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An Outdoor Thanksgiving: Giving Your Holidays A Natural Twist

Can you think of anything more lavish than a beautiful Thanksgiving feast outdoors on your beautiful custom deck or patio?

Neither can we.

With the attention and care you gave to building your perfect outdoor living space, why not use to it to impress your guests this holiday season?  Instead of being elbow to elbow indoors, pull out all the stops and serve up a delicious meal in your outdoor environment. A few things to keep in mind for your outdoors Thanksgiving:

Table. Accentuate the entire experience by avoiding paper and plastic ware. (After all, it IS Thanksgiving!) Surprise your guests with an elegantly set table.

Decor. Use your setting as inspiration. Pull natural foliage into your centerpiece. This will add a rustic contrast to the clean and refined table linens giving.  Don’t forget coloring books on the kid’s table!

Fire pit. An outdoor Thanksgiving means spending a big chunk of time outside in November. Keep warm by firing up your custom fire pit. Consider adding a space heater near the table as well. As a party favor, you can provide the gentlemen with scarves and ladies with shawls for extra warm.

 

Make the most out of your Kansas City deck or patio this November and celebrate the holiday outdoors!

 

 

Photo 1 Source: celebratingeverydaylife.com

Photo 2 Source: Pinterest

Photo 3:  potterybarn.com

 

 

How Being Outdoors is Good For Your Health

Image via San Francisco Chronicle

Being Outdoors Helps Health

It’s no new discovery, no surprising news that going outside to ride a bike or take a small hike has positive effects on your health. But did you know just being outside is good for you? Just being in the presence of nature has proven to be beneficial.

A 2009 study done by Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that being within 1000 yards of a green space (a park or a wooded area) causes lessened anxiety and depression. Being around nature and greenery causes people to feel more restored and even less angry. Being outdoors is the ideal environment for calmness and even meditation.

How Does Being Outdoors Help

The biggest benefit of being outside is all the Vitamin D your body receives. More and more studies show the benefit of this particular vitamin. It has been linked to preventing cancer and strengthening your immune system.

The other natural benefits of the sun is that it “sets our internal clock.” Our body naturally syncs with the sun, knowing when to turn on and off, therefore by spending time outdoors during the day, we are able to sleep better at night.

 

As though a beautiful addition to your home wasn’t reason enough to build your custom deck, your health may be. For custom Kansas City deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

 

 

A New Trend In Decor: Distressed Patio Furniture

This year has brought along a new trend: distressed patio furniture. Whether you decide to distress it yourself or buy it that way, this furniture trend is a must-have for patios everywhere.

Distressed chaises and chairs are a great way to give your patio a rustic feel. Pair with bright and clean colors for visually appeasing look.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Add eclectic flair by pairing a modern outdoor table with distressed, colorful metal seating. This combination creates an urban patio that is ideal for city-living.

Photo Credit: sunset.com

Distressed doesn’t just begin and end at seats and patio dining tables. Use distressed patio pieces as accents and coffee tables for catalog look.

Photo Credit: Centsational Girl

But the most important part of decorating your patio isn’t distressed furniture; it’s your actual patio or deck. Create a backyard oasis you’re proud of and can’t get enough of.

Contact Outdoor Environments for an appointment today, and be on your way to the outdoors of your dreams.

Guide to City Living: Rooftop Decks

City living is undoubtedly glamorous.  The paved streets always filled with noise and people coming and going to work, to shows, to dinner, to dancing and who knows where else. It’s home to history and buildings and houses that have seen generations come through. But it’s also home to thousands and thousands of people, all clustered into a small space which may not leave time for beautiful, serene decks.

Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t have the customized deck of you dreams. In fact, the one absolutely amazing thing about living in the city is that even though you may live in an older house, if that older house has a flat roof (which many do), you can create a roof deck.

Imagie via Google By: The Artisan

 

 

Image via Lee Kimball

 

Image via panix.com

 

 

 

To see if your Kansas City roof can be transformed into the deck of your dreams: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Fountain

Image via mnkyimages.com

If you want to truly use your backyard patio as an oasis, consider adding a fountain into your renovations.

Fountains have been an age-old symbol of beauty and serenity (and not to mention they’re also rumored to grant wishes!).

But how do you choose the right fountain? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind.

 

  • Size. Are you going for small and serene or a large and attention-grabbing? The size of your patio, garden and backyard should come largely in play when making this decision as you don’t want to take attention away from your home, beautiful garden or custom deck.
  • Style. There are a variety of styles when it comes to fountains as well. You can create a nonchalant, soothing babbling brook or have an Ancient Greek statue, or you can have spouts that sprays water in unique designs and deliver a modern fountain. From traditional garden accents to modern Zen-inspired fountains, what style matches you and your home?
  • Use. Do you plan on having this fountain overflow into your private pool? Stand alone? Your intended use definitely brings to play what kind of fountain you should get.

Image via Sunskrit Photography

To create your  Kansas City oasis: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Top 3 Tips For Creating an Eye-Catching Patio

Just because colder weather is about doesn’t mean your Kansas City patio has to be dull. Make your custom deck pop with these top 3 tips for creating an eye-catching patio!

