Photo: Courtesy of TimberTech

Multipurpose zones allow you to take full advantage of your outdoor space – no matter how much of it you have. The trend is to create an inside-worthy space outside. That means more comfort, more function and more versatility. 

1. Relax with water.

 A water feature can be a small container, such as the one shown here from Tropical Garden Accents, or a full-on pond, like the one Seagem McNamara of Hawaii Landscape Services installed outside their home. “It is quite nice to listen to soothing sounds of water running from the fountain.”

2. Make it comfortable.

“One of the most useful things to do is to provide a shady area to relax,” says Gary Barnes of Tropical J’s. Barnes suggests sturdy umbrellas, quick-shade chaise cabanas, retractable lateral-arm awnings and retractable fabric roofs.

3. Install a rock garden.

Photo: iStockPhoto.com

“It takes minutes to create a peaceful and attractive corner of tranquility,” says Bonnie Cooper of Big Rock Manufacturing. “Start with the Buddha and add to this over time, with a water bowl and bamboo.”  Or, consider adding sand or gravel to your outdoor space (shown at left). Less grass equals lower maintenance and alternative materials add character.

4. Add character.

Photo: Courtesy of Big Rock Manufacturing

This tiki man will add personality to any outdoor space. Modeled after the ancient Hawaiian god of war who reigned over crops and woodland, Kuka’ilimoku Tiki, $150, from Big Rock Manufacturing.

5. Add art.

Photo: Courtesy of Outdoor Spaces

You decorate the walls of your interior space, why not add some art to your exteriors? “We especially like to use wood carvings and batiks,” says Jill Braden of Outdoor Spaces. The wave batik shown here is available in either indoor or outdoor prints, Ho’okomo fine art print by local artist Sarai Stricklin, $340, from Outdoor Spaces.

6. Make Things Interesting.

This Ensombra Parasol umbrella from Pacific Home ($2,900) adds visual appeal, thanks to its interesting construction.

7. Group potted plants.

“Display plants at different heights in groups to create a focal area,” says Aja Muir of Tropical Garden Accents. For a shortcut to planting, Muir suggests using glazed ceramic pots and dropping your plastic pots into them. “No planting necessary,” she says. “Buy a size slightly larger than the plastic pots you already have.” 

8. Set the mood with sound.

Photo: David Croxford

Wind chimes can add a deeper sense of relaxation to your outdoor ambience. Shown here: Aloha Chime in Turquoise, $49, from Red Bamboo.

9. Sit pretty.

Choose a bold color for your outdoor table. Bonus: This set folds up for easy storage. Bistro table, $315 and chairs, $135 each, from Pacific Home.

10. Set a path.

Give your guests the option of walking off the grass. These stepping stones require no installation. Simply set them down and start walking, shell stepping stones, $24.95 each, from Red Bamboo.

11. Bring back red and white.

Photo: David Croxford

Toss this classic Palaka tablecloth over your outdoor table for your next barbecue. Let the nostalgia flow. Hawaiian tablecloth by Something Hawaiian, $38, from Red Bamboo

12. Add color to your light.

Photo: David Croxford

These jumbo hurricane lamps hold candles large enough to illuminate any dark corner. Clear glass lets bright candles shine through. Hurricane lanterns $85-149, candles $16 to $24, from Red Bamboo.

13. Keep extra lights on hand.

This string of bamboo lights can be put up and taken down in an instant, Amscan bamboo lights, $32, from Red Bamboo.

14. Add a conversation piece.

Photo: Courtesy of Big Rock Manufacturing

This Ancient Hawaiian Konane game stone is the “board” for playing konane, a game that is similar to checkers, using black and white stones placed in depressions, $275 as shown, from Big Rock Manufacturing.

15. Plant an herb garden.

It will give off a wonderful fragrance and add flavor to your meals. Keep it organized with labels like this chalkboard and wooden version, $10, from Red Bamboo.

16. Lounge.

Photo: Courtesy of Gloster

Deep seating with thick cushions provide ultimate comfort. Shown here: Gloster Ventura Deep Seating adjustable lounge chair and ottoman, $2,100 as shown, from Lanai Things.

17. Instill life and color.

“Bring plant cuttings into your lanai,” suggests Aja Muir of Tropical Garden Accents. “Take a palm or heleconia cutting and place in a vase of water in your outdoor space. Cut flowers aren’t just for indoors!”

18. Use a versatile table.

This table serves double-duty. Use it as a side table or plant pedestal, then, when it’s time to eat, pull it right up to your chair, SoHo wicker table and chairs set, $149.97 for a set (one table and two chairs), from City Mill.