Sam Hickey, Author at Creekstone Outdoors

16 Mar

How to Add Value to Your Home With Outdoor Improvements

Did you know that making a few outdoor improvements can add significant value to your home? However, not all improvements add value, and according to Forbes, paying for unnecessary improvements is one of the biggest and costliest mistakes a homeowner can make. Some outdoor improvements offer larger returns than others, and many of them can be done without breaking the bank.

Adding Value With Outdoor Improvements

Below are the top seven ways to upgrade your outdoor living space and add significant value to your home.

1) Lawn & Landscaping

One of the first things a person notices when looking at a house is the lawn and landscaping. And, while refreshing your lawn might not seem very important, it has been found that landscaping and lawns can boost your return of investment upwards of 300% or more.

Patchy and discolored lawns are an eyesore. Make sure your lawn is alive and thriving. Make sure you set up a consistent lawn care schedule-whether maintain your yard yourself, or pay someone to do it.

There are many low-maintenance ways to beautify your landscaping. Choosing native plants that thrive in your area are a smart idea and makes care for them easier. Adding mulch to beds or installing shrubs or flowers in decorative planters are simple ways to boost the value of your home.

2) New Patio

Installing a patio is the perfect way to add value to your home. Not only will it allow you to utilize your space for parties and get-togethers while you live in the house, but patios are highly sought after by those looking to purchase a home. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, patios are among the top ten features buyers want when looking for a new house.

3) A Spark of Fire

Who doesn’t enjoy sitting around a fire with family and friends? Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your patio or outdoor living area will certainly add value to your home. An area for a fireplace or fire pit is one of the top trends and is the right decision. Not only will it offer plenty of use and enjoyment while you are living there, but will also give you a 78% return in your investment when you are ready to sell.

4) Just Add Water

Having a swimming pool is a must in the south, and installing or upgrading a pool is a very wise investment with a big return. If the space in your backyard doesn’t work well with installing a pool, or if you cannot afford one, adding a pond or fountain is another option to add water and value to your home. If you are thinking of adding a pool only to sell the home, save the money and look for less expensive ways to add water features to your yard.

5) Light the Way

Outdoor lighting doesn’t only add beauty and value to your home, it also creates a sense of safety for family and friends. Outdoor lighting creates ambiance and allows you to highlight certain areas of the yard. Many outdoor lighting sets run on solar energy and don’t affect your electric bill. Lighting helps to show off your garden at night, silhouettes your trees and adds significant value to your home.

6) Privacy Fences

No one enjoys being watched or exposed while relaxing in their backyard. Installing a fence around your backyard is relatively inexpensive, ensures privacy, and makes your space look complete. Fences are sought after and add significant value to your home. There are many varieties of fences in different heights and colors, depending on what fits in with your landscaping and yard design. A living fence is also an option and can be made with various shrubs and plants.

7) Outdoor Living Space

A Casual space to sit and converse and relax in your backyard boost value and is easy and inexpensive to do. Set up an outdoor seating area or have an outdoor kitchen installed. Buyers who do a lot of outdoor entertaining will be searching for a home with an outdoor living space already in place. Outdoor seating and living spaces are especially popular in Texas with our mild winters and gorgeous springs.

Adding Value to Your Home

When brainstorming for ways to add value to your home, make sure to choose projects that give you the largest return on your investment. Of all the improvements you can do on your home, updating and improving your outdoor living space is one with largest returns. Share on X Make sure to come up with a game plan, and contact a reliable company when you are ready for larger improvements such as patios, waterfalls and outdoor kitchens.

To learn more about how you can add value to your home with outdoor improvements, Contact Us.

07 Mar

Custom Outdoor Kitchen and Cabana by Creekstone Outdoor Living in Houston Texas

6 Ways to Build a Beautiful Backyard

If you’re at home, look outside your back door. Are you happy with what you see? Are you using that land to its full potential? If not, it may be time to build a beautiful backyard that you can be proud of. Let this be the summer that you create an outdoor living space that will leave neighbors envious and friends in awe!

