Tag Archives: outdoor living

outdoor remodeling trends

Creating Attractive and Sculptural Garden Beds in Your Yard

outdoor remodeling trends

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

One of the most popular outdoor remodeling trends is using hardscaping to create beautiful garden beds. They are a well-designed addition to any outdoor space.
The concept of raised beds has historically been used simply to create a raised bed on top of rocky, poorly drained soil and then filling it with rich garden soil. Today, stylish materials are available, such as stone, wood, concrete and masonry.

  • Stone makes an attractive raised bed, using any size or variety of rocks. It requires no mortar and is simple to build. Maintenance is required, as it is not a permanent structure.
  • Wood is common and well suited for raised beds. It is reasonably inexpensive, readily available, and easy to install. Line the beds with plastic to keep the weeds down and guard food crops from any treated wood residue. Although long-lasting, wood will eventually rot and need to be replaced.
  • Concrete has gained popularity and can take on a variety of creative designs. It is permanent if installed properly. The cost is reasonable and the look is chic.
  • Masonry can compliment the exterior of your home. Depending on the stone used, it can be costly.

For more outdoor remodeling trends, contact Outdoor Environments.

Enjoy the Weather and Stay Comfortable Outside This Fall

When cold weather arrives in Fall, many people pack up their outdoor furniture and don’t venture out again until Spring arrives. However, there are ways to enjoy the outdoors even during the colder seasons.

Add an Outdoor Fireplace

When it starts to get cold, sitting outside bundled in a sweater and jacket likely doesn’t sound too appealing. However, if you add an outdoor fireplace to your outside living area, you can make the space much more comfortable, even for prolonged outings. You’ll be surprised how much people love gathering by your outdoor fireplace, especially if it’s near a comfortable sofa and a cozy throw blanket or two.

Try Sheepskins

Sheepskins make great outdoor coverings for chairs and seating areas in the fall. Best of all, you can easily throw them over chairs and benches to keep your warm and comfortable, then pack them quickly take them inside for the night so they don’t get dirty. As an alternative to sheepskins, try using faux-fur blankets. They’re soft to the touch, warm and luxurious.

Contact Outdoor Environments for more information on outdoor living rooms and kitchens for your home.

gardening

Creating Walls to Define Garden Rooms

gardening

Source: Pinterest

Anyone looking for exterior remodeling ideas should consider finishing their outdoor garden rooms by adding walls around the perimeter. Walls not only add privacy, they help to define the exterior garden space, thereby increasing your home’s curb appeal. However, choosing the right material for your walls is another matter. You won’t want a white picket fence for a contemporary style home, or a modern steel wall for a mountain style home. The following are a few different walls that you can incorporate into your garden area:

  • Brick Wall – Brick is a material that not only complements the natural elements of your garden but also draws the eye because of its simple beauty. Brick also adds security due to its durability and strength.
  • Wood Fence – There’s nothing wrong with going with a traditional wood fence, since wood easily complements a garden space. Try using horizontal planks instead of the traditional vertical style for a more unique look.
  • Greenery – If you have a serviceable but not quite visually pleasing fence, then hide it with tall greenery. Foliage often makes a fantastic natural wall.

For all of your outdoor remodeling needs, be sure to contact us at Outdoor Environments today.

exterior remodeling ideas

Turn Your Backyard Into an All-Occasions Extension of Your Home

exterior remodeling ideas

Source: Pinterest

Creating a comfortable outdoor space in your backyard is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase the usability and value of your home. Whether you need more room to entertain, relax or just hang out with your family, there is the right extension for you. Here are some examples:

  • Traditional Patio – Whether you’re entertaining some friends or just want to catch some rays by yourself, an outdoor patio will provide a comfortable and relaxing setting.  For even more entertainment options, add a fire pit or water feature.
  • Outdoor Kitchen – One of these additions will let your house stay cool while you cook and also let you stay part of the action while you get things ready for dinner. In addition, they are usually a lot easier to clean.
  • Gazebo – For a little quiet time, consider a shady gazebo located a little ways away from the house. You can add electricity and running water so that you have a little slice of heaven in the great outdoors.

For other great exterior remodeling ideas, contact us at Outdoor Environments. We can be found online at OutdoorEnvironments.com or you can call us directly at 913-897-2706.

outdoor living spaces

Must-Have Backyard Features Homeowners Want

outdoor living spaces

Source: Pinterest

Outdoor living rooms and kitchens are all the rage with today’s homeowners, and why wouldn’t they be? Homeowners are trying to use as much space to their advantage as possible, and the outdoor area often goes unused. The following are a few of the more popular features that homeowners are implementing into their outdoor living areas.

  • Fire Pit – Fire pits are currently one of the top features that homeowners desire. It’s not difficult to see why; fire pits offer a social gathering spot that can be both intimate and larger scale, and they provide the outdoor area with warmth and comfort.
  • BBQ Grill – Cooking outside has always been a popular pastime among American homeowners, and it’s no different these days. Homeowners like to be able to cook outdoors so that they can socialize with friends and family.
  • Pergola – A pergola is a great way to offer some shade from the sun without completely obscuring the sky or the environment around you.
  • Hot Tub – Not only are hot tubs fun and relaxing, but they have also been found to have numerous health benefits as well.

