Creekstone Outdoor Living Minimalist Living Room

Tips to Make Your Small Living Room Look Bigger

Having a small living room can be troublesome. You don’t know where to place your new furniture or how to accommodate guests. While increasing the real floor area may not be possible, clever planning can make your living room appear bigger than it actually is, while allowing you to use the space in a better manner.

Here are 10 tips that can help you capitalize on an immensely small living room.

Blending Rooms

Creekstone Outdoor Living Custom Room InspirationBlend your living room with your other rooms to make it appear bigger. This can be done by merging doors and walls of adjacent rooms into your living room.

Keep the example of a kitchen in mind. If you have your kitchen right next to the living room, but it’s separated by a window and wall, you can remove this barrier and go for an open kitchen. This way your kitchen would be a part of the living room making it look bigger. Plus, you will also find it easy to cater to people, especially when you are hosting an event at your place.

You can also blend your living room with your outdoor living space. Installing a patio door invites guests to enjoy both your indoors and outdoors spaces. Your outdoor space could be a simple sitting area with table and chairs or a complete outdoor kitchen to enhance your home’s value and add a larger area for entertaining.

Custom Made Furniture And Shelves

Creekstone Outdoor Living Custom Bench InspirationKeep away from large and heavy furniture. It will occupy a lot of space and make the room look more smaller. Rather, go for, adjustable furniture, like couches. For instance, a couch having valuable storage space available underneath can remove the need to have drawers and more furniture in the room.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase a custom couch, get innovative and consider a rollaway drawer with sections and place it under the couch. Installing vertical creative brackets on wall will also free up a lot of floor space.

The idea is to use as little furniture as possible. Having nothing in your living room but a place to sit can be enough at times. The free space can be used to accommodate guests. Cluttered rooms look smaller than they are, so do away with the items that you do not need.

Creative Arrangement

The arrangement of your furniture says a lot. For example, if you place your couch in the middle of the room, the room would appear very small as there wouldn’t be enough space to walk. Conversely, if you place your couch in a corner, the whole room will be accessible, making it look bigger. We tend to gauge a room’s size based on the amount of empty space that we see.

You should also use your furniture to create different zones in your living room. For example, a couch can be placed in front of a TV to make it look like the ‘TV area’ and a work table can be placed in another corner to make it looks like the ‘work area.’

In addition to this, you can also enhance the design of the room by placing different lighting in each zone. The TV area can be highlighted by hanging a light above, and a lamp can be placed next to the study table to highlight the work zone.

Multi-Purpose Items

Use items that serve multiple purpose so that you do not overcrowd the room. For instance, a table used as a work desk and eating area or a pull out couch bed can be a good choice.

Rather than having floating shelves, select gliding drawers. They fill a similar need and give you additional compartments for necessities as well. These days, concept furniture is in. You can get couches that can turn into beds and even into tables. While such an investment requires a good amount of money, it can be very useful in the long run.

Tones On The Walls

Utilizing white or paler tones can improve the overall view of your room. Use the same color for the wall and the trim as it would make the room look bigger. When your walls match the color of your trim, your eyes are attracted to the ceiling, which makes the room appear bigger.

However, you can also use darker hues such as charcoal dim. These shades can make your living space gorgeously welcoming. But keep in mind to get contrasting furniture and pale floor covering if you’re using darker shades.

Use Rugs That Cover A Large Area

Use rugs that cover your entire seating area. It makes it appear as if you have an extra amount of space on the floor. In addition to this, rugs also look very attractive. However, make sure to use large sized rugs as a small rug would not serve the same purpose.

Eye Catching Features in One Corner

Concentrate on one corner of the room and fill it with attractive furniture and features that appeal to visitors. You can use special lighting and fixtures to give it a good look, but make sure the space doesn’t look congested.

If you have a section highlighted, most visitors would concentrate on it, neglecting other zones which you can leave empty to make your room look spacious.

It is necessary for a smaller room to be decently decorated because we spend a lot of time in the living room. Pick customizable decor and adjust it according to the available space.

We hope these simple yet effective tips will help you make your living room look bigger. The key lies in using little furniture, having empty space and using a clever mix of lights and colors to give your room a new look that makes it look bigger than it actually is.

Covered Patio with Summer Kitchen by Creekstone Outdoor Living

Top 5 Grills for Your Outdoor Kitchen

As the primary element in an outdoor kitchen, selecting the best grill for your lifestyle and cooking space is an important decision.

Whether you’re designing a complete outdoor kitchen and prefer a built-in grill to compliment the other kitchen elements or are looking to upgrade the cart grill in an existing outdoor living space, we have some suggestions to get you started.

