Tag Archives: 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

Tips for New and Existing Decks

If you haven’t spruced up your deck yet for the summer season, or even if you don’t have one – it’s not too late! Outdoor Environments is here to provide you with a plethora of tips and ideas to get your deck in order for the remainder of the season. Whether you’ve got a deck or not, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

For existing decks:

  • Make sure it’s still in good condition. Issues like damaged boards, loose fasteners and protruding nails may seem minor, but they can be very dangerous when ignored. Click here for our previous articles related to deck safety.
  • Consider a fresh coat of deck stain that’ll not only add life and color to your deck, but it’ll repel water, moisture damage, mildew and fading in high-traffic areas.
  • Add or swap out railings and/or decorative posts. These architectural details can work wonders for a deck and your entire outdoor living motif.

For new deck construction:

  • Top choices for materials include treated lumber (economical and usually comes with a good warranty against rot and decay) and treated wood (stands up against severe weather conditions).
  • For durable and eco-friendly decking materials, composite or PVC decking are other popular options. They look like authentic wood, but require much less maintenance. These materials don’t split, splinter, crack or mold.

For all your deck building and remodeling needs, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Information from LVRJ

Image from Pinterest

Deck Makeover: Before and After

At Outdoor Environments, we have been creating outdoor living rooms for Kansas City homeowners since 1991! We often add entirely new decks, sunrooms, screened in patios, and gazebos for our customers, but we also perform another vital service- remodeling or replacing old or badly designed decks to better suit the architecture and flow of the house. There are plenty of less-than-desirable decks out there, but you don’t have to resign yourself to living with a badly designed outdoor living area!

Take a look at one of our deck remodeling projects, below.

Before

This was a beautiful, spacious house and yard, but the deck seemed like a last-minute addition that did not relate to the scale or materials of the house at all. In fact, the tiny deck was basically just a landing for the strangely large and prominent staircase. There were not many entertaining or leisure opportunities on that staircase, to be sure!

After

As you can see in the “after” photo, Outdoor Environments created a deck that relates to the architecture of the home and simultaneously creates much more space for outdoor dining and relaxing. The homeowners now have the perfect party deck, and the back of the home looks much more intentional and complete.

If you would like to add or remodel a deck on your Kansas City area home, contact Outdoor Environments today!

3 Tips to Spruce Up Your Sunroom

Sunrooms are the perfect year-round living space, and here at Outdoor Environments, we have been designing and building high-quality outdoor living spaces for Kansas City homeowners since 1991. With hundreds of projects under our belt, as well as membership in the Kansas City chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the Home Builders’ Association of Greater Kansas City, we have the experience necessary to create a sunroom, deck, patio, or porch that will dramatically expand the living space in your home.

There are endless options for customizing your sunroom to fit your style and personality. Check out a few tips for creating a casually elegant sunroom, from Better Homes and Gardens.

  • Exposed beams on the ceiling will add architectural interest to the space, as well as a laid-back, cabin-like atmosphere. Wall-mounted lanterns add to the summer cabin ambiance.
  • A vaulted ceiling painted in a subtle yet vibrant color gives the space an airy feel and makes the space feel more personalized.
  • Layered rugs and a variety of patterns give this room an eclectic, quirky feel that is both welcoming and fun.

photo via BHG

Perk Up Your Patio with Color

There’s one sure fire way to punch up your patio style this summer and that’s by adding color. Lots of color.

  • Treat your patio like you treat the inside of your home. Just like colorful pillows, fabrics, patterns, cushions, and area rugs decorate your common rooms, the same can be done outside!
  • Old patio furniture can be renewed with just a bottle or two of spray paint. You can literally choose any color or finish and make your outdoor pieces look brand new.
  • A great way to truly enjoy your outdoor space is to choose summer colors that speak to you. Whether you like calming lavender or bright oranges, set the mood any way you wish!

Have you visited our Facebook page yet? You can see tons of examples of our work in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Check out our page today!

Image from BHG

Refresh Your Sunroom with these Creative Ideas

Sunrooms were made for this kind of weather. It’s the best of both worlds because you get to enjoy the warmth of the outdoors under the comfortable shade of a protected exterior room. If you’re in the mood for a new sunroom look this season, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to try out.

  • Maintain a similar color and design scheme to your home’s interior. A bright and sunny outdoor room followed by a dark home interior creates a confusing contrast.
  • Outdoor furniture can always be transformed with slipcovers. Guests will think you’ve updated your pieces each time they arrive!
  • Never underestimate the power of colorful and floral patterns. Plush throw pillows and outdoor rugs are great ways to create a summery theme.
  • Not sure what colors to choose? Use your window frames or your area rug to start. Use those colors as a foundation for all of your sunroom’s furniture, décor and accessories.

For sunroom building and remodeling around Overland Park and Kansas City, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Image from Decor Pad

Good Living in Overland Park

Did you know that CNN Money named Overland Park as one of America’s best places to live? It’s true, thanks to a number of matchless attributes, particularly an outstanding school system.

If you agree that Overland Park is a great place to live, then why not make a worthwhile investment in your home? After all, it is National Homeownership Month. Outdoor Environments offers a number of exterior building and remodeling services that’ll add value to your home.

Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can render our services to improve your Overland Park home this summer!

Image from Creative Commons

Elements of a Perfect Porch

One way to take pride in your home for National Homeownership Month is to consider adding a porch. It’s a place for privacy, entertaining, relaxing and everything in between. If you’re not quite sure how to use a porch or how to bring it to life, these tips might help!

  1. Coziness for everyone – A good porch will achieve two important things. First, it will be spacious enough to accommodate guests for tea, coffee, brunch, and/or pleasant conversation. Secondly, it will also be stunning enough to wow the owner and family. Dining space and plenty of seating is the key.
  2. A fierce fire – Fireplaces are not confined to just family rooms and backyards. They can also be incorporated into outdoor rooms and utilized all year long and especially when days and nights get a little cool.
  3. Wonderful windows – The great thing about porches is that they let you enjoy the outdoors without actually being outside. Windows are key in making this a reality. And with all of the energy-efficient options out there, you can have beautiful windows that add to your porch design while incorporating an eco-friendly touch.
  4. Make it a room – Many people fail to realize that outdoor rooms are spaces just like any other room in the home. Therefore, it can be decorated as such. Since porches are often used for relaxing, bookshelves and other storage units are great for storing books, magazines, and hobby accessories.

Porches are a wonderful home addition that you should certainly consider to add value and exclusivity to your home. Call Outdoor Environments in Kansas at 913-897-2706 to find out more about our outdoor room building capabilities. We serve the Kansas City and Overland Park areas.

Information and image from BHG