Tag Archives: outdoor design

outdoor dining area

Enjoy Comfortable Picnics in Your Own Backyard

outdoor dining area

Source: Pinterest

Enjoying your summer meals outdoors is healthy, refreshing and fun, and it helps to have a designated space to enjoy them. If you add a backyard picnic area to your home, you may find yourself spending mealtime outdoors this summer more often than you do inside.

Lattice fencing is a great option for separating your dining area from gardens and other flora while still feeling natural and letting in the sunlight. Try adding bamboo furniture to complement the welcoming, natural style. Other, more high-end designs incorporate marble for tabletops and fine materials like flagstone for flooring.

Many outdoor remodeling trends involve placing your dining area within the garden, creating a cozy lunch nook canopied by leafy trees or surrounded with lively flowers. To pull off this sense of liveliness in an area with less vegetation, try lining the perimeter or overhangs with hanging garden arrangements, like planters with flowers or leafy ferns. Remember, the amount of shade your outdoor dining area receives is completely up to you. The idea is to make your outdoor dining area suit you, so there is no wrong choice between chic and compartmentalized or earthy and integrated.

To get started today or to learn more about outdoor remodeling trends, visit us at Outdoor Environments online. We would be happy to help you design your ideal picnic area!

exterior remodeling ideas

Create a Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Driveway With Pavers

With the summer in full swing, it is not unusual to consider exterior remodeling ideas to update the look of your home. You may even be wondering what you can use to increase the value of your home if you are thinking about moving elsewhere. Pavers can be exactly what you are looking for as they are both beautiful and extremely low-maintenance depending on your overall design.

exterior remodeling ideas

Source: Houzz

Paver driveways generally cost more up front, but because of their construction, these driveways are also extremely low in maintenance. Because pavers are interlocking, they are naturally better performers in more extreme weather conditions. If one of the pavers cracks or breaks, they are equally easy to replace as compared to concrete or asphalt.

Pavers are placed in bedding sand similar to cobblestone or brick, but because of their interlocking design, they are extremely stable.

With a variety of shapes, colors, designs, and textures, you have a lot to choose from. As you think about exterior modeling ideas, do not forget that pavers are also great for creating intricate designs if that is your desire.

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.

Make a Small Yard Cozy, Not Cramped, with Smart Exterior Design

outdoor home design

Image via Pinterest

If you have a small yard surrounding your Kansas City home, it is important that the area becomes cozy and not cramped. While it can be challenging to make a small yard feel comfortable, there are some tricks to make the most of the small space. The following are a few exterior remodeling ideas to get your creative juices flowing and to help you design an outdoor area that works.

  • Use Warmth and Light – A fire pit adds instant coziness to an outdoor area, and good outdoor lighting can really open up the space.
  • Use Layers – Create layers in your area, such as a concrete patio layer that leads to a brick walkway layer, which leads to a green area. Use different levels and steps to make the spaces feel more expansive.
  • Double Duty – Some features can have more than one function. For example, use a small wall to divide the space as well as to provide a shelf for plants or seating for guests.
  • Create Curving Paths – Curving paths that connect different areas of your yard are not only functional, but their meandering nature can make the space feel larger as you stroll along them.

For more information about creating a cozy outdoor area for your home, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.  We’ll be happy to help you make a small yard into a dream destination!

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.

 

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

Here’s Why You Need an Outdoor Oasis

Let’s cut right to the chase: You need a deck. Or a patio. Why?

First of all, you deserve it. A deck, when designed correctly, is a peaceful oasis in which you can forget about all the stressful things that come with life. You work hard and you deserve to treat yourself.

Secondly, if you would like to sell your home (like millions of other Americans) a beautiful deck can be exactly what you need to finally seal the deal.

Let’s elaborate.

Since the economy hasn’t fully recovered quite yet, having a place to relax and get your mind off things is crucial to your mental health. That’s why having a backyard oasis complete with elements like a deck or patio, swimming pool, flower garden, spa and lots of greenery can serve as your very own personal retreat at home after a long day’s or week’s work. If you want privacy and sanctuary at home, these are all great ways to give yourself peace of mind.

Another sign of the shaky economy times is the abundance of homes for sale, but very few of them are actually selling. Too often, homeowners make the mistake of focusing on their home’s interior when they’re in the process of trying to sell their property. They fail to realize that investing in decks, patios, outdoor kitchens and an overall well-designed backyard can make or break a home sale.

