To add a fresh look to your backyard, poolscape or spascape, don't worry about tackling the entire outdoor space or spending big bucks. Think mini-makeover and get ready to accessorize.

These days pretty much everything indoors has worked its way outdoors, and that does mean everything, including:

• lamps
• rugs
• wall hangings
• cushions
• draperies and throws.

Woven designs, colored fabrics and innovative textures have been technologically developed and improved through the years. They are extremely durable, weather-resistant and functional, and now come in enough style choices to complement any existing décor.

"Design is not a product of trends or rules, but an expression of individuality, whim and delight," says interior designer Celerie Kemble.

To update an area quickly, the first thing that comes to mind for Kemble is to create a special nook -- a place for one to read or two to cuddle. Cuddle chairs are more comfortable than most indoor furniture, Kemble assures. "They are so cushy, it is hard to believe they are made for outdoors." Some oversized chairs have a canopy, which can be adjusted or removed for sunning or shading.

In the great outdoors, Kemble suggests that you can "go wild and be daring with décor. If you like chocolate brown, for example, go with a vibrant contrast of turquoise, pale yellows or white."

Kemble prefers to start with a relaxing solid, what she refers to as "base cloth," and then add "selective accents, using little blasts of color wherever you can afford." Mixed subtly around the property or tucked away in complementary pillow stripes, flowers, lava stones or table décor, coordinating tones provide the finishing touch.

On outdoor products, Kemble is comfortable in attesting that today's offerings work so well, you can just "stick them outside and forget about them." Indeed, these materials can get wet, will dry, will not rot and will withstand the test of time, in all climates. Faux leather is spectacular, Kemble points out, referring to how much she loves her white faux-leather outdoor set at her Florida home.

Lighting Options

"Lighting is extremely important in transforming an area," notes seasoned designer Richard Frinier. "For some people, seeing floor and table lamps outside may take some getting used to," Frinier continues, "but they are functional and offer an upscale panache."

Crafted with 100-percent solution-dyed acrylic fiber, it is hard to believe that some of these styles were designed for the outdoors, as they look perfectly at home when placed in an indoor setting. Even the brass framework will not rust or need painting with exposure to the elements. It weathers beautifully with age and exposure, resulting in a soft patina.

In addition to traditional lamp styles, attractive lanterns, path lighting, uplights, downlights and appropriately placed spotlights illuminate the way to an updated area.

An Accessory or Two

A trendy accent piece looms large in the right spot. Here are some ideas:

• Hang a multicolored twirly mobile from an overhang on the corner of your home, and it becomes a conversation-starter.
• Choose accents such as an outdoor tapestry, sundial or rain gauge to you're your space a spark.
• An unusual and attractive centerpiece makes a tired and worn outdoor table come alive.
• Layers of sand, shells, stones or jewels placed in the middle of a serving tray or filled vases of varying heights do the trick.
• Pillar candles and coordinating paperware help set a table that guests will remember.
• An old tire-turned-planter or scattered work boots filled with begonias step up to add remarkable flair to an otherwise familiar patio.
• Find a large pottery urn or planter and use white, instead of color. Display it brimming over with all sizes and varieties of pristine white and/or colorful flowers.
• A swing, settee, bench, hammock or bistro set positioned off to the side, diagonally or tucked away in a corner sets its own quiet boundary.
• Placed in front of a newly-pillowed loveseat, fire pits warm the chilly evening air and serve to toast marshmallows safely.
• When topped with lots of tiny potted flowers and placed against the house, a garden cart is both attractive and functional.
• Create a floor design by laying pieces of stone in a framed outlined pattern. Similarly, gravel can produce a carpet-like effect. It is amazingly secure, comfy to walk on, inexpensive and comes in a selection of colors.