Tag Archives: pergolas

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 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

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

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

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

Outdoor Design Statements: Pergolas & Arbors

Outdoor Environments loves bringing the outdoors to life for our clients. For many of our customers, that involves providing them with just the right balance of style, ambiance, and comfort–each of which is created with precision thanks to our quality, durable materials.

One of our most powerful outdoor design statements we are asked to create for clients involves incorporating pergolas and arbors into outdoor landscapes. Check out some of our most shining examples below.

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Our Clients’ Dream Outdoor Spaces, Revisited

Putting greens, ponds, fire pits and water wells, oh my! Take a look at a few of Outdoor Environments‘ most recently completed projects to see what our clients are requesting in their dream outdoor spaces.

Want to know what else is up our design sleeves? From shade arbors and pergolas to spa decks and grill enclosures, check out our photos of our recent outdoor living projects and tell us what’s most important to you, your family and your home.

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Our passion for building and design are rooted in our projects to help you creatively unleash the beauty of your natural surroundings.