Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Make Your Deck or Patio More Private

Spring is almost here and if you’re probably already be daydreaming about ways to start enjoying your deck or patio again. How about adding a few touches to make your outdoor space a bit more private and cozy? Check out these tips from Better Homes & Gardens:

Add a Touch of Fabric

Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they’re inexpensive — so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.

Add the Sound of Water

Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor’s weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck or patio. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!

Add a Great Wall

A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Let a simple fence cap off the platform, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck or patio, making it even more inviting.

Incorporate a Tree

Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck or patio, take advantage of what’s already there. An old apple tree isn’t just a great addition to the yard — it gives the space more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck or patio also help it feel softer and more secluded.

Need help making your patio or deck more personalized and private? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Custom Gazebo Perfect for Outdoor Wedding

The holiday season and the dawn of a New Year always spur one of the most exciting announcements of all – engagements! Now that wedding season is finally rolling around, it’s time to start considering the possibility of an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception under a custom made gazebo.

There are many benefits to an outdoor gazebo wedding:

  1. The average wedding can cost upwards of $20,000 just for a few hours of festivities. You can save a bundle with a quaint but still beautiful backyard event and put the money you saved towards an extravagant honeymoon!
  2. Gazebos are very easy to personalize with the same decorations and accessories you would use in a church, ball room or other common wedding venue.
  3. A nicely decorated gazebo will serve as the focal point to a backyard, so it’s guaranteed that all eyes will be on the bride (and groom) throughout the entire ceremony.
  4. Even you choose not to use a gazebo for the actual ceremony; it’ll still serve as a comfy sitting area for guests to enjoy during intermission or the outdoor reception.
  5. After the wedding, your custom gazebo can be used for any other outdoor event or even just as a relaxing spot right outside your home!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started on building a gazebo just in time for wedding season! You can also see examples of our outdoor design work on our Facebook fan page!

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Follow Us Online Today!

Did you know that there are three ways to stay abreast of news, updates and blog posts from Outdoor Environments?

1. Subscribe to our blog and get posts sent straight to your inbox! You’ll be alerted as soon as we post new content about outdoor patio/deck living, trends and so much more! You’ll find the subscription box located on the right side of our blog’s homepage.

Simply enter your e-mail address to register. A subscription e-mail confirmation will be sent directly to you. After activating your subscription, you’ll get blog posts sent to you as soon as they’re published!

2. Are you on Twitter? So are we! You can find links to our blog posts and see who we’re connected to by visiting our Twitter page. Got questions or comments?  Feel free to connect with us on Twitter Our Twitter alias is @outdoorenviron. Follow us today!

3. If you like Outdoor Environments, then “Like” us on Facebook. Our Facebook fan page is a great way to keep in touch with us! Find links to our blog and website, and see examples of our work. Don’t forget to suggest our page to the rest of your Facebook friends!

Facebook/Twitter logo on homepage courtesy of Business Week.

Want a Deck? Here’s A Few Thoughts to Ponder

If you have an eye on a new deck add-on for your home, now is the perfect time to start planning and brainstorming. Waiting too long can possibly delay your deck installation and before you know it, the cool fall weather will be here again. Don’t let time pass you by! Here are just a few general ideas to get you started with identifying your deck needs:

  • What will your deck be used for? The purpose of your deck, whether it be simple relaxation or lively entertainment, will weigh heavily on its placement and how it is designed.
  • Decide your style. There are many different ways to go here. You can choose to do something bold and unique, or design your deck much like an existing room inside your home.
  • Start thinking about deck features you might be interested in – furniture, tables, kitchen area, fire pit, etc.
  • What lies beneath? You may not be able to see wiring, drainage systems and gas lines, but they are there. So don’t be surprised if you deck can’t be placed in your desired location. Safety first!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started with planning your deck in the Overland Park or Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments’ Facebook Photo Gallery

Caring for Patio Pavers

If you’ve ever gone through the process of home remodeling or adding new features to increase your property value, you already know that it can take a lot of time and patience. But once you’re a step closer to living in your dream home, how do you keep it up? Here are some tips on keeping your new patio looking new: 

  1. Stop weed growth by applying a mixture of water and white vinegar to the patio surface. This should stop weeds dead in their tracks. Although there are plenty of herbicides on the market, many of them are not safe for patio pavers. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s label first.
  2. To remove general stains, wash the patio surface with a mixture of warm water and a mild, general detergent. Recent stains can be scrubbed gently while older stains may need more rigorous care with a hard bristle brush.
  3. Paint thinner is the magic ingredient to remove paint stains from patio pavers. Just wipe the thinner away with a damp cloth and rinse the patio surface with water.
  4. Regular sweeping keeps your patio looking bright. Pressure washing also keeps the color in tact. Adding a layer of sealer will make the material last longer.

If you need professional patio care in the Overland Park or Kansas City areas, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Make Your Outdoor Space Cozy for Winter

Just because it’s still cold outside doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to enjoy it. Here are a few ways you can create an amazing winter outdoor living space: 

  • You’re sure to find deals on fire pits and fireplaces as winter gradually comes to an end. This is perfect for entertaining family and friends without having to be crammed into the kitchen or living room. Click here to read more about heating your patio.
  • Don’t forget to decorate outside just like you would inside. Large planters, table cloths, outdoor rugs, oversized blankets and candles will make it look like a cozy room in no time.
  • Since it gets darker earlier during the winter, good lighting for your outdoor space is key. Many lighting systems can been set to automatically dim during the day and brighter as it gets darker outside.

