Tag Archives: Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Furniture 101

Trendy outdoor furniture pieces are the key to bringing your deck or patio to life. No matter what your budget, style or preference, there’s an outdoor furniture option out there for you. Have you considered these types?

If you want traditional:

Wicker – There are typically two types of wicker outdoor furniture: regular and all-weather. Regular wicker can only be used in covered outdoor areas. All-weather wicker, on the other hand, will not get damaged when exposed to mild weather conditions.

If you want sophistication:

Wrought iron – Though it is very heavy and difficult to move around, wrought iron outdoor furniture is ideal for windy areas. Adding bright cushions is a necessity since the finish typically only comes in black, green or white.

If you like the natural look:

Wood – The best quality wood patio furniture is made from center-cut heartwood lumber with consistent wood grain. It should also have zinc-plated or stainless steel screws that can be tightened in case they ever loosen.

If you want convenience:

Resin – Just another name for plastic, resin outdoor furniture is cheap, durable, easy to maintain and move around. Resin furniture is very light weight, so it’s not recommended for windy climates. One other drawback is that all resin furniture virtually looks alike.

If you want durability:

Metal – One of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture, metal is extremely strong while achieving many different looks and styles.

Do you need help creating your outdoor living area? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today.

Information from BHG

Area shown is by Outdoor Environments

Gazebos, Pergolas and Shade Arbors… Oh My!

Some people just don’t realize the endless possibilities that are likely when you think outside the box. Adding a structure with plenty of visual interest is not only something that your guests can enjoy, but it’s also an investment that you can be proud of. Whether you choose a gazebo, pergola or shade arbor, there are many benefits to adding one of these to your outdoor space:

  • We all know that first impressions mean everything. And what do guests see before they even set foot inside your front door? They see whatever is (or isn’t) outside. Your garden, landscape and outdoor structures are your home’s front line. A magnificent structure will wow guests as soon as they arrive!
  • While going to a beautiful local park to relax, unwind and take in nature’s beauty is a great idea, you won’t have to go far if you have an outdoor structure in your own backyard. They provide a sense of calm and peace to the exterior of your home. All you have to do is step out of your back door!
  • If you have a house full of kids, pets and/or visitors, it can be difficult to find a quiet place to talk or even a spot to have a moment for yourself. An outdoor structure is a fine solution to both of these problems.
  • Are you planning on hosting any barbecues or outdoor entertaining this spring and summer? If so, an outdoor structure is the perfect outdoor accessory for guests to enjoy on the perfect sunny day. With ample seating and some pretty decorations, gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors can provide enough shade for hot summer days to still be enjoyable.

Don’t forget that we’re offering a great deal from now until April 29th. Take advantage and call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Pergola and shade arbor shown are by Outdoor Environments

Save $500 on Your Outdoor Oasis

We hope you have enjoyed reading all about outdoor living trends and ideas on this blog. And now that spring is finally in full swing, there’s no excuse for you to get your backyard projects started. We’ve even got a little incentive for you!

Save $500 on your new outdoor area*

and

Complimentary design!

(minimum purchase of $15,000)

Click here to print coupon and present to Outdoor Environments. This offer is only good through April 29, 2011, so what are you waiting for? Make your backyard dreams come true!

Screened porches

Four season rooms

Backyard escapes

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor living rooms

We also do decks, patios, gazebos, pergolas, fire pits, fireplaces, and more! As you can see, there are plenty of creative ways to bring your outdoor space to life. Don’t you deserve an amazing backyard retreat? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about this special. And don’t forget to visit our Facebook photo gallery to see tons of examples of our work. We look forward to hearing from you!

Shade arbor and outdoor space shown is by Outdoor Environments

Charming Pergola Ideas

A pergola is the fine line between an arbor and a gazebo. Just as any other outdoor structure, pergolas are spaces that can be creatively decorated just like the inside of your home.

A pergola that is strong enough to hold a swing (and the weight that comes with it) from its upper beams should definitely have one. Swings provide the opportunity to decorate a pergola with floral pillows and beautiful fabrics.

If you’re going for a more humble look, a small pergola can be just as stylish as a larger one. Particularly with a smaller yard space, a simple, clean pergola is a charming and unobtrusive addition.

Patios and decks are great, of course, but adding a pergola to an already beautiful outdoor space is the perfect way to take it up a notch. Patios and decks provide the perfect foundation for a pergola.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 for more information about planning a pergola for your home’s outdoor space.

Outdoor area and pergola shown are by Outdoor Environments

Inspirational Green Outdoor Spaces

Are you looking for inspirational ideas for your outdoor living space this spring and summer, then you’ve come to the right place!

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so the color for today (obviously) is green! It’s a wonderful color to incorporate when designing your patio, deck, porch, or enclosed room. Whether you use natural greenery or you incorporate hunter, olive, emerald and lime green furnishings into your outdoor décor, it’ll look great! Don’t believe us? Take a look at some of these inspirational outdoor designs!

Letting natural green plants, shrubs and flowers shine as your main outdoor element is a very unique way to approach outdoor living.

Adding color to your outdoor space is one of the best decisions you could possibly make. The excess of natural greenery here is also an easy way to create a private backyard oasis.

Natural greenery couples quite well with cream, creating a serene outdoor space to escape.

Blend modern and rustic elements with distressed patio furniture and stainless steel outdoor appliances.

If you’re in the Overland Park or Kansas City area, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out how we can help make your outdoor living space greener. If you want to see examples of our own work, view the photo gallery on our Facebook fan page!

