Just because we’re out and about again doesn’t mean that people have stopping thinking about their living spaces. The renovation trend that exploded during the pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, as homeowners continue to reimagine rooms and areas where they spend the most time.

For many, that means sprucing up patios, pool decks, balconies and backyards. Before embarking on such a home-improvement project this summer, consider some of the ways you can cast your outdoor spaces in a fresh light.

Furniture Facelift: Patio chairs and loungers looking a little shabby? Before you buy a new set, consider restoration. As long as your pieces are in good structural condition, the right refurbishment can make your old furniture look as good as new—and at a much lower cost than what you’d spend on a full-blown replacement. Locally, Absolute Patio Furniture in Pompano Beach (which sells residential and commercial outdoor furniture) is an authorized warranty refinisher for some of the largest patio furniture manufacturers in the country. “We offer sling replacement and strapping, sandblasting chemical pretreatment, and two-stage powder coating systems for ultimate performance,” explains Tammy Leeman, director of business development. On the softer side, if your cushions and pillows have seen better days, Absolute can customize brand new ones using some of the finest outdoor fabrics on the market. (absolutepatiofurniture.com)

A Shade Better: An entrepreneur with expertise in nautical engineering has helped to change the face of weather-resistant patio umbrellas. Launched by Dougan Clarke, and made in Miami, Tuuci umbrellas do everything a “mac daddy” umbrella should, just short of letting you fly Mary Poppins-style. Built to marine-grade standards, they’re engineered to brave the harshest elements South Florida can dish out. Aesthetically, the umbrellas are showstoppers that can transform an outdoor space. The brand’s newest offering, the Ocean Master Collection, has been drawing raves; the collection comes in myriad sizes, styles and finishes. Available through Clima Home in the Miami Design District.
(climahome.com, tuuci.com)

Got You Covered: Once dubbed the “outdoor living room,” the lanai/covered patio has emerged as an extension of your interior in design circles. That said, it’s still an outdoor area. So, pay close attention to materials when furnishing it, because even if your patio is screened-in and cooled by a ceiling fan, any chairs, tables, and rugs are still subject to humidity and dampness. Think all-weather wicker, jute and rust-resistant metal. Check out City Furniture for its vast and stylish selection of outdoor furnishings, not to mention the touchy-feely experience afforded by its mammoth showrooms throughout South Florida. (cityfurniture.com)

Have it Your Way: Outdoor kitchens are like burgers in the sense that they can be basic or deluxe. In both cases, it starts with the grill—but if you want all the fixings, things get a little more involved. For a luxe outdoor kitchen, turn to an expert like Allied Kitchen & Bath, licensed general contractors and kitchen/bath/home remodeling specialists with showrooms in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park. “We’re a true design-build firm, able to take a project all the way from design to construction,” says Bill Feinberg, the company’s president and CEO. Using superior products specifically designed for outdoor use ensures enjoyment for decades. Products like NatureKast composite cabinetry, so weatherproof that even a hurricane would meet its match; or Dekton by Cosentino countertops, a manmade wonder invincible against blazing sun and even fire. Allied also provides one-stop shopping for grill masters—think sinks, dishwashers, pizza ovens, teppanyaki (flat-surface iron griddle) grills, and anything else you can envision to create your dream outdoor kitchen. (alliedkitchenandbath.com)