Category Archives: Outdoor Design Ideas

We can’t stress enough how important it is to start planning your home’s outdoor space for spring. Whether you’ve have (or plan to have) a deck, patio, porch, sunroom or another structure, making it look good is a key factor in actually enjoying it. Take these tips from Sensational Color about adding life to your backyard:

1. Take a look around your backyard and make a note of the colors surrounding your home. The flowers, landscape, and even the color of your deck and other outdoor structures set a mood.
2. Treat your outdoor space just as you would treat a room inside your home by coordinating colors. Fences, sunrooms, gazebos and decks all look their best when their styles are connected.
3. Color is great, but limit yourself to a three-color palette to avoid a confusing theme.
4. Always keep in mind the mood you want to set. Will the space be used for entertaining family and friends? Or will it be a space for child’s play? Whatever you do, your outdoor décor should relate to its use.

Want more tips about creating the perfect outdoor space? Click here! And don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started building your outdoor oasis in the Kansas City area!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Earlier this week we featured two types of materials that will make a beautiful patio. But the list of possible patio materials doesn’t end there. Here are two more popular materials to consider for your backyard patio: Tile – The type of tile used indoors for your kitchen or bathroom is much different from tile used for an outdoor patio. But they can still make a great transition from the outside in. Out tile should be nonporous and able to withstand most sever weather conditions. Tiles can be glazed, but keep in mind these can be very slippery. Unglazed tiles are popular as well.

Brick – One of the most popular building products in the world, patio bricks vary slightly from those used in home building. Like tile, patio bricks should not be porous and should also last in various climates and weather conditions. Although red brick is the most well-known color, patio bricks come in various shades of brown, black and even pinkish tones.

Don’t forget to contact Outdoor Environments to find out what kind of patio foundation materials we have for your outdoor space. You can reach us at 913-897-2706.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Patios can be just as diverse as the homes they’re attached to. To get the best out of your patio, you’ll need to consider size, how the patio will be used, and the overall impression you want to make. One of the basic things you’ll need to know is what type of materials decks are made from. Again, patios are diverse, so there are many options available. Below are just a few of the most common patio materials.

Stone – Patios made of stone are some of the most durable and natural looking. Choosing your stone locally is the eco-friendly way to go and it’s more likely to blend in with your yard’s natural setting. Types of stone used for patios include limestone, bluestone, quartzite and slate.

Concrete pavers – If you’re looking for a way to simulate the look of brick or natural stone with unique shapes and/or colors, concrete pavers are a great economical choice. Pavers can be replaced easily and when they interlock, they’re less likely to shift or become loose.

Stay tuned to the Outdoor Environments blog as we’ll discuss other types of patio materials in the coming days and weeks.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out what materials we offer for patio installation in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Did you catch our blog post from earlier this week about upgrading your patio? We’ve got even more ideas for you to get your outdoor living space in shape for spring 2011!

Add lights – Outdoor lighting can add such a beautiful touch to an outdoor space, especially on spring and summer evenings. Outdoor lighting also serves as an added security measure. LED are a bit more expensive than incandescents, but you’ll save more money – and energy – over time.

Renew your deck – If you opted for a deck instead of a patio, that’s great! Decks are just as versatile if not more so than patios. There’s plenty of colors, styles and materials available to upgrade your deck board. Many of these choices are resistant to many different types of damage as well.

Wood decks – Again, if you have a deck as opposed to a patio, another alternative is wood. Natural wood decks are more cost-effective than others as far as installation. They do require a bit more maintenance though, requiring a new stain every couple of years.

Upgrading your patio or deck is what we do best! Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started on planning for the upcoming spring season.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

Each year it’s a good idea to add upgrades to your patio or at least make some type of change to give it a new look. Not sure how? Here are a few ways you can upgrade your deck with style:

Furniture – No patio is complete without furniture to lounge on. Many beautiful sets are sold ready-to-assemble and are probably more affordable than you may think.

Clay pavers – These are super durable and their color rarely fades. Just make sure your foundation is as flat as possible before laying clay pavers. An uneven or bumpy foundation and ruin the look of your patio and can even pose safety risks.

Concrete pavers – Ditch the poured concrete and go with something a bit more trendy. Choose from tons of different colors, shapes and sizes to lay your patio’s foundation. Pavers are also easier to replace or repair compared to a concrete slab.

Heat – During times of the year when temperatures dip, and on cool nights, patio heaters are a welcome accessory. Click here to read more about heating your patio.

Natural stone – For a more random design pattern, natural flagstone is perfect. Be aware that laying natural stone will take more work and time than most other types of hardscapes.

If you’re in the Overland Park/Kansas City area, don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about how we can help upgrade your patio.

Photo via Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery

A backyard patio is a great addition to your home if you enjoy relaxing (when weather permits) and entertaining just outside your back door. But you may want your space to feel a bit more private than it actually is. There are plenty of ways to add a touch of privacy to your patio. Here are just a few:

Walls – If you want to separate your space from the view of your neighbors, a patio wall would be an excellent option. Permanent walls require more work to install and may make your patio feel cramped while removable walls are temporary barriers that can collapse for storage.

Fencing – For a less restricted place, fencing as a more charming feel to your patio area. Add more visual interest by allowing plants and vines to grow up the face of the fence. Bamboo fences are perfect for this.

Plants – For an incognito way to shield your patio from the view of others, use flowers! Large, colorful planters and tall planted trees will appear more like decoration than a wall of armor.

For more ideas on how to make your Kansas City area patio more exclusive, call Outdoor Environments 913-491-0900 today!

Hopefully you read our post from earlier this week about the features you should be thinking about adding to your backyard this spring. Just in case you needed some more inspiration, we’ve rounded up five more ideas to take your outdoor living space from drab to fab!

Outdoor flooring is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Even with a deck or patio already installed, accenting it with concrete pavers, a brick walkway or other hardscapes products adds a nice touch to any backyard.

What backyard is complete without a grilling area? It may be a bit nippy outdoors, but a grill, open faced brick oven and a wet bar are all great ways to enhance outdoor entertaining once the weather warms up.

The right lighting can make or break your home’s outdoor living area. Be creative with walkway lighting, candles or customized landscape lanterns.

Finally, there are many ways to accessorize once you added all the right outdoor living elements and features. Have you thought about statues or sculptures? What about picket fencing or a booming sound system?

For assistance getting your outdoor living area up to par for spring, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments

We have a great gift option for your loved one this holiday season, the Borella Screen. Great for those of you who love to spend your time outdoors, the Borella Screen is the perfect parasol by day and a projection screen at night. This mult-functional sunshade is made in stainless steel with marine fabric to withstand the elements outdoors.

Borella Design

Borella Design

Does the winter blues have you day dreaming about warmer weather?  If so we have the perfect cure for you. No, not a trip to the Caribbean, a look at some beautiful outdoor living spaces courtesy of Adore Magazine. Adore Magazine is an Australian shelter magazine, its spring their now, and their latest issue is all about outdoor living.

Get inspired for spring with a peak inside some of the pages of Adore Magazine.

Courtesy of Adore Magazine

Courtesy of Adore Magazine

This holiday season give the gift the whole family can enjoy, a beautiful outdoor living space complete with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Give Outdoor Environments a call today at 913.897.2706 to schedule an appointment.