Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Make a Compelling Pathway Through Your Landscape

Backyards can significantly benefit from the addition of a pathway. In addition to keeping your feet warm and dry in inclement weather, they can also be used to heighten the aesthetic aspects of your property. Here are a few ideas on how to use pathways most effectively:

  • Have a Destination – Almost by definition, pathways should be functional. Still, if you do not really have anywhere you need to go, create a focal point at the end of the pathway with a sculpture or a particularly interesting plant.
  • Maintain the Décor – Don’t just throw down a concrete or gravel pathway. Instead, consider the décor and use slate, granite or even wood to complement the rest of the scenery along the route.
  • Consider the Walker – Not only should a path be wide enough with plenty of clearance from the surrounding shrubbery, it should also be comfortable to walk on. Keep yours relatively level – with steps as opposed to ramps – and lighted if necessary.

For more information on your particular paver options and for other landscape ideas, please visit us at Outdoor Environments. Find us online at OutdoorEnvironments.com or reach us directly at 913-897-2706.

outdoor living spaces

Must-Have Backyard Features Homeowners Want

outdoor living spaces

Source: Pinterest

Outdoor living rooms and kitchens are all the rage with today’s homeowners, and why wouldn’t they be? Homeowners are trying to use as much space to their advantage as possible, and the outdoor area often goes unused. The following are a few of the more popular features that homeowners are implementing into their outdoor living areas.

  • Fire Pit – Fire pits are currently one of the top features that homeowners desire. It’s not difficult to see why; fire pits offer a social gathering spot that can be both intimate and larger scale, and they provide the outdoor area with warmth and comfort.
  • BBQ Grill – Cooking outside has always been a popular pastime among American homeowners, and it’s no different these days. Homeowners like to be able to cook outdoors so that they can socialize with friends and family.
  • Pergola – A pergola is a great way to offer some shade from the sun without completely obscuring the sky or the environment around you.
  • Hot Tub – Not only are hot tubs fun and relaxing, but they have also been found to have numerous health benefits as well.

Be sure to contact Outdoor Environments for all of your outdoor living area needs.

outdoor-hardscrape

Hate to Mow? Smart Hardscaping Can Make a Beautiful Yard With Less Grass

A beautiful grass lawn can be a great addition to any home but it also requires an enormous amount of time and effort to maintain. Homeowners not wishing to make the effort can get the same aesthetic and functional benefits from a variety of other landscape options. Here are just a few examples:

outdoor-hardscrapeHardscapes – The use of stone and other non-organic but natural materials in places where a lawn cannot thrive will still create a beautiful look but not require the excessive attention needed by grass or plants.

Terraces – The use of stone or brick to level an uneven landscape will allow you to create more usable spaces that will also not require as much maintenance.

Ground Cover – For large spaces where grass will just not thrive, add of the hardy perennial, ground covers available. You will still have plenty of green, the occasional flower and no need to ever mow.

In short, a grass lawn is not the only option for a dramatic, functional and affordable front or back yard. For more, great exterior remodeling ideas in particular or landscaping in general, please visit us online at the OutdoorEnvironments.com or call us directly at 913-897-2706.

You Knew the Return on Investment (ROI) for Decks Was Good: Did You Know How Much?

Adding a deck for the outside space of your home is a great way to not only add value and curb appeal to your property, but also to add an aesthetically-appealing alternative “go to” space for friends and family to gather.

Return on investment for decks is twofold.  There’s the literal financial return you will experience if you decide to put your home on the market, and there’s the personal satisfaction gain while enjoying family picnics, backyard BBQ brouhahas, or individual moments of enjoying the vista from the comfort and safety of your new deck.

Deck Remodel ROI

Photo via Outdoor Environments

Adding a deck to your home’s outdoor space has a positive impact on the value of the property, the appearance of the neighborhood, and the enjoyment of all the individuals who utilize the new space.  There are several factors that can increase the return on investment for decks even further, including the type of material used and the design of the deck.

If you want to add a deck to your home in Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Outdoor Living Rooms and Kitchens Top Trend List for 2013

Being immersed in the dead of winter makes homeowners long for the days of sitting outdoors in the with a cold drink and a delicious meal fresh off the grill. A popular trend moving its way into 2013 is adding outdoor living rooms and kitchens to a backyard space. Planning that remodel to your home make take a few months, which is why now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer.

Add an Outdoor Living Room to your home!