Be sure to contact Outdoor Environments for all of your outdoor living area needs.

outdoor living design

Give Yourself Some Shade This Summer

outdoor living design

Source: Pinterest

One of the true joys of the summer is spending time in the backyard. Unfortunately, the weather conditions of late July and August bring excessive heat that can make sitting under the sun unbearable. Homeowners are always looking for alternative ways to block out the sun. Here are some helpful suggestions to give yourself some shade this summer:

The Pergola Look
One of the most popular structures used to block out the sun is a pergola. This look is better-suited to cover a patio or deck, which can be built as an added feature or as a freestanding structure. Homeowners love how the pergola perfectly extends the roofline of their home.

Retractable Awnings
The best inexpensive choice is retractable awnings, as they are very practical for areas where it rains often. The primary feature of retractable awnings is that they can be used at various angles during the course of a day to block out the sun.

Umbrellas
An umbrella is a very functional item that reduces the sunlight in your backyard. Additionally, they’re perfectly designed for year-round use, as a quality umbrella can provide protection on windy afternoons. Remember, the effectiveness of an umbrella is determined by its style and fabric material.

Contact us for more information about outdoor furniture that can help you beat the heat this summer.

custom patios decks Kansas City

Deck or Patio: Which is Better for Your Home?

custom patios decks Kansas City

Source: Outdoor Environments

For Kansas City homeowners who are thinking about remodeling the exterior of their home may consider having a patio or deck built. Compare the maintenance that is required for each one, your needs, and the type of landscaping it will be built upon to determine which works best for you.

Patios require little maintenance depending on what they are made of. For concrete patios you will need to glaze it over a period of time as it can start cracking. Wooden decks will need to have periodic sealing and staining. Some floor planks may need replacing along with railings.

If you barbecue often and throw many parties you may consider having a patio where it can hold more weight. A grill can be driven into the patio whereas on a deck it’s best to use a portable grill. Landscaping is another important aspect to consider as patios tend work best on flat surfaces and decks can be built on hills as well as be raised higher for storage down below.

For patios in Kansas City or decks, contact Outdoor Environments where we can provide all the essentials of your outdoor needs.

outdoor design ideas

Flagstone: Versatility and Beauty for Your Kansas City Yard

Flagstone is such a versatile workhouse.  From garden paths to patios, flagstone is a material that can bring style and longevity to your outdoor projects.

outdoor design ideas

Source: Pinterest

Flagstone is usually sold by the ton or the pound, with differing price tags depending on what type you choose even the budget savvy can find a nice style in their price range.

Here are some ideas on where to use flagstone in your outdoor spaces:

  • Patios – Depending on what you are looking for you can fill in joints with gravel for a casual feel or if you are looking for something that will last through the years then you will want to mortar the joints.
  • Seating areas – Stacking and mortaring flagstone can create a beautiful seating area.  Think the outside of your patio or even surrounding a flagstone fire pit.
  • Steps – Flagstone is an excellent choice for adding steps into your garden.  Its natural look and feel keeps with the flow of your garden.
  • Paths – Narrow or wide pathways look great in flagstone.  Your imagination is the only limit to building garden paths with this versatile stone.

Contact the outdoor living rooms and kitchens experts at Outdoor Environments for more great outdoor living ideas.

outdoor design ideas

Add a Pond for Reflection and Relaxation in Your Backyard

outdoor design ideas

Source: Pinterest

While backyard pools and barbecue spaces offer great ways to enjoy the summer with family and friends, your exterior spaces can also yield a soothing and calming sanctuary if you take a little time to create one. Foremost on this list is a water feature that combines the cooling effects of running water, its soft gurgling sounds and the view of it is simply tranquil. We mean, of course, the highly regarded backyard pond.

For the most part, backyard ponds are remarkably easy to install and require a minimum of infrastructure to run. In most cases, a professional landscaping company can do all the work in one day. Afterwards, you will have created an excellent focal point for your garden, a place for birds to congregate and a naturally soothing place for yourself.

Downtime is as important as activities for a healthy and stable family life. Do not overlook this simple fact when considering plans for your backyard. For more information about outside spaces in general or outdoor living rooms and kitchens in particular, please visit our website or call us at 913-897-2706.

deck safety

How Safe is Your Kansas City Deck?

deck safety

Image via Pinterest

Summer barbecue season is on its way, and this means decks in Kansas City need to be prepared for the throngs of party guests. Deck Safety Month is nearly over, but if you have not checked your deck yet, now is the time. Here are common safety issues you may encounter during your investigation.

  • Cracks: Cracks deeper than ¼ inch mean the board needs to be replaced. The crack will only grow worse as the deck is walked upon, and the board may eventually break.
  • Rotting wood: Rotting wood is not always obvious. Look for soft, spongy spots in the wood.
  • Loose Hardware: Bolts and screws can loosen over time, or may pull away from wood if the wood is rotting or the ground has shifted. Check all bolts and screws for tightness.
  • Loose Railing: Rails should move very little. If they are easily jiggled, they need to be tightened or replaced.

Deck maintenance should be part of all your annual outdoor maintenance. We at Outdoor Environments can examine your deck for all safety issues. We can tell you how to take care of these and how to best prepare your deck for the season.