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Concept-Driven Gardens in Kansas City

Even though the word theme has gotten a bad wrap in the past decade, there really is something to be said for choosing a consistent concept out of design history. The Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a perfect example of this inspired design. After all, timeless beauty should be able to translate from Giverny to Kansas City.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Image via Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. (Flickr)

The Italian influence of the Brookwood Fountain is echoed in the formal partere garden that surrounds it.

Kansas City landscaping

Image via KC Fountains

Spanish influence is seen in the “Court of Lions Fountain,” which was inspired by the Alhambra Court of Lions fountain in Seville. The niche behind the fountain echoes the historical theme.

Kansas City landscaping

Image via kcfountains.com

At Powell Gardens, the Quilt Gardens (part of the Heartland Harvest Garden) was inspired by the Chateau Villandry outside Paris. There is a different pattern in each quadrant.

Kansas City garden

Image via Powell Gardens

Lush Planter Ideas for Decks, Patios

A lush, overflowing planter can soften the architectural lines of a deck or patio. Here are examples of lush planters from across the nation.

  • Los Angeles. This avant-garde contemporary design by L.A.-based planter specialist Urban Nature incorporates flora suited for that climate.
lush planter

Urban Nature image via plusmood.com

  • New York. A variety of colors and textures play off of each other in this arrangment. This creator of this planter, by Sweet Dirt Designs, trained at the New York Botanical Garden.
lush planter

Image via Sweet Dirt Designs

  • Warm, Dry climates. This low-maintenance succulent planter was celebrated on Apartment Therapy. The container should have soil that is not too dense, and very little water is needed.
lush planter

Image via Apartment Therapy

  • St. Louis. This window-mounted planter, shown in Midwest Living Magazine, has European influence and provides greenery both above and below.
lush planter

Image via Midwest Living

Advantages of Multi-Level Decks

Multi-level decks have practical and aesthetic benefits that make them well-suited for for Kansas and other environs. Here are some of the advantages of multi-level decks:

  • Maximize space. Building up adds square footage without taking up more property. At Outdoor Environments, we angle each deck level to take advantage of views and sunlight.
multi-level deck

Outdoor Environments

  • Protect lower level. The bottom of the top deck serves as a roof for the lower deck, protecting it from rain, snow, and glare.
multilevel deck

Outdoor Environments

  • Entertaining. Multi-level decks enable guests to travel from one amenity to the other. An evening can consist of bar followed by pool followed by hot tub. These multiple tiers also add architectural interest, especially to exterior walls with few windows.
multi-level deck

Outdoor Environments


For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Great Magazines for Backyards

We love reading about outdoor environments almost as much as we love creating them. Here are some top publications that we look forward to reading every month.

  • Kansas City Home & Garden shows a variety of distinctive landscapes.
  • Qualified Remodeler gives technical details about industry trends. It has been showing a lot of outdoor kitchens lately (see below), which we enjoy.
Qualified Remodeler

Image via Qualified Remodeler

  • Architectural Digest shows landscapes next to bold architecture. For example, it had a great article on an East Hampton home by Leroy Street Studio (image below).
Architectural Digest

Image via Architectural Digest. Photo: Adrian Wilson

  • Southern Living brings gracious living to families nationwide.
porch

Image via Southern Living

 

For lush backyards, porches, and more, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Outdoor Fire Pits that Inspire

Those of us with fond memories of gathering ’round the campfire, roating ‘smores or cooking hot dogs, appreciate the opportunity to pass along the tradition with outdoor fire pits. Here are some looks that inspire:

 

  • Raised stone fire pit. Outdoor Environments designed this fire pit with plenty of space around it for entertaining, including different types of seating. Safety is ensured by lighting and a non-slip, fireproof brick surround on the deck.
fire pit

Outdoor Environments

 

Restoration Hardware

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

  • Modern fire pit. This modern fire pit by Solus Decor complements the landscape and has a sculptural affect.
modern fire pit

Solus Decor

 

 

For distinctive fire pits and more, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

 

Creative Outdoor Candles

“As one flame lights another, without loosing its light,

so friendship spreads  friendship”.


