Outdoor Environments Blog

Image via Outdoor Storage

Remodeling can be exciting, but just like all wonderful things, you have to do your homework and brace yourself for the process that leads to your oasis.

Here are a few steps you can take to get yourself and your mind ready for your deck remodeling project:

• Finances. Assess your finances to make sure you are financially ready to make changes to your home without causing strain on your living or your savings.
• Have an idea of what work you want done. By looking through magazines and websites, get an idea of what you want your finished deck or patio to look like, then refer back to your finances and create your budget.
• Allow time for your remodel. Perfection can’t be rushed, and when you add the possibilities of unforeseen problems to the mix, patience is a necessary factor. Just now, at the end of it all, your Outdoor Environments customized deck will totally be worth it.
• Enjoy. Take a moment to realize you’re actually doing it. You’re finally actualizing your dream of building your own private deck or patio that’s built to your liking and your family’s usage. You did it!

To get the process of building your Kansas City deck started, contact us today.

Continuing our previous post on Keeping Your Deck Private, these are other great easy and attainable suggestions on keeping your deck private and serene:

• Plants.  Plants are the most beautiful, as well as the easiest way to add privacy to your deck or patio. We recommend decorating your deck with beautiful plants anyway, so why not use them as a source for additional privacy? Line the side that faces the most open spaces with tall, lush plants.
• Canopy. In the summer times, you’ll appreciate this addition more than ever, but it can add much desired privacy all year around. Awnings, canopies and sails are offered in a multitude of styles, some even retractable.
• Trees. Planting trees doesn’t just make you seem more caring of the environment, but it brings a sweet reminder of childhood, too. (The largest tree was always “base” in tag games.)  Trees aren’t just aesthetically and environmentally pleasing, but they create shade to keep you cool in the summer months as well as a barrier to keep away the nosy neighbors.

You finally got the customized deck of your dreams built, but a few final touches can make a world of difference. When relaxing out on your new Outdoor Environments oasis, the last thing you want is to hear pesky street noise or look over to see a nosy neighbor peering through his or her window to see what you’re up to. So we at OE have put together a few tips on how to better ensure your privacy while enjoying your beautiful new patio or deck.

• Fountains. Fountains aren’t just a beautiful way to decorate your yard, but the sound of a running fountain can easily drown out the noise of children playing in the street or cars driving by.

• Build with a Twist. If you’re building (or have built) your customized split level deck, consider planting a large tree, such as a cypress, that doesn’t just add to the aesthetic appeal of your deck but also blocks visibility to a portion of it.

To be continued… Stay tuned for our sequel post!

Images via:

Photo 1 & 2: DIYNetwork
Photo 3: Better Homes and Garden

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to put away the fake, fuzzy spiders and the webs made of cotton and pull out decor that is warm and welcoming for Thanksgiving.

Decorating your deck is, in our opinion, one of the most fun parts of having a customized deck. It’s a great activity that brings the family together, energizes the holiday spirit in all those involved, and brings a fun and festive liveliness to your home.

However, decorating can be tricky. So we’ve put together some great ideas for you to try out on your Kansas City deck this fall:

Wreaths. Create them yourself or by them store made, but wreaths incorporating colorful leaves or festive mini-pumpkins are a welcoming addition.

Potted Plants.  A year round favorite, potted plants instantly bring color to any deck.

Customized Pumpkins. Paint a welcoming message across a few pumpkins. Whether it’s your family name, house number or even just a plain “Welcome,” personalizing your home has never been easier.

Horn and Husks. A classic fall favorite. Create something artistic, display in a garland, or just bunch together a bunch of colorful corn tusks and their dried husks.

Cornucopia. A Thanksgiving classic, but instead of filling it with food, try filling it with festive flowers, leaves and dried berries instead.

Celebrate this beautiful season by decorating your custom built Kansas City deck today.

Can you think of anything more lavish than a beautiful Thanksgiving feast outdoors on your beautiful custom deck or patio?

Neither can we.

With the attention and care you gave to building your perfect outdoor living space, why not use to it to impress your guests this holiday season?  Instead of being elbow to elbow indoors, pull out all the stops and serve up a delicious meal in your outdoor environment. A few things to keep in mind for your outdoors Thanksgiving:

Table. Accentuate the entire experience by avoiding paper and plastic ware. (After all, it IS Thanksgiving!) Surprise your guests with an elegantly set table.

Decor. Use your setting as inspiration. Pull natural foliage into your centerpiece. This will add a rustic contrast to the clean and refined table linens giving.  Don’t forget coloring books on the kid’s table!

Fire pit. An outdoor Thanksgiving means spending a big chunk of time outside in November. Keep warm by firing up your custom fire pit. Consider adding a space heater near the table as well. As a party favor, you can provide the gentlemen with scarves and ladies with shawls for extra warm.

Make the most out of your Kansas City deck or patio this November and celebrate the holiday outdoors!

Photo 1 Source: celebratingeverydaylife.com

Photo 2 Source: Pinterest

Photo 3:  potterybarn.com

Image via San Francisco Chronicle

Being Outdoors Helps Health

It’s no new discovery, no surprising news that going outside to ride a bike or take a small hike has positive effects on your health. But did you know just being outside is good for you? Just being in the presence of nature has proven to be beneficial.

A 2009 study done by Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that being within 1000 yards of a green space (a park or a wooded area) causes lessened anxiety and depression. Being around nature and greenery causes people to feel more restored and even less angry. Being outdoors is the ideal environment for calmness and even meditation.

How Does Being Outdoors Help

The biggest benefit of being outside is all the Vitamin D your body receives. More and more studies show the benefit of this particular vitamin. It has been linked to preventing cancer and strengthening your immune system.

The other natural benefits of the sun is that it “sets our internal clock.” Our body naturally syncs with the sun, knowing when to turn on and off, therefore by spending time outdoors during the day, we are able to sleep better at night.

As though a beautiful addition to your home wasn’t reason enough to build your custom deck, your health may be. For custom Kansas City deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

This year has brought along a new trend: distressed patio furniture. Whether you decide to distress it yourself or buy it that way, this furniture trend is a must-have for patios everywhere.

Distressed chaises and chairs are a great way to give your patio a rustic feel. Pair with bright and clean colors for visually appeasing look.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Add eclectic flair by pairing a modern outdoor table with distressed, colorful metal seating. This combination creates an urban patio that is ideal for city-living.

Photo Credit: sunset.com

Distressed doesn’t just begin and end at seats and patio dining tables. Use distressed patio pieces as accents and coffee tables for catalog look.

Photo Credit: Centsational Girl

But the most important part of decorating your patio isn’t distressed furniture; it’s your actual patio or deck. Create a backyard oasis you’re proud of and can’t get enough of.

Contact Outdoor Environments for an appointment today, and be on your way to the outdoors of your dreams.

City living is undoubtedly glamorous.  The paved streets always filled with noise and people coming and going to work, to shows, to dinner, to dancing and who knows where else. It’s home to history and buildings and houses that have seen generations come through. But it’s also home to thousands and thousands of people, all clustered into a small space which may not leave time for beautiful, serene decks.

Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t have the customized deck of you dreams. In fact, the one absolutely amazing thing about living in the city is that even though you may live in an older house, if that older house has a flat roof (which many do), you can create a roof deck.

Imagie via Google By: The Artisan

Image via Lee Kimball

Image via panix.com

To see if your Kansas City roof can be transformed into the deck of your dreams: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Image via mnkyimages.com

If you want to truly use your backyard patio as an oasis, consider adding a fountain into your renovations.

Fountains have been an age-old symbol of beauty and serenity (and not to mention they’re also rumored to grant wishes!).

But how do you choose the right fountain? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Size. Are you going for small and serene or a large and attention-grabbing? The size of your patio, garden and backyard should come largely in play when making this decision as you don’t want to take attention away from your home, beautiful garden or custom deck.
• Style. There are a variety of styles when it comes to fountains as well. You can create a nonchalant, soothing babbling brook or have an Ancient Greek statue, or you can have spouts that sprays water in unique designs and deliver a modern fountain. From traditional garden accents to modern Zen-inspired fountains, what style matches you and your home?
• Use. Do you plan on having this fountain overflow into your private pool? Stand alone? Your intended use definitely brings to play what kind of fountain you should get.

Image via Sunskrit Photography

Just because colder weather is about doesn’t mean your Kansas City patio has to be dull. Make your custom deck pop with these top 3 tips for creating an eye-catching patio!

Photo Credit: Desire to Inspire

• Use bright colored chairs to add a little an eye-catching effect. Distressed, colored wooden or metal chairs add a vintage touch and an eclectic flair effortlessly.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

• Paint something! If you were gifted a patio set, or love one just the way it is but still want to add a little pizzazz, be unconventional. Paint the back of your patio door a color that will truly stand out.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

• If a small and simple change is what you’re looking for, never overlook the power of accessories. For a chic, stylish patio or deck, add color by using bright pillows and accessories.

Every season brings great reason to decorate your outdoor oasis. Let Outdoor Environments build you the deck you’ve always dreamed of.