Design Inspiration Archives - Page 3 of 15

01 May

Custom Houston Pool House by Creekstone Outdoor Living

5 Home Renovations to Increase Your House’s Value

Whether you bought your current home as an investment or not, the day will likely come when it’s time to sell. How valuable will your house be by then? Most homeowners look to increase their home’s value with time, and for many, that means performing renovations or adding new features.

Adding a few new features to your home could increase its value significantly! Looking for inspiration? Check out these 5 home renovations. #Creekstone Click To Tweet

Giving Your House a Facelift

The best part about home renovations is that you can enjoy the new features in the meantime. So why not go for something fun as well as valuable? Join hundreds of other Houston-area homeowners and start your home improvement project with one of these features:

Backyard deck
Swimming pool
Outdoor kitchen
Remodeled bathroom
New flooring

1) Backyard Deck

A nice, open backyard may be perfect for parties, but only with a few renovations. One excellent addition to your future outdoor hangout space is a spacious backyard deck, with a patio cover for added atmosphere. Home Advisor reports that you’ll likely be able to recoup up to 80% of the deck’s cost when you sell your house later! Prospective homeowners love the atmosphere and potential a deck provides and are willing to pay extra to get it.

2) Swimming Pool

Adding a swimming pool to your home certainly increases your potential for hosting! Guests will love the chance to go swimming. Your return on investment may not be as significant, however. It all depends on how many other homes in your neighborhood have swimming pools too, as well as how in-demand pools are in your area. Do a little research before making this decision.

Pro Tip: Enclosing your pool in a pool house lets you host guests in the best way possible!

3) Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen and dining space is a winning combination for a luxurious backyard! Aside from making the perfect party hangout in the meantime, they can also provide a return on your investment ranging from 10% to 150%! The exact amount depends on the size, setup, and quality of materials used during construction.

4) Remodeled Bathroom

Nobody likes to use a messy, unappealing restroom. Why not give your bathroom a facelift too? From buying new decorations to installing newer plumbing, you can make your restroom look as good as new. An elegant bathroom will certainly look good to a prospective buyer in the future!

5) New Flooring

Is your carpet looking old and worn? How about the tiles or linoleum in your kitchen, indoors or outdoors? Upgrading your flooring could go a long way toward elevating the rest of your home. Match your countertops for an even more streamlined look!

Get an Excellent Return on Investment

Adding new features or completing a home improvement project does more than just make your house more valuable. It also gives you and your family additional ways to spend time together and enjoy your home. Do yourself a favor and start planning your home renovations today!

Connect with us to see what other homeowners’ completed projects look like.

17 Apr

The Crescent Oaks - Custom Outdoor Pergola with Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space in The Woodlands, Texas

5 Secrets of Outdoor Design to Help You Create an Unbelievable Backyard

Is your backyard boring and just plain blah? Does your family spend more time inside on the couch rather than spending it outside in nature? Are you embarrassed to host outside get-togethers because your yard is unkempt and uninteresting? Don’t worry, your backyard isn’t a lost cause. In fact, it’s simple to transform your backyard from being dull to unbelievable with the right outdoor design!

Focusing on one area of your yard at a time allows you to stay focused, on task, and see the bigger picture. Find inspiration for your #backyardrenovation here. #Creekstone Click To Tweet

An Unbelievable Backyard with Outdoor Design

Anyone can have an incredible backyard. To instantly transform your outdoor space, follow these five secret tips of outdoor design and you’ll be planning a party to show off your new yard in no time!

Work from a Plan
Plant for Seasons
Lines & Edges
Separate Spaces
Secret Gardens

1) Work From a Plan

Working from a plan is the first step in creating an unbelievable backyard. Draw your plans out and then work in phases so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Be sure to include any hardscape items you will be adding to your space, like an outdoor kitchen, covered patio, or pergola.

2) Plant for Seasons

If you want an amazing backyard through all seasons, plant to make it happen! With a little research, you can find the best plants for the best seasons and have a variety in your yard so you have greenery and flowers blooming all year round.

3) Lines & Edges

Pay attention to the lines and edges in your yard. Make a natural edge with different grasses or plants, or use stones or other materials to make your garden more enticing. Additionally, pay attention to the lines and add character with sweeping curves throughout your landscape.

4) Separate Spaces

To begin, separate your outdoor space into several smaller spaces. This allows you to make each individual space distinct and fills your yard with interesting details. By separating areas in your backyard, you can delegate specific spaces for everything! Have a lounge area for relaxing, a dining spot for eating al fresco, or a play space for the little ones.

Pro Tip: Don’t let bad weather chase you indoors! Talk to your contractor about adding a pergola or patio cover to your hangout space so the party can go on, rain or shine.

5) Secret Gardens

Everyone loves secret hideaways and your backyard is the perfect place to sneak one in. Find a nice corner or an area between two trees and add a little seating area, water fountain, or even a fire pit. This partially hidden area will not only give you a private spot to relax and enjoy, but the half-hidden space creates the illusion of more space.