Photos from House Beautiful

Landscape Architects Predict Outdoor Living Trends

This is the time of year when outdoor living trends will be all over the blogosphere. We know, because just last week we told you all about how outdoor kitchens are coming on strong in 2011.

Now the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has released their Residential Trends Survey. Included are some very promising finds. ASLA asked a group of professional landscape architects what trends and features they expect to see grow this year. Check out these highlights:

Most popular outdoor living features:

Exterior Lighting – 96.2%

Fire pits/fireplaces – 94.2%

Seating/dining areas – 94.1%

Grills – 93.8%

Installed seating like benches – 89.5

Most popular structures:

Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
Arbors – 83.8%
Pergolas – 82.6%
Steps – 79.3%
Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 77.5%
Decks – 74.4%
Porches – 72.3%

Outdoor Environments specializes in many of these popular outdoor living features including patios, decks, porches, fire pits and fireplaces, grill enclosures, pergolas and arbors. Call us at 913-897-2706 to find out more about how Outdoor Environments can bring life to your outdoor living space! You can also visit our Facebook fan page to see our impressive portfolio!

Outdoor living area shown is by Outdoor Environments

Growing Trend: Outdoor Kitchens

According to Kitchen & Bath Business, experts agree that outdoor kitchens are no longer considered a luxury. They are now a common and standard feature for home remodeling and new home construction. But to achieve the perfect outdoor kitchen area, the perfect patio or deck must first be installed.

So why are outdoor kitchen areas so hot? Experts say there are many reasons. Among them:

  • Homeowners have an increasing desire to invest in projects that increase property value.
  • Plain and empty backyards are boring and uninspiring.
  • Consumers are more interested in cheaper, healthier ways to eat and outdoor grilling helps to fill that void.
  • For those who can’t sell their homes, outdoor kitchens and living areas not only add value, but quality of life.

In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you must first realize that a custom patio or deck sets the foundation. Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today to get started with planning your outdoor oasis!

Photo from Outdoor Environments

Maximizing Your Outdoor Room View

Most people think that plants, flowers, gardens and beautiful landscapes are natural wonders that can only be enjoyed from outside. However, no homeowner should ever underestimate the beauty of Mother Nature from inside. Have you ever noticed that with the right room addition, like a seasonal sunroom or screened porch, you can easily enjoy a spectacular view of your garden from inside? Here is a couple ideas for you to keep in mind:

  • Plan your outdoor landscape from inside instead of from outside. You’ll have a better view of what areas can andcannot be seen from inside.
  • Strategically place colorful trees, plants, shrubs and flowers where they can be seen from inside your outdoor room.
  • When decorating your outdoor room, take into consideration the colors that appear in your outdoor landscape.
  • One of the best design tips here is to keep your outdoor room neutral in color, that way the bright shades outside will pop even more.

Are you ready for a screened porch or seasonal sunroom to take your outdoor space to the next level? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today! You can also visit our Facebook fan page to view beautiful examples of our outdoor rooms.

Screened porch by Outdoor Environments

Make Your Deck or Patio More Private

Spring is almost here and if you’re probably already be daydreaming about ways to start enjoying your deck or patio again. How about adding a few touches to make your outdoor space a bit more private and cozy? Check out these tips from Better Homes & Gardens:

Add a Touch of Fabric

Check out the wide variety of outdoor-friendly fabrics to create a perfect screen. Sheets of fabric sewn like curtains and hung from an old curtain rod or wire are quick and easy to put together. Plus, they’re inexpensive — so you can have a couple of different options to fit your mood.

Add the Sound of Water

Background noise from a busy street can be just as annoying as seeing your neighbor’s weedy back yard. Solve this kind of problem by adding a fountain or other water feature to your deck or patio. Even a gentle trickle of water can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time outdoors!

Add a Great Wall

A privacy fence is one of the most common ways to block a view. Let a simple fence cap off the platform, providing a perfect, secluded retreat. A series of container gardens soften the deck or patio, making it even more inviting.

Incorporate a Tree

Instead of clearing the ground when you add a deck or patio, take advantage of what’s already there. An old apple tree isn’t just a great addition to the yard — it gives the space more privacy by creating a soft, natural canopy, too. Lush plantings around the edge of the deck or patio also help it feel softer and more secluded.

Need help making your patio or deck more personalized and private? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 today!

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

Custom Gazebo Perfect for Outdoor Wedding

The holiday season and the dawn of a New Year always spur one of the most exciting announcements of all – engagements! Now that wedding season is finally rolling around, it’s time to start considering the possibility of an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception under a custom made gazebo.

There are many benefits to an outdoor gazebo wedding:

  1. The average wedding can cost upwards of $20,000 just for a few hours of festivities. You can save a bundle with a quaint but still beautiful backyard event and put the money you saved towards an extravagant honeymoon!
  2. Gazebos are very easy to personalize with the same decorations and accessories you would use in a church, ball room or other common wedding venue.
  3. A nicely decorated gazebo will serve as the focal point to a backyard, so it’s guaranteed that all eyes will be on the bride (and groom) throughout the entire ceremony.
  4. Even you choose not to use a gazebo for the actual ceremony; it’ll still serve as a comfy sitting area for guests to enjoy during intermission or the outdoor reception.
  5. After the wedding, your custom gazebo can be used for any other outdoor event or even just as a relaxing spot right outside your home!

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started on building a gazebo just in time for wedding season! You can also see examples of our outdoor design work on our Facebook fan page!

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons