Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

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

Patios Popular in National Magazines

National design magazines have been writing about patios more than ever this spring. It’s easy to see why–patios increase living space and add to a home’s resale value. Let’s take a look at what patio styles are on the newsstands:

  • Better Homes and Gardens suggests softening the edges of a patio with a border of flowers. Taller shrubs are suggested for privacy.
Better Homes and Gardens Outdoor Environments Kansas

Better Homes and Gardens

 

  • House Beautiful shows plush patios that are made into outdoor rooms. The magazine suggests that furniture be not only fashionable but also weather resistant, portable comfortable, and easy to maintain.
House Beautiful Trevor Tondro

House Beautiful (Photo: Trevor Tondro)

 

  • Architectural Digest showed the pool patio of designer Michael Schaible’s Mexican home. The outdoor area is designed to accommodate entertaining and reflect the home’s international style architecture.
Architectural Digest Michael Schaible's Mexico home

Architectural Digest

 

For a pool patio or deck beautiful 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.

Unique Solutions for Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments has designed and built hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects in the Kansas City area. Here is what makes them distinctive:

  • Quality design. Our decks and patios are custom-designed to complement the existing architecture and to make outdoor space more livable.
Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments


  • Proper budget considerations. Each project is completed on-time, within budget, and in accordance with all codes and guidelines.
Outdoor Environments deck in Kansas

Outdoor Environments


  • Superior craftsmanship.  Outdoor Environments was the annual recipient of NARI Awards for Design, Building and Contracting Excellence.
Outdoor Environments superior crftsmanship

Outdoor Environments

 

Outdoor Environments was founded in 1991. We are 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. We have been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens.

Magazines Celebrate Outdoor Kitchens

National design magazines have been buzzing about outdoor kitchens this month. And for good reason–outdoor kitchens are more distinctive than ever. Let’s take a look at what outdoor kitchen styles are on the newstands:

  • House Beautiful showed this large outdoor kitchen in Nantucket. Natural stone and calm lines help it blend gracefully into the landscape.
outdoor environment

House Beautiful shows outdoor kitchen by Kris Horiuchi (Photo: Trevor Tondro)

  • Elle Decor covered the creative outdoor kitchens that are seen in the book The New Outdoor Kitchen (Tauton Press).

 

  • Coastal Living wrote about an outdoor kitchen with a deck, which provides both a natural look and slip-resistance.
Coastal Living outdoor kitchen outdoor environments

Coastal Living kitchen shows off decking. (Photo:Brian Vanden Brink)

  • Better Homes and Gardens celebrated stacked stone with this homey outdoor kitchen.
Better Homes and Gardens shows built-in entertaining area.

Better Homes and Gardens shows built-in entertaining area.

Outdoor Environments is the certified contractor you need for custom outdoor kitchens in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Set the Mood with Outdoor Lighting

It’s no secret that outdoor living spaces are more commonly thought of as outdoor living rooms. They are designed and laid out much like the rooms inside the home. So it isn’t surprising that lighting plays a role. After all, a room isn’t complete without the right light, right?

With consumers looking for more ways to incorporate green and eco-friendly features, outdoor lighting provides sensible ways to do just that. LED lighting uses about 75 percent less energy than halogen bulbs while solar lighting uses no electricity whatsoever.

LED and solar lights can be used strategically to show off the design and architectural elements that truly make an outdoor space unique. Lights can border walkway paths, driveways, gardens and flower beds.

The trick, though, is to not overdo it. No one wants their outdoor space lit up like a football field. A dim glow is all that’s needed – much like the natural and unobtrusive natural light provided by the moon.

To find out how Outdoor Environments can incorporate the right lighting for your outdoor space, call us at 913-897-2706 today!

Information from The Globe and Mail

Exterior space designed by Outdoor Environments

Earn Big Bucks with a New or Remodeled Deck

Adding value to the home is a priority for many Americans, particularly during difficult economic times like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s quite exciting to learn that, according to a recent article, adding a new deck (or remodeling your existing one) can earn up to 73 percent of your initial investment. So if you’re ready to add big bucks to the value of your home, take heed to these deck building and remodeling tips.

For a newly constructed deck:

  1. Experts say that consumers have fallen in love with composite decking because splits, splinters, cracks and mold are either rare or non-existent.
  2. Railings are always recommended as an added safety feature, but they also add a unique visual appeal to the deck with architectural details.
  3. Bigger is better when it comes to decks. They’re a great extension of the home’s interior, particularly multi-level decks. They allow for maximum space for entertaining and general enjoyment.
  4. Decorating your deck can and should be just as fun decorating inside your home. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors, furniture, textures and décor.

