Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

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

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.

Outdoor Fire Pits that Inspire

Those of us with fond memories of gathering ’round the campfire, roating ‘smores or cooking hot dogs, appreciate the opportunity to pass along the tradition with outdoor fire pits. Here are some looks that inspire:

 

  • Raised stone fire pit. Outdoor Environments designed this fire pit with plenty of space around it for entertaining, including different types of seating. Safety is ensured by lighting and a non-slip, fireproof brick surround on the deck.
fire pit

Outdoor Environments

 

Restoration Hardware

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

  • Modern fire pit. This modern fire pit by Solus Decor complements the landscape and has a sculptural affect.
modern fire pit

Solus Decor

 

 

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

 

 

Creative Outdoor Candles

“As one flame lights another, without loosing its light,

so friendship spreads  friendship”.


Summer is the perfect time to gather outside with friends and family around a fire pit or table. Here are some creative outdoor candles to create atmosphere with ease.

  • Restoration Hardware‘s new Mediterranean Coast collection has scents of  cypress, salt air, oak moss, wood, and eucalyptus.
Restoration Hardware

Image via Restoration Hardware

 

  • Anthropologie‘s Porridge Stack Candle has bohemian design and fresh, springy scents. It is made of coconut wax, and has tones of coconut, jasmine, and gardenia.
candle

Image via Anthropologie

 

  • Gump’s Shou Votive Holders Set makes a great hostess gift, and accommodates regular tea lights.
candle

Image via Gump's

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For a pleasant family gathering space, 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.

Johnson County Deck Entertains 50

Summer has us looking back at one of our favorite projects, which Kansas City Home and Garden profiled in an article. The extensive backyard renovation project was custom designed to increase space and optimize views. The resulting deck included three levels, four staircases, and built-in planters. We appreciated the article and were grateful to the excellent clients for giving us this opportunity.

Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Image via www.outdoorenvironments.com

The renovated outdoor living area was such a success that friends and family no longer use the front door–they just walk straight to the notable backyard entertaining area.

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

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Image via Outdoor Environments

 

Innovative Modern Patios and Decks

Nothing says fun like the great outdoors. The modern patios and decks below re-interpret outdoor living.

  • Dwell Magazine explored this sun-filled contemporary San Diego home, where a modern deck enables indoor-outdoor living. Practical finishes enable this stylish space to be family-friendly as well.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Dwell. Photo: Bryce Duffy

  • Wallpaper* Magazine explored a spartan deck with clever holes to accommodate long-standing trees. The architecture is by the notable firm BAK Architects.
modern deck Kansas City

Image via Wallpaper*. Photo: Daniela Mac Adden

 

  • This groovy deck, featured in Metropolis Magazine, appears to slope but is actually a flat horizontal plane made up of individual plywood tiles. The homeowner is an executive at Apple and the architect is Thom Faulders.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Metropolis, by Digitized Image Company.

 

For a well-designed modern or traditional  patio or deck, 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.

5 Signs It's Time to Refresh Your Deck or Patio

1. You’d like to spend more time outside. A yard doesn’t seem to do much good if it’s unused. A deck or patio can maximize existing space and allow for more cook-outs, games, and outdoor fireplaces.

Outdoor Environments patio

Completed patio by Outdoor Environments

2. You need more room for guests. A general rule of thumb is that an outdoor seating area should have as many places to sit as your living room. This way, the party can move outside before or after dinner.

3. You are longing for a water element. It’s not always possible to live near a lake or river, but a pool or fountain provides soothing sounds and a spa-like environment.

4. There are no places to lay out. A deck or patio provides room for chaises and makes stay-cations more fun.

5. Maintenance issues. Many homeowners refresh their deck or patio to eliminate damaged wood, cracked concrete, and the like.

 

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