Image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor kitchens are the perfect addition to a backyard space because it allows the entertaining to occur outdoors. Clean-up and storage is made easy with smart design, allowing for less back and forth trips between the home’s kitchen and the outdoor area. Additionally, pests are kept at bay as homeowners do not need to keep opening their screen doors to go in and out of the house. The food is hot and fresh, and the cook can be a part of the backyard party.

Combine an outdoor kitchen with with an outdoor living space complete with couches, chairs and a fire pit for a backyard that will be the premier hosting spot of the neighborhood.  You can add awnings and fans in order to enjoy the room in all weather.

For help designing and building a gorgeous outdoor space before warm weather returns to Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

How About a Pretty Porch in 2013?

screened porch

Screened in porch by Outdoor Environments

If you’re looking for remodeling ideas for your home, then consider a porch. A porch is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable and inviting area of the home. Right now is the perfect time to plan out a porch with Kansas City contractors so that you’ll be able to enjoy it once summer comes around! The following are a few ideas that you can implement into the design of your porch.

  • Enclose your porch and set it up like an extension of your living room. Add a table, chairs and even a sofa to the porch. You can even put down an area rug to give guests an inviting feeling when they step onto your porch.
  • Add a brick floor to the porch. This provides a rustic feeling that helps define the area being between indoors and outdoors.
  • Instead of using standard warm colors, go with snowy white colors. This actually helps bring the colors of the outdoors in, and helps to reflect sunlight throughout the area.

These are just a few ideas that you can use when designing your porch. Remember, it doesn’t have to be bare. It’s an extension of your home after all.

 

 

image via Outdoor Environments

Know Your Paver Options When You Plan Your Outdoor Space

Make sure you know your paving options.

Image via Outdoor Environments

Creating a relaxing outdoor space not only adds beauty to the outside of your home but also helps to extend your living space. One important decision to make in the design process of your outdoor living space is the appearance of the paving for your patio, porch, or outdoor living room. Pavers come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes and are a great way to define the space.

Concrete
Concrete is a popular choice because it comes in a variety of patterns, finishes, and colors. It has a long lifespan and is relatively inexpensive. Concrete pavers offer quick installation and are popular in DIY projects.

Bricks
Bricks are used as pavers in many outdoor projects because they hold up well under heavy foot traffic and come in several colors, shapes, and sizes. They can have a higher installation cost than concrete.

Natural Materials
Items such as granite, sandstone, and slate have increased in popularity. They can be slightly more costly than brick or concrete, but you can save money by using materials from local quarries.

For assistance with choosing the right paver to create the outdoor space of your dreams, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

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

Improve Your Health with an Outdoor Hot Tub in Kansas City

hot tube

Outdoor Environments deck and hot tub

If you’re looking for a way that you can remodel your home, why not have Kansas City contractors Outdoor Environments add a hot tub? Not only can a hot tub add a pleasant and entertaining facet to your house, but it provides several health benefits as well!

  • Believe it or not, sitting in a hot tub not only relieves stress, it can also provide better sleep. It does this with its massaging jets and soothing heat. The buoyancy of the water also produces a weightless effect that is relaxing.
  • The heat and pressure of the water of the jets help relax your muscles. The buoyancy created by the water will reduce your body weight by 90%, which helps take pressure off of your joints, thereby relieving joint pain.
  • Your blood pressure can decrease due to the water’s heat. This is caused by the fact that the heat will open up your blood vessels, allowing better blood flow and circulation.
  • Sitting in a hot tub can also benefit the health of those who suffer from chronic pain and fatigue.

Not only can a hot tub provide comfort and entertainment in the colder months, it can also provide these health benefits.  Contact Kansas City contractors Outdoor Environments today to make plans for a hot tub installation in your own home!  Be sure to take a look at our portfolio of work as well.

image via: Outdoor Environments

Stay Connected to Outdoor Environments

We know you’re busy even when it’s not the holiday season but you enjoy our posts and hate missing them. So why not take a minute and subscribe to our blog so you can get our informative, educational and fun posts just by checking your email?

Here at Outdoor Environments we keep you up-to-date on the latest trends in outdoor entertaining including outdoor kitchens and patio furniture, post great tips on deck maintenance and outdoor decorating ideas, along with fun things to do in and around the Kansas City area.

So that you don’t miss any of these super helpful posts please following the instructions listed below.

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Everyone at Outdoor Environments wants to thank all our customers and clients for a wonderful 2012 and we forward to assisting you in the coming New Year!

 

photo: www.outdoorenviroments.com