Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

19 Jul

Why Include Fire Features Around Your Swimming Pool?

Fire and water may not be two things you’d ever think of mixing. However, as an accessory to your swimming pool, decorative fire features add a touch of flair and a different type of lighting to your backyard. Fire features for your pool can serve both decorative and practical purposes.

If you’ve run out of ideas on how to further accessorize your backyard, consider adding a flame decoration near your swimming pool. The warm glow of open flames will not only present a very pleasing image, but can also be a practical addition to your backyard. Here are a few reasons why more homeowners are choosing to decorate with custom fire features.

Mix fire and water by adding decorative fire features around your swimming pool! #outdoorliving Share on X

Aesthetically Pleasing

The most obvious reason to install a fire feature is that it simply looks great. Particularly after sunset, an open flame on the edge of your pool looks magical and exotic. This feature is also slightly less common, giving your backyard the look of uniqueness you want. Whether you choose a fire pit, fire bowl, or some other design, you’re sure to find something that looks perfect in your yard.

Cook Over an Open Flame

Decorative fire also gives you the chance to cook over an open flame. For a classic treat, roast some marshmallows and enjoy a “camping” night. A few adventurous homeowners may even mount a grill over the fire and cook a steak or two. Get that smoky flavor you love so much without even leaving your backyard.

Pro Tip: If you decide to cook over a decorative fire pit, make sure to clean up well afterward.

Keep Mosquitoes Away

You’ve probably heard that smoke repels mosquitoes. While this is partially true, they’re particularly scared off by the smell of citronella, a natural bug repellant. Your new fire feature could thus become part of an anti-mosquito system in your yard. Combine the smoke of your fire with a few citronella candles or drop a few citronella leaves into the fire. While the smell may be strong at first, you’ll see far fewer mosquitoes and enjoy a quieter evening in your backyard.

Upgrading Your Backyard Decor

Fire features for your pool turn a run-of-the-mill backyard swimming space into an exotic hangout spot. Give yourself the gift of a luxury pool by adding an outdoor fire pit or fire bowl and impress your guests!

For more ideas on incorporating fire accessories into your backyard design, connect with us and browse our projects gallery.

12 Jul

Spacious Pool House Floor Plans to Impress Your Guests

Pool houses for your backyard can serve multiple purposes. From providing an open, shaded area to an enclosed storage area or guest suite, any visitor to your backyard is sure to appreciate the functionality of a pool house.

There’s no standard design for a pool house. Depending on how functional you want the space to be, you can choose from several different floor plans and styles for your backyard space. Let’s look at a few basic design choices and see which is the best for which circumstances.

These pool house designs are sure to decorate your backyard and impress your guests! Share on X

Completely Open

Technically, this may be more of a pergola, but some homeowners still consider it a pool house. This floor plan consists of an open-walled, shaded area covering the pool, a dining area, or an outdoor lounge space. This style is perfect for anyone who just wants to shade their pool or backyard without completely enclosing the space.

Partially Enclosed

Partially enclosing your pool house could mean including a bathroom or storage closet, walling in just one side, or other similar designs. This style could be used to provide a private restroom, changing area, or storage space right next to the pool while still providing shade and shelter from tree debris. On the other hand, this could be the perfect location for an outdoor kitchen. The partially enclosed space still allows for storage, but instead of pool supplies, you can keep food and cookware nearby.

Pro Tip: Your pool house doesn’t actually have to cover your pool. If you prefer, you can add it nearby as a complementing feature.

Completely Enclosed

For the homeowner who truly wants a miniature house in their backyard, a fully enclosed pool house is a perfect choice. With the right touch of interior design, you can transform the space into the ultimate guest house with a restroom, pull-out couch, or even a kitchenette. For a more simplistic approach, you can just enclose your pool and leave room for storage in the corners. Either way, your stunning pool house is sure to impress visitors!

The Perfect Pool House Floor Plan for You

How often does your pool get used? More importantly, how often do you have guests over who might need extra room? Before you choose a specific pool house floor plan, assess your needs and the potential needs of your visitors. Each style is suited to a specific usage. Make sure your choice fits your needs.

Connect with us to learn more about designing the perfect backyard paradise!

05 Jul

Designing a Contemporary Outdoor Kitchen Near Your Pool

What’s better than a hearty meal near your pool after a swim? Maybe cooking that meal in your outdoor kitchen! With all the practical features of an indoor cooking space, an outdoor kitchen lets you cook in the fresh air for yourself or for a backyard full of party guests.

For your outdoor kitchen design, there are a few things for you to consider. One is the appearance and decor you’d like to feature. For a contemporary kitchen to match your modern home, you’ll likely want to include these key elements of modern designs. Let’s look at some contemporary outdoor kitchen ideas.

Design the contemporary outdoor kitchen of the year with these design tips and ideas! Share on X

Stainless Steel

Nothing quite emulates the modern look like stainless steel appliances and cabinets. The sleek, metallic appearance will make your outdoor kitchen feel bright and open. Additionally, stainless steel’s universal appeal means it will pair with almost any other decorations or additions. Granite countertops in particular will provide a differing yet complementing color addition for your contemporary outdoor kitchen.

Cooking Appliances

Obviously, your kitchen will need cooking appliances and equipment. Choose from a wide variety of custom appliances designed to perfectly match or complement the rest of your decor. A few necessities include:

Grills: choose between charcoal, pellet, or gas grill models
Side burners: you can’t boil water or scramble eggs on a grill! Use these side burners to cook on a smaller scale.
Refrigerators: keep leftovers or ingredients chilled.
Ice makers: why haul ice from inside when you can just make it in your outdoor kitchen?
Vent hoods: keep the smoke out of your eyes while you cook.

