Randy and Sally Royse have it figured out. Their patio--centered around a fireplace made of eastern Oklahoma moss rock--is a carefully planned extension of their living room. It's their chosen destination for everyday relaxation and entertaining. "I love being outside, and this is an outdoor room in every sense of the word," Randy says. "It's just like being indoors, but the sky is your ceiling."

The South is favored with delightful autumn weather that's conducive to outdoor living, and Oklahoma City, where the Royses reside, is no exception. Their fireplace adds to that livability with warmth and comfort, even on the season's chilliest days. "We use it every chance we get--in the dead of winter and even during summer cool spells," Sally says.