For a remodeled deck:

  1. We’re in the midst of summer, but it’s not too late to check your deck for safety hazards. Damaged boards, loose fasteners and shaky railings can all be extremely dangerous.
  2. Consider adding a fresh coat of deck stain. Not only does this refresh your deck’s appearance, but stains are also great at repelling water, which can lead to rotting.
  3. Bedazzle your deck by adding new elements like railings or other architectural/decorative elements.

Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our deck installations and remodels.

Image from My Home Ideas via Sunset

6 Porch and Sunroom Ideas

Over the past few weeks, we’ve provided you with tons of ideas related to porch and sunroom design. Since there are so many possibilities, we’re adding more tips and tricks to the list. These ideas are ideal for maximum summertime enjoyment, but don’t forget that these same concepts can be implemented to enjoy your outdoor room year-round!

  1. Plenty of seating for everyone. Wicker and wooden benches make for a traditional room design.
  2. Take it a step further by installing seating equipped with storage space. Many wicker and wooden benches have flip seating that allows for storing pillows, reading materials and other items used frequently in your outdoor room.
  3. We can’t say enough about color. Cushions, pillows, area rugs and sheer curtains are great ways to implement the shades of summer.
  4. Potted plants, flowers and blooms make it easy to bring the outside in.
  5. Since outdoor rooms are the perfect divide between inside and out, ceiling fans are great for keeping cool for less the cold blast of central air.
  6. For snack time, have a table or station set up to prepare cold drinks and appetizers. This will minimize trips to and from the indoor kitchen.

Outdoor Environments wants to know: What other tips do you have for maximum outdoor room enjoyment? Share your thoughts with us below!

Information and image from BHG

Add Backyard Privacy with a Pergola

It can become painfully obvious during the summer season that your backyard lacks the privacy you want and need. You might live near a noisy main road or maybe your neighbor’s second story has a clear view that looks right down on your yard. During this time of year, it’s important to have a private space to relax with family and friends without worrying who else may be watching.

Luckily, Outdoor Environments can provide you with a number of solutions to privatize your outdoor living area. One of the most unique solutions is to construct a customized pergola. By building this type of enclosure around your deck, patio or outdoor kitchen, “you can re-create the intimate feeling of eating or entertaining indoors, while still enjoying beautiful weather.” And if pergolas aren’t your style, gazebos can add a different touch while still maximizing the level of privacy.

If you’re looking for ideas to make your outdoor space more private, be sure to visit Outdoor Environment’s Facebook fan page. We’ve posted hundreds of photos so that you can see examples of exactly what we do.

Information from TOH

Pergola shown is by Outdoor Environments

Tips for New and Existing Decks

If you haven’t spruced up your deck yet for the summer season, or even if you don’t have one – it’s not too late! Outdoor Environments is here to provide you with a plethora of tips and ideas to get your deck in order for the remainder of the season. Whether you’ve got a deck or not, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

For existing decks:

  • Make sure it’s still in good condition. Issues like damaged boards, loose fasteners and protruding nails may seem minor, but they can be very dangerous when ignored. Click here for our previous articles related to deck safety.
  • Consider a fresh coat of deck stain that’ll not only add life and color to your deck, but it’ll repel water, moisture damage, mildew and fading in high-traffic areas.
  • Add or swap out railings and/or decorative posts. These architectural details can work wonders for a deck and your entire outdoor living motif.

For new deck construction:

  • Top choices for materials include treated lumber (economical and usually comes with a good warranty against rot and decay) and treated wood (stands up against severe weather conditions).
  • For durable and eco-friendly decking materials, composite or PVC decking are other popular options. They look like authentic wood, but require much less maintenance. These materials don’t split, splinter, crack or mold.

For all your deck building and remodeling needs, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Information from LVRJ

Image from Pinterest

Perk Up Your Patio with Color

There’s one sure fire way to punch up your patio style this summer and that’s by adding color. Lots of color.

  • Treat your patio like you treat the inside of your home. Just like colorful pillows, fabrics, patterns, cushions, and area rugs decorate your common rooms, the same can be done outside!
  • Old patio furniture can be renewed with just a bottle or two of spray paint. You can literally choose any color or finish and make your outdoor pieces look brand new.
  • A great way to truly enjoy your outdoor space is to choose summer colors that speak to you. Whether you like calming lavender or bright oranges, set the mood any way you wish!

Have you visited our Facebook page yet? You can see tons of examples of our work in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Check out our page today!

Image from BHG