Create an Outdoor Oasis

Your backyard is a large part of your home and it should be used just as much as the inside–especially now that we are coming up on the fall season with cooler temperatures! By following the above tips on outdoor design, you will have an unbelievable backyard in no time! If you don’t have the time or just want some help in the process, consider contacting a landscape professional to assist in designing your outdoor living area.

Connect with us to learn more secrets of outdoor design to help you create an unbelievable backyard.

03 Apr

Custom Outdoor Kitchen with RCS Grill, Double Side burner, Refrigerator and Sink

Your Guide to Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen in Houston

An outdoor kitchen is a sizable investment of both time and money for most people. However, it’s worth it! Setting up an outdoor entertaining area gives you endless possibilities for parties, business gatherings, or even family nights in the backyard.

But before you can start enjoying your new outdoor cooking space, you need to decide how you want it to look, what you’ll be using it for, and what you’re willing to spend. Still in the brainstorming stage? Here are a few key considerations to help you figure out exactly what you want out of the newest addition to your backyard.

Designing a new outdoor kitchen? Have you finalized your ideas yet? Learn how to design your new kitchen here! #Creekstone #backyardlife Click To Tweet

Style

Like any type of home design, outdoor kitchen trends change with time. But certain stylistic choices, like stainless steel appliances, never quite seem to go out of style. And a refrigerator works just fine no matter what it looks like!

Two of the best recent trends for outdoor kitchens are built-in ice makers and kamado-style grills like Big Green Egg, grills that close completely over the cooking food to produce a deep, smoky flavor. And of course, the convenience of having freshly made ice right next to your outdoor fridge can’t be overstated. These trendy choices do more than just make your kitchen look great! They can also make your whole experience more convenient and simpler.

Practicality

Of course, appearances aren’t everything. Since you’ll be cooking and hosting in your outdoor hangout space, you have to consider how well your design choices will work with what you’ll be doing. For instance, consider your outdoor kitchen’s countertops. Materials such as marble may look gorgeous, but without expert sealing and ongoing maintenance, they could be ruined by Houston rain or humidity. Most designers also don’t recommend them for kitchen use because marble is extremely porous, making stain prevention difficult. (Marble tiles, on the other hand, are specially formulated for kitchen use and are fine for an outdoor kitchen. Talk to your designer for details.)

The bottom line is simply that your kitchen must be equally functional as elegant. While you can certainly go for both–a completely utilitarian kitchen is boring, after all–you must take the time to consider how well your choices will work in an outdoor setting.

Pro Tip: As you design your outdoor kitchen, consider any potential future renovations you want to make and how to make them easier. You won’t want to have to pull up your new tile floor to install new pipes for a pool, for instance.

Budget

Finally, it’s time to look at your budget. This will vary depending on the materials you choose, the appliances you need, the square footage your outdoor kitchen will cover, and more. Consequently, you can’t simply estimate the base cost of an outdoor kitchen without a semi-detailed plan of what you want. The best approach to budget planning is browsing our gallery for inspiration and bringing your ideas to an expert to discuss cost options.

Enjoy Your New Outdoor Kitchen!

A lot of planning goes into designing the perfect outdoor kitchen and party space. But all that time will be worth it in the end. You can look forward to enjoying a brand new custom outdoor kitchen and making your friends jealous!

Join the conversation to find inspiration and more outdoor kitchen ideas.

28 Feb

Outdoor Living in Houston: Everything You Need to Know

With the spring season around the corner and warmer temperatures on the forecast, your outdoor living space is about to be the prime hangout spot. Whether you already have the perfect backyard space or are interested in upgrading your current one, there’s no better time than now to extend your home’s style outdoors. Get ready to transform your outdoor living space in Houston for your family to enjoy.

If groundhog Punxsutawney Phil said so, it must be true! Spring is coming soon-it’s time to upgrade your outdoor living space! Find out how in 6 easy steps! Click To Tweet

Create a Customized Outdoor Space (6 Easy Steps)

Have you dreamed of sprucing up your backyard flower beds or installing a functional outdoor kitchen? Transforming a backyard into a unique outdoor space doesn’t have to be a dream to save for the future. With our professional assistance, your journey to creating the perfect outdoor space can begin easily. Follow these 6 steps to start the process of customizing your backyard.

Make a List of Ideas
Plan Your Upgrade
Decorate with Style
Choose the Best Appliances
Install a Pergola or Patio Cover
Start Entertaining

1) Make a List of Ideas

To start customizing your backyard, the first step is to brainstorm design ideas. What features are available? Which upgrades are the most important to your family? From installing an outdoor kitchen to building a pool, the options are endless. Narrow down your choices and find backyard designs to match your vision before building.

