Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Making the Most of Your Porch

Did you know that your front porch is the only impression most people will get of you and your home? From neighbors to people simply driving or walking by, your front porch says a lot about you… whether you like it or not. To outsiders, your porch is a preview to what’s inside. So if it’s cluttered, pristine clean, bare or nicely decorated, your porch is setting the (good or bad) tone for what people think.

  1. Survey how the space is currently being used. Is it just a transitional area from outside to inside? Or is it an actual living space?
  2. Consider changing up the entry door with a fresh coat of high-gloss paint. A color that pops but also contrasts the color of the house will create the most impact.
  3. Update your hardware. An ornamental door knocker or chrome door knobs will quickly renew the space.
  4. Hang a piece of beautiful art on at least one wall of the porch area if the space is closed in.
  5. Don’t forget the furniture! Loveseats, sofas, ottomans and coffee tables will make for a very cozy porch space no matter what season it is. Wicker furniture with colorful pillows and cushions work very well for porches and other outdoor rooms.
  6. Finish off the porch look with an amazing outdoor rug.

Do you need your porch or outdoor room remodeled? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706. We’re located in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Image from HGTV

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Color Talk

Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk

Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations

If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade. You remember that we install gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors, don’t you? There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It

If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent. But for a more permanent approach, consider a screened porch or seasonal room.

Light a Fire

Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Information and image from My Home Ideas

Designing and Customizing a Deck

It’s important to know that when it comes to deck design and layout, the conventional rectangle shape is a thing of the past. Residential Design + Build reports that decks are not a “one size fits all” deal.

According to research,

… “homeowners can take up to two years from the time they think about their deck until the time they actually pull the trigger on a project. Consumers will do everything from Internet research, buying books about design, and visiting showrooms.

Deck design can begin with a simple rectangle, and by cutting back each corner at a 45-degree angle the deck begins to take on character. Add other shapes, spaces, color and levels and it becomes completely unrecognizable as what decks once were. The important step today, though, is making all these variables work together.”

It’s all about customization and making the deck work for the homeowner and their specific needs. Surprisingly, some consumers don’t want a barbecue area or an outdoor kitchen on their deck at all.

Experts say that those considering a deck should consider three main components:

  1. How it looks
  2. How it functions
  3. How much it costs

Also, homeowners seem to be very interested in adding other features to their decks. These features include:

Outdoor Environments builds and remodels decks in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck options today!

Image from RDB

Outdoor Furniture 101

Trendy outdoor furniture pieces are the key to bringing your deck or patio to life. No matter what your budget, style or preference, there’s an outdoor furniture option out there for you. Have you considered these types?

If you want traditional:

Wicker – There are typically two types of wicker outdoor furniture: regular and all-weather. Regular wicker can only be used in covered outdoor areas. All-weather wicker, on the other hand, will not get damaged when exposed to mild weather conditions.

If you want sophistication:

Wrought iron – Though it is very heavy and difficult to move around, wrought iron outdoor furniture is ideal for windy areas. Adding bright cushions is a necessity since the finish typically only comes in black, green or white.

If you like the natural look:

Wood – The best quality wood patio furniture is made from center-cut heartwood lumber with consistent wood grain. It should also have zinc-plated or stainless steel screws that can be tightened in case they ever loosen.

If you want convenience:

Resin – Just another name for plastic, resin outdoor furniture is cheap, durable, easy to maintain and move around. Resin furniture is very light weight, so it’s not recommended for windy climates. One other drawback is that all resin furniture virtually looks alike.

If you want durability:

Metal – One of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, metal is extremely strong while achieving many different looks and styles.

Do you need help creating your outdoor living area? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today.

Information from BHG

Area shown is by Outdoor Environments

Gazebos, Pergolas and Shade Arbors… Oh My!

Some people just don’t realize the endless possibilities that are likely when you think outside the box. Adding a structure with plenty of visual interest is not only something that your guests can enjoy, but it’s also an investment that you can be proud of. Whether you choose a gazebo, pergola or shade arbor, there are many benefits to adding one of these to your outdoor space:

  • We all know that first impressions mean everything. And what do guests see before they even set foot inside your front door? They see whatever is (or isn’t) outside. Your garden, landscape and outdoor structures are your home’s front line. A magnificent structure will wow guests as soon as they arrive!
  • While going to a beautiful local park to relax, unwind and take in nature’s beauty is a great idea, you won’t have to go far if you have an outdoor structure in your own backyard. They provide a sense of calm and peace to the exterior of your home. All you have to do is step out of your back door!
  • If you have a house full of kids, pets and/or visitors, it can be difficult to find a quiet place to talk or even a spot to have a moment for yourself. An outdoor structure is a fine solution to both of these problems.
  • Are you planning on hosting any barbecues or outdoor entertaining this spring and summer? If so, an outdoor structure is the perfect outdoor accessory for guests to enjoy on the perfect sunny day. With ample seating and some pretty decorations, gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors can provide enough shade for hot summer days to still be enjoyable.

