Tag Archives: decks in Kansas City

Arbors Keep Kansas City Decks Cool

Arbors add form and function to a home, helping to shade residents from this hot weather we are having in Kansas City.

Kansas City Arbor

Arbor by Outdoor Environments

Arbors help prevent glare and support the vines that provide shade. The arbor above, by Outdoor Environments in Overland Park, incorporates seating and planters into its architectural design. The arbor provides a transitional space between indoors and out, and coordinates with the railing. An outdoor environment is about more than square footage. Outdoor space should be divided into distinct and practical zones for a variety of activities.

 

Outdoor Environments Overland Park

Image via Outdoor Environments

 

For Kansas City decks, arbors, and more: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

How to Fix Peeling Paint on Your Kansas City Deck

An interesting article in The Kansas City Star had tips on fixing peeling deck

deck paint

paint, and we’ve boiled these tips and others down to five easy steps.

  • Step 1: Remove as much of the loose paint as possible with a wire brush.
  • Step 2: Use an orbital sander to remove the rest of the peeling paint.
  • Step 3: Sand again using a 150-220 grit sandpaper.
  • Step 4: Clean the deck, perhaps with a power-washer.
  • Step 5: Apply a wood primer and finally, paint.
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For Kansas City decks, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.
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Image via greenliving

Concept-Driven Gardens in Kansas City

Even though the word theme has gotten a bad wrap in the past decade, there really is something to be said for choosing a consistent concept out of design history. The Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a perfect example of this inspired design. After all, timeless beauty should be able to translate from Giverny to Kansas City.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Image via Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. (Flickr)

The Italian influence of the Brookwood Fountain is echoed in the formal partere garden that surrounds it.

Kansas City landscaping

Image via KC Fountains

Spanish influence is seen in the “Court of Lions Fountain,” which was inspired by the Alhambra Court of Lions fountain in Seville. The niche behind the fountain echoes the historical theme.

Kansas City landscaping

Image via kcfountains.com

At Powell Gardens, the Quilt Gardens (part of the Heartland Harvest Garden) was inspired by the Chateau Villandry outside Paris. There is a different pattern in each quadrant.

Kansas City garden

Image via Powell Gardens

Lush Planter Ideas for Decks, Patios

A lush, overflowing planter can soften the architectural lines of a deck or patio. Here are examples of lush planters from across the nation.

  • Los Angeles. This avant-garde contemporary design by L.A.-based planter specialist Urban Nature incorporates flora suited for that climate.
lush planter

Urban Nature image via plusmood.com

  • New York. A variety of colors and textures play off of each other in this arrangment. This creator of this planter, by Sweet Dirt Designs, trained at the New York Botanical Garden.
lush planter

Image via Sweet Dirt Designs

  • Warm, Dry climates. This low-maintenance succulent planter was celebrated on Apartment Therapy. The container should have soil that is not too dense, and very little water is needed.
lush planter

Image via Apartment Therapy

  • St. Louis. This window-mounted planter, shown in Midwest Living Magazine, has European influence and provides greenery both above and below.
lush planter

Image via Midwest Living

Advantages of Multi-Level Decks

Multi-level decks have practical and aesthetic benefits that make them well-suited for for Kansas and other environs. Here are some of the advantages of multi-level decks:

  • Maximize space. Building up adds square footage without taking up more property. At Outdoor Environments, we angle each deck level to take advantage of views and sunlight.
multi-level deck

Outdoor Environments

  • Protect lower level. The bottom of the top deck serves as a roof for the lower deck, protecting it from rain, snow, and glare.
multilevel deck

Outdoor Environments

  • Entertaining. Multi-level decks enable guests to travel from one amenity to the other. An evening can consist of bar followed by pool followed by hot tub. These multiple tiers also add architectural interest, especially to exterior walls with few windows.
multi-level deck

Outdoor Environments


For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Great Magazines for Backyards

We love reading about outdoor environments almost as much as we love creating them. Here are some top publications that we look forward to reading every month.