2) Plan Your Upgrade

When creating an outdoor living space, neglecting to plan can have disastrous consequences. Before you start constructing, consult the experts and make a plan that will meet the expectations of your space. From HOA limitations to scheduling a consultation, planning your backyard upgrade will ensure your success long term.

3) Decorate with Style

Your home’s style is what makes your home unique compared to your neighbors. Whether it’s through architectural elements, paint colors, or entertainment features, your outdoor space is no different. Design your backyard space and outdoor kitchen decor with elements that are customized just for you.

Pro Tip: Use matching cushions and pillows in your outdoor living area to add style, function, and comfortability for your guests to enjoy.

4) Choose the Best Appliances

If your outdoor space is going to include an outdoor kitchen, there’s no better way to improve the functionality of your space than with built-in appliances. From a refrigerator to side burners, the appliances you choose will ultimately determine how much time you’re able to spend outside. That being said, install appliances essential to your cooking habits so that you can use your space to its full potential.

5) Install a Pergola or Patio Cover

If you want to use your backyard year-round, especially in the hot Houston, don’t forget to install a pergola or patio cover for shade. Choose from a range of wood stains and natural stone elements to design the perfect outdoor roof to coordinate with your home’s style.

6) Start Entertaining

It may come as a surprise, but the last step might be the most important for exceptional outdoor living in Houston. Once you’ve created the perfect backyard space, it’s time to start entertaining. Plan a party or host a movie night to show off your new space to the loved ones in your life.

Designing and Building Backyards in Spring, TX.

Whether you’re spending time as a family or hosting a barbecue cookout, your backyard space should be designed with you in mind. From swimming pools to fire pits, our Houston area design team is committed to including the best features to make your space stand out. If you’re interested in creating an outdoor living space to host your gatherings, our free consultation is a great way to get the process started.

Connect with our backyard design experts to learn more about the features and additions that can be added to your outdoor space.

07 Feb

7 Luxurious Ideas for an Outdoor Kitchen in Spring, TX.

An outdoor kitchen is an ideal spot to enjoy nice weather, prepare tasty meals for the family, host pool parties, and more! What do you want your backyard paradise to look like? If you’ve never had an outdoor dining area before or are trying to revise an older one, you may not have a clear idea of what you want. For many homes, the kitchen layout and features will ultimately determine how your outdoor kitchen is designed. Check out these ideas for an outdoor kitchen to add to your wish list!

Struggling to plan your dream outdoor kitchen? Find some inspiration here! #Creekstone #outdoorliving #backyarddesign Click To Tweet

Make Your Kitchen Your Own

If you’re like most homeowners, your outdoor kitchen will become a central hub for parties and family time. Several particular features will thus be of particular interest to you. Which of these potential additions or renovations inspires you the most?

Pergolas or Patio Covers
Dining Area
Pizza Oven
Counter Space
Lighting
Cabinet Style
Bar

1) Pergolas or Patio Covers

While you’re outdoors, a pergola or patio cover is a great way to add cohesiveness and functionality to your space. By customizing the architectural elements to coordinate with the style of your home, your outdoor covering can essentially become an extended living space.

2) Dining Area

No outdoor kitchen is complete without an outdoor dining room to entertain your guests alongside your grilling station. Complete your dining space with matching chair cushions and outdoor lighting for your next party.

Pro Tip: Not every entertaining area is created the same. Does your family prefer outdoor cooking or gazing at the stars? Or maybe both? Design your backyard so that your whole family will have something to enjoy.

3) Pizza Oven

Why wait to have pizza delivered when you can cook it yourself? Install a stainless steel pizza oven to turn your outdoor kitchen into a functional and exclusive pizzeria.

4) Counter Space

One of the best kitchen ideas to add to your list is the use of your counter space. From the type of counter materials to choosing the right built-in appliances, your counters are a key part of your cooking space.

5) Lighting

You can have a luxurious outdoor kitchen by adding lights to accentuate your space. Whether it’s a light fan over your dining table or a string of lights across your living room space, outdoor lighting brings life and functionality to your nighttime parties.

6) Cabinet Style

Whether you’re in a rural or urban area, your cabinet style is an important element of your outdoor kitchen. For some people, it’s the main feature you remember! Choose your cabinet color, door handle, and material type to give your patio kitchen a style all its own.

7) Bar

Do you want your outdoor kitchen to be unique? Add an attached bar area with coordinating bar stools to make drinks, serve food, and entertain guests. For some homeowners, your bar area could even double as a prep area for grilling!

Enjoy Your New Outdoor Space!

Your new outdoor kitchen will be the perfect space to experiment with new recipes or host parties with all your friends. Paired with a swimming pool, your kitchen might even transform your backyard into the new go-to hangout spot for your social circle! Just find your ideal design and consult with an expert to make it a reality!

Connect with us for more backyard design inspiration.

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Category Archives: Design Inspiration