Don’t forget that we’re offering a great deal from now until April 29th. Take advantage and call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Pergola and shade arbor shown are by Outdoor Environments

Save $500 on Your Outdoor Oasis

We hope you have enjoyed reading all about outdoor living trends and ideas on this blog. And now that spring is finally in full swing, there’s no excuse for you to get your backyard projects started. We’ve even got a little incentive for you!

Save $500 on your new outdoor area*

and

Complimentary design!

(minimum purchase of $15,000)

Click here to print coupon and present to Outdoor Environments. This offer is only good through April 29, 2011, so what are you waiting for? Make your backyard dreams come true!

Screened porches

Four season rooms

Backyard escapes

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor living rooms

We also do decks, patios, gazebos, pergolas, fire pits, fireplaces, and more! As you can see, there are plenty of creative ways to bring your outdoor space to life. Don’t you deserve an amazing backyard retreat? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about this special. And don’t forget to visit our Facebook photo gallery to see tons of examples of our work. We look forward to hearing from you!

Shade arbor and outdoor space shown is by Outdoor Environments

Charming Pergola Ideas

A pergola is the fine line between an arbor and a gazebo. Just as any other outdoor structure, pergolas are spaces that can be creatively decorated just like the inside of your home.

A pergola that is strong enough to hold a swing (and the weight that comes with it) from its upper beams should definitely have one. Swings provide the opportunity to decorate a pergola with floral pillows and beautiful fabrics.

If you’re going for a more humble look, a small pergola can be just as stylish as a larger one. Particularly with a smaller yard space, a simple, clean pergola is a charming and unobtrusive addition.

Patios and decks are great, of course, but adding a pergola to an already beautiful outdoor space is the perfect way to take it up a notch. Patios and decks provide the perfect foundation for a pergola.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about planning a pergola for your home’s outdoor space.

Outdoor area and pergola shown are by Outdoor Environments

Inspirational Green Outdoor Spaces

Are you looking for inspirational ideas for your outdoor living space this spring and summer, then you’ve come to the right place!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so the color for today (obviously) is green! It’s a wonderful color to incorporate when designing your patio, deck, porch, or enclosed room. Whether you use natural greenery or you incorporate hunter, olive, emerald and lime green furnishings into your outdoor décor, it’ll look great! Don’t believe us? Take a look at some of these inspirational outdoor designs!

Letting natural green plants, shrubs and flowers shine as your main outdoor element is a very unique way to approach outdoor living.

Adding color to your outdoor space is one of the best decisions you could possibly make. The excess of natural greenery here is also an easy way to create a private backyard oasis.

Natural greenery couples quite well with cream, creating a serene outdoor space to escape.

Blend modern and rustic elements with distressed patio furniture and stainless steel outdoor appliances.

If you’re in the Overland Park or Kansas City area, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can help make your outdoor living space greener. If you want to see examples of our own work, view the photo gallery on our Facebook fan page!

Photos from House Beautiful

Landscape Architects Predict Outdoor Living Trends

This is the time of year when outdoor living trends will be all over the blogosphere. We know, because just last week we told you all about how outdoor kitchens are coming on strong in 2011.

Now the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has released their Residential Trends Survey. Included are some very promising finds. ASLA asked a group of professional landscape architects what trends and features they expect to see grow this year. Check out these highlights:

Most popular outdoor living features:

Exterior Lighting – 96.2%

Fire pits/fireplaces – 94.2%

Seating/dining areas – 94.1%

Grills – 93.8%

Installed seating like benches – 89.5

Most popular structures:

Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
Arbors – 83.8%
Pergolas – 82.6%
Steps – 79.3%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 77.5%
Decks – 74.4%
Porches – 72.3%

Outdoor Environments specializes in many of these popular outdoor living features including patios, decks, porches, fire pits and fireplaces, grill enclosures, pergolas and arbors. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out more about how Outdoor Environments can bring life to your outdoor living space! You can also visit our Facebook fan page to see our impressive portfolio!

Outdoor living area shown is by Outdoor Environments

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments