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Make a Small Yard Cozy, Not Cramped, with Smart Exterior Design

outdoor home design

Image via Pinterest

If you have a small yard surrounding your Kansas City home, it is important that the area becomes cozy and not cramped. While it can be challenging to make a small yard feel comfortable, there are some tricks to make the most of the small space. The following are a few exterior remodeling ideas to get your creative juices flowing and to help you design an outdoor area that works.

  • Use Warmth and Light – A fire pit adds instant coziness to an outdoor area, and good outdoor lighting can really open up the space.
  • Use Layers – Create layers in your area, such as a concrete patio layer that leads to a brick walkway layer, which leads to a green area. Use different levels and steps to make the spaces feel more expansive.
  • Double Duty – Some features can have more than one function. For example, use a small wall to divide the space as well as to provide a shelf for plants or seating for guests.
  • Create Curving Paths – Curving paths that connect different areas of your yard are not only functional, but their meandering nature can make the space feel larger as you stroll along them.

For more information about creating a cozy outdoor area for your home, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.  We’ll be happy to help you make a small yard into a dream destination!

Creative Ways to Incorporate a Hot Tub in Your Exterior Living Space

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

If you’re contemplating the thought of introducing an element of luxury to your outdoor living space, what better way to do that then to add a hot tub? The following are a few exterior remodeling ideas that you can use to incorporate a hot tub into your outdoor design.

  • Open Hot Tub – Keep the hot tub open to its surroundings in order to give it a more natural and airy feel. Be sure to add a variety of plant life in the nearby vicinity to give it a pleasant, outdoorsy atmosphere.
  • Elegant Hot Tub – Go for luxury by building a pergola over the hot tub. You can hang outdoor curtains from the top in order to introduce a feeling of privacy.
  • Enclosed Hot Tub – Build your hot tub so that it sits under the roof of your house, yet remains open to the outside. This gives it a feeling of being part of the home as well as the outdoors.

These are a few ideas worth thinking about when planning to integrate a hot tub in your exterior design. Outdoor Environments can help you design and build an enclosure for your hot tub.  Contact us at 913-897-2706 for more information.

You Knew the Return on Investment (ROI) for Decks Was Good: Did You Know How Much?

Adding a deck for the outside space of your home is a great way to not only add value and curb appeal to your property, but also to add an aesthetically-appealing alternative “go to” space for friends and family to gather.

Return on investment for decks is twofold.  There’s the literal financial return you will experience if you decide to put your home on the market, and there’s the personal satisfaction gain while enjoying family picnics, backyard BBQ brouhahas, or individual moments of enjoying the vista from the comfort and safety of your new deck.

Deck Remodel ROI

Photo via Outdoor Environments

Adding a deck to your home’s outdoor space has a positive impact on the value of the property, the appearance of the neighborhood, and the enjoyment of all the individuals who utilize the new space.  There are several factors that can increase the return on investment for decks even further, including the type of material used and the design of the deck.

If you want to add a deck to your home in Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Give Your Pergola Romantic Appeal with Lights

pergola

Pergola by Outdoor Environments

Making proper use of your pergola space is important. Adding custom lights to your pergola can give it a romantic feeling that’s hard to match. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so if you’ll be spending any time outdoors, this idea is probably right up your alley!

As outdoor remodeling trends continue to grow more sophisticated, people are continually looking for ways to transform their plain Jane pergola into a warm, romantic haven, and a well-planned lighting scheme is the perfect way to accomplish this.

Good lighting schemes add an ambiance of warmth and coziness to your pergola, not to mention a romantic touch. Imagine a romantic resort vacation. Now imagine it in your own backyard. Whatever type of feel you’re looking to accomplish, there is a lighting scheme that will fit the bill. Some lights can even be left out for use all year round.

And generally there’s no need to worry about whether or not they will scorch your greenery, because outdoor lights for structures are designed not to get too hot. The options truly are limitless as you can choose from normal string lights, colored lights, LED lights and many more.

If your Kansas City outdoor space isn’t yet equipped with a pergola, why not have us add one for you? Visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook page to see examples of our work all over the city!

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Maximize Your Sunroom Addition in Kansas City

Outdoor Portfolio Outdoor Environments

New Sunroom by Outdoor Environments

Sunrooms are great additions to many homes, but deciding that you want or need one isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Where should it be located? What will you use it for? And how much does a sunroom even cost?

Location
Since your new sunroom may well become a family hang out, putting it in the right location is key. Choosing an area close to the kitchen will ensure that meals will be pleasurable, and food will be accessible. Even still, there are plenty of other uses for a sunroom, all of which will directly affect where it can and should be located.

Function
If you plan on using your sunroom solely for dining, then off of the kitchen is ideal, but a sunroom can be so much more than a dining area. If you have a green thumb, you may consider putting it on the south side of your home to increase its amount of time in the sun.

Cost
There’s no magic formula to predict the cost of your sunroom. Every project is a custom job that’s specified to your exact needs. One tip that may help is that you can save a chunk of money by adding a sunroom to an already existing door, as opposed to adding both a sunroom and an entry/exit point.

