Homeowners are not just rushing to create outdoor spaces; they're in a full sprint to add every kind of creature comfort imaginable.

Consumers are keen to escape the confines of four-walled homes for the wide open backyard spaces. The American Institute of Architects reports double-digit growth in several outdoor project categories.

On consumer dockets are full-fledged kitchens and entertainment areas with project price tags that start at a few hundred dollars, although budgets of $20,000 and up aren't unheard of. Outdoor living just isn't a deck anymore.

"It makes no sense to have a nice backyard if you're not even going to look out the back door," says Bill Peck of William Peck and Associates, an architectural firm in Louisville, Texas. "People want to get some fresh air and socialize with the neighbors in a comfortable outdoor environment."

The 2006 AIA survey of 500 members shows work by architects on serious outdoor space is up nearly 20 percent since 2005, while projects involving upscale landscaping and other outdoor amenities are up 13 percent.

The trend is toward outdoor kitchens to make any chef proud. Peck says elaborate setups, with granite counters and "appliance packages" of weather-resistant stainless equipment and grills, plus undercounter refrigeration, stovetops and sinks, are on many wish lists. The footprint for kitchens is as large as 16-by-18 feet. Peck's most expensive kitchen-centered project: $35,000.

To provide what Peck calls an "air break" between seating areas, homeowners choose low brick walls to sequester entertainment zones that have all-weather sofas, couches and chairs. Many homeowners choose to yank an indoor fireplace altogether in favor of an outdoor fireplace, chimenea or firepit. Screened-in porches, valued for sun and anti-bug protection, are popular.

To a lesser degree, multilevel decks have given way to single-level plans, a nod to those who want to avoid tiered steps.

Melissa Birdsong, head of trend forecasting and design for home store chain Lowe's, agrees with assessments that outdoors is where it's at for homeowners. "Over the last few years we've seen a growing migration or more and more indoor living elements to outdoor spaces. The basic idea of creating a lush landscape and adding a deck or patio has evolved to a desire for even greater comfort and function," says Birdsong.

She says this "found space" extends the usability for homeowners who want to take advantage of every available square foot in and around the house. "A re-tooled outdoor room is a great use of previously under-appreciated backyard space," she says.

Soaring interest in all things outdoors comes at a time when building lot and home sizes are shrinking.

Kermit Baker, chief AIA economist, says that for the first time in 30 to 40 years, the "key segments" of home and lot size have stabilized, owing as much to rising land prices as anything. Material costs and homeowners simply looking to downsize may play a role in the move toward smaller dwellings.

As home prices increase, Baker says consumers are "kicking their investment outside the four walls of the house. They're looking to put more energy into their lots and use them more efficiently."

By Baker's estimation, interest in overall improvement to outdoor space is a big chunk of the $275 billion home improvement market.

On the Web:

www.aia.org

www.lowes.com