Tag Archives: fireplace

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Color Talk

Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk

Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations

If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade. You remember that we install gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors, don’t you? There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It

If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent. But for a more permanent approach, consider a screened porch or seasonal room.

Light a Fire

Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Information and image from My Home Ideas

Landscape Architects Predict Outdoor Living Trends

This is the time of year when outdoor living trends will be all over the blogosphere. We know, because just last week we told you all about how outdoor kitchens are coming on strong in 2011.

Now the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has released their Residential Trends Survey. Included are some very promising finds. ASLA asked a group of professional landscape architects what trends and features they expect to see grow this year. Check out these highlights:

Most popular outdoor living features:

Exterior Lighting – 96.2%

Fire pits/fireplaces – 94.2%

Seating/dining areas – 94.1%

Grills – 93.8%

Installed seating like benches – 89.5

Most popular structures:

Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
Arbors – 83.8%
Pergolas – 82.6%
Steps – 79.3%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 77.5%
Decks – 74.4%
Porches – 72.3%

Outdoor Environments specializes in many of these popular outdoor living features including patios, decks, porches, fire pits and fireplaces, grill enclosures, pergolas and arbors. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out more about how Outdoor Environments can bring life to your outdoor living space! You can also visit our Facebook fan page to see our impressive portfolio!

Outdoor living area shown is by Outdoor Environments

5 Features Your Backyard Will Need This Spring

We know the weather outside is still frightful, but that’s no excuse for letting your home’s outdoor space go without a makeover for the New Year. There are plenty of ways to prepare your backyard for the warm weather that is only weeks away. So, what exactly do you need to get started? Here are a few product ideas that will turn your outdoor living space into a relaxing retreat.
BEFORE:
Single or multi-level decks added to the rear or side of your home can create an endless number of possibilities. Decks can be built using many types of wood, fiberglass, vinyl and even recycled materials like plastic.
A hearth is a heating option used for outdoor living spaces. Fireplaces (wood or gas) and firepits offer the warmth and coziness you need during the cold winter months, but they’re also perfect for cool nights during the spring, summer and fall.
Outdoor furniture is a must if you plan to truly enjoy your backyard area.  Create an lovely oasis with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas, a hammock and other comfortable furnishings.
Gazebos, sun-screened rooms, and awnings all provide wonderful shaded shelter for any time of the year. Be shielded from the scorching summer sun or protected from cold wind and rain.
No outdoor living area is complete without some type of water feature. A swimming pool is the obvious choice here. But you can always take it a step further with a spa, hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pond with a waterfall.
AFTER:
Are you ready to get your outdoor living area ready for spring 2011? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Think Ahead to Spring

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.

Spare-the-Air, Burn Bans Debated

Have you heard about the burn bans that cities from San Francisco and Olympia, Washington, to Keene, New Hampshire, have begun instating for its residents? Citing air quality–specifically, the fine-particle pollution smoke can create–state governments are seeking to clear the air, by restricting the burning of wood or manufactured logs in fireplaces and stoves, most recently (and notably) on the days of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

An article in a recent New York Times explores the exchange programs some cities are offering similar to the Cash for Clunkers or proposed Cash for Caulkers program: in return for discarding older wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, residents are awarded $1,000 towards the purchase of a newer, energy-efficient model–one with presumably less particle pollution and lower emissions. The residents’ mixed reactions are interesting; read more in “Where There’s Smoke…There’s a Trade-in” here.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

An energy-efficient wood-burning stove. Image via NYT.

An energy-efficient wood-burning stove. Image via NYT.

Avoiding Holiday Fire Hazards

Between scented candles and Christmas trees and electric lights and fireplaces, it’s no wonder the risk for fire increases exponentially during the holiday season. According to www.firesaftey.gov, fires in this short time frame injure 1,650 Americans, causing more than $990 million in damages.

fire

Below, we (literally) spell out some prevention measures to make sure this holiday season is a safe and merry one for you and your family.

Space heaters. Place them at least three feet away from anything flammable. Make sure an adult is in the room when heaters are on. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep. The same goes for burning candles.
Alarms. Install at least one smoke alarm on each floor level of the home, including basements. Test the alarms monthly, and be sure to change batteries at least once a year.
Fires. Never burn unconventional items such as wrapping paper or boxes in the fireplace, as this could cause a chimney fire. Fireplaces are for wood only. The same applies to stoves and ovens—use these strictly for cooking, and not for heating.
Escape. Plan a home escape with two ways out of each room. Practice your exit plan with every member of the family to make sure it works. Invest in fire extinguishers, and know how to use them.
Trees. For artificial trees, only choose flame-retardant ones with a UL label. Cut trees should be watered daily to be kept fresh. Never use real candles on trees. Keep trees at a safe distance from fireplaces, other sources of heat, and doorways. Dispose of trees at an authorized recycling center.
Your lights. Inspect lights for wear and tear, such as frayed wires or gaps in insulation. Periodically check wires—they should not be warm to touch. Connect strings to an extension cord before plugging in.

For more information, visit firesafety.gov to keep your home fire-free this holiday season.