Have you been enjoying your patio or deck despite the cold winter weather? Leave a comment and let us know!

Photo courtesy of Flickr

The Psychology of Color in Landscapes

Last week we blogged about adding color and life to your outdoor space. Have you ever considered the moods that those colors evoke and what they might possibly say about you? The psychology of color is a fascinating concept. Here’s what James Hardie online has to say about the meaning of color and how it relates to your home and landscape:

  • Blue is the color of the sky, water and mountains. In the northeast part of the country, gray-blue shades are associated with weathered wood that’s reminiscent of Nantucket. Blue exteriors are calming, relaxing and fit in with any landscape.
  • Red on a home’s exterior is most commonly associated with nature’s flowers and fruits. Nature uses red in most cases as an accent, especially when seen in bright, clean shades. Deeper, grayer-toned reds are common in Midwestern farm areas and northern areas of the country and therefore have a very warm, friendly rural feeling. Reds are also associated with fall leaves and bark and work well in landscapes that experience all four seasons.
  • Yellow is strongly associated with sunshine. It also has strong links to flowers, especially in the spring. Traditional associations, such as energy and intellect, do not translate well when yellow is used on the exterior of a home. Yellow homes appear to be clean, fresh and happy houses.
  • Green in many parts of the country is strongly associated with nature, new growth, trees and shrubs. Greens that are more yellow-based will be associated with new growth and springtime. Deeper greens are linked to maturity, such as older plants or trees. Keep in mind when working in arid areas of the southwest that there are limited associations to this color in nature, so use it sparingly as an accent color, if at all.
  • White is generally associated with adjectives such as pure, clean, new and bright. These are all positive associations, but be careful of using too much white on your exterior because it can be very boring. If you really want a white house, make sure you use some other colors to add interest, personality and drama.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get your new deck, patio or seasonal room ready for spring!

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful‘s Outdoor Room Design Ideas Gallery

Coming Soon: Greater Kansas City Home Show

Mark your calendars for one of Kansas City’s biggest annual events!

What: Greater Kansas City Home Show & Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

When: Friday-Sunday, March 25-27, 2011

Friday: 10 am-8 pm • Saturday: 10 am-8 pm • Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

Where: Kansas City Convention Center, Bartle Hall

Who attends this event?

  • >>
  • 90% are homeowners
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  • 86% are between 30-65 years of age
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  • 65% attend the show to gather ideas and see new products
  • >>
  • 58% spend 3 to 4 hours at the show
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  • 76% of attendees plan on spending money in the next year on home improvements AND
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  • 60% of those specific attendees plan to spend more than $2,000

This year’s event will be packed full of fun, informative and educational features including:

  • BBQ Pit
  • Construction Zone
  • Design Gallery
  • Fit Kid area
  • Garden Market
  • Garden Pavilion
  • Green Build Destination
  • Pet Park
  • Remodelers Row
  • Universal Design

Professional work by local builders, designers, landscapers, remodelers and many others will be showcased. For more information about this year’s home show, visit the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City online.

Outdoor Environments specializes in outdoor living solutions such as patios, decks, seasonal rooms, arbors, pergolas, deck cleaning, restoration and much more. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can help you.

Logos courtesy of KCHBA

What Patios Are Made Of – Part II

Earlier this week we featured two types of materials that will make a beautiful patio. But the list of possible patio materials doesn’t end there. Here are two more popular materials to consider for your backyard patio: Tile – The type of tile used indoors for your kitchen or bathroom is much different from tile used for an outdoor patio. But they can still make a great transition from the outside in. Out tile should be nonporous and able to withstand most sever weather conditions. Tiles can be glazed, but keep in mind these can be very slippery. Unglazed tiles are popular as well.

Brick – One of the most popular building products in the world, patio bricks vary slightly from those used in home building. Like tile, patio bricks should not be porous and should also last in various climates and weather conditions. Although red brick is the most well-known color, patio bricks come in various shades of brown, black and even pinkish tones.

Don’t forget to contact Outdoor Environments to find out what kind of patio foundation materials we have for your outdoor space. You can reach us at 913-897-2706.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Upgrading Your Patio – Part I

Each year it’s a good idea to add upgrades to your patio or at least make some type of change to give it a new look. Not sure how? Here are a few ways you can upgrade your deck with style:

Furniture – No patio is complete without furniture to lounge on. Many beautiful sets are sold ready-to-assemble and are probably more affordable than you may think.

Clay pavers – These are super durable and their color rarely fades. Just make sure your foundation is as flat as possible before laying clay pavers. An uneven or bumpy foundation and ruin the look of your patio and can even pose safety risks.

Concrete pavers – Ditch the poured concrete and go with something a bit more trendy. Choose from tons of different colors, shapes and sizes to lay your patio’s foundation. Pavers are also easier to replace or repair compared to a concrete slab.

Heat – During times of the year when temperatures dip, and on cool nights, patio heaters are a welcome accessory. Click here to read more about heating your patio.

Natural stone – For a more random design pattern, natural flagstone is perfect. Be aware that laying natural stone will take more work and time than most other types of hardscapes.

If you’re in the Overland Park/Kansas City area, don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about how we can help upgrade your patio.

Photo via Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery