These dual patios serve different roles. The upper patio acts as a transitional space between the house and surrounding landscape, making it ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The lower patio, which overlooks a lake, is preferred for casual dinners and sunset cocktails with close friends.

Because the flooring is so visually dominant, seating was placed along the edges of this garden patio. While the red garden bench makes this space compelling for one or two people, the flagstone retaining walls embracing the patio can seat nearly a dozen partygoers.

This patio was designed specifically with the lake view in mind. The subtlety of the clean lines, natural construction materials, and simple furnishings allow the view to dominate, while giving the homeowners and friends a place to gather at the water's edge.

This back porch features cut-stone floors instead of traditional wood floors. It is also enclosed by a stone wall instead of wooden balustrades. The stone visually unifies the home with the walls and structures in the surrounding landscape.

This porch is broad enough to create a roomlike setting with seating arranged in a conversational grouping. Porches 8 ft. to 12 ft. wide are necessary for this type of seating arrangement; those 6 ft. wide are better suited for a row of rockers or chairs.

Large decks are great for entertaining, and this one can handle a crowd. With its mix of chairs, chaises, and table seating, the deck can support the variety of activities likely to take place when family and friends gather for a weekend at the lake.

Bright colors and creative millwork in the eaves, columns, balustrades, and newel posts give this Victorian- style porch character and create a welcoming spot for casual conversation. Paint, materials, and millwork can also be chosen to complement porches on contemporary, traditional, Craftsman, and other styles of homes.

Simple, cozy balconies can be added to many rooms without breaking the budget. This one, built just off a master bedroom, is perfect for a couple to unwind before turning in for the night.

Since this shower is used for rinsing off before and after soaking in an in-ground spa, rather than for bathing outdoors, an enclosure was not necessary. The shower is tucked into a hedge to screen the wooden structure from view.

Installing a shower against an exterior house wall offers an easy and affordable way to tap into water lines. This one is located just beyond the master bathroom and is used for washing off after a swim in the nearby lake or a soak in the spa.

When outdoor showers are used for bathing, an enclosure built with rot-resistant, exterior-grade wood offers privacy. Benches, ledges, and hooks offer convenient spots to set down towels, hang swimsuits and clothing, or stash bathing necessities. Bath mats located just beyond the shower are also appreciated.

By Lee Ann White