Tag Archives: Outdoor Design Ideas

outdoor spaces tips

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Patio

outdoor spaces tips

`Image via Better Homes & Gardens

Now that the weather is warming up in Kansas City, you’re going to be making much more use out of your patio.  Get your patio ready for spring activities and guests by giving it a thorough spring cleaning and get rid of the layers of pollen that have gathered.

Use the following tips to clean your patio:

  • Ceiling – Clean the ceiling first so that you don’t end up cleaning the floor twice. Use a long duster and clean any fans that you have as well.
  • Floor – If your patio uses gravel, then rake it to straighten it out. Look for any debris and be sure to remove them. If you have a loose flagstone patio, then pull any weeds that have grown between the stones.
  • Plants – Water your potted plants and trim any hedges, trees or plants around the patio that are beginning to grow over.
  • Furniture – Clean your patio furniture by dusting it and wiping it down. Any patio furniture cushions should be washed or sent to the dry cleaner.

For more advice about patios in Kansas City, or to update or build a new patio, contact us at Outdoor Environments.

outdoor design

Maximize the Use of Your Whole Yard With These Yard Corner Solutions

outdoor design

Image via Houzz

On the list of most wanted exterior remodeling ideas is what to do with that unused corner of the backyard. While many people will just throw up a storage shed and plant some bushes around it, a little creativity can turn that corner into a little slice of heaven for you, your family and your guests. Here are just three suggestions:

  • An Outdoor Fireplace – On cool autumn evenings, a fireplace is just the thing to keep the party going. You can even keep the kids occupied with toasted marshmallows and s’mores. 
  • An Intimate Seating Area – Center it on a vintage table, a water feature or an outdoor sculpture. In any event, you will have a conversation starter and great place for your friends to congregate on a warm summer evening, 
  • A Trellis and Garden – Plant lovers never seem to have enough garden space. A trellis solves this problem in three dimensions. Plus, there are a amazing variety of colorful, low maintenance plants that love to climb. 

Whether you choose one of these exterior remodeling ideas or one of your own, don’t let that backyard corner go to waste. For more information, contact the pros at Outdoor Environments.

Lighting a Deck for Safety and Beauty

outdoor deck

Image via Pinterest

To make your deck among the most beautiful decks in Kansas City you will want to make sure that you take advantage of great lighting. You will find that there is a large variety of deck lighting from which you can choose to make your deck not only look great but to also be much safer for your family as well as for visitors.

All decks in Kansas City should offer the benefits of being able to be useful after the sun goes down and with smart lighting  you can almost use your deck as if it were another room added to your home. You can enjoy eating dinner on your deck or entertaining friends and family at get togethers during the evening hours or the late night hours if your choose.

Selecting from the vast choices of deck lighting will help light up the steps to your deck so that the deck is easily and safely accessed. Lighting can also be placed along your handrails to outline your deck. You may also choose to place your deck lights in areas that you want to be focal points.

For the best in outdoor deck construction and design, be sure you talk with the experts at Outdoor Environments if you have a home in the Kansas City area.

Build in Benches and Secret Storage for a Comfortable Deck

deck design

Image via Outdoor Environments

Decks are great outdoor places. When arranging seating, it can be annoying to use patio sets that wither under weather and require quick replacements. For your deck you should try built-in benches.

Built-in benches offer some great benefits for outdoor living rooms and kitchens. Now, the first concern when remodeling a deck and adding seating is that it will stand out. A quick trick to use is to make the benches out of the same material as deck so that it looks like it’s original.

You can even personalize the benches with some patio cushions and even some nice throw pillows. It adds comfort for you and your guests. As a plus, if you decide to go with built-in benches that also have storage, you can have a place to store your cushions and pillows when not in use.

These benches not only provide great seating options but for larger decks, they can be used as a barrier instead of just protective rails. The cushions hide and comfort the benches when you have guests and you can preserve them from the weather by storing them when the deck isn’t in use. Seating, comfort, rails, and storage all in one.

For the best outdoor deck construction and design in Kansas City, look no further than the experts at Outdoor Environments.

Give Your Pergola Romantic Appeal with Lights

pergola

Pergola by Outdoor Environments

Making proper use of your pergola space is important. Adding custom lights to your pergola can give it a romantic feeling that’s hard to match. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so if you’ll be spending any time outdoors, this idea is probably right up your alley!

As outdoor remodeling trends continue to grow more sophisticated, people are continually looking for ways to transform their plain Jane pergola into a warm, romantic haven, and a well-planned lighting scheme is the perfect way to accomplish this.

