Category: Outdoor Spaces

Beat The Bugs

Summer has arrived, and with it, mother nature’s littlest buddies: insects.

Here in Minnesota, we’re pretty well-acquainted with the insect world. We all know bugs are incredibly great for the environment in so many ways. Some pollinate. Others eat smaller, harmful bugs. There are even a few that are just pretty neat to look at.

Unfortunately, they can also bite, sting, startle and annoy – especially when they blaze trails into our homes!

Like it or not, bugs will get in from time to time. But, there are steps we can take to keep them out – including screens for all types of windows, doors and more.

With this in mind, here’s a little info about our state’s most notorious little pests, and some advice for keeping them where they belong!

Mosquitos

It’s possible there isn’t another insect more obnoxious and omnipresent here in our state than the mosquito. Besides leaving behind their trademark itching, raised bites, mosquitoes are notorious disease vectors. In fact, they’re the world’s most prolific disease-spreader, responsible for hundreds of millions of illness case every year worldwide.

And, bug spray notwithstanding, there’s really nothing we can do about it; according to National Geographic, mosquitoes are drawn to our breath, our movement and our body temperatures. A great way to keep them away from us? A thin, well-installed screen of course!

Bees

My mother always told me – if you don’t swat at the bee, it won’t sting you. Still, these pests can be quite startling, and when they strike, the results are painful. And, pain’s only part of the problem; for example, when honey bees sting, they release chemicals called pheromones. These pheromones are very appealing to nearby bees and prompt them to join in on the attack. So, a single bee sting can multiply rapidly. Not good. So, if you want to sit near your summery, blooming plants and flowers without the worry of a bee armada, consider a screen as a good line of defense.

Boxelder Bugs

Here’s a name you’ve definitely heard before. Boxelder bugs are those black and red beetles that seem to show up all at once when the weather gets warm. While they’re not known for hurting humans, they cause a ton of damage to plants, and can make unsightly colonies out of the sides of your home. Plus, if they do approach you, and you decide to smash them, they release a foul odor. None of this sounding fun to you? Consider a retractable screen buffer and enjoy the outdoor – minus these pests.

No matter where you live, insects & bugs inside your home can be a pain. With retractable screens, you can rest easy, open up your home, enjoy the weather…and keep insects of all types right where they belong – away from you!

June 5, 2014
Creating A Nature Connection In The Home

Biologist Edward O. Wilson developed a theory that stated that humans have an innate connection to other living things. Recognizing humanity’s place in nature and restoring it will supposedly enhance physiological and psychological connections to the outdoors. Biophilia, or love of life, has been adapted in the world of design. By bringing nature and pleasure into design elements of the home, the occupant will feel happier and more satisfied. You too can make the most of your home’s site and incorporate biophilic elements. Bring nature to you for a calming, serene home.

Create outdoor spaces

Outdoor living spaces give you a comfortable way to interact with nature. Having multiple areas like these around your home gives you options. Move from one porch to the next as the sun shifts or a breeze changes directions. The ability to choose a space based on comfort will increase your satisfaction. Design deep porches with high ceilings. This lets the sun stream in while you catch a whisper of wind. For added comfort and flexibility, install retractable screens on the large openings. Phantom’s motorized screens can be installed so that they disappear completely out of sight when not in use. Retractable screen systems are also able to match the existing architecture of your home so that your comfort is camouflaged. On the days when the sun is too strong, but you’d like to lounge in nature, bring the screen down.

Add furniture to your outdoor living spaces to further develop the feeling of relaxation. Retractable screens allow for natural ventilation through your porch while maintaining your view. You will be able to enjoy the ecology of your home’s site while still sitting in comfort.

Blend into surroundings

When designing a new home, or an addition to an existing home, utilize the topography of your lot. Build your porch into a hillside rather than leveling the elevation. This design choice will make your home feel like a natural part of the environment. According to biophilic theory, you are more likely to enjoy the space the more organic it feels.