Unique Flooring

Stone tiles or imitation stone provide the perfect floor pattern for a modern kitchen look. Try geometric patterns in two or three contrasting shades for an eye-catching floor plan and the perfect design to match the rest of your kitchen. In addition, don’t forget that this floor will probably have to withstand a lot more abuse, dirt, and impact than your indoor kitchen’s flooring materials. Find the most durable flooring you can.

Pro Tip: Even with a patio cover, your outdoor kitchen’s floor may get a little wet on rainy days. Choose a flooring material that doesn’t become too slippery when wet.

Put a Roof Over Your Head

Don’t let the rain or summer heat keep you from cooking! With a patio cover, you can continue cooking regardless of the weather and make your outdoor kitchen an extension of your home. A ceiling also gives you the chance to install a strategically placed fan or light to help even more with your cooking time. Design an outdoor room!

Your New Contemporary Kitchen

Designing a contemporary outdoor kitchen gives you the chance to have fun and customize your new outdoor space as much as you want. With plenty of choices for accessories, decor, and practical features, you’re sure to find something to love in your new contemporary outdoor kitchen.

Connect with us for more design inspiration and to see how other clients designed their own kitchens!

28 Jun

4 Reasons to Invest in a Covered Outdoor Living Area

As you design your ideal backyard, you’re probably considering several different ways to decorate. For plenty of Houston homeowners, a covered outdoor living area provides both practicality and comfort for a comfortable hangout spot. What can a covered space do for your backyard?

Does your dream backyard have a covered living area? It should! Find out why here. Share on X

Why a Covered Area is Part of the Perfect Backyard

A patio cover, cabana, or pergola adds a shady spot to your backyard and can complete an already accessorized outdoor living space. If you’re not sure your backyard needs one, consider what you might be getting by adding a covered area:

Protection from the weather
A comfy dining area or kitchen
A more appealing pool
An extension of your home or patio

1) Protection from the Weather

Houstonians are painfully aware of the constant heat and heavy rain that the summer brings. Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying your backyard! A patio cover or similar structure lets you construct an outdoor living room to relax and enjoy the weather without enduring the sun or rain.

2) A Comfy Dining Area or Kitchen

Constructing your outdoor kitchen or dining room under a cover does more than let you use both during inclement weather. It also keeps both areas reasonably protected from falling leaves and twigs, protecting your food. Your family and guests will appreciate the outdoor atmosphere with the comfort of shade and protection.

3) A More Appealing Pool

If your backyard includes a swimming pool, a cover will help keep leaves and twigs out of your pool. But why stop with an arbor over your pool? Take the covering a step further with a pool house to partially or entirely enclose your pool, all but guaranteeing no debris can get in and providing you with a climate-controlled swimming area.

Pro Tip: Your pool house can be fully furnished to become an awesome guest house, or just enclose your pool and protect it from the elements.

4) An Extension of Your Home or Patio

Your covered patio or living space should reflect the rest of your house. Expert designers will ensure the colors and structures match or complement your home and other backyard decor for a truly seamless transition. Once construction is complete, your new outdoor room will feel like an extension of your house that just happens to be outside.

Attractive Patio Design

A covered outdoor living area can make your backyard feel complete and add an additional appeal. Whether you’re perfecting a dining area or just want a small cover for your hangout spot, the possibilities are endless.

Connect with us to see completed outdoor coverings and brainstorm your own ideas!

21 Jun

Transform Your Backyard Into the Go-To Hangout Spot

Ready to host summer parties for your friends and family? Why not have those parties in your newly redone backyard? Turn the yard into an outdoor living space with everything you need for a great hangout!

With a little preparation and redecoration, your backyard will have all the custom features and supplies for some great outdoor hangouts this summer. Get ready to make the neighborhood jealous!

With a few new luxury features, your backyard will be ready to host memorable summer parties. How will you redecorate? Share on X

Water Features

If you don’t have a swimming pool in your backyard, why wait? If you already have one, considering adding a few unique features to catch your guests’ eyes. A few popular choices include:

Waterfalls
Bubblers
Underwater lights

Fire and Lighting

Keep the mosquitos away and light up the night with an open flame! Add a firepit or bowl of fire to provide an extra bit of glamor and provide the chance to cook over an open fire. You can also opt to add electric lights if the fire isn’t quite enough. Your choices include:

Fireplaces
Fire pits
Electric lanterns

Outdoor Cooking Space

Why not cook a nice dinner for your guests outside? A fully customizable outdoor kitchen will have all the functionality and features of your indoor kitchen! Choose from a variety of appliances and decor options:

Pro Tip: Don’t make your guests stand up to eat! Provide outdoor dining tables or stylish pool furniture for your backyard summer parties.

Structures

Stay safe from the Houston sun with a patio cover, pool house, or another source of shade. Your guests will appreciate the chance to enjoy the fresh air with a little less heat! Consider one of these customized features for your backyard:

Patio cover
Pool house (this can double as a guest house if you add enough features!)
Pergola/arbor

Create a Backyard Paradise

A perfect backyard design looks different for everyone. Before you settle on any features, decide how many guests you’re likely to have and which features will get used most often. Make sure your backyard appeals equally to you and to your friends and family.

Looking for more inspiration for your new backyard? Join the conversation and browse photos of completed backyard makeovers!

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey