Tag Archives: gazebos

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

Designing and Customizing a Deck

It’s important to know that when it comes to deck design and layout, the conventional rectangle shape is a thing of the past. Residential Design + Build reports that decks are not a “one size fits all” deal.

According to research,

… “homeowners can take up to two years from the time they think about their deck until the time they actually pull the trigger on a project. Consumers will do everything from Internet research, buying books about design, and visiting showrooms.

Deck design can begin with a simple rectangle, and by cutting back each corner at a 45-degree angle the deck begins to take on character. Add other shapes, spaces, color and levels and it becomes completely unrecognizable as what decks once were. The important step today, though, is making all these variables work together.”

It’s all about customization and making the deck work for the homeowner and their specific needs. Surprisingly, some consumers don’t want a barbecue area or an outdoor kitchen on their deck at all.

Experts say that those considering a deck should consider three main components:

  1. How it looks
  2. How it functions
  3. How much it costs

Also, homeowners seem to be very interested in adding other features to their decks. These features include:

Outdoor Environments builds and remodels decks in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck options today!

Image from RDB

Gazebos, Pergolas and Shade Arbors… Oh My!

Some people just don’t realize the endless possibilities that are likely when you think outside the box. Adding a structure with plenty of visual interest is not only something that your guests can enjoy, but it’s also an investment that you can be proud of. Whether you choose a gazebo, pergola or shade arbor, there are many benefits to adding one of these to your outdoor space:

  • We all know that first impressions mean everything. And what do guests see before they even set foot inside your front door? They see whatever is (or isn’t) outside. Your garden, landscape and outdoor structures are your home’s front line. A magnificent structure will wow guests as soon as they arrive!
  • While going to a beautiful local park to relax, unwind and take in nature’s beauty is a great idea, you won’t have to go far if you have an outdoor structure in your own backyard. They provide a sense of calm and peace to the exterior of your home. All you have to do is step out of your back door!
  • If you have a house full of kids, pets and/or visitors, it can be difficult to find a quiet place to talk or even a spot to have a moment for yourself. An outdoor structure is a fine solution to both of these problems.
  • Are you planning on hosting any barbecues or outdoor entertaining this spring and summer? If so, an outdoor structure is the perfect outdoor accessory for guests to enjoy on the perfect sunny day. With ample seating and some pretty decorations, gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors can provide enough shade for hot summer days to still be enjoyable.

Don’t forget that we’re offering a great deal from now until April 29th. Take advantage and call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Pergola and shade arbor shown are by Outdoor Environments

Custom Gazebo Perfect for Outdoor Wedding

The holiday season and the dawn of a New Year always spur one of the most exciting announcements of all – engagements! Now that wedding season is finally rolling around, it’s time to start considering the possibility of an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception under a custom made gazebo.

There are many benefits to an outdoor gazebo wedding:

  1. The average wedding can cost upwards of $20,000 just for a few hours of festivities. You can save a bundle with a quaint but still beautiful backyard event and put the money you saved towards an extravagant honeymoon!
  2. Gazebos are very easy to personalize with the same decorations and accessories you would use in a church, ball room or other common wedding venue.
  3. A nicely decorated gazebo will serve as the focal point to a backyard, so it’s guaranteed that all eyes will be on the bride (and groom) throughout the entire ceremony.
  4. Even you choose not to use a gazebo for the actual ceremony; it’ll still serve as a comfy sitting area for guests to enjoy during intermission or the outdoor reception.
  5. After the wedding, your custom gazebo can be used for any other outdoor event or even just as a relaxing spot right outside your home!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started on building a gazebo just in time for wedding season! You can also see examples of our outdoor design work on our Facebook fan page!

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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!

The Ec-O Bench

So last night was the series finale of LOST and I have found a perfect use for those Oceanic airplanes.  Inhabitat.com recently posted about the ec-O benches, made from retired airplanes.   These benches would give any outdoor living space an urban feel.

Inhabitat writes, “Architecture instructor Steven Ma developed an amazing concept bench that infuses nature into pedestrian traffic zones by creating a self-sustaining eco-system that envelops sitters in living and growing plant-life.

The ec-O bench generates electricity through solar panels that are embedded into the top of the extended structure which hovers above the suggested seating area. These panels harness electricity during the day to illuminate the seating area at night. A built-in system collects and filters water that is used for healthy plant growth. As they grow the plants wind around the bench’s circular structure, creating a jungle-like canopy dangling above the user.”

Can’t you see Jack, Kate, Sawyer and Hurley coming across this bench while walking through the jungle!

The Perfect Place for a Summer Day

How would you like to sit outdoors in your custom made arbor or pergola this summer?  Outdoor living structures are the perfect place to relax either by the pool or dining al fresco.   We love creating an outdoor living space that suits your everyday life.

Click here to visit our website to see more of our work.

Your iPhone might one day save your life

Technology is constantly changing and the researchers at the University of California, San Diego are trying to come up with a way to embed tiny sensors in your cell phone that can detect toxic chemicals in the air.  These silicon chips will be able to map the locations of these chemicals and alert emergency responders as well as you.   How’s that for an iPhone app?

According to Inhabitat.com, “Michael Sailor and his team at UC San Diego along with startup company Rhevision Technology, Inc. recently completed the tech’s first phase of development. Now, they’re working on a prototype that can work with a cell phone.”

How it works: A tiny, silicon chip is embedded into your cell phone.  The device will change color when it detects harmful chemicals, alerting you and emergency responders.

Currently the chip can only identify a handful of chemicals, but researchers are optimistic about its future.