Increase the nature-inspired atmosphere of your home by choosing indigenous building materials. Using wood harvested from native trees and stone mined from nearby quarries will allow your home to fit into the area. Think local. If the material can be found in the region near your home, use it.

Have a view

Be sure your home has many windows so that you can peer into nature. Looking at plants, whether they be those that are outside or those that are within the home, will ease tension. Retractable screens can also be fitted to your windows and will be completely out of site when not in use so you can enjoy the view and fresh air while keeping bugs outside. You won’t have to worry about these window fixtures obstructing your view of the outdoors.

If you are located near a body of water, be sure you have a clear line of sight to see it. Humans historically survived by orienting themselves near water. This innate instinct hasn’t left the human psyche. Having a view of water will add a calm quality to your home. If you do not have a pond or lake nearby, invest in a water feature for the interior of your home. The sound of bubbling water will sooth you and the humidity created by the feature will change the feel of the air.

Build in texture

The natural world has many unique textures. Bring this element into your home with the materials you use. A tactile piece of wall art or a shaggy rug will give your hands and feet something unique to touch. Find ways to fit these details in every room so that moving through the house becomes a sensory experience.

April 1, 2017
Top 4 DIY Projects That Will Make Your Backyard Stand Out From The Rest

Without a doubt, reading DIY posts inspire us to create. However, the sheer number of ideas and projects online can leave one overwhelmed. Where does one find the perfect DIY project that is easy and affordable? We narrowed down some of the top DIY projects out there in hopes to give you a head start on selecting the perfect DIY that fits your taste, skills, and style.

One

Brittany Stager demonstrates how to make this simple, elegant bench.

Most importantly, it is easy to construct and will undoubtedly add a classy flare to your outdoor space.

Two

1001 Gardens puts a new twist on the classic ottoman by demonstrating how to create them with merely a tire and a rope. The great news about this furniture piece is that it is versatile and practical, yet it will stand out from any other furnishing.

Three

Storing your essential outdoor equipment can be a hassle and a pain. Knowing this DIY Candy has created a simple way to store your garden he as well as displaying your beautiful flower arrangements.

Four

Although this project may take time and effort, the results of creating your own “moss graffiti” are stunning! Thanks to Green Prophet, recreating this look is easy and effortless and will leave your guests remembering your backyard long after they leave.

June 15, 2018
Having A Tailgate In Your Backyard

Photo credit: https://phillipshelmets.co.uk/review

Football season is upon us, and you know what that means: wings, beer and loads of fun with loved ones. Your outdoor living spaces can quickly transform into an at-home tailgate for the next Sunday afternoon game. Who needs to go to the stadium when you have a full game day set up in your backyard? Here are a few ways to make the most out of football days in America.

Television

In order to make the perfect home-tailgate, you’ll want to consider a large outdoor television. You can choose between a projection screen or wall-mounted television set so that your guests can catch every play. Additionally, consider a built-in sound system to make it easier for everyone to listen. You can place speakers sporadically around your outdoor area so that nobody misses a touch-down!

Games

What tailgate is complete without games? Horseshoes, darts and pool are all great games that will keep all of your guests in the competitive mode. Try to set up horseshoes at either end of the yard so guests have plenty of room. In your indoor space, make your pool table, dart board and any other games you have readily available for guests. Also, set up a card table if you have one as well. Again, games are great for tailgating because they not only give everyone something to do, they also will provide activities for those who aren’t glued to the television.

Food

Food is always the most important aspect of a party! Why have guests if you don’t have anything to keep them full and satisfied? Simply prepare traditional tailgate fare like chicken wings, dips and sandwiches. Finger foods like cheese and crackers, chips, vegetables and dips are also ideal for a football tailgate.

However, the last thing you want is flies landing all over the place. Phantom’s motorized retractable screens for patios allows you to entertain without any worry of bugs. Plus, the right mesh will shield you from the glare of the sun and will get a bit more privacy from your neighbors.

