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Looking for a perfect place to create an environment of stylish living? Look no further than your own backyard.

With its lush topography and magnificent (if a touch humid these days) weather, the Lowcountry is perfect for turning your outdoor spaces into extensions of your living rooms, kitchens and quiet retreats. This isn’t a new idea, of course: According to Paula S. Wallace, president of the Savannah College of Art and Design and author of “Perfect Porches,” porches in the South were historically designed to allow houses to breathe in hot weather by providing cross-ventilation and a cooling breeze. They also offered natural shade and were typically the coolest place in the house during the summer months.

But even though we have modern conveniences like air conditioning to reduce the need for cooling porches, it doesn’t mean we can’t think of creative ways to use those outdoor spaces.

How about a porch that doubles as an outdoor bedroom? It may sound a little
out there, but think about it: An outdoor bedroom area could serve a haven for reading, respite and even a bit of romance. Think of a twin, mattress-size porch swing that doubles a bed — one that’s suspended from the ceiling, rocks gently to and fro and features a plethora of fluy pillows that make it even more inviting? Here’s the best part: Many of today’s fabrics are woven with an acrylic fiber that makes them completely resistant to water, stains and mildew. And of course they come in all manner of fun colors, patterns and textures.

These days, it’s easy to work a little technology into your outdoor space as well: If you want to watch TV, listen to music or control the lighting and ambience outdoors— and don’t feel much like getting o the daybed — your smartphone or  laptop offers a great many apps that make such things possible with the swipe of a finger. In fact, it’s becoming easier these days to find TVs and entertainment systems designed to live outside; they’re resistant to rain and moisture and integrate into almost any decor. Pretty cool stu — and surprisingly affordable, too.

For those looking to keep it simple, start easy with a simple table and chairs. Those will be necessary for basic outdoors needs: eating al fresco, playing a game or just sitting back with a cocktail or glass of sweet tea. If you need to save a little space, incorporate a drop-leaf table that can seat two people or expand to hold six, and seek out chairs that can fold up and tuck away when not in use, but remain comfy and hearty enough to withstand the elements. Those are readily available from local sources.

Let’s not forget that it sometimes helps to have a beverage or snack around while relaxing, and small refrigerated beverage coolers can be a the perfect solution to this extremely vexing problem. These come in the form of pull-out drawers, small under-the-counter varieties and free-standing models. Mind you, they’re not designed to compete with a deluxe outdoor kitchen, but serve as a must-have convenience for an outdoor relaxation space.

Are your eyelids getting heavy? Is it time for a snooze? Would you love some sounds and smells of nature as you swing or doze? Add a small fountain to experience the soothing sounds of gently trickling water flowing and a large indoor pot full of wonderfully scented herbs. This is a pretty great way to get more outdoors in your outdoors.

One last innovative but completely doable option is to consider expanding the porch space and creating an outdoor shower complete with a rain head, drying and dressing area and a functional water closet. What initially may seem like a decadent luxury could quickly become your primary personal summer retreat.