 

Photo Credit: Desire to Inspire

  • Use bright colored chairs to add a little an eye-catching effect. Distressed, colored wooden or metal chairs add a vintage touch and an eclectic flair effortlessly.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • Paint something! If you were gifted a patio set, or love one just the way it is but still want to add a little pizzazz, be unconventional. Paint the back of your patio door a color that will truly stand out.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • If a small and simple change is what you’re looking for, never overlook the power of accessories. For a chic, stylish patio or deck, add color by using bright pillows and accessories.

 

Every season brings great reason to decorate your outdoor oasis. Let Outdoor Environments build you the deck you’ve always dreamed of.

5 Great Tips on Decorating Your Deck This Fall

Photo: Amy Neunsinger

Beautiful decks aren’t just for the warmer seasons anymore. Easily make your patio or deck a warm and cozy oasis for entertaining guests or a soothing space to enjoy yourself.

 

  • Lighting is an important element. With cooler months bringing us less light, it’s important to have an adequate amount of lighting. Set the mood with soft yellow) for an intimate feel, or use white solar lights provide a brighter, high-energy vibe.

 

  • Candles easily add ambience and decor with lanterns or hurricanes. Also use different height candles to add visual depth and color.

 

  • Baskets are a perfect (and versatile) way to accent your room. Coat your basket with either acrylic or outdoor paint and fill it with magazines or throws.

 

  • Plants bring life to any deck. Surround yourself with fall-friendly plants such as Plentifall pansies, bluestars, and mums.

 

  • Firepits are a great addition to any patio to celebrate cold weather.

 

Want an amazing deck or patio of your very own? For the Kansas City deck or patio to enhance your home, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

Photo Credit: http://amyneunsinger.com/

The Proper Way to Clean and Seal a Deck

 

Photo Courtesy of: www.cabinstain.com

Your entire backyard is a work of art, landscaped and decorated just the way you have always imagined. And you have a schedule for keeping it that way. You regularly clean your outside furniture, repot your plants and reseed your lawn, well what about the deck? Don’t forget it also needs maintenance. A good seasonal cleaning and re-sealing will go a long way in insuring your deck will last for many years to come.

 

  • Sweep the deck thoroughly and then use a putty knife to clean the dirt out from the spaces between the boards. If not removed, leaves and pine needles will rot in between the boards, eventually affecting the boards themselves.
  • Either purchase a deck cleaning product or use a mixture of half bleach and half warm water to scrub the deck. This will kill any algae or mildew. If your deck is oversized you might want to consider using a pressure washer for this step. Any vegetation surrounding the deck needs to be covered before applying the bleach mixture.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all remaining debris and bleach. Wait several days for the deck to completely dry then apply a stain or waterproof sealer. This can be done with either a foam roller, brush or stain pad.
  • Let the deck dry completely before replacing furniture, planters and grills.

 

Now that your deck is cleaned and sealed, add deck maintenance to your schedule to be done at least twice a year.

 

Photo: http://www.cabotstain.com/

How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Fire

 

The temperature has started to drop but that doesn’t mean you have to move all your entertaining indoors. Many backyard patios now have a built-in fire pit or a portable chiminia making outdoor gatherings possible right up until that first snow fall. But nothing is more frustrating than a fire that just won’t light. Listed below are some helpful tips to get that fire roaring in no time!

 

Image Courtesy of : www.thisoldhouse.com

 

  • While it’s important to clean your pit out after every use, always leave about ½ inch of ash in the bottom. This old ash acts as insulation and helps capture the heat pushing it back to the top.
  • Small pieces of dry wood called kindling is the first step. Place the first layer of kindling all going in the same direction and then stack several additional layers in alternating directions.
  • For best results insert a fire starter into the center of the stack. You can purchase logs of compressed sawdust or make your own out of newspaper rolls.
  • Light the starter which will then start the kindling burning. Normally a fire with just kindling will last about 15-30 minutes.
  • For a longer lasting fire, after the kindling is totally engaged place larger logs on in the same pattern as the kindling. Continue to add larger pieces through-out the evening as needed.

 

Remember that safety is paramount. Don’t leave the fire unattended anytime during the evening and make sure it’s completely out before retiring for the night.

 

Photo: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,1636191,00.html

Make Plans Now for Your 2013 Outdoor Room


Outdoor Environments 

Yes, it’s getting chilly and soon the Kansas City area will be seeing its first snow fall of the season but it’s not too early to start designing your outdoor space to enjoy in the spring.

 

Outdoor Environments working hand in hand with their clients have designed and constructed hundreds of outdoor living spaces since 1991. We believe that exceeding client expectations is the norm and work hard to achieve this during each and every project.

 

Charter members of the Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and members of the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City, we have many local and national awards to our credit, showcasing both our commitment to our customers and our outstanding industry wide reputation.

 

Outdoor Environments provide innovative and creative solutions to your high-end custom outside living needs. Tell us what you are looking to achieve and through our years of experience, we will work to make your ideas a reality. From decks to full outdoor kitchens, duel use outdoor rooms to fire pits, if you can dream it, we can create it!

 

Ready to get started? Call us today at 913-897-2706 and let’s schedule an appointment!

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Photo: http://outdoorenvironments.com/