Tag Archives: grill

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

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments

More Ideas to Beautify Your Backyard

Hopefully you read our post from earlier this week about the features you should be thinking about adding to your backyard this spring. Just in case you needed some more inspiration, we’ve rounded up five more ideas to take your outdoor living space from drab to fab!

Outdoor flooring is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Even with a deck or patio already installed, accenting it with concrete pavers, a brick walkway or other hardscapes products adds a nice touch to any backyard.

What backyard is complete without a grilling area? It may be a bit nippy outdoors, but a grill, open faced brick oven and a wet bar are all great ways to enhance outdoor entertaining once the weather warms up.

The right lighting can make or break your home’s outdoor living area. Be creative with walkway lighting, candles or customized landscape lanterns.

Finally, there are many ways to accessorize once you added all the right outdoor living elements and features. Have you thought about statues or sculptures? What about picket fencing or a booming sound system?

For assistance getting your outdoor living area up to par for spring, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments

Little Outdoor Luxuries

We don’t know about you, but we’re counting down the days until spring, when we can break out our outdoor furniture, get back on the grill (without our hats and gloves) and relax, minus the chill.

Kansas City Homes & Gardens recently published a visual compilation of little outdoor luxuries that have us dreaming up plans for our first spring fling, including a hanging lounger from Pottery Barn and a buzz-worthy outdoor theatre by Frontgate (examples below). Talk about being the hit of the neighborhood!

What are your little outdoor luxuries? Let us know how we can help implement them in your outdoor living spaces.

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Weatherizing for the Winter-Wise

Maintenance and cleaning can go a long way in extending the life of your outdoor living spaces. From gardens to grills, here’s how to winterize your backyard bastion and shield your spaces from the elements this season.

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• Keep your plants frost-free. Whether it’s as aesthetically pleasing as a glass cloche, or as simple as a sawed-off milk jug or plastic bucket from the garage, take extra care to protect your cool-season crops from frost. For larger areas, try draping sheets or fabrics over the plants, making sure they hit the ground to trap heat around the plants’ base. For more ideas on extending the harvest season, see garden.com
• Perform the required maintenance on your grill and outdoor islands, so your first spring fling (or clean!) won’t involve the heartache of replacing favorite items. Scrub and rinse your grill and island to release built-up grease and grime. Reseal the grout on tiles exposed to the elements.
• Protect your furniture. Use durable, weather-proof vinyl covers for lounges, tables and chairs. Wrap or tie covers around legs to keep in place. Check cushions for mold; store all cushions indoors; wrap in a light cotton sheet to keep critters away.

A quick clean now will pay off later—hopefully on that first beautiful spring day!