Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

06 Mar

Latest Outdoor Kitchen Trends: 2020 Edition

Back when an outdoor barbecue consisted of a couple of picnic tables and a BBQ pit, not many people thought of their backyard as a living space. A majority of homeowners mostly ignored their backyard and simply tried to keep the lawn groomed. Today, installing outdoor kitchens as an extension of indoor living areas is becoming all the rage.

Looking for inspiration for your outdoor kitchen design? Stay fresh and functional with these top trends of 2020! Share on X

Hot Design Trends for 2020

Can you picture an outdoor kitchen in your backyard? With a drink in one hand and a book in the other, spending time in a new outdoor living space can become a reality. If you’re in the process of designing a new outdoor kitchen, keep your eye on the following design trends for 2020.

Kamado-Style Grills
Built-In Ice Makers
Stainless Steel Appliances
Attached Living Areas
Improved Functionality

Kamado-Style Grills

First popularized in Asia, the kamado-style grills are becoming quite popular in American outdoor kitchens. Compared to metal charcoal grills, the enclosed design of a kamado grill cooks flavorful meats and vegetables with ease. That being said, kamado grills are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods including smoking, baking, roasting, and grilling!

Pro Tip: Upgrade your outdoor cooking with your own kamado-style grill from Big Green Egg. We have various sizes available to fit your space perfectly so that you can start cooking your next meal!

Built-In Ice Makers

Why buy bags of ice when you can make your own ice cubes? This year, more and more homeowners are taking advantage of built-in ice makers in their outdoor kitchens. Whether you’re sitting by the pool or entertaining a large group, having ice readily available is a great way to add value to your outdoor space.

Stainless Steel Appliances

It doesn’t look like stainless steel will ever go out of style. Designed with weather-resistant surfaces and sleek features, stainless steel appliances are a must for any modern outdoor kitchen. Choose from a wide range of appliances including wine refrigerators, side burners, pizza ovens, and sinks to complete your updated kitchen.

Attached Living Areas

Outdoor kitchens have more than just counter space and cooking surfaces. Today, modern outdoor kitchens are a small part of complete outdoor living areas. Transform your backyard into a personal retreat by designing a dining space or lounge area nearby.

Improved Functionality

Instead of having to jump back and forth from your indoor kitchen, homeowners are designing outdoor spaces to be fully functional. By installing sinks, dishwashers, and even trash disposals, you can keep the party prep and cleanup contained in one area.

Modern and Stylish Custom Kitchens

Overall, we get to enjoy beautiful weather in Houston throughout every season of the year. That being said, entertaining outdoors is becoming a staple of every southern home. Whether you’re in the process of designing or about to consult the experts, it’s exciting to think of all of the new features that can be added to your outdoor living space.

Did one of these design trends catch your eye? Connect with our design team to find out how to include these features in your custom kitchen.

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! Share on X

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.

21 Feb

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof

No outdoor living space is complete without some shade! If you’re designing an entertainment space in your backyard, installing a covering is a great way to add style and functionality. Between a pergola and patio cover, the two structures may sound essentially the same. However, understanding the differences will help you choose the right outdoor covering for your living areas.

Isn’t a pergola and a patio cover the same thing? Learn the differences and find out what kind of outdoor kitchen roof you need! Share on X

Pergola or patio cover? Which outdoor covering is right for your home? Where the pergola might add character with its open rafters, a patio cover brings functionality and protection. Both pergolas and patio covers have benefits, but depending on your lifestyle, there’s undoubtedly one that is right for you.

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof, Creekstone, Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

What is a Pergola?

Interestingly, a pergola is usually not defined as a “roof”. Because it is built from a frame with open rafters, it can’t fully protect from weather elements. It can, however, bring shade to your backyard or garden area. A pergola can either be a freestanding structure or attached to your home, depending on the design. Choose from a wide range of high-quality wood stains or rust-proof iron elements to build a pergola with character and style in your outdoor living area.

What is a Patio Cover?

Compared to a pergola, a patio cover is essentially an extension of your home. The roof of a patio cover is usually covered with asphalt shingles to match the attached home or garage and is attached to the exterior siding. Patio covers range in design and customized features including stone, wood stains, height, and built-in light fixtures. To add shade and protection from the rain, a patio cover is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen or living space.

Pro Tip: Design a patio cover to bring your outdoor kitchen, living, and dining areas together under a single roof.

Deciding on an Outdoor Roof

Choosing between a pergola or patio cover depends ultimately on your use. How will you use your outdoor space? If you plan to spend time with your friends and family outdoors, shade is an absolute must but the outdoor roof can vary.

Pergolas are usually less expensive, can be customized for small spaces, and can even house climbing plants. A patio cover, however, is built to fully protect your outdoor living space and is a permanent addition to a home.

Outdoor Living in the Greater Houston Area

Whether you’re adding a covering over your outdoor kitchen or creating a defined space for hanging out, the choice of covering ultimately depends on you. Both a pergola and patio cover offer shade, functionality, and style to your unique backyard. Once you figure out how you’ll be using your back patio and which coverage works best, it’s time to build!

Connect with our team to design a customized and beautiful pergola or patio cover for your home!

14 Feb

Join Creekstone at the Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show!

Do you have any plans Saturday, February 29 or Sunday, March 1? Enjoy a day with your favorite home decor, outdoor living, and home improvement experts. The Lone Star Convention Center plans to host the 2nd Annual Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show, and your Creekstone Outdoor Living team will be there!

Are you attending the @WoodlandsShow? Visit booth 10 for a FREE grilled treat from the #Creekstone team! Share on X

The Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show is a two-day celebration for homeowners and home improvement professionals in the Greater Montgomery County/North Houston area. From home decor to outdoor living, the show will host a number of exhibits displaying innovative products, decorating trends, and interactive presentations.

Get a Free Grilled Treat at Booth 10

Creekstone Outdoor Living is a full-service retail store and showroom, specializing in pools, patios, and outdoor kitchens. This year, we’re excited to attend the show as an outdoor living exhibitor and are bringing our best products for you to see.

Come meet the Creekstone team at Booth 10, where we’ll have a FREE grilled treat and live demonstrations on our favorite outdoor grills, including the Yoder Pellet, Big Green Egg, and Evo.

Show Details

Location

Lone Star Convention Center – 9055 Airport Road Conroe, TX 77303

Free Parking Available On-Site

Hours

Saturday, February 29, 2020
- 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, March 1, 2020
- 10 am – 5:30 pm

Ticket Prices

Adults – $10
Seniors – $9
12 and under – Free

Pro Tip: Get a $2 discount by filling out a form and buying tickets online through the Montgomery County Home & Outdoor Living Show’s website.

RSVP Your Family Today

Are you ready to attend the biggest outdoor living show in North Houston? Buy tickets online and learn more on our event page.

Connect with us on social media to stay updated with future events and outdoor living presentations.

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 Share on X

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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Author Archives: Sam Hickey