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outdoor spaces tips

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Patio

outdoor spaces tips

`Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Now that the weather is warming up in Kansas City, you’re going to be making much more use out of your patio.  Get your patio ready for spring activities and guests by giving it a thorough spring cleaning and get rid of the layers of pollen that have gathered.

Use the following tips to clean your patio:

  • Ceiling – Clean the ceiling first so that you don’t end up cleaning the floor twice. Use a long duster and clean any fans that you have as well.
  • Floor – If your patio uses gravel, then rake it to straighten it out. Look for any debris and be sure to remove them. If you have a loose flagstone patio, then pull any weeds that have grown between the stones.
  • Plants – Water your potted plants and trim any hedges, trees or plants around the patio that are beginning to grow over.
  • Furniture – Clean your patio furniture by dusting it and wiping it down. Any patio furniture cushions should be washed or sent to the dry cleaner.

For more advice about patios in Kansas City, or to update or build a new patio, contact us at Outdoor Environments.

outdoor decks living spaces

All the Comforts of Home – Outside

outdoor decks living spaces

Image via Better Homes & Gardens

“Summertime… and the living is easy,” or so the song so aptly goes. The summer is indeed, a great time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful weather especially if you can bring all the comforts of inside with you. Here are a few suggestions for creating an outside room that has all the comforts of home and making this transition possible: 

  • Use Comfortable Furniture – Face it. Most outdoor furniture is uncomfortable. Break the mold and find some that keeps your backside at ease.
  • Add Colorful Rugs – Richly colored rugs create conversational spaces and add a splash of excitement.
  • Decorate with Aplomb – Anything goes; art, potted plants, lanterns and even gold fish ponds. Treat this outdoor space like a room and decorate it.
  • Create a Focal Point – Build the space around one singular item like a fire pit or objets d’art and you will naturally generate a meeting for family and guests.

If you need more information on outdoor living rooms and kitchens, contact the professionals at Outdoor Environments, Inc. Our designers and staff are experts at expanding the interior comforts of your home into your outdoor spaces.

outdoor living tips

Summer Grilling Safety Tips for Your Deck

outdoor living tips

Image via Flickr

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and after that, summer will be in full bloom. It’s a great time to be alive and have some fun hanging out by the pool or on the backyard deck.

Indeed, outdoor decks and barbecues get the full workout at this time of year so be sure that yours are safe and secure. Here are some great tips from FEMA for keeping you, your family and your guests safe while getting the most out of your backyard deck:

  • Keep your Distance – Do not grill too close to the house and never in an enclosed area. 
  • Watch the Kids – No one can get in more trouble faster than the little ones so keep them away from the grill, the lighters and any other potential hotspots. 
  • Properly Dispose of Coals – At the end of the night, people sometimes forget. Better to let them sit overnight than risk the chance of a fire. 

For more information about keeping backyard decks in Kansas City safe or about installing or remodeling one, contact the professionals at Outdoor Environments Inc. Their staff understands all the intricacies involved in your outdoor spaces and can help create the perfect one for your home.

outdoor design

Maximize the Use of Your Whole Yard With These Yard Corner Solutions

outdoor design

Image via Houzz

On the list of most wanted exterior remodeling ideas is what to do with that unused corner of the backyard. While many people will just throw up a storage shed and plant some bushes around it, a little creativity can turn that corner into a little slice of heaven for you, your family and your guests. Here are just three suggestions:

  • An Outdoor Fireplace – On cool autumn evenings, a fireplace is just the thing to keep the party going. You can even keep the kids occupied with toasted marshmallows and s’mores. 
  • An Intimate Seating Area – Center it on a vintage table, a water feature or an outdoor sculpture. In any event, you will have a conversation starter and great place for your friends to congregate on a warm summer evening, 
  • A Trellis and Garden – Plant lovers never seem to have enough garden space. A trellis solves this problem in three dimensions. Plus, there are a amazing variety of colorful, low maintenance plants that love to climb. 

Whether you choose one of these exterior remodeling ideas or one of your own, don’t let that backyard corner go to waste. For more information, contact the pros at Outdoor Environments.