Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments Overland Park

Lush Planter Ideas for Decks, Patios

A lush, overflowing planter can soften the architectural lines of a deck or patio. Here are examples of lush planters from across the nation.

  • Los Angeles. This avant-garde contemporary design by L.A.-based planter specialist Urban Nature incorporates flora suited for that climate.
lush planter

Urban Nature image via plusmood.com

  • New York. A variety of colors and textures play off of each other in this arrangment. This creator of this planter, by Sweet Dirt Designs, trained at the New York Botanical Garden.
lush planter

Image via Sweet Dirt Designs

  • Warm, Dry climates. This low-maintenance succulent planter was celebrated on Apartment Therapy. The container should have soil that is not too dense, and very little water is needed.
lush planter

Image via Apartment Therapy

  • St. Louis. This window-mounted planter, shown in Midwest Living Magazine, has European influence and provides greenery both above and below.
lush planter

Image via Midwest Living

Outdoor Fire Pits that Inspire

Those of us with fond memories of gathering ’round the campfire, roating ‘smores or cooking hot dogs, appreciate the opportunity to pass along the tradition with outdoor fire pits. Here are some looks that inspire:

 

  • Raised stone fire pit. Outdoor Environments designed this fire pit with plenty of space around it for entertaining, including different types of seating. Safety is ensured by lighting and a non-slip, fireproof brick surround on the deck.
fire pit

Outdoor Environments

 

Restoration Hardware

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

  • Modern fire pit. This modern fire pit by Solus Decor complements the landscape and has a sculptural affect.
modern fire pit

Solus Decor

 

 

For distinctive fire pits and more, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

 

 

Creative Outdoor Candles

“As one flame lights another, without loosing its light,

so friendship spreads  friendship”.


Summer is the perfect time to gather outside with friends and family around a fire pit or table. Here are some creative outdoor candles to create atmosphere with ease.

  • Restoration Hardware‘s new Mediterranean Coast collection has scents of  cypress, salt air, oak moss, wood, and eucalyptus.
Restoration Hardware

Image via Restoration Hardware

 

  • Anthropologie‘s Porridge Stack Candle has bohemian design and fresh, springy scents. It is made of coconut wax, and has tones of coconut, jasmine, and gardenia.
candle

Image via Anthropologie

 

  • Gump’s Shou Votive Holders Set makes a great hostess gift, and accommodates regular tea lights.
candle

Image via Gump's

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For a pleasant family gathering space, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Innovative Modern Patios and Decks

Nothing says fun like the great outdoors. The modern patios and decks below re-interpret outdoor living.

  • Dwell Magazine explored this sun-filled contemporary San Diego home, where a modern deck enables indoor-outdoor living. Practical finishes enable this stylish space to be family-friendly as well.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Dwell. Photo: Bryce Duffy

  • Wallpaper* Magazine explored a spartan deck with clever holes to accommodate long-standing trees. The architecture is by the notable firm BAK Architects.
modern deck Kansas City

Image via Wallpaper*. Photo: Daniela Mac Adden

 

  • This groovy deck, featured in Metropolis Magazine, appears to slope but is actually a flat horizontal plane made up of individual plywood tiles. The homeowner is an executive at Apple and the architect is Thom Faulders.
modern patio Kansas City

Image via Metropolis, by Digitized Image Company.

 

For a well-designed modern or traditional  patio or deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Patios Popular in National Magazines

National design magazines have been writing about patios more than ever this spring. It’s easy to see why–patios increase living space and add to a home’s resale value. Let’s take a look at what patio styles are on the newsstands:

  • Better Homes and Gardens suggests softening the edges of a patio with a border of flowers. Taller shrubs are suggested for privacy.
Better Homes and Gardens Outdoor Environments Kansas

Better Homes and Gardens

 

  • House Beautiful shows plush patios that are made into outdoor rooms. The magazine suggests that furniture be not only fashionable but also weather resistant, portable comfortable, and easy to maintain.
House Beautiful Trevor Tondro

House Beautiful (Photo: Trevor Tondro)

 

  • Architectural Digest showed the pool patio of designer Michael Schaible’s Mexican home. The outdoor area is designed to accommodate entertaining and reflect the home’s international style architecture.
Architectural Digest Michael Schaible's Mexico home

Architectural Digest

 

For a pool patio or deck beautiful enough to be in a magazine, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Unique Solutions for Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments has designed and built hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects in the Kansas City area. Here is what makes them distinctive:

  • Quality design. Our decks and patios are custom-designed to complement the existing architecture and to make outdoor space more livable.
Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments


  • Proper budget considerations. Each project is completed on-time, within budget, and in accordance with all codes and guidelines.
Outdoor Environments deck in Kansas

Outdoor Environments


  • Superior craftsmanship.  Outdoor Environments was the annual recipient of NARI Awards for Design, Building and Contracting Excellence.
Outdoor Environments superior crftsmanship

Outdoor Environments

 

Outdoor Environments was founded in 1991. 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. We have been featured in national and local publications including Qualified Remodeler, Today’s Homeowner, Executive Real Estate and Kansas City Homes & Gardens.

