gathering spot.

Patios are an outdoor extension of your home. It's the place where you unwind. Life doesn't

get better than this. But all patios are not created equal. Your outdoor oasis may just

need a boost, a little updating.

Here are four updates that will take your Patio from "ow" to "wow."

The Floor. Ok, this concrete slab isn't going to win a "gorgeous award." But it's a great

foundation to build on. You could stain the floor. Or my favorite way to totally personalize

this patio is to paint a pattern on the concrete. How cool is that?

With a swanky, totally unique floor, you can't be lounging on these chairs. Let's update

the patio furniture with this five piece Bistro set. Add some wine and cheese and the dream

is being lived.

We are outside, so let's include some plants in our party patio. They add color, texture

and help soften the edges of this outdoor room. You can hang them, put them around the

perimeter and even add a small tree or palm for a little privacy.

You'll probably spend most of your patio time when the sun goes "nighty night." You'll need

lights, not only to create a soothing atmosphere, but for safety reasons as well. Torch lights

give off a natural glow while string lights add a festival feel to your patio. Uplighting

the surrounding trees and plants can be dramatic. And if you don't want to deal with electric

and wires, use solar lights and in the long run, save money.

There you go. You can do one, two or all four of these updates and they won't break the

bank. Now start creating some memories.