Most homeowners focus on perfecting the front of their house when it comes to exterior design, taking on renovations to boost their curb appeal and nail first impressions. We’re not saying that’s not important, but it is important to take a step back and see the bigger picture, and that picture includes the back of your home and your backyard.
Whether you see your home as an investment you want to sell down the road or you want to perfect it for your family and keep for generations, it’s important to consider how the look and feel of your backyard affects your home’s overall design (and value). At Shack Built, we’ve helped countless homeowners with their exterior home design in Leawood, creating functional and aesthetic outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of their home and serve their unique needs.
From design principles to materials, here’s a look at what our award-winning team of in-house designers and deck contractors in Overland Park consider when creating your outdoor space.
Deciding on a Design for Your Outdoor Living Space
We’ll admit, balancing creativity and practicality isn’t easy, and it looks different for every family. That’s why working with a design-build company is so important; our contractors and designers work together to ensure a seamless experience and final product.
When you work with Shack Built, we’ll start by sitting down with you for an in-person consultation. Here, we’ll discuss your needs and goals for your project, starting with why you want to upgrade your outdoor space and what you want to use it for. Do you want to use your backyard to entertain large groups, unwind privately, or a mix of both?
Nailing down how you intend to use the space is the first step in crafting a design that fits your style and needs. For example, if you like to host regularly and have people constantly going in and out of your house, you may opt for an open patio rather than a cozy screened-in porch. That being said, you can always combine multiple elements to suit your specific needs, creating open areas for entertainment and more private, quiet pockets for yourself.
Here’s a breakdown of your outdoor remodeling options for your exterior home design in Leawood and how to determine which is right for you and your family.
Decks & Patios
Elevated above the ground, decks are a great option for building on uneven terrain and creating an open lookout point, making them perfect for entertaining. You can also opt for a multi-level deck, creating designated areas for dining, lounging, or whatever else you intend to use the space for. Remember, the materials you choose impact your deck’s durability just as much as the aesthetic. For example, treated wood decking requires more maintenance than high-performance composite decking, but each has its own advantages and specific look.
Screened-In Patio
Scientists have proven that spending time outside improves your mental and physical health, but we recognize that Kansas weather—and bugs—can make getting outside unappealing. A screened-in patio allows you to enjoy the positives of nature without the negatives, creating a controlled environment that you can use year-round, especially if your family likes to eat and lounge outside.
While the screen adds privacy, it also adds security, keeping children and pets in (and bugs and rain out). You can select from a range of durable screen materials, including tempered glass, to align with your vision for your exterior home design in Leawood.
→ How to Design a Family-Friendly Screened-in Patio in Overland Park
Pergolas
Incorporating a pergola into your backyard can infuse privacy, shade, and style into your space, and it’s less expensive than building an entire deck. A pergola also provides flexibility, shielding the sun without completely blocking out the outdoors for an open-air feel. If you’re looking for a middle ground between an enclosed and completely open space, a pergola can grant you the best of both worlds; plus, it’s low maintenance.
→ The Value of a Pergola in Overland Park
Making the Space Make Sense
Once you’ve nailed down the kind of space you need, it’s time to think about how you want the space to feel. It’s still important to consider how you plan to use the space and how you want it to look when making these seemingly small, but important, choices. Don’t worry—our experts are here to help, so don’t feel the need to memorize all of these variables for your exterior home design in Leawood.
The Orientation
Kansas weather may be unpredictable, but the wind is a constant, as we’re home to the windiest city in the United States. Depending on the land you want to build your outdoor space on—and how many homes and trees surround it—your backyard may funnel wind, making it blow your yard furniture around. This doesn’t mean that you can’t create a comfortable outdoor space that elevates your exterior home design in Leawood, but rather that you need to be intentional about it, possibly creating a wall to block the wind.
You also need to consider which direction you’re facing; remember, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If you don’t want the sun shining directly into your space, you need to position the layout accordingly. This is especially important—and often overlooked—if you plan on installing a television in the space, as you’ll need to create shade in the right spots to avoid glare.
Privacy
Creating a sense of privacy is key to making your outdoor space comfortable. Depending on your family’s needs, you may make some areas private and others more open—such as a privacy wall between your neighbor’s house and your hot tub, and an open space for entertaining behind it.
Beyond walls and screens, you can also opt for privacy landscaping, using tall hedges and trees to create a barrier while adding aesthetic appeal. You may go for tall fencing surrounding your yard if you want the entire area to feel more intimate and secure. While screened-in patios naturally offer more seclusion than decks and patios, you can always select frosted glass panels or stylish blinds for added privacy. You can also add automated screens to patios and pergolas, allowing you to control them to suit your needs in specific situations.
Lighting
When you invest in exterior home design in Leawood, you—and onlookers—should be able to appreciate your outdoor space’s beauty 24/7. Lighting not only adds visibility to your space so that you can see while you use it, but also accents whatever features you want to shine a light on and adds ambiance. From lighting up walking trails to installing modern fixtures that add personal style, your options are endless.
Electricity
If you plan on watching TV, using electronics, or even plugging in a fan in your outdoor space, you need to remember to install outlets in places that make sense. This is also important if you want to incorporate an electric heater or fireplace into the space for warmth and/or to add to your aesthetic.
Heating
Making your new space usable in the colder months is key to maximizing your investment, no matter what kind of outdoor living space you settle on. When deciding on a heating solution, it’s also important to think through your goals—do you want style, warmth, or both?
If you’re simply looking to keep your screened-in patio warm, we may suggest electric heaters as a functional, cost-effective option. If you’re looking to infuse the timeless style and warmth of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, we can create a custom structure that adds to your exterior home design in Leawood. If you’re solely looking to add an aesthetic element to your space—and avoid having an open flame around kids or pets—you might consider an electric fireplace.
→ Get the Full Guide to Deciding Between Heaters and an Outdoor Fireplace in Overland Park
At Shack Built, You Can Have It All
Shack Built didn’t become one of the most well-known renovation companies overnight—it took years of hard work. From exterior to interior design in Overland Park, we do it all, and we do it all to the highest standards. Contact us to begin your project with professionals who not only know what they’re doing, but who truly care about your project and your satisfaction.
Work With an Award-Winning Team
Our team is just as interested in your project’s success as you are. We take pride in building lifelong relationships with our clients, not just beautiful homes. That—and our collection of 5-star reviews and REMY awards—is what sets us apart.
While our designers work to bring your vision for your exterior home design in Leawood from your head to paper, our certified contractors in Overland Park make that design a reality. We value collaboration, both internally and with our clients, because that’s what makes your space functional, beautiful, and truly yours. As the winners of the Best of Show and All-Star Gold in the Residential Exterior category of the 2024 REMY Awards, our unique approach continues to be proven.
