Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

17 Jan

How to Plan a Backyard Upgrade

Creating an outdoor living space doesn’t happen overnight! With the right inspiration and expert installation, though, your backyard upgrade could be closer than you think. Don’t waste any more time imagining what your backyard could be. Start planning your new outdoor space!

New Year, New Backyard! Plan your dream backyard with these 5 simple steps! Share on X

Upgrading Your Backyard

Are you ready to make your dream backyard a reality? Whether you’re starting with bare sod or outdated design, upgrading your backyard can be overwhelming. Follow these easy steps to transform your outdoor space for you and your family.

Have a vision
Note the space and HOA limitations
Get inspired with landscaping ideas
Consult the experts
Start constructing

1) Have a vision

Who’s going to be using your backyard? Do you plan to entertain? Will you need lawn space for children to play? The first step of planning an upgrade is to think about how you will use the backyard. Make a list of reasons you’d like to step out of the back door and spend time outside. Once you have a vision of what you want your backyard to look like, you’ll be able to better decide which features to choose.

2) Note the space and HOA limitations

Sometimes, even the greatest ideas have limitations. Depending on the current makeup of your backyard, you might have an electrical box or tree that will affect the placement of your features. That being said, there may also be upgrades your homeowner’s association may not allow. Before you install a new patio cover or customized pool, be sure to get HOA approval before you build to minimize future problems.

3) Get inspired with landscaping ideas

A blank slate can be the best and worst way to start a project. While you might have a vision in mind, it’s helpful to get outside inspiration for your backyard. Visit your local garden store or browse landscaping ideas online to narrow down your search. Once you have a selection of ideas, you can start deciding what will work best for your personal yard.

Pro Tip: Install a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to create a warm ambiance, roast marshmallows, and enjoy cool nights year-round.

4) Consult the experts

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the experts. An experienced contractor can help you sort through the options and decide which landscaping ideas to use. From a visit to your backyard to a detailed estimate, your design consultation will ultimately determine what kind of resources will be required. By setting realistic expectations, you’ll be better equipped to create your new outdoor living area.

5) Start constructing

It’s time to make your design plan come to life! Whether you need to hire a crew to build your new pool or to install your new outdoor kitchen, the final step is to set aside time for construction. With the right tools and trained personnel, you could be days away from being able to enjoy your new backyard!

Ready, Set, Upgrade!

Once you have an idea of your dream backyard, the only thing left to do is to make it a reality. Whether you’re doing your own DIY projects or hiring a professional designer, the best part of a backyard upgrade is the finished product. The final transformation of your backyard will make all of your dreaming and planning worth it!

Are you ready to upgrade your backyard? Schedule a design consultation with us today!

03 Jan

3 Backyard Ideas for Entertaining in 2020

The new year is a great time to reevaluate your progress and set goals for the future. As you start setting resolutions for 2020, don’t forget to make plans for your outdoor space! This is a great time to start brainstorming backyard ideas for entertaining your friends and family this year.

Can you believe it’s 2020?! Start the year off right with these 3 backyard entertaining ideas! Share on X

Creating Your Entertainment Space

Is your home the go-to hangout spot for your community? With a couple of improvements, your backyard could become the talk of the neighborhood. Instead of looking out your back window with regret, start designing the entertainment space of the year with these impressive ideas.

1. Host a Movie Night

Ever heard of a drive-in movie theater? Instead of having to drive somewhere, provide that same experience in the great outdoors! With an outdoor living room and projector, your backyard can become the perfect space for a movie night. Add stove-cooked popcorn and homemade pizza, and you’ll have the best cinema in town.

Pro Tip: Keep drinks cold for any occasion with a wine cooler or outdoor fridge. Your outdoor parties will be a hit with refreshments within arm’s reach.

2. Make Your Backyard Kid-Friendly

If your goal is to create a great backyard this year, don’t forget about the kids in your life! From a custom pool to playground equipment, designing a kid-friendly backyard will add value and functionality to your outdoor space.

3. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Do you really want to be the entertainer of the year? Then, install an outdoor kitchen. Easy to access appliances and customized dining tables will upgrade your space exponentially. Instead of being cooped up inside, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and entertain your guests with the personalization of an outdoor kitchen.

This is Your Year

No matter what may have transpired in 2019, the start of a new year welcomes a fresh start and room to achieve your goals. Don’t waste time thinking about what you wish you could accomplish. Make 2020 the year to design the perfect backyard for you and your family.

What are your new year’s resolutions? Share with us on social media!

20 Dec

Happy Holidays from Creekstone Outdoor Living!

2019 has zipped along to the end in the blink of an eye and the holidays are upon us. Amidst the hustle and bustle of celebration, this is the season to pause and reflect on this past year. We consider what went well and look for opportunities for growth. With that in mind, here’s a look at 2019 with Creekstone Outdoor Living!

As the holidays draw near, we’re reminiscing over the highlights of 2019 and are looking forward to creating more memories in the new year. Share on X

New Pool Design Service

Earlier this spring, we celebrated the introduction of our pool design service. From custom slides to rock waterfalls, our customers have been able to design backyard pools to match their style. We’ve received an awesome amount of positive feedback and look forward to building more pools in 2020.

Announcing an Additional Service from Creekstone: Pool Design & Build

Ways to Transform Backyard into Hangout Spot

In Houston, backyard design has become one of our favorite pastimes. Each customer’s personalized outdoor kitchen or patio cover has added a special touch to their beautiful landscapes. In more ways than one, our team has loved the opportunities to transform each backyard into their family’s favorite hangout spot.

Transform Your Backyard Into The Go-To Hangout Spot

Pro Tip: Accessorize your outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances that are functional and stylish for your family.

Increase Home’s Value

As real estate continues to skyrocket and more people move to our state, your home’s value is determined by more than you think. This year, we’ve noticed that it’s becoming increasingly important for homeowners to keep their houses up to date with the latest trends. By installing the backyard upgrades and improving your curb appeal, you could increase the value of your home exponentially.

How to Increase Your Home’s Value

Ring in the New Year

The holiday season and the end of another year are always busy. As you gather with your family and friends, we wish you all the love and thank you for connecting with us this year. Creekstone Outdoor Living is dedicated to improving ourselves in 2020, and we hope to pass that hope for improvement on to our customers!

What are your holiday plans? Let us know on Facebook and enjoy your time off!

13 Dec

Install a Fire Pit and 6 Other Ideas for Outdoor Kitchen Decor

Your outdoor space is a place you and your family entertain guests and enjoy time together. It’s where you can step outside your back door, enjoy a cup of coffee, watch the big sports game, or celebrate a birthday. Above all, your outdoor kitchen decor should match your unique style and be an extension of your home.

Cook in style with these 7 Creekstone-approved decorating ideas for your outdoor kitchen! Share on X

Upgrade Your Houston Cooking Space

Whether you’re just now designing an outdoor kitchen or are looking for ways to spruce up your entertaining space, the options can be overwhelming. Consider these 7 ideas in preparation for your design consultation:

Fire Pit
Outdoor Furniture
Pergola
Light Fixture with a Fan
Fully-Customized Grilling Station
Designer Backsplash
Outdoor TV

1) Fire Pit

There’s nothing like grabbing a camp chair and gathering around a fire pit to roast marshmallows. Install a fire pit or custom fireplace in your backyard to provide warmth and functionality for your guests.

2) Outdoor Furniture

What’s an outdoor living space without ample seating? Whether you have a sofa and chair set near the dining area or a lawn chair by the pool, outdoor furniture is a must for any outdoor kitchen. With a number of colors and durable materials, you can create a space to enjoy year-round.

3) Pergola

There’s nothing more annoying than sitting outside and having the sun glare into your eyes. With a pergola or patio cover, you can save on electricity and escape from the sun by shading your outdoor cooking space.