Good lighting schemes add an ambiance of warmth and coziness to your pergola, not to mention a romantic touch. Imagine a romantic resort vacation. Now imagine it in your own backyard. Whatever type of feel you’re looking to accomplish, there is a lighting scheme that will fit the bill. Some lights can even be left out for use all year round.

And generally there’s no need to worry about whether or not they will scorch your greenery, because outdoor lights for structures are designed not to get too hot. The options truly are limitless as you can choose from normal string lights, colored lights, LED lights and many more.

If your Kansas City outdoor space isn’t yet equipped with a pergola, why not have us add one for you? Visit the Outdoor Environments Facebook page to see examples of our work all over the city!

 

image via Outdoor Environments

A New Trend In Decor: Distressed Patio Furniture

This year has brought along a new trend: distressed patio furniture. Whether you decide to distress it yourself or buy it that way, this furniture trend is a must-have for patios everywhere.

Distressed chaises and chairs are a great way to give your patio a rustic feel. Pair with bright and clean colors for visually appeasing look.

Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Add eclectic flair by pairing a modern outdoor table with distressed, colorful metal seating. This combination creates an urban patio that is ideal for city-living.

Photo Credit: sunset.com

Distressed doesn’t just begin and end at seats and patio dining tables. Use distressed patio pieces as accents and coffee tables for catalog look.

Photo Credit: Centsational Girl

But the most important part of decorating your patio isn’t distressed furniture; it’s your actual patio or deck. Create a backyard oasis you’re proud of and can’t get enough of.

Contact Outdoor Environments for an appointment today, and be on your way to the outdoors of your dreams.

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.

Outdoor Decorating: Use What You've Got

From patios and decks to porches and sunrooms, there’s much decorating to be done this season.

But wait! You don’t have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on new decor. First, take a look around your home. What items can do double duty outside?

Do you have a large collection of magazines or books? Bring them outside to make your outdoor space more of a living space.

 

Nice place settings were meant to be shown off. Bring decorative plates, bowls, silverware and glasses out for outdoor dining.

Plant lovers tend to keep plants year-round. But spring and summer are the perfect time to bring them outside and add a little (or a lot) of color to your outdoor space.

Pillows are rugs are the easiest way to add a touch of style outside.

Pillows and rugs are also the perfect solutions for adding pops of color.

What other ways can you use what you already have to decorate outside?

Images from BHG

Decks, Patios and Porches… Oh My!

When a backyard is nothing but endless square feet of grass, it’s quite clear that some pizzazz is necessary. But what type of structure is right for you and your home? Tons of magazines, websites and blogs provide an endless amount of inspiration. But first, you need to know what the possibilities are and how they’ll affect your outdoor space.

Decks

  • Made from: Usually made from wood or composite wood although some are vinyl or fiberglass
  • Best for: Above-ground backyard living areas
  • Pros: Warm, traditional, provides plenty of storage space
  • Cons: Maintenance might be too much for some homeowners, depending on the material; relatively quick installation

Patios

  • Made from: Stone, pavers (composite or permeable) or concrete
  • Best for: Functional, ground-level living areas
  • Pros: Low-maintenance, durable and many materials (like permeable pavers) are eco-friendly
  • Cons: Usually higher priced compared to decks and installation might take longer

Porches

Which outdoor structure is best for your Kansas City home? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to discuss your needs. Don’t forget that you can save $500 on certain projects until April 30th!

Information from Atlanta Home Improvement, April 2012

Fusing Green Elements with Outdoor Living

Outdoor living spaces are becoming a green trend for homeowners. Whether you’re surrounded by a garden or deck, these spaces can add to the quality of your life and even keep you in touch with nature. These outdoor rooms can be created according your own tastes and lifestyles. In designing your outdoor living space, take into consideration how you will use it.

Are you a gardener? You might want to create a cottage garden with lots of flowers, a sitting bench and a tree or two for shade.

Are you an entertainer? Then your outdoor room should probably have a built-in bar, a grilling area and plenty of counter space. Fireplaces and fire pits also offer a good spot to gather around.

Don’t forget to add patio furniture with lots of colorful cushions.  And outdoor lighting should also be a part of the plan.

Whatever you do, just keep in mind that outdoor living spaces are not a one-size-fits all approach. Your space should be customized and specific. To see examples of our work in the Kansas City area, visit our Facebook photo gallery.