Big Green Egg

Big Green Egg Grill Family

Not only is a Big Green Egg versatile functioning as a grill, oven and smoker all in one, it’s stylish, too! You’re sure to get plenty of compliments simply on the look of this ceramic kamado-style charcoal grill.

The Big Green Egg heats up hot for the perfect sear on steaks, pork, burgers and brats, and its two dampers adjust the temperature when grilling fish, seafood and vegetables. Lower the temperature a little more and the Big Green Egg becomes a smoker for your choice of meats. With the addition of a pizza and baking stone, the Big Green Egg transforms once again into an oven for pizzas, breads and desserts.

Since the Big Green Egg is available in seven sizes, it is an excellent choice for any outdoor kitchen as it can fit in a variety of spaces. It can be used as a tabletop grill, raised to the perfect height with a Big Green Egg Nest and set in a Custom Cooking Island. Or your custom outdoor kitchen countertop can be designed specifically to fit a Big Green Egg.

Fire Magic Aurora series

FireMagic Aurora 600 Built in Grill - Open View

Looking for a gas grill that heats up fast and stays hot? Look no further than the Fire Magic Aurora series grill. With more BTU’s per square inch and the largest cooking space compared to other grills the same size, there’s no messing around when it comes to meal preparation.

Its cast stainless steel “E” burners are guaranteed for life and the stainless steel flavor grids are engineered for durability and even heat distribution.

Even novice outdoor chefs will find the Fire Magic Aurora easy to use with its Advanced Hot Surface Ignition and convenient built-in interior lights.

Add on the optional stainless steel rotisserie back burner and rotisserie kit and this conventional grill is geared up for roasting and serious barbecuing.

RCS Built-In Cutless Series

RCS Pro Series Grill with Rear Burner - Ron30s

The RCS Cutless Series grill features 840 square inches of cooking space, three cast stainless steel burners, grilling zone separators and stainless steel flame tamers.

When you fire up your RCS grill, don’t hesitate to invite your extended family or the entire neighborhood for a meal. Available as a built-in, this RCS grill will fit snuggly in a custom outdoor kitchen countertop.

Lynx Freestanding Grill

Lynx Professional freestanding Grill Prosear 2 Burner and Rotisserie 54 inch

If a cart grill is a better fit for your outdoor kitchen, the Lynx Freestanding Grill could be just what you’re looking for. It comes equipped with three cast brass burners, a ProSear 2 Burner, a dual position rotisserie and premium smoker box. The possibilities with this grill are truly endless.

Throw some steaks over the ProSear 2 Burner to sear, truss a chicken and secure it on the rotisserie spit, or select your favorite cut of meat to slow cook in the smoker box. Your guest won’t be disappointed when the meal comes off the grill.

American Muscle Grill

American Muscle 36 inch Grill - Open Lights

Have you dreamed about owning a grill designed after muscle car? Well you are now! Available as a built-in or cart, the American Muscle Grill is unmatched in function and design. From the front, it honestly resembles a 1968 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. Now that’s sure to turn some heads!

And you can cook with pretty much any fuel on the market – charcoal, lump charcoal, wood chunks, natural gas, liquid propane and pellets fuels. Plus its resourceful Multi-Fuel Tray System makes it possible to grill using any combination of solid fuels. Let your imagination soar with this multifaceted grill!

A Full Outdoor Kitchen and full size Refrigerator in Hoston

6 Surprising Things You Can Do To Increase Your Home’s Value

Did you know you can remodel your house to increase its value? Talk to any interior designer or real estate agent, and they’ll tell you how houses with a few added elements not only fetch a better price, but also get sold quickly.

Remodeling your home has numerous benefits, but doing so within your budget can be a daunting task. When we talk about increasing home’s value, we include everything from a new paint job to upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom to simply improving the physical aspect of your home with new furniture. All this combined can boost your home’s value by up to 70 percent if you do it right.

But, do not get intimidated. You can start small and it will give you many benefits. The first point you should remember is that you cannot neglect any corner of your house. From the entrance door to the kitchen cabinet, anything and everything is of importance.

So without much ado, let’s move ahead with some tips on what you can do to improve your home’s value:

1.  An Extra Spark With Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are turning out to be exceptionally famous. It’s something you can easily highlight when you put your house up for sale. Getting an outdoor kitchen can cost as low as $5,000 or as high as $500,000. The Return on Investment (ROI) is around 10 percent, which is a pretty good number. But, if you use the right material and your house is placed in a nice location, the ROI on this investment can go as high as 150 percent.

An outdoor kitchen gives an extra spark to your home. On one side you can enjoy yourself and host parties like never before. On other side, you can make a good amount of money as it is considered an investment. However, you need to be wise when it comes to investing in an outdoor kitchen.

There are a number of options available to you. If your budget does not allow much, you can pick a grill and place it outside. However, if you have the budget and space to do more, you can add a patio and other elements such as a refrigerator, outdoor lighting and a seating area to make your outdoor kitchen standout. While some of the items in an outdoor kitchen can be moved once you sell the house, the overall look would still add value to your house as you can use the outdoor kitchen to entice buyers.

2. Swimming Pool

Custom Houston Pool House by Creekstone Outdoor LivingA swimming pool can be a decent upgrade for your home and will surely increase your home’s value. Some things to keep in mind while getting a pool for your home is to make sure it is of correct size and suitable according to your location.

Swimming pools can increase the value of your home, and you’ll likely be looking at an ROI of about 15 to 25 percent. The cost to get a swimming pool lies between $5,000 and $12,800, depending upon the size and depth. However, maintaining one can be a daunting task, so make sure you make this investment wisely.

In addition to this, remember that the ROI on a swimming pools vary according to the area. The yields lie somewhere between 6-11 percent. If you live in a neighborhood where there are less swimming pools, your house is probably going to pull more buyers.

3. Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom rebuilds are an ROI magnets. An average human spends over one hour and 42 minutes in a bathroom, as per a recent survey. According to experts, a bathroom is typically the first thing anybody will notice about your house, so do not make the mistake of neglecting it.

A bathroom having two sinks, decent lighting and a custom shower is likely to increase the value of your home. Making it sparkle with fresh new paint and lavish accessories can also be helpful. If you have the budget, you can invest in a radiant heat floor mat or new bathtub.

If you have enough space, you can even change your bathroom into a full blown spa. It can give you an ROI of around 85 percent, but the cost can be as high as $6,000. However, normally, spending to remodel a bathroom can be a wise choice as it yields a 62 percent ROI on average, depending on if you do it correctly. A usual job would cost you around $1,500 with improved tiles and painting.

4. Renovating Front Yard

Renovating your front yard and expanding it won’t cost as much as most interior rebuilds. Adding pavers, suitable outdoor appliances and different touches can increase your home’s value.

If there’s an extra space that comes in the vicinity of the front yard or backyard, then it would be wise to push it out and merge it with the front yard. Most renovating specialists say that renovating and rebuilding your front yard can give you returns of around 12 percent.

If your budget is sufficient and you can afford a lavish front yard, then we suggest that you focus on an extensive front yard makeover. Improved landscaping and a garage can give you returns as high as 72 percent.

5. Beautifying The Walls With Fresh Paint

Painting your house gives the home a more contemporary look that will engage both residents and purchasers. Repainting the inside of your home and keeping it cozy with soft color tones greatly increases your home value. If you’re good at it, you can save some money by doing the job yourself.

6. Flooring

Go for flooring options which are noiseless and provide a smooth experience and try to get rid of carpet flooring as it can be an issue when it comes to cleaning. Hardwood flooring is considered a favorite by many.

Final Verdict
These are some modest changes that you can make to increase the value of your home. The key lies in using space the right way and adding elements that others want to see, such as an outdoor kitchen. However, make sure to check ROI before you make an investment.

Outdoor Kitchens

10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Outdoor kitchens continue to gain in popularity as homeowners across the county seek to spend more time outdoors. They can be a welcome addition to an existing patio area and can complement a new entertainment space. From luxurious to simplistic, the possibilities are infinite.

Let’s take a glimpse at some inspirational ideas from our own portfolio.

Sports Fan’s Paradise

Creekstone Outdoor Living - Cabana with Full Kitchen and Living Room 6

Amenities such as a wall-mounted TV, oversized comfy couches and an extended granite countertop bar will make you the envy of every sports fan in the neighborhood. So go ahead and invite them over for the next big game!

An Inclusive Space

Houston Cabana

Everyone is part of the party when an outdoor kitchen includes floating bar seating and a stunning outdoor table. This inclusive layout lets the cook tend to dinner on the grill while enjoying the company of family and friends.

Room for a Crowd

Custom Outdoor Kitchen and Cabana - Side View by Creekstone Outdoor Living in Houston TexasCustom Outdoor Kitchen and Cabana - Aerial View by Creekstone Outdoor Living in Houston Texas

There’s no need to limit the guest list when your outdoor kitchen easily accommodates a crowd. Built-in seating on a patio a few steps from the outdoor kitchen provides a cozy gathering place while leaving plenty of room for guest to mingle comfortably.

Complementary Stone Accents

Attached Patio Cover

The addition of an outdoor kitchen should stand out for many reasons, but it should also blend in with existing structures. Natural stone accents can complement the brickwork or stone on an existing home and the other elements in a kitchen.

