When imagining a romantic getaway, look no further than your very own bedroom. Creating a passionate retreat at home will ignite your love life in more ways than one.

Amid today's challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a home's value and the pleasure in reveling in a unique and personal living space.

With current economic woes putting a damper on spending, parents and students are looking for the best value on everything from clothes to computers. And while saving money is a priority, value and style don't have to contradict each other.

There's an almost Olympian sense of excitement when it comes to home decorating this fall. Here are the trends leading interior designers and industry experts across the country have predicted will be hot this season.

Long gone are the days when homeowners were satisfied with a simple deck, a beat-up grill and some basic patio furniture. Now the trend brings living rooms, baths, home spas, full kitchens and even meditation rooms into the great outdoors. Stone fireplaces, built-in grills, water features, multiple levels for patios and decks, hot tubs and even flat-screen TVs - all the luxurious appointments of indoor life are finding their way into outdoor environments.

Taking your kitchen from everyday drab to your personal "fab" doesn't require a complete makeover or the budget of a home-remodeling reality show. A few simple, cost-effective cosmetic changes can create a big impact - even in smaller spaces like galley kitchens.

When the weather turns warm, we open our windows to let in the light and fresh air. But there are other ways to update living spaces to reflect the best of the summer season.