When you think of adding on a porch, it’s important not to limit the scope of your project. How about a gazebo, a pool house, a garden shed or a playhouse? Outdoor Environments has created many a detached porch for our clients, and with brilliant results for clients who like to think outside the porch.

Take a look at some of our most recent projects with detached porches below.

It’s important to us that each of our creations meets the needs of our clients and the unique layouts of their home. Let us know how you envision using your outdoor space and we’ll design an unforgettable space for your family and friends.

What is the difference between three-season and four-season outdoor rooms? Three-season porches, as the name implies, can be used in as many seasons per year (particularly spring, summer and fall); and although they may be insulated, they are not designed to be heated during winter months. Three-season rooms in theory offer the best of both worlds: Acting as a buffer between your home and your yard, the rooms can be used for everything from curling up by the fire to an exercise room or hot tub. Keep in mind, though, that everything in this room will be exposed to the elements; therefore, all materials must be able to withstand freezing elements.

Check out a few three-season rooms designed by Outdoor Environments below:

Four-season rooms, on the other hand, are more utilitarian; enclosed porches may be used 12 months out of the year and provide comfort during the harsh months of Midwestern winters. These rooms are generally an extension of the home’s architectural style and are as thermally efficient as the rest of the home thanks to insulated glass and wall panels that allow for efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.

Below, find a few examples of four-season additions from Outdoor Environments:

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.

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.

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

Through our blog, Outdoor Environments hopes we serve up deck-design inspiration on many levels, whether you’re choosing accents for your deck (like the dreamy outdoor love seats we blogged about last week) or over-the-top features to warm up your space, like a Bocce ball court, meditation garden or canopied daybed.

But today we wanted to share some of our own residential projects, ones in which we’ve had the pleasure of fulfilling the dreams of our clients, which is one of our biggest inspirations.

Case in point: Take a look at the project below; for these homeowners we pulled out all the stops, from an open-air covered porch perched above a deck spa and bar, to a cozy outdoor fireplace, tile-surfaced deck and  outdoor grilling station. And that’s in addition to an enviable landscape that includes lush green lawns and open horizontal views.

Stay tuned for more coverage of our projects in the upcoming weeks!

In a recent post, we covered some Dreamy Outdoor Spaces to give our clients and readers some inspiration. Today, we thought we’d share a few more spaces worthy of a second glance, courtesy of HGTV. Here are a few examples of how hardscaping and landscaping combine for a harmonious design.

Perfect for entertaining, this space offers respite in both the sun and shade.

An empty, soulless backyard in its previous life, this pleasing patio has been transformed into an elegant and visually interesting space the homeowners enjoy with family, friends and guests.

An outdoor kitchen, fireplace and sitting area — with killer views, we might add — is accessible from this home’s basement, patio and driveway.

Can’t get enough? Check out “Pleasing Patio Designs.”