Category Archives: Outdoor Design Ideas

Whether it’s the dirt it came with or polished granite, every outdoor space has a floor. Unfortunately, Mother Nature will wreak havoc on any material that is not up to the challenge of resisting the elements. For this reason a homeowner should carefully consider their needs when installing one. Here are some flooring suggestions:

Grass or Mulch – While nature provides, it does not always give the best results. Use grass in an area where it is well lit and watered and mulch in areas that will see a lot of foot traffic.

Crushed Stone – Another inexpensive option for much-used and well-traveled areas is crushed stone. It is easily applied and will last for years even in the worst weather.

Paver Options – Pavers are a very versatile option that can be used in a variety of places from wide-open, entertainment spaces to winding garden paths.

Brick & Stone – For a more finished look, consider brick or tile. They are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colors.

For more outdoor flooring options or if you need professional landscape help, please contact us at the Outside Environments. Reach us online at OutdoorEnvironments.com or call us directly at 913-897-2706.

A beautiful grass lawn can be a great addition to any home but it also requires an enormous amount of time and effort to maintain. Homeowners not wishing to make the effort can get the same aesthetic and functional benefits from a variety of other landscape options. Here are just a few examples:

Hardscapes – The use of stone and other non-organic but natural materials in places where a lawn cannot thrive will still create a beautiful look but not require the excessive attention needed by grass or plants.

Terraces – The use of stone or brick to level an uneven landscape will allow you to create more usable spaces that will also not require as much maintenance.

Ground Cover – For large spaces where grass will just not thrive, add of the hardy perennial, ground covers available. You will still have plenty of green, the occasional flower and no need to ever mow.

In short, a grass lawn is not the only option for a dramatic, functional and affordable front or back yard. For more, great exterior remodeling ideas in particular or landscaping in general, please visit us online at the OutdoorEnvironments.com or call us directly at 913-897-2706.

Source: Pinterest

One of the true joys of the summer is spending time in the backyard. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of late July and August bring excessive heat that can make sitting under the sun unbearable. Homeowners are always looking for alternative ways to block out the sun. Here are some helpful suggestions to give yourself some shade this summer:

The Pergola Look
One of the most popular structures used to block out the sun is a pergola. This look is better-suited to cover a patio or deck, which can be built as an added feature or as a freestanding structure. Homeowners love how the pergola perfectly extends the roofline of their home.

Retractable Awnings
The best inexpensive choice is retractable awnings, as they are very practical for areas where it rains often. The primary feature of retractable awnings is that they can be used at various angles during the course of a day to block out the sun.

Umbrellas
An umbrella is a very functional item that reduces the sunlight in your backyard. Additionally, they’re perfectly designed for year-round use, as a quality umbrella can provide protection on windy afternoons. Remember, the effectiveness of an umbrella is determined by its style and fabric material.

Contact us for more information about outdoor furniture that can help you beat the heat this summer.

Finding enough storage space for all of your things can prove to be quite the chore sometimes. Perhaps the best solution is to get creative with some storage solutions for your patios, decks, outdoor living rooms and kitchens. So here are a few ideas to get you thinking.

• Deck Space: The most obvious place, start storing things underneath your deck.
• Storage Bench: Why not make your seating double as storage for gardening supplies and toys?
• Mesh Bags: A must have for pool toys. The mesh helps them dry off and avoid mildew, putting it in a bag means that you can hang it from a wall too.
• Recycled Tires: It sounds a little odd, but stacking a few recycled tires together makes a great storage area for kids toys. Just paint the outside to match the play area.
• Milk Crates: These make an excellent storage place because not only are they stackable, but they’re easy to organize once the crates are all labelled.

Source: Outdoor Environments

With the summer in full swing, it is not unusual to consider exterior remodeling ideas to update the look of your home. You may even be wondering what you can use to increase the value of your home if you are thinking about moving elsewhere. Pavers can be exactly what you are looking for as they are both beautiful and extremely low-maintenance depending on your overall design.

Source: Houzz

Paver driveways generally cost more up front, but because of their construction, these driveways are also extremely low in maintenance. Because pavers are interlocking, they are naturally better performers in more extreme weather conditions. If one of the pavers cracks or breaks, they are equally easy to replace as compared to concrete or asphalt.

Pavers are placed in bedding sand similar to cobblestone or brick, but because of their interlocking design, they are extremely stable.

With a variety of shapes, colors, designs, and textures, you have a lot to choose from. As you think about exterior modeling ideas, do not forget that pavers are also great for creating intricate designs if that is your desire.

