KICK BACK AND RELAX: IT'S PATIO TIME

Few words evoke more nostalgia than "porch."

The reassuring creak of a wooden porch swing set against a late-evening symphony of locusts is a small treasured piece of simpler times. It is also where increasing numbers of us still seek refuge from the fast track of 1990s' life

The porch thrived in American architecture from the 18th century through the World War II years before the birth of suburbia.

Today, porches and other "outdoor rooms" -- gazebos, patios, decks -- are back, more colorful and more comfortable than ever.

Outdoors is in.

"We love our porch," said Sally Owen. "During spring and summer we spend more time on the porch than in the house."

Owen, a member of the Southeast Missouri Hospital marketing and communications department, has combined her love of flowers with some novel decorating ideas to turn a 10-by-25-foot screened-in porch into a gracious retreat.

"We eat almost all of our evening meals on tahe porch," she said. "There's just something about a porch that says, `Hey, kick back, relax, enjoy.'"

The lure of the outdoors is evident by the number of permits for decks, patios, gazebos and porch additions each spring.

In April, a half-dozen permits were issued for decks, ranging in price from $1,200 to $4,000. Another permit was issued to add a porch, and another called for improvements to an existing back porch. More permits were issued for add-a-porch and gazebo projects in May.

City permits are required for deck, porch and gazebo projects, whether they are installed by commercial contractors or as a do-it-yourself project.

One innovative Cape Girardean purchased a ready-made gazebo and added his own touches by installing roll-out windows. After the gazebo was in place, a deck was beside it.

The call of the great outdoors has created major new markets for a number of merchants, including lumber and building suppliers, furniture sales, arts and crafts retailers and many others centers with outdoor furniture.

"Woodard is one of the big lines in outdoor furniture," said Geoff Choate of Rust & Martin Inc., 2502 Tanner Drive. "The Woodard furniture is durable, wears well and is great for inside and outside."

Woodard manufactures a full line of outdoor furniture, from small, cocktail tables to round dining tables with umbrellas and barrel chairs.

The company this year introduced a new line and design.

One Cape Girardeau retailer, Lowe's Home Center, includes a number of outdoor furniture settings in its lawn and garden section.

"Outdoor living products have been big sellers since we opened here earlier this year," said Bob Gray, assistant manager at Lowe's in Cape West Business Park.

Gray said two types of gazebos are available: a wood structure and a portable.

"The portable is more like a tent," said Gray. "It comes with a metal frame and stretch cloth." The portables range in size from 9-by-9 feet to 12-by-12 feet, and can be folded and stored for the winter.

The wood gazebo is made of cedar and is "real popular," said Gray.

One noticeable item in the porch or gazebo setting is the ceiling fan. The ceiling fan is available in classic wood or brass and serves to provide circulation of air to dispel heat and odors. In the case of the gazebo, the ceiling fan will drive away many insects. You can even find a computerized fan that automatically adjusts fan speed as temperatures change and shuts the fan off when it is no longer needed.

A variety of tables and chairs, from wrought iron to wood, plastic and aluminum, are available for the outdoor scene. Wicker, twig and bamboo furniture provide personality, but are best used in covered areas.

Teak or mahogany garden furniture is handsome, sturdy and expensive, and probably will last forever.

Redwood is the popular choice for many. It ranges from picnic tables for the patio to chaise, chairs, and ottomans for patios and gazebos.

Another popular outdoor item is the glass-top round table covered by a giant umbrella.

Covered porches and gazebos can provide a cozy, living-room sort of mood outdoors. Hanging plants, rugs, cushions, handmade flower boxes, and a few other decorative accessories borrowed form the indoors can add texture and warmth to the outside rooms.