Tag Archives: porch

Making the Most of Your Porch

Did you know that your front porch is the only impression most people will get of you and your home? From neighbors to people simply driving or walking by, your front porch says a lot about you… whether you like it or not. To outsiders, your porch is a preview to what’s inside. So if it’s cluttered, pristine clean, bare or nicely decorated, your porch is setting the (good or bad) tone for what people think.

  1. Survey how the space is currently being used. Is it just a transitional area from outside to inside? Or is it an actual living space?
  2. Consider changing up the entry door with a fresh coat of high-gloss paint. A color that pops but also contrasts the color of the house will create the most impact.
  3. Update your hardware. An ornamental door knocker or chrome door knobs will quickly renew the space.
  4. Hang a piece of beautiful art on at least one wall of the porch area if the space is closed in.
  5. Don’t forget the furniture! Loveseats, sofas, ottomans and coffee tables will make for a very cozy porch space no matter what season it is. Wicker furniture with colorful pillows and cushions work very well for porches and other outdoor rooms.
  6. Finish off the porch look with an amazing outdoor rug.

Do you need your porch or outdoor room remodeled? Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706. We’re located in the Overland Park/Kansas City area.

Image from HGTV

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

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

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

Seasonal Rooms 101

Outdoor Environments is experienced with creating custom three and four-season room additions in the Overland Park and Kansas City areas. But many people are not clear about what the difference is between the two. Here’s a quick lesson:

Three-season rooms or porches

  • Can be used for up to three seasons in a year, usually spring, summer and fall
  • Insulation is common, but they’re not meant to be heated during the winter
  • Serves as a comfortable area that’s not really inside or outside
  • Uses can include exercising, reading or relaxing with a spa or hot tub

Example of three-season room by Outdoor Environments:

Four-season rooms

  • Can be used year-round, regardless of season or weather conditions
  • Provide extra benefits for the extreme Midwestern winters
  • Can be heated and/or cooled just like any other room in the house
  • Usually portray the same architectural style as the rest of the house

Example of four-season room by Outdoor Environments:

So the choice is up to you. Which type of outdoor room do you think would best suit your needs? Leave a comment and let us know!

Dreamy Outdoor Spaces

When it comes to designing your outdoor space, what inspires you? We have many a client who start envisioning their design by tearing pages from magazines that speak to their lifestyles and style sensibilities.

A built-in space that practically recedes into the landscape?

Mali Azima/Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Mali Azima/Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

A second-story porch above the “mosquito line” to negate a need for screened enclosures?

Erica George Dines/Atlanta Homes & LIfestyles

Erica George Dines/Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Rattan furniture with custom upholstery in colors that pop?

J. Savage Gibson/Coastal Living

J. Savage Gibson/Coastal Living

An outdoor fireplace as cozy as the one indoors?

Ralph Anderson/Southern Living

Ralph Anderson/Southern Living

Share your design inspirations with us!