New stylish products made for outdoor living now allow us to savor the charm of lounging and dining al fresco without sacrificing style. Here is my "five ingredient" recipe for making the most of an outdoor space.

1) Outdoor Furniture

Yes, wood is classic, but lately my clients have been asking for more color to liven up their backyards. For some, the perfect solution is furniture by Loll Designs. Funky, colorful and modern, these chaises and lounge chairs not only draw attention, but are made with 100 percent recycled plastic. There's also a collection just for children.

[Image: lolldesigns.com]

2) Hammock

Hammocks are perfect for people of all ages, and I urge my clients to find space for one when they're looking for an economical aesthetic touch for their yard. A simple mesh one will do in a pinch, but the ergonomic Leaf Hammock by Gaea Forms has a funky look, comes in a variety of colors and can comfortably fit two!

[Image: gaeaforms.com]

3) Outdoor TV

All decadence aside, I love the idea of being entertained while swimming or barbecuing with the All-Weather LCD Television by SunBriteTV, designed for permanent outdoor installation. My favorite is the extra bright 46-inch full-HD model, which offers either its own speaker module or an integrated external speaker system. Other screen sizes are available. Optional accessories include wall-mount swivel arms, FM radio and an outdoor TV dust cover, which I strongly recommend no matter where you live.

[Image: sunbritetv.com]

4) Outdoor Rugs

Colorful and modern outdoor rugs made by FREEK are beautiful and provide a subtle twist on the outdoor experience. My clients love their versatility. They are water-resistant and made of resilient nylon fibers that give these rugs a soft, grassy feel underfoot.

[Image: freekupyourlife.com]

5) Outdoor Lamps

An abundance of unique outdoor lights has appeared on the market, and many interior designers are enjoying experimenting with these new creations. The renowned Italian lighting design company Oluce has created Stones, unusual outdoor lights made of durable weather-tested polyethylene. They can be used in clusters or individually and use screw-in fluorescent bulbs. The stones come in many different shapes, offering a multitude of possibilities to make your backyard glow.

[Image: oluce.com]

For evenings in your pool, the Waterproof Floating Lantern provides a warm ambient light. Designed by Hector Serrano and available through YLIGHTING, it comes with a rechargeable battery pack that provides approximately four hours of illumination.

[Image: hinsonlighting.com]

[main image: Freek outdoor rug featured in australiandesignreview.com]