Wood Beams and Ceilings

Creekstone Outdoor Living - Rustic Cabana with full Outdoor Kitchen & Living space - 1

While a patio cover functions to keep the outdoor kitchen and its occupants protected from the elements, wood beams and ceilings add distinctive flair to the space.

Functional Layout

Covered Patio with Summer Kitchen by Creekstone Outdoor Living

Designing an outdoor kitchen with a U-shaped layout puts all the elements within reach. With this design, the cook can effortlessly manage the grills and side burner without having to leave the kitchen to get essentials from the refrigerator and storage drawers. Food preparation is simplified thanks to a sink and granite countertop with matching cutting board.

Best Seat in the Pool

Poolside Full Outdoor Kitchen and Cabana

What’s better than a poolside outdoor kitchen? Not much, except for an poolside outdoor kitchen with a swim up bar. Swim up barstools are the ideal spot to sip a refreshing beverage and socialize as the meal is prepared.

Let the Sun Shine In

Creekstone Outdoor Living - Custom Houston Pergola

A custom pergola covered with a tinted polycarbonate roof is the perfect solution for those with a desire for natural light in an outdoor kitchen. The roof protects the kitchen’s elements, but lets plenty of sun shine on the party.

Warm It Up

Fireplace Houston

Outdoor kitchens equipped with heating elements, such as an outdoor fireplace, extend the season of outdoor living spaces. Guests can warm up during cooler weather as they bask in the glow of fresh cut logs or a gas log insert depending on your tastes.

Go All Out

Custom Houston Pool House by Creekstone Outdoor Living

Sometimes you just have to go all out. An outdoor kitchen is a welcome element in a complete entertainment complex. While the kitchen may not be the centerpiece of the design, it’s convenient location just steps away from the pool area makes grabbing a snack a breeze.

Creekstone Outdoor Living Full Outdoor Space with cabana, pool and stone slide

Organize Your Pool Cabana For Storage and Enjoyment

Your pool cabana provides an extra convenient, and likely necessary, storage space for your pool. Of course, you store all the accessories that come with your pool. Towels, pool toys and lounge cushions. Pool maintenance tools and chemicals. Maybe your pool heater and other mechanical systems are tucked away in there, too. You and your guests probably change there, and you might store pool snacks and drinks.

But there’s so much more your cabana can be used for if you organize and design it right. It can be much more than just a storage shed. If done right, your pool cabana can be a stylish living, entertaining and recreational space, too.

With a full sink and pantry, a fridge and a freezer, you can entertain in your cabana. Pull in some power outlets if it doesn’t already have them and blend frosty drinks for by the pool. Install a bathroom and you won’t have wet tracks through your house, or worse, risk a slip hazard. It just takes organization and a little ingenuity.

Divide and Conquer

If your cabana is just a great big open space, divide it up with walls to establish rooms with specific functions. You don’t want to feel like you’re relaxing in a storage compartment. If a fully fleshed out wall seems to permanent, hang a drape or two to get a feel for the best way you’ll use your space when it’s “live.”

You may discover you want more entertaining space and less storage or vice versa. Give it a season or two and then make your long-term remodel decisions.

Think Upwards

Get as many stored items off the floor as you can. Wall shelving and even ceiling rafter-like shelving if you have the head room, are great for organizing those pool floats, lounge and chair cushions and pole nets. Cabinets with drawers are as important in the cabana as they are in the kitchen.

And don’t limit your storage solutions to the designated storage area if it makes sense. The living and relaxing area shouldn’t be cluttered with storage, but a little might make sense and even give the ambiance of really being by the pool indoors.

Organize Smart

You don’t want to break your back lifting heavy items up high, especially if you use them all the time. Arrange your things that need storing by weight and how often you plan to use them. Something you use frequently should be more accessible than others.

And remember that drawers don’t have to be for towels or utensils. Bigger drawers can be great for larger objects and get them out of the way.

Waste Not Want Not

This is where you really need to think outside the box. When you’re economizing your space, you can’t let any space go wasted. Install a rod above the pool heater to dry towels. Install drawers in cabinets that maximize the capacity.

Be ruthless with what you store. Things you don’t use regularly, or ever, shouldn’t be taking up valuable space for those things you use every day, all season. When the season starts (or at least once a year if you have year round season) inventory everything by pulling it right off the shelves and out of the drawers. If you haven’t used it in a year, pitch it. If you just can’t part with it, does it really need to be taking up space in your cabana?

Your cabana isn’t, or at least shouldn’t be, an attic or basement. Store what you use for the pool in the pool cabana. Store your Christmas decorations someplace else.

Of course, there’s always the option of either building a second cabana or expanding the existing one. Make your cabana a haven, where you can entertain, watch TV, even sleep. You, and your pool guests, won’t regret it.