Summer is the perfect time to gather outside with friends and family around a fire pit or table. Here are some creative outdoor candles to create atmosphere with ease.

  • Restoration Hardware‘s new Mediterranean Coast collection has scents of  cypress, salt air, oak moss, wood, and eucalyptus.
Restoration Hardware

Image via Restoration Hardware

 

  • Anthropologie‘s Porridge Stack Candle has bohemian design and fresh, springy scents. It is made of coconut wax, and has tones of coconut, jasmine, and gardenia.
candle

Image via Anthropologie

 

  • Gump’s Shou Votive Holders Set makes a great hostess gift, and accommodates regular tea lights.
candle

Image via Gump's

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For a pleasant family gathering space, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Multi-Level Decks Popular in Kansas

With some exceptions, it’s been a pleasant, sunny summer in greater Kansas City. The perfect time for a deck that can be accessed from several different rooms of the home, offering panoramic views. Since our founding, Outdoor Environments has been known for two-level living spaces. Here are some of our best:

  • This deck has over three levels, each one offering a different view and opportunity to socialize.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • Landings also offer an opportunity for architectural interest and more quiet conversation zones, as this project by Outdoor Environments demonstrates. It’s really more than just a deck–it’s a lifestyle.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • A multi-level deck can be incorporated gracefully with existing architecture using good scale, proportion, and complimentary materials.
Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments

 

For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Johnson County Deck Entertains 50

Summer has us looking back at one of our favorite projects, which Kansas City Home and Garden profiled in an article. The extensive backyard renovation project was custom designed to increase space and optimize views. The resulting deck included three levels, four staircases, and built-in planters. We appreciated the article and were grateful to the excellent clients for giving us this opportunity.

Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Image via www.outdoorenvironments.com

The renovated outdoor living area was such a success that friends and family no longer use the front door–they just walk straight to the notable backyard entertaining area.

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For a deck or patio distinguished 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.

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Image via Outdoor Environments

 

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens may seem, at first glance, to be a serendipitous occurence, like ivy making its way up a wall. But, unlike creeping vines, vertical gardens incorporate a variety of plant species without harming mortar and other building materials. The result is one part modern art and one part Alice in Wonderland, as the photos below demonstrate.

  • Patrick Blanc is the king of vertical gardening, having designed and implemented installations like this one on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Notable website Inhabitat explains that “the three-part system consists of a PVC layer, felt, and metal frame, providing a soil-free self-supporting system light enough to be hung on the wall.”
vertical gardens by patrick blanc

Design: Patrick Blanc; Image via inhabitat.com

  • Do-it-yourselfers can try an inn0vative succulent garden at home with this kit from Flora Grubb Gardens. It is a 20″x20″ panel, and makes a succulent wall.
Flora Grubb Gardens

Image and kit via Flora Grubb Gardens.

  • The green facade on this building was called a “lush living envelope” by Inhabitat. The building, by Samyn and Partners, is in Belgium.
vertical garden

Design: Samyn and Partners; Image via Inhabitat

For a patio or deck to complement your garden, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Innovative Modern Patios and Decks

Nothing says fun like the great outdoors. The modern patios and decks below re-interpret outdoor living.

  • Dwell Magazine explored this sun-filled contemporary San Diego home, where a modern deck enables indoor-outdoor living. Practical finishes enable this stylish space to be family-friendly as well.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Dwell. Photo: Bryce Duffy

  • Wallpaper* Magazine explored a spartan deck with clever holes to accommodate long-standing trees. The architecture is by the notable firm BAK Architects.
modern deck Kansas City

Image via Wallpaper*. Photo: Daniela Mac Adden

 

  • This groovy deck, featured in Metropolis Magazine, appears to slope but is actually a flat horizontal plane made up of individual plywood tiles. The homeowner is an executive at Apple and the architect is Thom Faulders.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Metropolis, by Digitized Image Company.

 

For a well-designed modern or traditional  patio or deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.