Tag Archives: outdoor decor

Top 5 Tips on Keeping Your Deck Private: Part II

Continuing our previous post on Keeping Your Deck Private, these are other great easy and attainable suggestions on keeping your deck private and serene:

 

  • Plants.  Plants are the most beautiful, as well as the easiest way to add privacy to your deck or patio. We recommend decorating your deck with beautiful plants anyway, so why not use them as a source for additional privacy? Line the side that faces the most open spaces with tall, lush plants.
  • Canopy. In the summer times, you’ll appreciate this addition more than ever, but it can add much desired privacy all year around. Awnings, canopies and sails are offered in a multitude of styles, some even retractable.
  • Trees. Planting trees doesn’t just make you seem more caring of the environment, but it brings a sweet reminder of childhood, too. (The largest tree was always “base” in tag games.)  Trees aren’t just aesthetically and environmentally pleasing, but they create shade to keep you cool in the summer months as well as a barrier to keep away the nosy neighbors.
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.
All Images via Google Images

Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Fountain

Image via mnkyimages.com

If you want to truly use your backyard patio as an oasis, consider adding a fountain into your renovations.

Fountains have been an age-old symbol of beauty and serenity (and not to mention they’re also rumored to grant wishes!).

But how do you choose the right fountain? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind.

 

  • Size. Are you going for small and serene or a large and attention-grabbing? The size of your patio, garden and backyard should come largely in play when making this decision as you don’t want to take attention away from your home, beautiful garden or custom deck.
  • Style. There are a variety of styles when it comes to fountains as well. You can create a nonchalant, soothing babbling brook or have an Ancient Greek statue, or you can have spouts that sprays water in unique designs and deliver a modern fountain. From traditional garden accents to modern Zen-inspired fountains, what style matches you and your home?
  • Use. Do you plan on having this fountain overflow into your private pool? Stand alone? Your intended use definitely brings to play what kind of fountain you should get.

Image via Sunskrit Photography

To create your  Kansas City oasis: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Top 3 Tips For Creating an Eye-Catching Patio

Just because colder weather is about doesn’t mean your Kansas City patio has to be dull. Make your custom deck pop with these top 3 tips for creating an eye-catching patio!

 

Photo Credit: Desire to Inspire

  • Use bright colored chairs to add a little an eye-catching effect. Distressed, colored wooden or metal chairs add a vintage touch and an eclectic flair effortlessly.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • Paint something! If you were gifted a patio set, or love one just the way it is but still want to add a little pizzazz, be unconventional. Paint the back of your patio door a color that will truly stand out.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

  • If a small and simple change is what you’re looking for, never overlook the power of accessories. For a chic, stylish patio or deck, add color by using bright pillows and accessories.

 

Every season brings great reason to decorate your outdoor oasis. Let Outdoor Environments build you the deck you’ve always dreamed of.

5 Great Tips on Decorating Your Deck This Fall

Photo: Amy Neunsinger

Beautiful decks aren’t just for the warmer seasons anymore. Easily make your patio or deck a warm and cozy oasis for entertaining guests or a soothing space to enjoy yourself.

 

  • Lighting is an important element. With cooler months bringing us less light, it’s important to have an adequate amount of lighting. Set the mood with soft yellow) for an intimate feel, or use white solar lights provide a brighter, high-energy vibe.

 

  • Candles easily add ambience and decor with lanterns or hurricanes. Also use different height candles to add visual depth and color.

 

  • Baskets are a perfect (and versatile) way to accent your room. Coat your basket with either acrylic or outdoor paint and fill it with magazines or throws.

 

  • Plants bring life to any deck. Surround yourself with fall-friendly plants such as Plentifall pansies, bluestars, and mums.

 

  • Firepits are a great addition to any patio to celebrate cold weather.

 

Want an amazing deck or patio of your very own? 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.

 

Photo Credit: http://amyneunsinger.com/

Outdoor Decorating on a Dime

So you want to spruce up your outdoor space, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to do so. There are plenty of ways to add style, character and panache without breaking the bank. What do you think about these ideas?

