Tag Archives: certified remodelers in Overland Park

How About a Pretty Porch in 2013?

screened porch

Screened in porch by Outdoor Environments

If you’re looking for remodeling ideas for your home, then consider a porch. A porch is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable and inviting area of the home. Right now is the perfect time to plan out a porch with Kansas City contractors so that you’ll be able to enjoy it once summer comes around! The following are a few ideas that you can implement into the design of your porch.

  • Enclose your porch and set it up like an extension of your living room. Add a table, chairs and even a sofa to the porch. You can even put down an area rug to give guests an inviting feeling when they step onto your porch.
  • Add a brick floor to the porch. This provides a rustic feeling that helps define the area being between indoors and outdoors.
  • Instead of using standard warm colors, go with snowy white colors. This actually helps bring the colors of the outdoors in, and helps to reflect sunlight throughout the area.

These are just a few ideas that you can use when designing your porch. Remember, it doesn’t have to be bare. It’s an extension of your home after all.

 

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Planters for Kansas City Decks and Patios

The different seasons and architectural styles in Kansas City facilitate a variety of residential design styles. This diversity is evident in the stylish planters that look great in the City of Fountains.

  • Zinc. This stylish grey metal has been seen in French-inspired planters, such as this “Les Bac Á Oranger” from Authentic Provence.
Kansas City planter

Image via Authentic Provence.


  • Wood. The wood-and-iron Versailles Planter from Restoration Hardware is perfect for small shrubs such as boxwood.
Kansas City planter

Image via Restoration Hardware

  • Terracotta. Terracotta pots work well for any home, and there are many distinctive options on the market. For example, Treillage Ltd. has a pot with acanthus leaves.
Kansas City planter

Image via Treillage.

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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.

Espresso-Colored Decks Popular

There are many appropriate deck colors, and the key factor is whether the color complements the home’s architecture. One popular color of deck stain is espresso (or chocolate). Here are some images of beautiful espresso decks from across the nation.

  • Espresso-charcoal. This deck, which we saw on Houzz, appears to be made out of a composite material the color of espresso blended with charcoal.
espresso deck

Image via Houzz. Photo: Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech

  • Color coordination. This espresso deck in the U.S. Virgin Islands, by D Studio, coordinates with the stain color of the shutters.

espresso deck

 

  • Sleek. The espresso stain of this contemporary deck, by California-based architect Cary Bernstein, gives it an added sleekness.
espresso deck

Architecture: Cary Bernstein. Image: Houzz.

For the Kansas City deck or patio that is right for you, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Built-in Planters on Decks and Patios

A deck or patio certainly adds to a home’s livability and resale value. To keep your deck or patio from looking like a plain slab, consider incorporating built-in planters. Here are some images to inspire.

  •  Contemporary. A relatively small lot in Australia was given lush privacy thanks, in part, to built-in planters by C.O.S. Design. Seating is incorporated into the patio’s knee walls.
Kansas patio

Image via Houzz. Design: C.O.S. Designs

  • Transitional. Stained pine planters complement the teak furniture on the deck of this California home designed by Sullivan Design Studio.
Kansas deck

Image via Houzz. Design: Sullivan Design Studio


  • Traditional. Start spreadin’ the news. The built-in planters in this traditional New York flat are as impressive as Gotham’s skyline. (Design: Amber Freda)
Kansas City deck

Design: Amber Freda. Image via Houzz.

For built-in planters, decks, and patios in Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

AIA: Outdoor Living Spaces Popular

According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), outdoor living remains popular, and with that has come more interest in property enhancements. In the first quarter of 2012, interest in outdoor living space increased, with almost two-thirds of architects surveyed stating that outdoor living space, covered outdoor space, and outdoor rooms are increasingly popular.

AIA

 

 

Decks, porches, and patios are often accompanied by low-maintenance, low-irrigation landscaping. Other popular and sustainable features are rainwater catchment systems, gray water reuse, and green landscaped fencing options (bushes, trees, hedges).

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To make your outdoor living space popular, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Johnson County Deck Entertains 50

Summer has us looking back at one of our favorite projects, which Kansas City Home and Garden profiled in an article. The extensive backyard renovation project was custom designed to increase space and optimize views. The resulting deck included three levels, four staircases, and built-in planters. We appreciated the article and were grateful to the excellent clients for giving us this opportunity.

Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Image via www.outdoorenvironments.com

The renovated outdoor living area was such a success that friends and family no longer use the front door–they just walk straight to the notable backyard entertaining area.

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For a deck or patio distinguished enough to be in a magazine, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

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Image via Outdoor Environments

 

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens may seem, at first glance, to be a serendipitous occurence, like ivy making its way up a wall. But, unlike creeping vines, vertical gardens incorporate a variety of plant species without harming mortar and other building materials. The result is one part modern art and one part Alice in Wonderland, as the photos below demonstrate.

  • Patrick Blanc is the king of vertical gardening, having designed and implemented installations like this one on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Notable website Inhabitat explains that “the three-part system consists of a PVC layer, felt, and metal frame, providing a soil-free self-supporting system light enough to be hung on the wall.”
vertical gardens by patrick blanc

Design: Patrick Blanc; Image via inhabitat.com

  • Do-it-yourselfers can try an inn0vative succulent garden at home with this kit from Flora Grubb Gardens. It is a 20″x20″ panel, and makes a succulent wall.
Flora Grubb Gardens

Image and kit via Flora Grubb Gardens.

  • The green facade on this building was called a “lush living envelope” by Inhabitat. The building, by Samyn and Partners, is in Belgium.
vertical garden

Design: Samyn and Partners; Image via Inhabitat

For a patio or deck to complement your garden, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Just One Week Left to Save $500

Time is quickly running out, Kansas City! What are your outdoor design dreams? Decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and sunrooms do not have to be a figment of your imagination. You can have your dream backyard if you entrust Outdoor Environments.

For the month of April, we’ve been offering $500 off most projects totaling $15,000. Now is the time to get going on the projects you’ve been dreaming of before these savings disappear.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of our recent posts!

Please don’t hesitate to call us at 913-897-2706 to learn more about how we can help with your outdoor projects.

Outdoor Decorating: Use What You've Got

From patios and decks to porches and sunrooms, there’s much decorating to be done this season.

But wait! You don’t have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on new decor. First, take a look around your home. What items can do double duty outside?

Do you have a large collection of magazines or books? Bring them outside to make your outdoor space more of a living space.

 

Nice place settings were meant to be shown off. Bring decorative plates, bowls, silverware and glasses out for outdoor dining.

Plant lovers tend to keep plants year-round. But spring and summer are the perfect time to bring them outside and add a little (or a lot) of color to your outdoor space.

Pillows are rugs are the easiest way to add a touch of style outside.

Pillows and rugs are also the perfect solutions for adding pops of color.

What other ways can you use what you already have to decorate outside?

Images from BHG

Hardscape Care 101

Find out how you can save $500 on your next outdoor project!

Depending on the make up of your outdoor foundation, it will need to be cared for in a very specific manner. But how? The best way to know is to check with your contractor or the manufacturer of the product that was installed. But here are some general care and maintenance tips as featured in the May 2012 issue of Triangle Home Improvement:

Composite Wood Hardscapes

  • Should be washed annually.

Concrete Hardscapes

  • Sealant should be applied about six months after the foundation is laid, then every 2-3 years after that to avoid discoloration and staining.

Flagstone Hardscapes

  • Does not require sealing.
  • Stones should be monitored regularly since they can move, adjust and settle.

Natural Wood Hardscapes

  • Be sure to have an inspection performed at least annually.
  • Boards should not be rotting, splinting and screws should not be loose.
  • Cleaning should consist of power washing and application of a good sealant to help prevent discoloration.

Paver Hardscapes

  • No stains, sealants or paint are necessary.

Don’t forget that Outdoor Environments is offering $500 off select outdoor projects. Call us in Overland Park, KS at 913-897-2706 for details! Offer ends April 30!