Tag Archives: backyard

outdoor design

Replace More of Your Lawn With Hardscaping to Reduce Lawn Maintenance in Spring

It’s a refuge, a playground, and a place to entertain – all rolled into one. It’s your yard, and while it may not be perfect, you love it.

You can enhance your yard by following one of the hottest outdoor remodeling trends of all: adding more hardscaping. Doing so will tilt the balance: you’ll have less lawn maintenance to do in the spring, which will give you more time to enjoy your yard and all the “play and purpose” functions it fills in your life. Continue reading →

Create a Secret Enclave in Your Backyard for Privacy

A backyard is a great place to relax, but if you have close neighbors your backyard might feel a bit more like a public park than a private enclave. Don’t worry, there are a number of ways to make your backyard space more comfortable and even a bit more private.

Build a Retaining Wall
A retaining wall can be used to create separate areas within your garden, but it can also give your yard privacy from nearby neighbors and keep them out of view.  Retaining walls can be covered with low trees, shrubs and plants, so you can easily transform a less-than-ideal space into a secret garden where it feels like your nearest neighbors are miles away.

Add a Fire Pit
A fire pit can make spending time in your backyard in the autumn and winter months possible. It’s also a great way to gather with friends and family. Another benefit, at night, the light and the shadows from the fire pit make your yard feel like a secret space.

Source: Houzz

Visit OutdoorEnvironments, Inc. for more exterior remodeling ideas you can use to spruce up your home.

outdoor living design

Give Yourself Some Shade This Summer

outdoor living design

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.

outdoor spaces design

May Maintenance for Your Outdoors

outdoor spaces design

Image via Houzz

As spring weather arrives in Kansas City, our thoughts head to spending time outdoors.  May is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor areas and have them ready for the warmer weather of summer.

Here are some maintenance tips for your outdoor living rooms and kitchens:

  • Stain Away – Protect the wood in your outdoor areas by washing them down thoroughly then re-staining them.
  • Follow the Paths – Take a look at your garden paths and see what needs fixing.  Re-do edges to give them a clean look, fill in any gravel and fix or replace broken areas in your paths.
  • Clean Out – Get into the garden shed and garage and get rid of any expired products and anything you don’t need anymore.
  • Ready to Grill – Make sure your grill is clean and ready to go.  Give the cooking areas a good scrubbing.
  • Mending Fences – Check over your fences and make sure there is no splintering, cracking, or holes.

If your yard needs a general spruce-up but you can’t find the time, contact the outdoor experts at Outdoor Environments.  Our services include deck and outdoor living maintenance. We can have your outdoor living rooms and kitchens ready for you to enjoy all summer.

Make a Small Yard Cozy, Not Cramped, with Smart Exterior Design

outdoor home design

Image via Pinterest

If you have a small yard surrounding your Kansas City home, it is important that the area becomes cozy and not cramped. While it can be challenging to make a small yard feel comfortable, there are some tricks to make the most of the small space. The following are a few exterior remodeling ideas to get your creative juices flowing and to help you design an outdoor area that works.

  • Use Warmth and Light – A fire pit adds instant coziness to an outdoor area, and good outdoor lighting can really open up the space.
  • Use Layers – Create layers in your area, such as a concrete patio layer that leads to a brick walkway layer, which leads to a green area. Use different levels and steps to make the spaces feel more expansive.
  • Double Duty – Some features can have more than one function. For example, use a small wall to divide the space as well as to provide a shelf for plants or seating for guests.
  • Create Curving Paths – Curving paths that connect different areas of your yard are not only functional, but their meandering nature can make the space feel larger as you stroll along them.

For more information about creating a cozy outdoor area for your home, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.  We’ll be happy to help you make a small yard into a dream destination!

How Being Outdoors is Good For Your Health

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.

 

 

 

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Fountain

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

To create your  Kansas City oasis: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Top 3 Tips For Creating an Eye-Catching Patio

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.

5 Great Tips on Decorating Your Deck This Fall

Photo: Amy Neunsinger

Beautiful decks aren’t just for the warmer seasons anymore. Easily make your patio or deck a warm and cozy oasis for entertaining guests or a soothing space to enjoy yourself.

 

  • Lighting is an important element. With cooler months bringing us less light, it’s important to have an adequate amount of lighting. Set the mood with soft yellow) for an intimate feel, or use white solar lights provide a brighter, high-energy vibe.

 

  • Candles easily add ambience and decor with lanterns or hurricanes. Also use different height candles to add visual depth and color.

 

  • Baskets are a perfect (and versatile) way to accent your room. Coat your basket with either acrylic or outdoor paint and fill it with magazines or throws.

 

  • Plants bring life to any deck. Surround yourself with fall-friendly plants such as Plentifall pansies, bluestars, and mums.

 

  • Firepits are a great addition to any patio to celebrate cold weather.

 

Want an amazing deck or patio of your very own? For the Kansas City deck or patio to enhance your home, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

Photo Credit: http://amyneunsinger.com/

Consider a Front Yard Deck!

You might remember us talking recently about how the addition of a deck can help you to sell your home. And since everyone knows that location is the primary factor in the world of real estate, it’s time to consider where your deck will be located. Have you considered a deck in your front yard? Reliable Remodeler thinks it’s worth a try!

A deck in the front yard is welcoming and neighborly–a place to enjoy mimosas on a Sunday morning or host happy hour on a Friday evening. It adds instant curb appeal with an attribute of friendliness. In the backyard, a deck can extend your living quarters, adding virtual square footage and helping any property show well during an open house.

Even if you still insist on a backyard or even a side deck, you won’t be disappointed! Outdoor Environments is your premiere source for decks throughout Overland Park and Kansas City. Give us a call at 913-897-2706 to discuss your outdoor living options today!

Deck shown is by Outdoor Environments