  • Instead of buying an outdoor rug that will rip and get dirty, opt for painting. With the right stencils and bright colored paint, you can fool guests into thinking it’s a real rug!
  • Gather unused chairs and stools around the house and use them to position potted plants and flowers.
  • For porches, seasonal rooms and gazebos, use sheet fabrics and curtains to create a bit more privacy. Plus, they look fabulous on breezy summer days.
  • Are you bored with your potted plants and flowers? Buy a can or two of spray paint for less than $5 each and spray each pot a bright, happy shade.
  • Speaking of spray painting, take a look at small chairs, tables and other décor you keep outside. If any of it needs a face lift, it surely can be spray painting for a brand new look.
  • Don’t be afraid of thift shops and dollar stores. You can add color with fake fruits and silk flowers for just a few measly dollars!

What other cost-effective ways have you spruced up your outdoor space?

Image from Decor Pad

Make Your Deck or Patio More Private

Spring is almost here and if you’re probably already be daydreaming about ways to start enjoying your deck or patio again. How about adding a few touches to make your outdoor space a bit more private and cozy? Check out these tips from Better Homes & Gardens:

Add a Touch of Fabric

Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they’re inexpensive — so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.

Add the Sound of Water

Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor’s weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck or patio. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!

Add a Great Wall

A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Let a simple fence cap off the platform, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck or patio, making it even more inviting.

Incorporate a Tree

Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck or patio, take advantage of what’s already there. An old apple tree isn’t just a great addition to the yard — it gives the space more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck or patio also help it feel softer and more secluded.

Need help making your patio or deck more personalized and private? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Make Your Outdoor Space Cozy for Winter

Just because it’s still cold outside doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to enjoy it. Here are a few ways you can create an amazing winter outdoor living space: 

  • You’re sure to find deals on fire pits and fireplaces as winter gradually comes to an end. This is perfect for entertaining family and friends without having to be crammed into the kitchen or living room. Click here to read more about heating your patio.
  • Don’t forget to decorate outside just like you would inside. Large planters, table cloths, outdoor rugs, oversized blankets and candles will make it look like a cozy room in no time.
  • Since it gets darker earlier during the winter, good lighting for your outdoor space is key. Many lighting systems can been set to automatically dim during the day and brighter as it gets darker outside.

Have you been enjoying your patio or deck despite the cold winter weather? Leave a comment and let us know!

Photo courtesy of Flickr

3 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Patio

A backyard patio is a great addition to your home if you enjoy relaxing (when weather permits) and entertaining just outside your back door. But you may want your space to feel a bit more private than it actually is. There are plenty of ways to add a touch of privacy to your patio. Here are just a few:

Walls – If you want to separate your space from the view of your neighbors, a patio wall would be an excellent option. Permanent walls require more work to install and may make your patio feel cramped while removable walls are temporary barriers that can collapse for storage.

Fencing – For a less restricted place, fencing as a more charming feel to your patio area. Add more visual interest by allowing plants and vines to grow up the face of the fence. Bamboo fences are perfect for this.

Plants – For an incognito way to shield your patio from the view of others, use flowers! Large, colorful planters and tall planted trees will appear more like decoration than a wall of armor.

For more ideas on how to make your Kansas City area patio more exclusive, call Outdoor Environments 913-491-0900 today!

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

Safety Tips from Outdoor Environments this Holiday Season

Courtesy of Outdoor Christmas Lights.

Tis the season to hang holiday lights and decorate your outdoors with Christmas lawn decorations, but before you do so, please inspect each set for any damages. Christmas lights definitely add holiday cheer to any home, but there are some safety concerns you should consider before you install the lights. Check out a few of our safety tips below so that you can have a safe and happy holiday.

1.       Avoid hanging or placing holiday lights near any sources of heat.

2.       Secure lights to avoid wind damage.

3.       Avoid puncturing the insulation of the holiday lights with staples or nails.

4.       Avoid placing holiday light bulbs on any electrical wires.

5.       Make sure you unplug the holiday lights when you leave your home or retire for the night.

6.       Keep your holiday lights away from small children to avoid burns or strangulation.

7.       Avoid closing doors or windows on the holiday lights or extension cords.

8.       Keep paper and cloth away from the light bulbs.

9.       Make sure you replace any burned out lights to avoid overheating the bulbs.

10.   Avoid overloading your extension cords and use no more than three standard-size sets per cord.

When hanging lights outdoors please be aware that you need to use only outdoor Christmas lights and plug all outdoor electrical decorations into a ground-fault circuit interrupter. If your lights burn a fuse than make sure you reduce the amount of wattage that is flowing through it.