Tag Archives: sunroom design

6 Porch and Sunroom Ideas

Over the past few weeks, we’ve provided you with tons of ideas related to porch and sunroom design. Since there are so many possibilities, we’re adding more tips and tricks to the list. These ideas are ideal for maximum summertime enjoyment, but don’t forget that these same concepts can be implemented to enjoy your outdoor room year-round!

  1. Plenty of seating for everyone. Wicker and wooden benches make for a traditional room design.
  2. Take it a step further by installing seating equipped with storage space. Many wicker and wooden benches have flip seating that allows for storing pillows, reading materials and other items used frequently in your outdoor room.
  3. We can’t say enough about color. Cushions, pillows, area rugs and sheer curtains are great ways to implement the shades of summer.
  4. Potted plants, flowers and blooms make it easy to bring the outside in.
  5. Since outdoor rooms are the perfect divide between inside and out, ceiling fans are great for keeping cool for less the cold blast of central air.
  6. For snack time, have a table or station set up to prepare cold drinks and appetizers. This will minimize trips to and from the indoor kitchen.

Outdoor Environments wants to know: What other tips do you have for maximum outdoor room enjoyment? Share your thoughts with us below!

Information and image from BHG

3 Tips to Spruce Up Your Sunroom

Sunrooms are the perfect year-round living space, and here at Outdoor Environments, we have been designing and building high-quality outdoor living spaces for Kansas City homeowners since 1991. With hundreds of projects under our belt, as well as membership in the Kansas City chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the Home Builders’ Association of Greater Kansas City, we have the experience necessary to create a sunroom, deck, patio, or porch that will dramatically expand the living space in your home.

There are endless options for customizing your sunroom to fit your style and personality. Check out a few tips for creating a casually elegant sunroom, from Better Homes and Gardens.

  • Exposed beams on the ceiling will add architectural interest to the space, as well as a laid-back, cabin-like atmosphere. Wall-mounted lanterns add to the summer cabin ambiance.
  • A vaulted ceiling painted in a subtle yet vibrant color gives the space an airy feel and makes the space feel more personalized.
  • Layered rugs and a variety of patterns give this room an eclectic, quirky feel that is both welcoming and fun.

photo via BHG

Refresh Your Sunroom with these Creative Ideas

Sunrooms were made for this kind of weather. It’s the best of both worlds because you get to enjoy the warmth of the outdoors under the comfortable shade of a protected exterior room. If you’re in the mood for a new sunroom look this season, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to try out.

  • Maintain a similar color and design scheme to your home’s interior. A bright and sunny outdoor room followed by a dark home interior creates a confusing contrast.
  • Outdoor furniture can always be transformed with slipcovers. Guests will think you’ve updated your pieces each time they arrive!
  • Never underestimate the power of colorful and floral patterns. Plush throw pillows and outdoor rugs are great ways to create a summery theme.
  • Not sure what colors to choose? Use your window frames or your area rug to start. Use those colors as a foundation for all of your sunroom’s furniture, décor and accessories.

For sunroom building and remodeling around Overland Park and Kansas City, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Image from Decor Pad

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

The Psychology of Color in Landscapes

Last week we blogged about adding color and life to your outdoor space. Have you ever considered the moods that those colors evoke and what they might possibly say about you? The psychology of color is a fascinating concept. Here’s what James Hardie online has to say about the meaning of color and how it relates to your home and landscape:

  • Blue is the color of the sky, water and mountains. In the northeast part of the country, gray-blue shades are associated with weathered wood that’s reminiscent of Nantucket. Blue exteriors are calming, relaxing and fit in with any landscape.
  • Red on a home’s exterior is most commonly associated with nature’s flowers and fruits. Nature uses red in most cases as an accent, especially when seen in bright, clean shades. Deeper, grayer-toned reds are common in Midwestern farm areas and northern areas of the country and therefore have a very warm, friendly rural feeling. Reds are also associated with fall leaves and bark and work well in landscapes that experience all four seasons.
  • Yellow is strongly associated with sunshine. It also has strong links to flowers, especially in the spring. Traditional associations, such as energy and intellect, do not translate well when yellow is used on the exterior of a home. Yellow homes appear to be clean, fresh and happy houses.
  • Green in many parts of the country is strongly associated with nature, new growth, trees and shrubs. Greens that are more yellow-based will be associated with new growth and springtime. Deeper greens are linked to maturity, such as older plants or trees. Keep in mind when working in arid areas of the southwest that there are limited associations to this color in nature, so use it sparingly as an accent color, if at all.
  • White is generally associated with adjectives such as pure, clean, new and bright. These are all positive associations, but be careful of using too much white on your exterior because it can be very boring. If you really want a white house, make sure you use some other colors to add interest, personality and drama.

Call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get your new deck, patio or seasonal room ready for spring!

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful‘s Outdoor Room Design Ideas Gallery

Add Life and Color to Your Outdoor Space

We can’t stress enough how important it is to start planning your home’s outdoor space for spring. Whether you’ve have (or plan to have) a deck, patio, porch, sunroom or another structure, making it look good is a key factor in actually enjoying it. Take these tips from Sensational Color about adding life to your backyard:

  1. Take a look around your backyard and make a note of the colors surrounding your home. The flowers, landscape, and even the color of your deck and other outdoor structures set a mood.
  2. Treat your outdoor space just as you would treat a room inside your home by coordinating colors. Fences, sunrooms, gazebos and decks all look their best when their styles are connected.
  3. Color is great, but limit yourself to a three-color palette to avoid a confusing theme.
  4. Always keep in mind the mood you want to set. Will the space be used for entertaining family and friends? Or will it be a space for child’s play? Whatever you do, your outdoor décor should relate to its use.

Want more tips about creating the perfect outdoor space? Click here! And don’t forget to call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706 to get started building your outdoor oasis in the Kansas City area!

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Environments Facebook Gallery