To more fully enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, homeowners can expand the comforts of their homes into yards, patios and porches.

Finding ways to add a sense of style to outdoor rooms is almost as fun as the time spent relaxing and gathering with family and friends in the space, and accessorizing does not need to be expensive or complicated.

Here are a few fresh ideas for decking out an outdoor space that will be fun and inviting well into the autumn months.

Rain chains

Used for hundreds of years in Japan to transport rainwater from the roof and into collection vessels for household use, rain chains are unique, attractive and functional outdoor accessories that are just starting to catch on in the U.S.

A rain chain, like this one from Water’s Edge, is a pretty accessory that can transport rainwater from roofs to plants, decorative streams or rain barrels.

Melamine serveware is cheap and colorful.

“These lovely copper rain chains they have in Japan are the equivalent of our ugly downspouts,” said Susan Davis, co-owner of Water’s Edge, 847 Indiana St. “You hang a rain chain, and the water beautifully splashes and dances down from the house.”

Davis said that when used as downspout, rain chains can drain into any number of things, including a small garden of water-loving plants, a decorative stream that runs away from the structure’s foundation, or a even rain barrel. Water’s Edge also creates a simple water feature by hanging a rain chain from a pergola and installing a fountain that feeds water into the rain chain.

“The water falls into a pretty orange pot at the bottom, and it’s just a fountain,” Davis said. “It’s gorgeous.”

Water’s Edge sells copper rain chain in 3-foot sections that range in price from $45-$95.

Outdoor rugs

If you are craving dramatic change but don’t want to invest in whole new set of outdoor furniture, outdoor rugs and mats are a quick and inexpensive to way to redo the look of an outdoor space, said Jessica Nicholson, assistant manager at Cost Plus World Market, 3106 Iowa St.

“Outdoor rugs unify the room and give everything a focus,” Nicholson said. “It’s also a good way to add a pop of color.”

Outdoor rugs and mats are made from materials that are meant to withstand the elements. World Market carries rugs and mats made of sea grass or recycled plastic, and many are attractive enough to use inside during the winter months.

Glass globe string lights

Those looking for an alternative to the white Christmas lights that have become a backyard mainstay might consider hanging some glass globe string lights in their outdoor space for a more updated look.

Commonly referred to as “café” or “bistro” lights, globe string lights have a European flair that give an outdoor room the feel of a sidewalk café in a cozy Paris alleyway. A string of 25 globe lights will run you about $14.99 at Target.

Festive serveware

Not up for hanging, arranging or installing anything? Pick up some melamine cups and plates in bright colors for some instant al fresco pizazz. Nicholson said that melamine serveware is a popular for outdoor entertaining because it is affordable, unbreakable and comes in bold colors and styles. It is the quickest and easiest way to create a festive touch to an outdoor space, she said.

“Our melamine serveware is really where most of the color comes from in our store,” she said.

Do note that melamine is not recommended for use in the microwave.

Bric-a-brac

Functionality is great, but accessories — especially outdoor accessories — also provide an opportunity for frivolity. Water’s Edge carries plenty of useful outdoor items like thermometers, clocks and rain gauges, but they also have a number of accessories whose only function in fun.

“We have all kinds of things,” Davis said. “Funky little iron stakes of dragonflies and praying mantises, concrete and ceramic frogs, critters for the wall, ceramic spheres, peace polls…”

The possibilities of bric-a-brac are endless and are the best way to make your outdoor space uniquely yours.

— Liz Weslander is a freelance writer for the Lawrence Journal-World.