Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Popular Patio Furniture Trends & Ideas for Kansas City

The warm weather seems to be hanging on in Kansas City and if you’re still thinking about your patio furniture, you will want to know what’s hot for next spring.

Gray is taking over

Neutral colors don’t always inspire enthusiasm, but this year’s furniture designs using gray are startlingly crisp. You can tone down those harsh blacks and still give your patio a clean look.

Love those curves
This year, patio furniture makers have loosened up their lines, and the results vary from sensual to elegant to pleasantly relaxed.

Surfaces
Patio tables and dining sets featuring concrete, mosaic and distressed surfaces are lending visual texture. You should also look at durable, low-maintenance resin wicker (both natural and glass-topped)

Mixed Media
The creative use of mixed media is a breakout trend that deserves attention. Table and chair combinations such as wrought iron and wicker, concrete and metal, or trios such as aluminum, wicker, and faux stone or aluminum, wicker, and faux wood bring sophistication to outdoor decorating.

Now that you have put together your outdoor décor, wouldn’t it look better on a custom deck from Outdoor Environment s. Call us at 913-897-2706 or visit www.outdoorenvironments.com.

Photo by osseous on Flickr.

 

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

 

The Steps to Remodeling

Image via Outdoor Storage

 

Remodeling can be exciting, but just like all wonderful things, you have to do your homework and brace yourself for the process that leads to your oasis.

Here are a few steps you can take to get yourself and your mind ready for your deck remodeling project:

  • Finances. Assess your finances to make sure you are financially ready to make changes to your home without causing strain on your living or your savings.
  • Have an idea of what work you want done. By looking through magazines and websites, get an idea of what you want your finished deck or patio to look like, then refer back to your finances and create your budget.
  • Allow time for your remodel. Perfection can’t be rushed, and when you add the possibilities of unforeseen problems to the mix, patience is a necessary factor. Just now, at the end of it all, your Outdoor Environments customized deck will totally be worth it.
  • Enjoy. Take a moment to realize you’re actually doing it. You’re finally actualizing your dream of building your own private deck or patio that’s built to your liking and your family’s usage. You did it!

To get the process of building your Kansas City deck started, contact us today.

An Outdoor Thanksgiving: Giving Your Holidays A Natural Twist

Can you think of anything more lavish than a beautiful Thanksgiving feast outdoors on your beautiful custom deck or patio?

Neither can we.

With the attention and care you gave to building your perfect outdoor living space, why not use to it to impress your guests this holiday season?  Instead of being elbow to elbow indoors, pull out all the stops and serve up a delicious meal in your outdoor environment. A few things to keep in mind for your outdoors Thanksgiving:

Table. Accentuate the entire experience by avoiding paper and plastic ware. (After all, it IS Thanksgiving!) Surprise your guests with an elegantly set table.

Decor. Use your setting as inspiration. Pull natural foliage into your centerpiece. This will add a rustic contrast to the clean and refined table linens giving.  Don’t forget coloring books on the kid’s table!

Fire pit. An outdoor Thanksgiving means spending a big chunk of time outside in November. Keep warm by firing up your custom fire pit. Consider adding a space heater near the table as well. As a party favor, you can provide the gentlemen with scarves and ladies with shawls for extra warm.

 

Make the most out of your Kansas City deck or patio this November and celebrate the holiday outdoors!

 

 

Photo 1 Source: celebratingeverydaylife.com

Photo 2 Source: Pinterest

Photo 3:  potterybarn.com

 

 

Make Plans Now for Your 2013 Outdoor Room


Outdoor Environments 

Yes, it’s getting chilly and soon the Kansas City area will be seeing its first snow fall of the season but it’s not too early to start designing your outdoor space to enjoy in the spring.

 

Outdoor Environments working hand in hand with their clients have designed and constructed hundreds of outdoor living spaces since 1991. We believe that exceeding client expectations is the norm and work hard to achieve this during each and every project.

 

Charter members of the Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and members of the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City, we have many local and national awards to our credit, showcasing both our commitment to our customers and our outstanding industry wide reputation.

 

Outdoor Environments provide innovative and creative solutions to your high-end custom outside living needs. Tell us what you are looking to achieve and through our years of experience, we will work to make your ideas a reality. From decks to full outdoor kitchens, duel use outdoor rooms to fire pits, if you can dream it, we can create it!

 

Ready to get started? Call us today at 913-897-2706 and let’s schedule an appointment!

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Photo: http://outdoorenvironments.com/

Winterizing Your Outdoor Room

patio furn cover 

Fall is here and that means those cold winter days are right around the corner. And now is the time to get your outdoor patio or room ready for the harsher weather.

 

  • Don’t leave your outdoor furniture exposed to the elements. If you don’t have an enclosed space like a basement where it can be stored then you may want to consider fitted covers to help extend your furniture’s life. Scrub each piece with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly and tie the cover to each leg securely.
  • Follow the same procedure when storing the grill. Thoroughly clean both inside and out. If the grill is gas and you plan on leaving it inside an enclosed space it is important to remove the propane tank.
  • If you have an outdoor kitchen bring all kitchen and dining utensils and equipment inside. Disconnect and clean out the refrigerator. Turn off all outside water sources to sinks, icemakers and dishwashers.
  • Store all bags of potting soil and gardening tools in an enclosed area. Turn all unused pots upside down so they can’t fill with rainwater or snow. Disconnect and drain hoses, coil neatly and put in a covered space so they won’t freeze and crack.

 

Photo: http://patiodesigndepot.com/outdoor-patio-furniture-cover-set/

Sunroom Accessories for Autumn

If the turning of the seasons is inspiring you to make a little change around your sunroom, consider home accessories for autumn.

  • Fresh oranges. The pillows and tangerine statuettes in the image below show that orange is not always pumpkin-ish.
fall accessories
Image via Pinterest.
  • Floral. A spice-colored selection of flowers is creatively arranged in an artichoke.
artichoke bouquet
Image via Pinterest.
  • Candles. For festive light, make you own branch candle arrangement with floating tea lights or obtain a pumpkin chai candle from Nest.
fall candles
Image via Pinterest.

 

Pumpkin chai candle
Pumpkin chai candle via Nest.
  • Wreath. Grains wreath by Williams-Sonoma looks great through fall and winter.

 

grains wreath
Grains wreath via Williams-Sonoma.

 

See our Projects on Facebook!

A picture is worth a thousand words. Follow Outdoor Environments on Facebook to see more informative before and after shots like these!

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Since 1991, Outdoor Environments has designed and constructed hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects in the Kansas City area. We are charter members of the Kansas City National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) as well as the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Kansas City.

AIA: Outdoor Rooms Popular

According to the most recent Home Design Trends Survey from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), outdoor living areas/outdoor rooms are some of the more popular special function spaces. This reflects a growing emphasis on active, practical family lifestyles.

 

outdoor rooms popular

 

In the backyard, the water reclamation trend has grown in the past year. Low-maintenance, low-irrigation landscaping continues to be important as well. Perhaps this trend is informed by the creative and amenity-filled outdoor living spaces seen in leading magazines.

Architectural Digest featured an outdoor fireplace, ample seating, and waterfall in a Santa Monica, California home.

outdoor living space

Image via Architectural Digest. Architect: Marc Appleton and associate Paul Williger

 

While Elle Decor shows a Santa Barbara, CA pool area that feels like a water park.

 

outdoor environments

Image via Elle Decor. Photo: Jim Bartsch. Credit: Courtesy of ORO Editions

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For ideas regarding outdoor rooms in Kansas City, click here to view Outdoor Environments’ Portfolio!