover.

Stainless steel no-sweat beverage cooler. The cool look of steel makes the leap from grills. The Coleman model features elevated legs. No stooping or bending over for your favorite beverage.

Stainless steel entertainment centers. Slice-and-dice your way to the perfect party on this do-it-all. Wheels add mobility. It even has a sink. Hook a garden hose to the faucet for running water.

Cloud Nine folding reclining chairs. Quick-dry sling fabric is available later this spring.

Patio party lights. Party-givers like informal festive lights they can string to set the right tone.

Planters. Fiberglas planters are lightweight, durable and feature intricate designs. "Anything urn-shaped is popular," says Cornwell.

Still more accessories. Consumers have their pick of tons of new accessories including park benches, deck storage, rockers and swings, hammocks, picnic tables and market umbrellas.

Style is nice but so is durability. Heavyweight cast aluminum is best for windy locales, and carries five- to 10-year warranties. Rust-free cast-aluminum table tops are gaining favor, too. The reason: no need to worry about glass breakage or smudges from finger prints.

"People really like the outdoor lifestyle," says Cornwell. "They want the best of indoor living in their outdoor room, and they're getting it all across the board."