Source: Pinterest

When everyone has phones, computers, and console gaming systems it can be a bit difficult to get your kids to go outside and play during the summer. If you can create adventurous landscapes in your own yard, however, they’ll jump at the opportunity to use their imagination outside. Here are some little exterior remodeling ideas that can can help.

• Risky Business: Being able to assess risk and overcome challenges is a key part of childhood development. Usually this means choosing whether or not to climb a tree. So be sure to include some trees or small rock walls to give your kid a challenge to overcome without any serious risk.
• Pathway to Play: Having multiple play areas in your yard is important, but you should also try to make sure the paths connecting them are entertaining as well.
• Sticks and Stones: We try to keep our yards as neat and stick free as possible, but natural debris is what kids use to invent their own imaginative narratives. Try to construct a landscape that embraces nature and all it has to offer.

For more information about designing outdoor areas & living rooms, please visit our website or call us at 913-897-2706.

Source: Outdoor Environments

For Kansas City homeowners who are thinking about remodeling the exterior of their home may consider having a patio or deck built. Compare the maintenance that is required for each one, your needs, and the type of landscaping it will be built upon to determine which works best for you.

Patios require little maintenance depending on what they are made of. For concrete patios you will need to glaze it over a period of time as it can start cracking. Wooden decks will need to have periodic sealing and staining. Some floor planks may need replacing along with railings.

If you barbecue often and throw many parties you may consider having a patio where it can hold more weight. A grill can be driven into the patio whereas on a deck it’s best to use a portable grill. Landscaping is another important aspect to consider as patios tend work best on flat surfaces and decks can be built on hills as well as be raised higher for storage down below.

For patios in Kansas City or decks, contact Outdoor Environments where we can provide all the essentials of your outdoor needs.

Flagstone is such a versatile workhouse.  From garden paths to patios, flagstone is a material that can bring style and longevity to your outdoor projects.

Source: Pinterest

Flagstone is usually sold by the ton or the pound, with differing price tags depending on what type you choose even the budget savvy can find a nice style in their price range.

Here are some ideas on where to use flagstone in your outdoor spaces:

• Patios – Depending on what you are looking for you can fill in joints with gravel for a casual feel or if you are looking for something that will last through the years then you will want to mortar the joints.
• Seating areas – Stacking and mortaring flagstone can create a beautiful seating area.  Think the outside of your patio or even surrounding a flagstone fire pit.
• Steps – Flagstone is an excellent choice for adding steps into your garden.  Its natural look and feel keeps with the flow of your garden.
• Paths – Narrow or wide pathways look great in flagstone.  Your imagination is the only limit to building garden paths with this versatile stone.

Contact the outdoor living rooms and kitchens experts at Outdoor Environments for more great outdoor living ideas.

Source: Pinterest

While backyard pools and barbecue spaces offer great ways to enjoy the summer with family and friends, your exterior spaces can also yield a soothing and calming sanctuary if you take a little time to create one. Foremost on this list is a water feature that combines the cooling effects of running water, its soft gurgling sounds and the view of it is simply tranquil. We mean, of course, the highly regarded backyard pond.

For the most part, backyard ponds are remarkably easy to install and require a minimum of infrastructure to run. In most cases, a professional landscaping company can do all the work in one day. Afterwards, you will have created an excellent focal point for your garden, a place for birds to congregate and a naturally soothing place for yourself.

Downtime is as important as activities for a healthy and stable family life. Do not overlook this simple fact when considering plans for your backyard. For more information about outside spaces in general or outdoor living rooms and kitchens in particular, please visit our website or call us at 913-897-2706.

Image via Outdoor Environments

If you want to bring a bit of a resort feel to your home, you need to look no further than your own yard. Consider these design ideas to turn your backyard into a a relaxing spot that can be a vacation spot in your own home.

Create a Comfortable Outdoor Sitting Room

Have Kansas City contractors create a roof over your deck or patio. Add comfortable outdoor furniture and the space becomes a welcoming outdoor sitting area. You can also add other amenities, such as water features or interesting lighting.

Bring the Kitchen Outdoors

Take advantage of warm seasons by cooking and eating outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity as more homeowners understand how practical and enjoyable these can be. With cabinets, a mini refrigerator, a worktable and more, an outdoor kitchen is many steps above having a simple grill.

Stone or Stone Veneer Adds a Luxurious Touch

Natural stone or stone veneer brings rustic luxury. These materials may be used for outdoor kitchen backsplashes, patio walls or anywhere you want the ambiance natural stone can bring.

Add Style and Sustainability

You won’t give up style by using sustainable materials in your design. New eco-friendly pavers and other hardscape products look beautiful while offering a greener alternative to traditional concrete.

Contact us at Outdoor Environments by calling 913-897-2706.