A Dream Come True

Author: GreenThumbs
March 4, 2011

While other people dream of winning the lottery, becoming famous or even taking a long, luxurious paid vacation, I’ve always dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen. Random? Maybe. But not when you start to learn that cooking and entertaining are my two greatest passions in life.

After my last move due to my husband’s always-changing job situation – it’s not that he changes jobs, he just gets reassigned to various parts of the country every few years – I deicide it was time to treat myself to what I’ve always wanted: an outdoor kitchen. So I pulled out the phonebook and began to search for Seattle outdoor kitchen designs. I made contact with a local business and I’m so excited to finally begin planning out my dream.

Summertime Outdoor Entertaining

Author: GreenThumbs
February 10, 2011

In the Seattle area it’s wet for nearly nine months out of the year. When the three dry, gorgeous summer months arrive, everyone heads for the outdoors. My husband and I like to take advantage of the good weather and invite our friends over for lots of backyard barbecues.

Since we spend so much time entertaining outdoors, we figured that it was about time we upgrade our backyard. After researching several Bellevue outdoor kitchen plans, we settled on a design that best suits our needs. This summer our friends will be pleasantly surprised by our new outdoor kitchen that will feature an outdoor cooking range, a long table/bar, and matching bar stools. We’re even having the firm sprucing up the landscaping surrounding the outdoor kitchen!

Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining

Author: GreenThumbs
February 9, 2011

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for being a temperate rain forest, meaning our environment is greener than most. You can take advantage of the beauty that abounds in the region by transforming part of your living space into a seamless indoor-outdoor entertainment area. By that we mean, consider adding large windows or French doors out onto a covered patio. The windows and doors will let in the light and create a flow between the indoor and outdoor space.

Next, you’ll want to consider the patio as an extension of your living room or family room. Incorporate Seattle landscape architecture into your design choices. Pick fabrics and furniture that complement your indoor furnishings. Brighten up your yard with colorful plants and planters. This task may seem overwhelming, so you may want to consult a professional landscaper on your project. A professional will let you be as hands on as you want while steering you towards options you may not have known about or considered before.

January 26, 2011

When the economy took a nose dive, you remained rock solid. You already had your savings squared away, had at least six months salary saved up just in case of lay-offs, and you stayed far away from questionable mortgages. Now that the worst of the storm has passed, according to the economists, you can breathe a little easier and reward yourself for your fiscal responsibility. Now is the time to give your home’s exterior you’ve always wanted.

In Bellevue outdoor kitchen designs are a popular way to reward yourself and upgrade your home’s exterior. These elegantly designed outdoor eateries are the perfect place to soak up the few months of sunshine the Northwest gets. You’ll be able to entertain all your guests outdoors without having to traipse in and out of your main kitchen for supplies. Go ahead and live a little! You deserve to reward yourself, plus, it will increase the value of your home, which as a savvy business person you are well aware of that fact.

Natural Inspirations

Author: GreenThumbs
January 12, 2011

Planning an outdoor space can be an overwhelming task. With the help of a landscaping firm the task can be made manageable. Still, when you meet with your landscape designer, it is important to bring some of your own ideas to the table. After all, your outdoor space should be a reflection of your personality and tastes.

One way to get inspiration and narrow down a focus is by simply observing the nature around you. Take a walk in your Northwest neighborhood and snap pictures of your favorite Seattle landscaping. Present pictures of colorful plants, walkway styles, and patio furnishings you admire to your designer. This will give them a better sense of your likes and dislikes they should keep in mind when planning your improved landscaping.

Staying Warmer Outside

Author: GreenThumbs
January 11, 2011

If you enjoy spending time outside in your yard then you know that it can sometimes get quite cold. And rather than run into the confines of your home to escape the cold, you pile on layer after layer of warmer clothing just so you don’t have to go and sit on the couch. Spending time outside is a passion for most people in the Northwest. The natural beauty of our surroundings is irresistible and we’re frequently looking for more ways to spend more time outside. But with the natural temperature dips that occur once the sun goes down we can quickly find ourselves longing for the comfort of a heater or a good fire.

In Bellevue outdoor fireplaces have become more and more popular for keeping you, your family and your guests warmer once the sun goes down. Even during chillier days, you can enjoy the outdoors without the excess layers. The ambience, the gentle lighting and the soothing heat are all substantial benefits to having an outdoor fireplace. So if you and your family enjoy the outdoors an outdoor fireplace may be just the thing your family needs as the New Year arrives.

Getting Ready for Spring

Author: GreenThumbs
December 28, 2010

It’s winter and it’s cold outside but that only means that spring is right around the corner. Although caring for our yards or the foliage around our businesses may not be top of mind right now, it’s something we need to start thinking about for the seasons to come. If you own a business then you’d be wise to budget for landscaping and beautification products once the cold has passed and people start spending more time outside.

If your business operates in the evening then adequate lighting is a must-have, both inside and outside your business. Once the weather warms up people will be ready to start enjoying those comfortable Northwestern nights. Bellevue landscape lighting can help you deliver a better experience to your customers, bringing them back again and again to enjoy the spring and summer while enjoying your business. Plan for the future and make the investment and you’ll be glad you did.

Preparing for Spring

Author: GreenThumbs
December 16, 2010

Getting ready for spring and summer is the furthest thing from everyone’s minds in King County. But nonetheless those months are right around the corner. Before you know it you’ll be outside enjoying the warm weather with friends and loved ones. From outdoor cooking to just enjoying the great outdoors, we’re known for our outdoor mentality in the Pacific Northwest. That’s why it’s not too early to start planning for your landscaping needs once winter has passed.

In Kirkland landscape designs can make all the difference when it comes time to host a barbecue or get together at your home. Be proud of your home and your yard by taking better care of it. You don’t need to do it alone, however. There are plenty of services available and there are a lot of affordable options that can fit almost any budget. Remember, it won’t be winter forever so whether you need landscaping for your home or business, now’s the time to start thinking about it.

December 2, 2010

With all the ice and snow we just faced last week it’s hard to believe that it’s already time to start planning for the warmer months. Whether it’s your front yard, your backyard or even your business, your landscaping says a lot about you. If your yard is an unkempt mess it’s a reflection of many other aspects of your life. And no one wants to be THAT house in the neighborhood. Maintaining a clean and well-kept yard can help you be a better part of your immediate community.

In Western Washington we’re blessed with the gift of being one of the greenest cities in North America. Some people even say only Hawaii is richer in natural beauty. That means that everywhere you look you can be surrounded by plant growth. The problem is, though, that not all of that growth is wanted. Blackberries have long been the bane of local homeowners, and overgrown trees can even be dangerous. From Tacoma to Bellevue landscape architecture needs to be an important part of everyone’s budget.

September 30, 2010

outsider.pngIf you have a home or apartment in Bellevue, you probably have a pretty stylish and new abode. Bellevue, after all, is known for being one of the most desirable spots outside of Seattle proper. Not only is it centrally located, but it’s also the base for some of the nicest homes in the state of Washington. And with more jobs than residents, Bellevue is the perfect location for those looking to relocate during the down economy.

The one drawback to Bellevue real estate, however, is that the lots tend to be small. That doesn’t mean you can’t employ some Bellevue landscape architecture in your backyard, but you will have to consider spatial limitations. In order to have a home with a yard, you’re going to have to look on the outskirts of the city limits or perhaps venture into the suburbs. But don’t feel like you have to find multiple acres of land—with the convenience of local parks and trails, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Western Washington.