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The Ammero Collection by IKEA, from $169, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70168369

Outdoor Designs to Jump-Start Spring

“The Outdoor Living bug” has bit the editors of design publication Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and we’re loving the fresh-from-market outdoor products they’ve selected for their readers with a well-trained eye.

From hand-blown glass bird feeders to an inexpensive but luxurious-looking lounger from Ikea, here are a few of their favorites finds for the outdoor-minded.

The Ammero Collection by IKEA, from $169, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70168369

Ammero collection by IKEA, from $169, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70168369

Illuminated Planters from Design Within Reach, from $375, http://www.dwr.com/category/accessories/collections/illuminated-planters.do

Glass birdhouse by Roost, from $75, http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/glass-bird-vases-pr-19832.html

Longing for more inspiration (and the start of spring)? Check out hot outdoor dining sets like the one below on  “A Dozen Designs to Jump-start Spring” on the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles blog.

Metal Heaven through www.kolocollection.com

Outdoor Living Trends for 2010: Back to Basics

According to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners are still spending on outdoor living, but they are forgoing many of the bells and whistles (think sport courts, showers and outdoor TVs) in favor of focusing on the basics (dining and seating areas, grills, lighting, firepits and fireplaces).

Other outdoor living elements that ranked as popular for 2010, according to ASLA:

Installed seating such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps and boulders (90.6 percent)

Weatherized Outdoor Furniture (77 percent)

Counter Space (73.5 percent)

Decorative elements such as ornamental pools, waterfalls, grottos (86 percent)

All projects pictured are by Outdoor Environments. Let us know how we can help you get back to basics, just in time for Spring!

Dining Out

Although Outdoor Environments may be new to the blogosphere, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a list a mile-long of favorite design blogs, Shelter notwithstanding.

Recently, the blog posted a handful of super stylish outdoor dining rooms, ones that would look equally at home indoors! We are fans of the ordinary shed-turned-elegant dining room in this verdant backyard. What a great idea!

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

That being said, your outdoor dining room doesn’t have to have an overly “decorated” feel. Just add a tablecloth from inside, an array of interesting plants in varying heights, and one unexpected element–like the outdoor chandelier–and voila! You’ve got a space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

Want more inspiration? Check out the post by Shelter, “Dining Out” here.

Screened-In Porches

What are the most important considerations to take into account when designing a screened-in porch? When we look at this image, one of our most recent projects, we’re tempted to say “Comfort,” but the truth is, that is up to the homeowner.

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Outdoor Environments’ responsibility comes into play at the very beginning–in the planning stages and in the consult with homeowners. Here are a few preliminary things we suggest they keep in mind:

* Space limitations. Will a screened-in porch take the place of a more functional deck? For those who enjoy reading a book outside on a nice spring day, gardening, entertaining, or grilling, will a screened-in porch leave enough room for your family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors?

As you’ll see below, when space is no object, Outdoor Environments likes to design screened-in porches as well as decks for ancillary usage.

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* Keeping the addition consistent with the design and aesthetic of the home. The roof line of your home and the height of its rear windows and doors are also a big factor when adding on a screened-in porch, as this will determine how best to integrate the two.

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Want to see more of our work? Check out our Facebook page!

Say “Spa-aah!”

What are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when including a spa deck in your new outdoor landscape? Privacy, for one. Whether it’s a fence, overshadowing trees, or a privacy hedge or screen, it’s important to keep the views of both your home and your neighbors in mind.

Space is another important factor. Hot tubs, spas and their covers take up more space than our clients realize. We like to designing the spa as a “built-in” so your new addition will act like a natural extension of the deck without looking imposing.

Take a look at some examples of Outdoor Environment’s work below:

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Detached Porches

When you think of adding on a porch, it’s important not to limit the scope of your project. How about a gazebo, a pool house, a garden shed or a playhouse? Outdoor Environments has created many a detached porch for our clients, and with brilliant results for clients who like to think outside the porch.

Take a look at some of our most recent projects with detached porches below.

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It’s important to us that each of our creations meets the needs of our clients and the unique layouts of their home. Let us know how you envision using your outdoor space and we’ll design an unforgettable space for your family and friends.

Great Outdoor Rooms: Three-Season vs. Four-Season

What is the difference between three-season and four-season outdoor rooms? Three-season porches, as the name implies, can be used in as many seasons per year (particularly spring, summer and fall); and although they may be insulated, they are not designed to be heated during winter months. Three-season rooms in theory offer the best of both worlds: Acting as a buffer between your home and your yard, the rooms can be used for everything from curling up by the fire to an exercise room or hot tub. Keep in mind, though, that everything in this room will be exposed to the elements; therefore, all materials must be able to withstand freezing elements.

Check out a few three-season rooms designed by Outdoor Environments below:

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Four-season rooms, on the other hand, are more utilitarian; enclosed porches may be used 12 months out of the year and provide comfort during the harsh months of Midwestern winters. These rooms are generally an extension of the home’s architectural style and are as thermally efficient as the rest of the home thanks to insulated glass and wall panels that allow for efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.

Below, find a few examples of four-season additions from Outdoor Environments:

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Outdoor Design Statements: Pergolas & Arbors

Outdoor Environments loves bringing the outdoors to life for our clients. For many of our customers, that involves providing them with just the right balance of style, ambiance, and comfort–each of which is created with precision thanks to our quality, durable materials.

One of our most powerful outdoor design statements we are asked to create for clients involves incorporating pergolas and arbors into outdoor landscapes. Check out some of our most shining examples below.

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Our Clients’ Dream Outdoor Spaces, Revisited

Putting greens, ponds, fire pits and water wells, oh my! Take a look at a few of Outdoor Environments‘ most recently completed projects to see what our clients are requesting in their dream outdoor spaces.

Want to know what else is up our design sleeves? From shade arbors and pergolas to spa decks and grill enclosures, check out our photos of our recent outdoor living projects and tell us what’s most important to you, your family and your home.

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Our passion for building and design are rooted in our projects to help you creatively unleash the beauty of your natural surroundings.

Recently Completed Projects

Through our blog, Outdoor Environments hopes we serve up deck-design inspiration on many levels, whether you’re choosing accents for your deck (like the dreamy outdoor love seats we blogged about last week) or over-the-top features to warm up your space, like a Bocce ball court, meditation garden or canopied daybed.

But today we wanted to share some of our own residential projects, ones in which we’ve had the pleasure of fulfilling the dreams of our clients, which is one of our biggest inspirations.

Case in point: Take a look at the project below; for these homeowners we pulled out all the stops, from an open-air covered porch perched above a deck spa and bar, to a cozy outdoor fireplace, tile-surfaced deck and  outdoor grilling station. And that’s in addition to an enviable landscape that includes lush green lawns and open horizontal views.

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Stay tuned for more coverage of our projects in the upcoming weeks!