Whenever I travel, I plan for both scheduled and spontaneous activities. That means making reservations in advance for things like spa services, visits to museums and parks, and coffee or dinner dates with family and friends — while also leaving plenty of room for personal time.

Whether you live in the city or suburbs, you can enjoy your own private oasis in the warmer months — and extend your living space — by creating an outdoor “room.” 

Now that summer seems to be in full swing, it’s time to turn our attention to our outdoor spaces and address how we use them and where we can make changes.