Planning a Functional & Beautiful Backyard

If you’re considering redesigning your backyard, take a moment to think about your priorities. If your family likes to spend time outdoors, what do you like to do? An active family looking for a space to play will have very different needs than a couple who loves to cook and entertain. Perhaps you’re just looking for a quiet place to unwind at the end of a long day. Whatever your needs, the right elements can create a stunning backyard:

1) Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are enjoying a boom in popularity and for good reason! Outdoor cooking is low-maintenance and fun, allowing the host to be in the middle of everything, even while preparing a meal. Today’s options are endless, meaning that the appliances and tools you use indoors are available for outdoor kitchens as well.

2) Dining Area

There is nothing more romantic or luxurious than settling in for a delicious meal under the stars. Add soft lighting and music, and you’ve created a night to remember. Once you’ve experienced alfresco dining, you’ll never want to throw a stuffy dinner party again!

3) Fireplace

Fire pits and fireplaces are a perfect example of form and function. Not only are they a beautiful and romantic addition to your backyard, but they provide both light and warmth into the evening. This extends the time you can enjoy the great outdoors, surrounded by family and friends.

4) Shade Structures

On a hot summer day, it’s important to provide plenty of shade so that lounging outdoors is bearable! Shade structures, such as pergolas and arbors, add visual interest and aesthetically pleasing height contrast.

5) Conversation Areas

While outdoor living areas generally encourage casual conversations, providing a separate seating area for guests is recommended. This allows anyone wishing to have a quiet conversation to break off from the group in favor of a separate seating area.

6) Natural Traffic Flow

When designing your backyard, it’s important to keep in mind the natural flow of foot traffic in your backyard. For example, putting a seating area right outside the backdoor might be awkward with people going in and out all night. Think about where people will likely spend their time, and plan your zones (eating, chatting, playing) accordingly.

A Home Oasis

There’s no better feeling than coming home after a long day and setting into your own personal backyard oasis. Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home and should be given the same attention to detail. The result is a beautiful paradise you won’t want to leave!

To start designing the backyard living space of your dreams, Contact Us.

02 Mar

The Best Outdoor Accessories For a Backyard Oasis

So you’ve finally finished the outdoor living space of your dreams. You added a custom built outdoor kitchen and poolside dining area and you can’t wait to show them off. Looking around, you might find that it needs a little something more. Some design elements that will really make the space your own.

Form and Function

When you’re choosing accessories for your backyard living space, it’s important to combine form with function. Items should be beautiful but serve a purpose. Outdoor elements that sit neglected will just look like junk or clutter.

1) Firepit

An outdoor fire pit is a perfect accessory for any backyard oasis. It provides warmth on cold nights, which will extend the number of hours your backyard can be used. Modernizations in design mean that the simple fire pits of the past are gone. Custom fire pits can be as elaborate as you’d like, utilizing either real firewood or gas. Add diamond nuggets to your gas fire pit to create a magical, sparkling sight.

2) Lights

The right outdoor lighting can create a calming and safe environment for guests and family members. Path lighting allows visitors to navigate their way around your backyard. Thoughtfully placed sconce lights and lanterns cast soft light throughout your patio space, while overhead lighting facilitates practical tasks like cooking.

3) Kitchen Luxuries

An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic investment and a great place to host a dinner party. With the growing popularity of outdoor kitchens, there are no limits to what you can add to yours. Ice makers, elaborate gas grills, refrigerators and commercial grade cooktops. If you love to cook, you can have an outdoor kitchen with as many amenities (or more) as your indoor kitchen!

4) Pillows & Blankets

Adding a soft touch to your outdoor living space makes it feel even more like an extension of your home. There is more variety than ever in outdoor-safe textiles, from rugs to blankets. Gather around your fire pit in comfort with the right accessories.

5) Entertainment

Your outdoor living space may include a covered patio, which is ideal for a wall mounted television. While the kids play in the pool you can relax and watch tv. Host a movie premiere party with friends and invest in a projector so everyone can see.