Pro Tip: One pergola is unlike the other. From double-stacked beams to arbor columns, our design experts can design a shaded structure with any kind of solid wood or metal you desire.

4) Light Fixture with a Fan

Every outdoor dining area needs a good light and a ceiling fan. Whether the sun is blazing hot or going down, your kitchen would greatly benefit from a light fixture with a fan. It’s functional, and in most cases, a stylish way to welcome guests to spend time in your outdoor space no matter what time of day.

5) Fully-Customized Grilling Station

Without a grill or a way to cook food, could it really be called an outdoor kitchen? As you’re designing your kitchen, choose features that your family is going to use. From a pizza oven to a rotisserie smoker, there are a number of built-in grills to make food prep a fun activity right in the backyard.

6) Designer Backsplash

Often overlooked, the backsplash that you choose for your outdoor kitchen is a great way to add personalization to your space. From different materials and colors, you can choose a pattern that will coordinate beautifully with your counter surface and outdoor appliances.

7) Outdoor TV

Make your backyard the best place for the big game or national event with an outdoor TV installed in your kitchen. While waiting for the food to cook or visiting at the dining table, an outdoor TV can provide entertainment for all of your guests.

Stylish Outdoor Entertaining

Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be drab and boring. With stylish design choices and personalized features, your outdoor kitchen can become your family’s favorite hangout spot.

Connect with us on social media to learn more about how our expert designers can make your dream outdoor kitchen a reality.

06 Dec

5 Essential Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Make your backyard the talk of the neighborhood with exceptional outdoor kitchen appliances. Instead of being stuck inside, you and your guests can bring the party outside with all of your necessary equipment within arm’s reach.

Are you ready for your next backyard party?! Make sure your outdoor kitchen has these 5 appliances! Share on X

5 Essential Outdoor Kitchen Appliances, Creekstone Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

How functional is your Houston outdoor kitchen?

How are you going to use your outdoor kitchen? The goal is for you to have a fully-functioning kitchen so that you keep all of your food preparation in one place. Make sure these 5 outdoor kitchen appliances are on your list:

Refrigerator
Sideburner
Ice Maker
Wine Cooler
Vent Hood

1) Refrigerator

Besides countertops or a sink, a refrigerator is a top feature to have in your outdoor kitchen. Keep your drinks and fresh veggies cold with a fully-functioning fridge installed within your cabinets. Depending on the size of your space, you have the option of choosing a refrigerator/freezer combination or a two-drawer fridge to suit your needs.

Pro Tip: If you’re a lover of wine and regularly entertain guests, consider installing a wine cooler for extra convenience in your backyard.

2) Side burners

When you’re outside entertaining your guests, cooking is a great way to bring everyone together. Be sure to add side burners to your outdoor kitchen for increased functionality and flexibility. Whether you need a double burner or a single side burner, there are multiple models to choose from to customize your kitchen however you’d like.

3) Ice Maker

There’s nothing like having a drink that’s lukewarm. Have ice readily available with an ice maker installed in your outdoor kitchen. Instead of having to run to the store, you can have up to 55lbs of clear ice available year-round.

4) Outdoor Grill

Instead of having a separate charcoal or gas grill on your back patio, install an outdoor grill directly within your cabinetry. From built-in griddles to grills with rotisserie, there are a number of options to make your grilling experiencing fit your appetite.

5) Pizza Oven

Take your outdoor cooking to a new level with a pizza oven that can be fully accessed outside. From pool parties to weekend gatherings, your guests will love the authentic pizza taste that comes from cooking in a pizza oven.

The Difference that Counts

When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen, don’t forget to choose appliances that will work for your family. There’s nothing worse than having an appliance that takes up space and isn’t being used. Instead, choose appliances that will give your outdoor kitchen the functionality it deserves.

Did your favorite appliance miss the list? Connect with one of our outdoor kitchen designers for more information.

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey