Tag Archives: outdoor design Kansas City

Ideas for an Outdoor Building to Enhance Your Home

The days are getting longer and it is time to consider exterior remodeling ideas to increase the value of your Kansas City area home.

This may be the year to create a sun room on your front porch or deck. Add screening or windows to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter while keeping out pesky bugs. This gives your house friendly curb appeal.

You can still enjoy your garden while you modernize your yard. A rebuilt and extended back patio or wood deck can offer additional room for plants, hanging pots and bird feeders.

A built-in brick or stone barbecue with a food preparation area or a copper cooking pit can add a new dimension to your patio by turning it into an outdoor kitchen.  This can be a natural extension of your dinning room or family room with the addition of a pass-through window or sliding door.

Think about adding an attractive, garden tool shed to your backyard or side yard. You may even have room for a romantic gazebo or a hot tub enclosure suitable for use all year.

No matter what plans you have for styling and designing your home’s back yard, Outdoor Environments are the experts in the Kansas City area, so contact us today if you want a perfectly-designed backyard experience

Ideas for an Outdoor Building to Enhance Your Home

outdoor living spaces

Image via Houzz

The days are getting longer and it is time to consider exterior remodeling ideas to increase the value of your Kansas City area home.

This may be the year to create a sun room on your front porch or deck. Add screening or windows to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter while keeping out pesky bugs. This gives your house friendly curb appeal.

You can still enjoy your garden while you modernize your yard. A rebuilt and extended back patio or wood deck can offer additional room for plants, hanging pots and bird feeders.

A built-in brick or stone barbecue with a food preparation area or a copper cooking pit can add a new dimension to your patio by turning it into an outdoor kitchen.  This can be a natural extension of your dinning room or family room with the addition of a pass-through window or sliding door.

Think about adding an attractive, garden tool shed to your backyard or side yard. You may even have room for a romantic gazebo or a hot tub enclosure suitable for use all year.

No matter what plans you have for styling and designing your home’s back yard, Outdoor Environments are the experts in the Kansas City area, so contact us today if you want a perfectly-designed backyard experience

 

Stay Warm Outside with a Fireplace or Fire Pit

outdoor fireplace

Outdoor fireplace made by Outdoor Environments

Winter is here. Have you already staring out the window wishing you had great exterior remodeling ideas to bring your backyard to life? Why not consider an outdoor fireplace or fire pit ? We have many options that can extend your living space in to the outdoors.

Here are just some of the firepit styles that can add instant warmth to your gathering.

  • Raised stone fire pits are a perfect option for a large patio or deck. You can add different types of seating and extend your indoor living space into the outdoors.
  • Fire Pit Tables – One of the simplest options, find a perfect corner and turn it into a backyard hot spot.
  • Modern Fire Pits – Sculpturally inspired and made to complement your existing landscaping.

If you are thinking on a grander scale, why not have an outdoor fireplace built? Imagine spending quality time with your family outdoors all year round. Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect piece to add more useable space to your yard.

Grab your s’mores ,your family and a new outdoor fireplace, and enjoy the warmth and living that this piece can bring to your home. Contact us at Outdoor Environment for more exterior remodeling ideas. Bring your dreams to life!

image via Outdoor Environments

Winterizing Your Wooden Deck

After going through the process of getting the wooden deck of your dreams, the last thing you want is harsh winter weather to leave it damaged.

The biggest enemy to your wooden deck is water. You’ll want to protect your Kansas City custom-built deck this winter from all the moisture blankets of snow and ice bring.

Water Resistance. Wood retains water. It’s just what it does. However, long exposure to water, like from a decent coverage of snow, will cause wood to warp, splinter, grow bacteria or fungus which can even eventually cause it to rot. As a part of your deck protection, thoroughly clean your deck. Freeing it from debris and dirt will help it dry quicker and more efficiently when it does air dry. Also, coat your deck with a water resistant sealant which will protect your wood from soaking in the moisture.

For more advice on how to winterize your beautiful Outdoor Environment deck, call us at 913-897-2706 or visit us at www.outdoorenvironments.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via builddirect.com

5 Tips on How to Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen

Winterizing your outdoor kitchen not only keeps it looking new and beautiful, but it will also save you money in the long run.  Here’s a quick guide to getting your outdoor kitchen winter-ready:

  1. Deep clean. Before sealing up your outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to make sure it’s clean inside and out. Take a few hours to clean out your fridge, dishwasher, sink and even the cabinets. If able to, consider pulling out the appliances and vacuuming anything that has accumulated behind there.
  2. Drain it. Turn off the water supply to your sink and ice maker, if applicable, and let any water in the pipes drain out. If water freezes in the pipes, you take the chance of bursted  pipes, which takes both time and money to fix.
  3. Cut off power. If you’re able to, pull the plug on your outdoor appliances. In addition, turn off the breaker switch that supplies power to your outdoor kitchen.
  4. Add shine. Polish your outdoor kitchen’s stainless steel appliances, cabinets and even counters. The moisture from the polish will serve to protect these surfaces from unsightly cracks and stress from the dry cold.
  5. Cover it up. Buy appropriate covers for your kitchen that won’t hold moisture but will still stand up to winter winds and temperatures.