Exterior remodeling is a big commitment. Take the time to analyze all aspects of its creation. If you would like help planning your sunroom addition, or for more exterior remodeling ideas, contact Outdoor Environments for your project needs.

 

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Remodeling Ideas for Kid-Friendly Yards

outdoor room

This outdoor room is perfect for children to curl up in and read

Exterior remodeling is often planned for the purpose of adding function and value to a home. But have you ever thought about how changes can enhance playtime for your kids or grand kids?

The design of the outside of your home can completely affect the way that kids enjoy their time once spring arrives. It doesn’t hurt to think about how upcoming projects can benefit them too!

For example, a gazebo can make a perfect playhouse or reading room. And if the structure is a short distance from the house, which they usually are, it can give children a sense of privacy while you can rest assured that they are still close to home.

Another idea that kids might enjoy is a small sunroom addition to prevent that cooped up feeling that lots of children experience when they’re at home.

Whatever your desire, we here at Outdoor Environments can help you explore exterior remodeling ideas. Our staff can consult you and help you with any project, large or small, from start to finish.

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Living Rooms and Kitchens Top Trend List for 2013

Being immersed in the dead of winter makes homeowners long for the days of sitting outdoors in the with a cold drink and a delicious meal fresh off the grill. A popular trend moving its way into 2013 is adding outdoor living rooms and kitchens to a backyard space. Planning that remodel to your home make take a few months, which is why now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer.

Add an Outdoor Living Room to your home!

Image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor kitchens are the perfect addition to a backyard space because it allows the entertaining to occur outdoors. Clean-up and storage is made easy with smart design, allowing for less back and forth trips between the home’s kitchen and the outdoor area. Additionally, pests are kept at bay as homeowners do not need to keep opening their screen doors to go in and out of the house. The food is hot and fresh, and the cook can be a part of the backyard party.

Combine an outdoor kitchen with with an outdoor living space complete with couches, chairs and a fire pit for a backyard that will be the premier hosting spot of the neighborhood.  You can add awnings and fans in order to enjoy the room in all weather.

For help designing and building a gorgeous outdoor space before warm weather returns to Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

How About a Pretty Porch in 2013?

screened porch

Screened in porch by Outdoor Environments

If you’re looking for remodeling ideas for your home, then consider a porch. A porch is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable and inviting area of the home. Right now is the perfect time to plan out a porch with Kansas City contractors so that you’ll be able to enjoy it once summer comes around! The following are a few ideas that you can implement into the design of your porch.

  • Enclose your porch and set it up like an extension of your living room. Add a table, chairs and even a sofa to the porch. You can even put down an area rug to give guests an inviting feeling when they step onto your porch.
  • Add a brick floor to the porch. This provides a rustic feeling that helps define the area being between indoors and outdoors.
  • Instead of using standard warm colors, go with snowy white colors. This actually helps bring the colors of the outdoors in, and helps to reflect sunlight throughout the area.

These are just a few ideas that you can use when designing your porch. Remember, it doesn’t have to be bare. It’s an extension of your home after all.

 

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Know Your Paver Options When You Plan Your Outdoor Space

Make sure you know your paving options.

Image via Outdoor Environments

Creating a relaxing outdoor space not only adds beauty to the outside of your home but also helps to extend your living space. One important decision to make in the design process of your outdoor living space is the appearance of the paving for your patio, porch, or outdoor living room. Pavers come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes and are a great way to define the space.

Concrete
Concrete is a popular choice because it comes in a variety of patterns, finishes, and colors. It has a long lifespan and is relatively inexpensive. Concrete pavers offer quick installation and are popular in DIY projects.

Bricks
Bricks are used as pavers in many outdoor projects because they hold up well under heavy foot traffic and come in several colors, shapes, and sizes. They can have a higher installation cost than concrete.

Natural Materials
Items such as granite, sandstone, and slate have increased in popularity. They can be slightly more costly than brick or concrete, but you can save money by using materials from local quarries.

For assistance with choosing the right paver to create the outdoor space of your dreams, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Stay Warm Outside with a Fireplace or Fire Pit

outdoor fireplace

Outdoor fireplace made by Outdoor Environments

Winter is here. Have you already staring out the window wishing you had great exterior remodeling ideas to bring your backyard to life? Why not consider an outdoor fireplace or fire pit ? We have many options that can extend your living space in to the outdoors.

Here are just some of the firepit styles that can add instant warmth to your gathering.

  • Raised stone fire pits are a perfect option for a large patio or deck. You can add different types of seating and extend your indoor living space into the outdoors.
  • Fire Pit Tables – One of the simplest options, find a perfect corner and turn it into a backyard hot spot.
  • Modern Fire Pits – Sculpturally inspired and made to complement your existing landscaping.

If you are thinking on a grander scale, why not have an outdoor fireplace built? Imagine spending quality time with your family outdoors all year round. Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect piece to add more useable space to your yard.

Grab your s’mores ,your family and a new outdoor fireplace, and enjoy the warmth and living that this piece can bring to your home. Contact us at Outdoor Environment for more exterior remodeling ideas. Bring your dreams to life!

image via Outdoor Environments