  • Kansas City Home & Garden shows a variety of distinctive landscapes.
  • Qualified Remodeler gives technical details about industry trends. It has been showing a lot of outdoor kitchens lately (see below), which we enjoy.
Qualified Remodeler

Image via Qualified Remodeler

  • Architectural Digest shows landscapes next to bold architecture. For example, it had a great article on an East Hampton home by Leroy Street Studio (image below).
Architectural Digest

Image via Architectural Digest. Photo: Adrian Wilson

  • Southern Living brings gracious living to families nationwide.
porch

Image via Southern Living

 

For lush backyards, porches, and more, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Multi-Level Decks Popular in Kansas

With some exceptions, it’s been a pleasant, sunny summer in greater Kansas City. The perfect time for a deck that can be accessed from several different rooms of the home, offering panoramic views. Since our founding, Outdoor Environments has been known for two-level living spaces. Here are some of our best:

  • This deck has over three levels, each one offering a different view and opportunity to socialize.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • Landings also offer an opportunity for architectural interest and more quiet conversation zones, as this project by Outdoor Environments demonstrates. It’s really more than just a deck–it’s a lifestyle.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • A multi-level deck can be incorporated gracefully with existing architecture using good scale, proportion, and complimentary materials.
Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments

 

For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens may seem, at first glance, to be a serendipitous occurence, like ivy making its way up a wall. But, unlike creeping vines, vertical gardens incorporate a variety of plant species without harming mortar and other building materials. The result is one part modern art and one part Alice in Wonderland, as the photos below demonstrate.

  • Patrick Blanc is the king of vertical gardening, having designed and implemented installations like this one on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Notable website Inhabitat explains that “the three-part system consists of a PVC layer, felt, and metal frame, providing a soil-free self-supporting system light enough to be hung on the wall.”
vertical gardens by patrick blanc

Design: Patrick Blanc; Image via inhabitat.com

  • Do-it-yourselfers can try an inn0vative succulent garden at home with this kit from Flora Grubb Gardens. It is a 20″x20″ panel, and makes a succulent wall.
Flora Grubb Gardens

Image and kit via Flora Grubb Gardens.

  • The green facade on this building was called a “lush living envelope” by Inhabitat. The building, by Samyn and Partners, is in Belgium.
vertical garden

Design: Samyn and Partners; Image via Inhabitat

For a patio or deck to complement your garden, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Why We Are a NARI Member

Here at Outdoor Environments, we are pleased to be charter members of the Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) as well as the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City. NARI is a great organization and we hope you can join us in supporting it. Here are 5 reasons to be a NARI member:

  1. Educational Opportunities regarding current developments in the home and remodeling industry in Greater Kansas City.Outdoor Environments Kansas City
  2. Networking Opportunities to bring members together at social events such as the Parade Awards Ceremonies, Golf Tournament, and Business After Hours.
  3. Grassroots Involvement to engage members in their local areas including the HBA’s three Area Councils – Kansas, Missouri North and Missouri South.
  4. Industry Information through the monthly Building Business New, the weekly e-newsletter This Week at the HBA, and access to info from (NAHB).
  5. So much more! Visit http://www.kchba.org for more information
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About us: Outdoor Environments is the annual recipient of NARI Awards for Design, Building and Contracting Excellence including: 2-Time winner Contractor of the Year for Exterior Specialties; 4-Time Winner of the NARI Award for home remodeling.

Kansas City Decks Before and After

This season, Outdoor Environments looks back at past projects as we progress on current installations. Here are some fun before-and-afters:

  • This project, which won an award in 2007, transformed a backyard into a dynamic entertaining and living environment. The deck was expanded and tiered to take full advantage of indoor-outdoor living opportunities.
Outdoor Environments Kansas
  • This fine home has great space and windows, but needed more established landscaping and outdoor entertaining opportunities. That is where Outdoor Environments‘ custom deck and landscaping made a big difference, winning this project an award in 2006. The stucco pillars blend in well with the home’s architecture.
Outdoor Environments deck

 

  • A deck is a great way to tie together the levels of a multiple-story home. Also, the screened in balcony is great for all seasons.
Outdoor Environments Deck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Environments has been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens. To learn more, visit www.outdoorenvironments.com