For more advice on how to protect your outdoor Kansas City space this winter, contact us at 913-897-2706 or visit us at www.outdoorenvironments.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via bkshowplace.com

 

Decorate Your Deck for Thanksgiving

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to put away the fake, fuzzy spiders and the webs made of cotton and pull out decor that is warm and welcoming for Thanksgiving.

Decorating your deck is, in our opinion, one of the most fun parts of having a customized deck. It’s a great activity that brings the family together, energizes the holiday spirit in all those involved, and brings a fun and festive liveliness to your home.

However, decorating can be tricky. So we’ve put together some great ideas for you to try out on your Kansas City deck this fall:

Wreaths. Create them yourself or by them store made, but wreaths incorporating colorful leaves or festive mini-pumpkins are a welcoming addition.

Potted Plants.  A year round favorite, potted plants instantly bring color to any deck.

Customized Pumpkins. Paint a welcoming message across a few pumpkins. Whether it’s your family name, house number or even just a plain “Welcome,” personalizing your home has never been easier.

Horn and Husks. A classic fall favorite. Create something artistic, display in a garland, or just bunch together a bunch of colorful corn tusks and their dried husks.

Cornucopia. A Thanksgiving classic, but instead of filling it with food, try filling it with festive flowers, leaves and dried berries instead.

 

Celebrate this beautiful season by decorating your custom built Kansas City deck today.

 

AIA: Outdoor Living Spaces Popular

According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), outdoor living remains popular, and with that has come more interest in property enhancements. In the first quarter of 2012, interest in outdoor living space increased, with almost two-thirds of architects surveyed stating that outdoor living space, covered outdoor space, and outdoor rooms are increasingly popular.

AIA

 

 

Decks, porches, and patios are often accompanied by low-maintenance, low-irrigation landscaping. Other popular and sustainable features are rainwater catchment systems, gray water reuse, and green landscaped fencing options (bushes, trees, hedges).

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To make your outdoor living space popular, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

5 Signs It's Time to Refresh Your Deck or Patio

1. You’d like to spend more time outside. A yard doesn’t seem to do much good if it’s unused. A deck or patio can maximize existing space and allow for more cook-outs, games, and outdoor fireplaces.

Outdoor Environments patio

Completed patio by Outdoor Environments

2. You need more room for guests. A general rule of thumb is that an outdoor seating area should have as many places to sit as your living room. This way, the party can move outside before or after dinner.

3. You are longing for a water element. It’s not always possible to live near a lake or river, but a pool or fountain provides soothing sounds and a spa-like environment.

4. There are no places to lay out. A deck or patio provides room for chaises and makes stay-cations more fun.

5. Maintenance issues. Many homeowners refresh their deck or patio to eliminate damaged wood, cracked concrete, and the like.

 

Outdoor Environments has been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens. To learn more, visit www.outdoorenvironments.com

Go for a Safer Deck in May

The North American Deck and Railing Association officially recognize May as Deck Safety Month. It’s the best time of the year to have your deck inspected to ensure that it is a safe structure for the upcoming season.

Multi-level deck by Outdoor Environments

NADRA suggests that the following deck features should constitute a full and complete deck safety check:

  • Wood that shows signs of splitting or decaying – The section where the deck attaches to the house is known as the ledger board and is a common source of deck failure. Support posts, joists, damp areas and holes should also be checked.
  • Flashing  – This metal or plastic guard is supposed to keep moisture and debris from collecting in between the house and the deck’s ledger board.
  • Loose or corroded fasteners – This includes screws, anchors and nails that may be protruding or completely removed. Those that are rusted should also be replaced since they can eat away at the surrounding wood.
  • Railings and banisters – These features should be sturdy enough as not to move or sway when pushed. Rails should be close enough in proximity so that children and pets cannot easily slip through.
  • Stairs – Handrails should be firmly in place. Also, items like toys, plants and decor that can cause accidental falls should not be placed on the stairs.
  • Cleaning and maintenance – Wet leaves and debris can promote the growth of mildew, so the deck should be cleaned regularly as needed. This can even be done with a waterproof coating.
  • Grills, fire pits, chimneys, heaters and candles – These items should be placed far from anything that’s flammable. All manufacturers instructions should be followed for safe use.
  • Lighting and electrical – Fixtures should be operable, clean and located where they do not cause a tripping hazard. Childproof and waterproof features are always recommended.
  • Outdoor furniture and storage – Furnishings should never be placed near the edge of the deck. Storage boxes should have childproof latches for safe keeping.
  • Surrounding trees – Hanging branches and tree limbs should be trimmed to prevent them from falling onto the deck and near grilling areas.

Would your Kansas City deck pass an inspection? If not, let Outdoor Environments make your deck a safer and happier place to hang out. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck needs.

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