This is especially true for those who live in neighborhoods or subdivisions where similar floor plans are pervade the immediate area. If two homes with the same floor plan go up for sale, the one with the outdoor living space will automatically get more points with potential buyers. And ultimately, it will sell faster. An outdoor space that’s put together creatively will gain the edge because they’re unique and they stand out among other homes on the selling block.

Are you convinced? If so, give Outdoor Environments a call for all your outdoor design needs at 913-897-2706 today!

Information adapted from The Statesman

Deck pictured is by Outdoor Environments

Understanding the 5 Pillars of Outdoor Design

There are many serious considerations to ponder when implementing a new outdoor design at home, particularly during the planning phase. To get a better idea about what outdoor living should be, we’ve summarized the Five Pillars of Outdoor Living Design, courtesy of Residential Design + Build.

Build for the ages

An authentic outdoor living space will never adhere to the cookie-cutter layout that many neighborhoods and subdivisions have succumbed to in recent years. The mass construction of these areas is often done with sub-par materials that will not stand the test of time. The worst part is when those materials look just as mediocre as they are. Are the materials durable and long-lasting? Will the project look as relevant in the future as it does today?

Invent within the rules

Look to other long-standing projects to see what kinds of elements and features were incorporated. You’ll find that a lot of the same rules and concepts apply to almost every outdoor living space you study. Is the space consistent and proportioned? Is it inviting? Can you see evidence of quality and attention to detail?

Respect, complement nature

Now commonly referred to as sustainable design, a good outdoor living space does little to disrupt its surrounding landscape. Making an outdoor design blend in the natural landscape can benefit a project both financially and visually. Is the design environmentally responsible? Do the man-made elements and colors blend well with the existing landscape?

Detail for authenticity

Authenticity and consistency are both key in creating an outdoor oasis that works. Using premium materials for some features and below-standard materials for others will show an overall less than perfect job. Has every detail of the project been maximized?

Incorporate convenience

Outdoor spaces must easily facilitate the lifestyle of those who will be in that space often. Subsequently, these areas must be built for future expansion. Such elements may include LED lighting, water features, wireless networking, sound systems and more. Does the project fit in with the consumer’s lifestyle? Does it allow for future development?

Get started with your outdoor oasis by calling Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today. We specialize in decks, patios, gazebos, pergolas, shade arbors, porches, fireplaces/fire pits and more!

Image from Elle Decor’s Look Book

Designing and Customizing a Deck

It’s important to know that when it comes to deck design and layout, the conventional rectangle shape is a thing of the past. Residential Design + Build reports that decks are not a “one size fits all” deal.

According to research,

… “homeowners can take up to two years from the time they think about their deck until the time they actually pull the trigger on a project. Consumers will do everything from Internet research, buying books about design, and visiting showrooms.

Deck design can begin with a simple rectangle, and by cutting back each corner at a 45-degree angle the deck begins to take on character. Add other shapes, spaces, color and levels and it becomes completely unrecognizable as what decks once were. The important step today, though, is making all these variables work together.”

It’s all about customization and making the deck work for the homeowner and their specific needs. Surprisingly, some consumers don’t want a barbecue area or an outdoor kitchen on their deck at all.

Experts say that those considering a deck should consider three main components:

  1. How it looks
  2. How it functions
  3. How much it costs

Also, homeowners seem to be very interested in adding other features to their decks. These features include:

Outdoor Environments builds and remodels decks in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck options today!

Image from RDB

Save $500 on Your Outdoor Oasis

We hope you have enjoyed reading all about outdoor living trends and ideas on this blog. And now that spring is finally in full swing, there’s no excuse for you to get your backyard projects started. We’ve even got a little incentive for you!

Save $500 on your new outdoor area*

and

Complimentary design!

(minimum purchase of $15,000)

Click here to print coupon and present to Outdoor Environments. This offer is only good through April 29, 2011, so what are you waiting for? Make your backyard dreams come true!

Screened porches

Four season rooms

Backyard escapes

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor living rooms

We also do decks, patios, gazebos, pergolas, fire pits, fireplaces, and more! As you can see, there are plenty of creative ways to bring your outdoor space to life. Don’t you deserve an amazing backyard retreat? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about this special. And don’t forget to visit our Facebook photo gallery to see tons of examples of our work. We look forward to hearing from you!

Shade arbor and outdoor space shown is by Outdoor Environments