If you’d prefer to cook outside, make sure you are equipped with a large gas grill and plenty of room. Expect to feed a bunch of hungry football fans! Stainless steel grills that are built into an outdoor kitchen are perfect for Sunday afternoon games.

Seating

While some people might be enjoying the game while playing bean bag toss, others may prefer to park themselves in front of television. Make sure to have ample seating for these guests. You will also want to place extra seating around a fire pit for those trying to get warm, as well as a few chairs around the games you have set up so people can relax. Finally, add a few side tables around the seating so people have a place to put their drinks and food.

Warmth

You might be wondering, “What about when the weather gets chilly?” Worry not. You can strategically place heaters around the outdoor space to warm everyone up during night games and other events later in the season. Minnesota Screens is proud to offer Vinyl Retractable Screens which, with the touch of a button, retract down to cover your outdoor area and provide a bit of shelter from the cool temperatures. Want to move your gathering outside? You may also want to add a bonfire pit outside if you don’t already have one. Both a built-in fire pit or an outdoor fireplace are ideal for fall festivities as they emit light and heat.

August 15, 2018
Five Ways To Bring Privacy To Your Patio
Even if you get along with your neighbors, you probably don’t want them peeking into your backyard during special events. Outdoor living spaces are often big and open, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be private. The right amount of privacy can help turn your patio into a place where you can relax, entertain or disappear. Here are some tips for making your patio more private:

Plant A Tree

Trees are a beautiful and natural addition to your patio. They provide lush greenery, shade and privacy. This will feel less structured than a fence but will make your yard feel much more secluded. However, you should consider planting a tree that won’t overgrow and take over your patio space. Look into any of the following, which are easy to keep well-groomed but still offer shade and privacy:
- Crepe Myrtle: If you plant this tree in the summer, you’ll find that it sprouts flowers in rich shades of purple, white, pink or red. During fall, the leaves transform into gorgeous shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s even beautiful in winter with bare branches and pink bark that gleams in the sunlight. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide. If that’s too big for your patio, don’t worry. You can always trim it down to fit into your space.
- Fern Pine: Depending on what you need for your patio space, this tree can be trimmed down to any size. It has a round top, delicate branches and a deep green color with slim, fine leaves. Some would even say they resemble the needles of a pine tree! This gorgeous tree grows up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
- Japanese Maple: This is a sweet tree and is a bit smaller, growing 15 to 25 feet high and about 10 to 15 feet wide. You can enjoy colorful leaves throughout spring and fall, with elegant bare trunks during the winter.
Retractable Porch Screens

Phantom’s retractable screens are a great way to get the privacy you desire while enjoying the experience of your backyard. They offer natural ventilation and protection from the sun, which makes your outdoor space more comfortable during warm summer months. The privacy mesh blocks up to 90 percent of UV rays and the thicker weaves provide added protection from peeping eyes. When privacy isn’t needed, the screens retract into cavities designed above the openings, completely hiding them from view. Click here to learn more about our motorized retractable screens and what they can offer you.

Add A Pergola

If you’re looking to incorporate style and privacy, a pergola might be right for you. The structure’s design provides privacy but doesn’t look too closed in. It also allows you to hang flowers or plants to bring a little color into the space. It’s also great for hanging light fixtures like lanterns or chandeliers, which can bring a unique personality into your patio. You can even add motorized screens to create a wonderful outdoor room or additional privacy.

Listen To The Water

Water may not block out any views, but the relaxing, trickling sound of it certainly blocks out noisy neighbors. You would be surprised how even the slightest trickle of water from a fountain can make a difference to the ambiance of your patio.

Build A Trellis

A trellis doesn’t completely block the view of your neighbors or busy streets. However, it does provide just enough privacy to make your outdoor space more enjoyable to be in. If you wish to make it more secluded, simply plant flowers or vines around the deck and watch as they climb all over the trellis.
September 1, 2018