Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments

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.

Multi-Level Decks Popular in Kansas

With some exceptions, it’s been a pleasant, sunny summer in greater Kansas City. The perfect time for a deck that can be accessed from several different rooms of the home, offering panoramic views. Since our founding, Outdoor Environments has been known for two-level living spaces. Here are some of our best:

  • This deck has over three levels, each one offering a different view and opportunity to socialize.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • Landings also offer an opportunity for architectural interest and more quiet conversation zones, as this project by Outdoor Environments demonstrates. It’s really more than just a deck–it’s a lifestyle.
Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Outdoor Environments

 

  • A multi-level deck can be incorporated gracefully with existing architecture using good scale, proportion, and complimentary materials.
Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environments

 

For a multi-level deck, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Johnson County Deck Entertains 50

Summer has us looking back at one of our favorite projects, which Kansas City Home and Garden profiled in an article. The extensive backyard renovation project was custom designed to increase space and optimize views. The resulting deck included three levels, four staircases, and built-in planters. We appreciated the article and were grateful to the excellent clients for giving us this opportunity.

Outdoor Environments Kansas City

Image via www.outdoorenvironments.com

The renovated outdoor living area was such a success that friends and family no longer use the front door–they just walk straight to the notable backyard entertaining area.

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For a deck or patio distinguished 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.

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Image via Outdoor Environments

 

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens may seem, at first glance, to be a serendipitous occurence, like ivy making its way up a wall. But, unlike creeping vines, vertical gardens incorporate a variety of plant species without harming mortar and other building materials. The result is one part modern art and one part Alice in Wonderland, as the photos below demonstrate.

  • Patrick Blanc is the king of vertical gardening, having designed and implemented installations like this one on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. Notable website Inhabitat explains that “the three-part system consists of a PVC layer, felt, and metal frame, providing a soil-free self-supporting system light enough to be hung on the wall.”
vertical gardens by patrick blanc

Design: Patrick Blanc; Image via inhabitat.com

  • Do-it-yourselfers can try an inn0vative succulent garden at home with this kit from Flora Grubb Gardens. It is a 20″x20″ panel, and makes a succulent wall.
Flora Grubb Gardens

Image and kit via Flora Grubb Gardens.

  • The green facade on this building was called a “lush living envelope” by Inhabitat. The building, by Samyn and Partners, is in Belgium.
vertical garden

Design: Samyn and Partners; Image via Inhabitat

For a patio or deck to complement your garden, contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Why We Are a NARI Member

Here at Outdoor Environments, we are pleased to be 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. NARI is a great organization and we hope you can join us in supporting it. Here are 5 reasons to be a NARI member:

  1. Educational Opportunities regarding current developments in the home and remodeling industry in Greater Kansas City.Outdoor Environments Kansas City
  2. Networking Opportunities to bring members together at social events such as the Parade Awards Ceremonies, Golf Tournament, and Business After Hours.
  3. Grassroots Involvement to engage members in their local areas including the HBA’s three Area Councils – Kansas, Missouri North and Missouri South.
  4. Industry Information through the monthly Building Business New, the weekly e-newsletter This Week at the HBA, and access to info from (NAHB).
  5. So much more! Visit http://www.kchba.org for more information
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About us: Outdoor Environments is the annual recipient of NARI Awards for Design, Building and Contracting Excellence including: 2-Time winner Contractor of the Year for Exterior Specialties; 4-Time Winner of the NARI Award for home remodeling.

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

Kansas City Decks Before and After

This season, Outdoor Environments looks back at past projects as we progress on current installations. Here are some fun before-and-afters:

  • This project, which won an award in 2007, transformed a backyard into a dynamic entertaining and living environment. The deck was expanded and tiered to take full advantage of indoor-outdoor living opportunities.
Outdoor Environments Kansas
  • This fine home has great space and windows, but needed more established landscaping and outdoor entertaining opportunities. That is where Outdoor Environments‘ custom deck and landscaping made a big difference, winning this project an award in 2006. The stucco pillars blend in well with the home’s architecture.
Outdoor Environments deck

 

  • A deck is a great way to tie together the levels of a multiple-story home. Also, the screened in balcony is great for all seasons.
Outdoor Environments Deck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Magazines Celebrate Outdoor Kitchens

National design magazines have been buzzing about outdoor kitchens this month. And for good reason–outdoor kitchens are more distinctive than ever. Let’s take a look at what outdoor kitchen styles are on the newstands:

  • House Beautiful showed this large outdoor kitchen in Nantucket. Natural stone and calm lines help it blend gracefully into the landscape.
outdoor environment

House Beautiful shows outdoor kitchen by Kris Horiuchi (Photo: Trevor Tondro)

  • Elle Decor covered the creative outdoor kitchens that are seen in the book The New Outdoor Kitchen (Tauton Press).

 

  • Coastal Living wrote about an outdoor kitchen with a deck, which provides both a natural look and slip-resistance.
Coastal Living outdoor kitchen outdoor environments

Coastal Living kitchen shows off decking. (Photo:Brian Vanden Brink)

  • Better Homes and Gardens celebrated stacked stone with this homey outdoor kitchen.
Better Homes and Gardens shows built-in entertaining area.

Better Homes and Gardens shows built-in entertaining area.

Outdoor Environments is the certified contractor you need for custom outdoor kitchens in Kansas City. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

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