Set the Mood with Outdoor Lighting

It’s no secret that outdoor living spaces are more commonly thought of as outdoor living rooms. They are designed and laid out much like the rooms inside the home. So it isn’t surprising that lighting plays a role. After all, a room isn’t complete without the right light, right?

With consumers looking for more ways to incorporate green and eco-friendly features, outdoor lighting provides sensible ways to do just that. LED lighting uses about 75 percent less energy than halogen bulbs while solar lighting uses no electricity whatsoever.

LED and solar lights can be used strategically to show off the design and architectural elements that truly make an outdoor space unique. Lights can border walkway paths, driveways, gardens and flower beds.

The trick, though, is to not overdo it. No one wants their outdoor space lit up like a football field. A dim glow is all that’s needed – much like the natural and unobtrusive natural light provided by the moon.

To find out how Outdoor Environments can incorporate the right lighting for your outdoor space, call us at 913-897-2706 today!

Information from The Globe and Mail

Exterior space designed by Outdoor Environments

Earn Big Bucks with a New or Remodeled Deck

Adding value to the home is a priority for many Americans, particularly during difficult economic times like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s quite exciting to learn that, according to a recent article, adding a new deck (or remodeling your existing one) can earn up to 73 percent of your initial investment. So if you’re ready to add big bucks to the value of your home, take heed to these deck building and remodeling tips.

For a newly constructed deck:

  1. Experts say that consumers have fallen in love with composite decking because splits, splinters, cracks and mold are either rare or non-existent.
  2. Railings are always recommended as an added safety feature, but they also add a unique visual appeal to the deck with architectural details.
  3. Bigger is better when it comes to decks. They’re a great extension of the home’s interior, particularly multi-level decks. They allow for maximum space for entertaining and general enjoyment.
  4. Decorating your deck can and should be just as fun decorating inside your home. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors, furniture, textures and décor.

For a remodeled deck:

  1. We’re in the midst of summer, but it’s not too late to check your deck for safety hazards. Damaged boards, loose fasteners and shaky railings can all be extremely dangerous.
  2. Consider adding a fresh coat of deck stain. Not only does this refresh your deck’s appearance, but stains are also great at repelling water, which can lead to rotting.
  3. Bedazzle your deck by adding new elements like railings or other architectural/decorative elements.

Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our deck installations and remodels.

Image from My Home Ideas via Sunset

6 Porch and Sunroom Ideas

Over the past few weeks, we’ve provided you with tons of ideas related to porch and sunroom design. Since there are so many possibilities, we’re adding more tips and tricks to the list. These ideas are ideal for maximum summertime enjoyment, but don’t forget that these same concepts can be implemented to enjoy your outdoor room year-round!

  1. Plenty of seating for everyone. Wicker and wooden benches make for a traditional room design.
  2. Take it a step further by installing seating equipped with storage space. Many wicker and wooden benches have flip seating that allows for storing pillows, reading materials and other items used frequently in your outdoor room.
  3. We can’t say enough about color. Cushions, pillows, area rugs and sheer curtains are great ways to implement the shades of summer.
  4. Potted plants, flowers and blooms make it easy to bring the outside in.
  5. Since outdoor rooms are the perfect divide between inside and out, ceiling fans are great for keeping cool for less the cold blast of central air.
  6. For snack time, have a table or station set up to prepare cold drinks and appetizers. This will minimize trips to and from the indoor kitchen.

Outdoor Environments wants to know: What other tips do you have for maximum outdoor room enjoyment? Share your thoughts with us below!

Information and image from BHG

Add Backyard Privacy with a Pergola

It can become painfully obvious during the summer season that your backyard lacks the privacy you want and need. You might live near a noisy main road or maybe your neighbor’s second story has a clear view that looks right down on your yard. During this time of year, it’s important to have a private space to relax with family and friends without worrying who else may be watching.

Luckily, Outdoor Environments can provide you with a number of solutions to privatize your outdoor living area. One of the most unique solutions is to construct a customized pergola. By building this type of enclosure around your deck, patio or outdoor kitchen, “you can re-create the intimate feeling of eating or entertaining indoors, while still enjoying beautiful weather.” And if pergolas aren’t your style, gazebos can add a different touch while still maximizing the level of privacy.

If you’re looking for ideas to make your outdoor space more private, be sure to visit Outdoor Environment’s Facebook fan page. We’ve posted hundreds of photos so that you can see examples of exactly what we do.

Information from TOH

Pergola shown is by Outdoor Environments