Tag Archives: overland park

Outdoor Living Rooms and Kitchens Top Trend List for 2013

Being immersed in the dead of winter makes homeowners long for the days of sitting outdoors in the with a cold drink and a delicious meal fresh off the grill. A popular trend moving its way into 2013 is adding outdoor living rooms and kitchens to a backyard space. Planning that remodel to your home make take a few months, which is why now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer.

Add an Outdoor Living Room to your home!

Image via Outdoor Environments

Outdoor kitchens are the perfect addition to a backyard space because it allows the entertaining to occur outdoors. Clean-up and storage is made easy with smart design, allowing for less back and forth trips between the home’s kitchen and the outdoor area. Additionally, pests are kept at bay as homeowners do not need to keep opening their screen doors to go in and out of the house. The food is hot and fresh, and the cook can be a part of the backyard party.

Combine an outdoor kitchen with with an outdoor living space complete with couches, chairs and a fire pit for a backyard that will be the premier hosting spot of the neighborhood.  You can add awnings and fans in order to enjoy the room in all weather.

For help designing and building a gorgeous outdoor space before warm weather returns to Kansas City, contact Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

View Outdoor Environments’ Portfolio

For ideas regarding Kansas City decks, patios, outdoor areas, and more….

Click here to view Outdoor Environments’ Portfolio!

Kansas City deck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since 1991, Outdoor Environments has designed and constructed hundreds of decks and outdoor living projects in the Kansas City area. 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.

Arbors Keep Kansas City Decks Cool

Arbors add form and function to a home, helping to shade residents from this hot weather we are having in Kansas City.

Kansas City Arbor

Arbor by Outdoor Environments

Arbors help prevent glare and support the vines that provide shade. The arbor above, by Outdoor Environments in Overland Park, incorporates seating and planters into its architectural design. The arbor provides a transitional space between indoors and out, and coordinates with the railing. An outdoor environment is about more than square footage. Outdoor space should be divided into distinct and practical zones for a variety of activities.

 

Outdoor Environments Overland Park

Image via Outdoor Environments

 

For Kansas City decks, arbors, and more: contact Outdoor Environments, a certified contractor in Overland Park. Visit us online at www.outdoorenvironments.com or call 913-897-2706.

Only Two Weeks Left to Save Big!

Hopefully you’ve been enjoying our blog posts. They’re chock full of outdoor living and design ideas for you to consider. Well, now it’s time to take all the advice we’ve been giving you. You’ve only got two weeks left to take advantage of our special offer. Haven’t you heard?

Save $500 on your new outdoor area*
and
Complimentary design!

(minimum purchase of $15,000)

Projects you could save on:

All you have to do is click here to print our coupon and present it to us in person. Then we can discuss how we can help you achieve the outdoor oasis of your dreams. This special offer ends April 29th, so please don’t waste another minute! Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706. We serve the Overland Park and Kansas City areas.

Image from Free Digital Photos

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Color Talk

Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk

Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations

If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade. You remember that we install gazebos, pergolas and shade arbors, don’t you? There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It

If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent. But for a more permanent approach, consider a screened porch or seasonal room.

Light a Fire

Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Information and image from My Home Ideas

Designing and Customizing a Deck

It’s important to know that when it comes to deck design and layout, the conventional rectangle shape is a thing of the past. Residential Design + Build reports that decks are not a “one size fits all” deal.

According to research,

… “homeowners can take up to two years from the time they think about their deck until the time they actually pull the trigger on a project. Consumers will do everything from Internet research, buying books about design, and visiting showrooms.

Deck design can begin with a simple rectangle, and by cutting back each corner at a 45-degree angle the deck begins to take on character. Add other shapes, spaces, color and levels and it becomes completely unrecognizable as what decks once were. The important step today, though, is making all these variables work together.”

It’s all about customization and making the deck work for the homeowner and their specific needs. Surprisingly, some consumers don’t want a barbecue area or an outdoor kitchen on their deck at all.

Experts say that those considering a deck should consider three main components:

  1. How it looks
  2. How it functions
  3. How much it costs

Also, homeowners seem to be very interested in adding other features to their decks. These features include:

Outdoor Environments builds and remodels decks in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck options today!

Image from RDB

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

What Patios Are Made Of – Part I

Patios can be just as diverse as the homes they’re attached to. To get the best out of your patio, you’ll need to consider size, how the patio will be used, and the overall impression you want to make. One of the basic things you’ll need to know is what type of materials decks are made from. Again, patios are diverse, so there are many options available. Below are just a few of the most common patio materials.

Stone – Patios made of stone are some of the most durable and natural looking. Choosing your stone locally is the eco-friendly way to go and it’s more likely to blend in with your yard’s natural setting. Types of stone used for patios include limestone, bluestone, quartzite and slate.

Concrete pavers – If you’re looking for a way to simulate the look of brick or natural stone with unique shapes and/or colors, concrete pavers are a great economical choice. Pavers can be replaced easily and when they interlock, they’re less likely to shift or become loose.

Stay tuned to the Outdoor Environments blog as we’ll discuss other types of patio materials in the coming days and weeks.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to find out what materials we offer for patio installation in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery