This is the first in a series of quick tips from Design and Decor experts who have graciously given some great advice for our customers and readers.

Southern Hospitality is the wonderful design and decor blog featuring the work of the ever helpful Rhoda, who came to her expertise status the old fashion way, by designing and decorating her own home, and sharing her adventures with the world.  We asked her for a tip on Outdoor Rooms and Outdoor decor, and she shared this with us.

We added a great little patio area under our unused deck last year, which has completely transformed our backyard:

Take a look at the area under your deck (or another unused area) for a possible outdoor room. We transformed the unused area under our back deck into a cozy spot for entertaining just by adding large pavers and pea gravel. The project was easy to do and cost about $350 total and now we have a wonderful area to entertain and enjoy ourselves. I stocked the patio with yard sale finds, keeping an eye out for garden décor, iron, candle holders, and anything else that could be used in an outdoor space. We really enjoy the area now, not to mention it changed from nothing but mud to a beautiful little room.

To see the great decor change she created, check out her post, The Decorated Patio.