Category Archives: Outdoor Design Ideas

Do you think that home remodeling and add-ons have taken a dive since the economy fell into a slump a few years ago?According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, that’s not entirely true. In fact, outdoor remodeling has become a must for many homes across the U.S.

Homeowners have been drawn to many outdoor features:

• Natural stone hardscapes
• Gourmet grilling kitchens
• Major electrical upgrades

Family travel has taken a dip while outdoor entertaining and family time have become more enticing among American households. And what better way to enjoy time with each other than with a custom built or remodeled deck, patio, porch or another outdoor living space?

If you haven’t entertained the thought of sprucing up outside, it’s about time to give it some serious thought. Outdoor Environments is currently offering $500 off select outdoor projects… call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details!

Have you started thinking about your outdoor living plans for the spring yet? By planning now, you can ensure that the features you want can and will be ready to enjoy by the time the warm weather finally sets in for good. Private decks and patios have always been a hot topic on this blog… but what are some more creative ways to block off your outdoor space from the general public and nosy neighbors?

• Add a pergola – It helps to create a cozy outdoor space with shade and tons of visual interest.
• Use your home – If there’s a section of your home that protrudes, that might be the perfect opportunity to hide your deck or patio from plain view.
• Columns – You can have the best of both worlds with the right columns in place. They close off your outdoor space, but you still get to enjoy the elements.
• Take advantage of height – If space permits, an upper level deck is a creative way to get the outdoor space you want without having it open to everyone at the ground level.

Check out some examples from our very own portfolio of projects around the Kansas City area:

To learn more about our outdoor design services around Kansas City, Overland Park and beyond, call us at 913-897-2706.

Are green building products important to you when it comes to remodeling? According to new research, they probably are. It seems as though the green movement is finally hitting home with consumers because now they are expecting green materials for their residential projects.

But why exactly are green building products so attractive to consumers? Mainly because their environmentally friendly, cost-effective, beautiful and high-quality.

Some of the specific research findings include the following:

•  72% said that green building materials are more important than five years ago.
• 18 % responded that a product’s sustainability is an extremely important decision factor.
• 60% anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years for their building/construction needs.
• 39% of total respondents listed environmental factors as key in selecting green building materials.
• 31% of total respondents listed aesthetics as key in selecting green building materials.
• 30% listed cost savings (rebates) as key in selecting green building materials.

To learn more about our green building capabilities in the Kansas City area, contact us today!

Image by Dorling Kindersley on GettyImages.com

On this blog, we have always discussed ways in which your outdoor space can add value, beauty and functionality to your home. If you’re in need of a new idea before spring arrives, then we’ve got another one for you!

Have you considered protecting your walkway(s) with outdoor structures such as pergolas, shade arbors or overheads?

When protecting your walkway, it literally creates a tunnel that leads up to the entrance of your home. It draws visitors in, forcing them not only to admire the unique outdoor structure, but to anticipate what’s to come once they get inside. As an added benefit, these structures also help to provide an added layer of privacy around your home.

Are you confused about what a protected, tunnel-like walkway looks like? Here are some examples from Houzz.com:

To see examples of our completed pergolas, overheads and other outdoor structures, visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook photo gallery.

Sure, spring is still weeks away. But who knows… it may come a little early this year! And if it does, you’ll want your outdoor space to be ready for a season of fun in the sun!

If you’re in the Kansas City area, don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is here to help. Our areas of expertise include the following:

• Single and multi-level decks
• Under deck living areas
• Gazebos, arbors and overheads
• Hot tub and spa enclosures
• Screened patios and 3-season rooms
• Room additions and extensions

Would you like to discuss how we might be able to prepare your outdoor space for spring? Contact us today! And be sure to view our Facebook photo gallery for examples of our completed projects!

In 2012, expect outdoor spaces to take a leap into eco-friendly territory. How so?

• Consumers will increasingly invest in plants and products that conserve and collect water. This feature is a must since much of the country has experienced severe drought over the past few years.
• Irrigation systems now offer customized sensors that turn off when it rains, preventing a great amount of wasted water.
• Some plants are considered drought-tolerant, which means that don’t consume large amounts of water. Examples include roses, lemon trees, hedges, grass, palms and succulents.
• Homeowners are requesting more hardscapes and permeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from collecting in unwanted areas.
• Year-round or seasonal landscapes keep the yard beautiful during the winter as well as milder seasons.

To find out how Outdoor Environments can upgrade your outdoor space, view examples of our work on Facebook!

Information from Ask for Lara

Image by Jordan Polevoy Photography on GettyImages.com

It’s a new year! What does that mean for your outdoor space?

Hopefully it means new updates, features and structures. In the Kansas City area, Outdoor Environments has plenty of experience with exterior remodeling. This includes decks (single and multi-level), gazebos, arbors, hot tubs, spa enclosures, screened patios, seasonal outdoor rooms, room additions and much more.

Is your yard in serious need of a makeover?

If you aren’t sure which of our specialties is right for you, here’s a look back at some of our posts that might help you to make informed decisions when it comes to your outdoor living plans for 2012!

• Are things at home becoming tight and crowded? Then a room extension might be your answer to comfortable living.
• Since the weather outside is still nippy to say the least, a hot tub might be in order. And don’t forget the cover!
• Stay outside and keep warm with a fireplace or fire pit.
• When spring rolls around again, you’ll need a dedicated outdoor grilling spot. And yes, we can do it!
• To add charm and personality outside your home, consider a custom entryway arbor.
• Read more about how a detached porch can improve your quality of life by providing the best of two worlds – inside and outside!

So, which update would you choose? No matter what, Outdoor Environments can achieve it. Visit our Facebook photo gallery to see examples of our completed work.

Image by Peter Cooper on GettyImages.com

We love these winter outdoor lighting creations from My Home Ideas!

Torches and candles aren't just for indoor use. See how they add an elegant glow to this entryway?

This charming arched tunnel of lights is a festive way to welcome holiday guests.

Enjoy your deck or patio by draping a net of lights across your outdoor table. So easy!

Nothing says winter like trees and other greenery wrapped with holiday lights!

Create this DIY look by punching holes in the snow, then inserting votive lights or candles.

How are you lighting up your outdoors this winter?

Breakfast nooks inside the home have lost their luster, according to building and remodeling experts. Although these spaces are attractive and add charm, they receive very little attention. This is especially true for busy families who are always on the go. So what kind of space do experts say are more useful?

Outdoor living spaces, of course!

We have more than 20 years of experience building outdoor living rooms all over Kansas City!

Builders say that an increasing number of their projects involve adding sliding glass doors into the backs of houses. This helps to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Homeowners love the idea of having outdoor living rooms. It allows them to truly reap the benefits of their property without being confined inside the home. By adding an outdoor feature, it can make the house seem larger.

From decks and patios to gazebos and seasonal rooms, Outdoor Environments can bring your outdoor living space to life. If you’re in the Kansas City area, call us today at 913-897-2706 to discuss your options and needs.

The beauty of outdoor rooms is that they provide a comfortable buffer between outside and inside. If you need some brand new inspiration when it comes to designing and decorating your porch, sunroom or seasonal room, we’ve got all the motivation you need right here!

Outdoor Environments can assist with all of your outdoor room needs. If you’re near Kansas City or Overland Park, contact us today!

Images from BHG (1,2)