Adding a Personal Touch

As you accessorize your outdoor space, it’s important to incorporate your personality into everything. If you love the ocean, incorporate tones of blue and green. For a zen-like atmosphere, use lots of natural materials and neutral colors. Your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor design and should reflect that level of care.

The Best Outdoor Accessories For Your Space

Once you’ve placed the perfect finishing touches to your backyard oasis, take a step back and admire your work. You’ve created an entirely new living space, with all the conveniences of the indoors, but in the fresh air of the great outdoors. With everything done, now it’s time to sit back and enjoy your beautiful backyard.

To learn more about how to transform your backyard into a masterpiece, Contact Us.

23 Feb

Tips For a Stunning Custom Built Pool House

If you’ve ever had company over for a swim in your backyard pool, then you know the struggle to keep the water in the pool! Even wrapped in towels, kids leave puddles of water on their way to the bathroom. Doors are left open, letting bugs in and air conditioning out! A pool house is the perfect marriage of form and function. Your days of wiping floors and finding a place for all the pool toys are over!

Modern Luxury

A pool house is a symbol of refined luxury and convenience. Once a symbol of the ultra-elite, they’ve slowly made their way into the mainstream. Modern pool houses have retained their luxurious appeal, and are the perfect way to maximize your pool.

Open Air or Enclosed

The first decision you need to make is whether to build a fully enclosed pool house around your pool or opt for something smaller. While there are pros and cons to each, it depends on what’s convenient for you. In regions that experience a lot of rain, an enclosed pool house is a huge perk. In drier areas, you may want to swim out in the sunshine.

Cohesive Design

The look of your pool house should somewhat mirror the look of your home. Architectural elements should be similar, in order to maintain a cohesive design. If they look too different it will be obvious that the pool house was added on after the home was built, and that creates a bit of disconnect.

Keep Guests in Mind

A custom pool house should provide a private space for guests to change, shower, and use the restroom. While the idea of a modern glass structure is tempting, if it offers little in the way of privacy, you’ll see it go unused. If you’re building a large pool house, consider adding a guest bedroom. This adds significant value to your home and provides a private and convenient space for guests.

Maximize Storage Space

A practical element of a pool house is the ample storage they provide. Pool towels, toys, and floaties can all be stored in one convenient location. You can also keep pool chemicals, tools and testing materials in your pool house.

Unique Details

Your pool house is the perfect opportunity to add unique details to set it apart. A sound system, sauna, or fireplace can provide an unexpected element to the design. Even in a small space, a big impact is possible.

A pool house is the perfect marriage of form and function.

The Convenience of a Custom Built Pool House

A pool house is not only a convenient and valuable addition to your home, but it’s a statement. Working with an experienced builder can ensure that your vision is as perfect as you imagined it would be. Whether you opt for enclosed or detached, a custom built pool house it made with you and your family in mind.

To get started building a stunning pool house that complements your pool and adds value to your home,Contact Us.

16 Feb

Creekstone Spring Clearance Event!

For two days only (February 23 – 24), Creekstone Outdoor Living is hosting our annual Spring Clearance Event! This is the perfect time to stock up on all your backyard barbecue needs before summer arrives. Shop the beautiful retail showroom and let our friendly design team help bring your backyard vision to life!

Creekstone Outdoor Living

Creekstone Outdoor Living is your one-stop shop for custom outdoor design services and products. With an emphasis on quality and satisfaction, Creekstone has earned a stellar reputation in and around Houston. Take advantage of incredible markdown on brands including:

High-Quality Products

Creekstone carries only the highest quality products, sure to last for years to come. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get started on the backyard of your dreams, then mark your calendar! Shop our selection of grills and accessories, or speak with a member of our design team about building an outdoor kitchen or living room. For more information about our Spring Clearance Event, or to visit our retail store and design center, Contact Us.

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Author Archives: Sam Hickey