Category Archives: Custom Features

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31 Jan

Houston Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Design Inspiration

Are you ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate getaway? Whether you use your backyard to host an awesome pool party or BBQ cookout, the options are endless to make your outdoor living area come to life. If you’re looking for inspiration to design your custom backyard, take a look at these renovations from homes in the Greater Houston area. 

Whether you’re looking for a backyard oasis or upscale resort, our #CreekstoneOutdoorLiving designers are ready to transform your #Houston backyard! Share on X

Designing for the Houston Area: Top 5 Custom Backyards 

Since 2009, our team has been able to design and build hundreds of beautiful backyards in Houston’s surrounding areas. Check out our five favorite backyard renovations to help you brainstorm which outdoor features to choose for your home.

  1. Backyard Oasis
  2. Texas Retreat
  3. Outdoor Charm
  4. Upscale Resort
  5. Cottage Hideaway

1) Backyard Oasis

Designed to impress, this backyard oasis has all of our favorite features including a fire pit, custom swimming pool, dining area, and covered patio. By choosing neutral stone colors to match their siding, the homeowners were able to add value and character to their beautiful home.

Pro Tip: To accentuate your existing home style, our design consultation includes an onsite tour of your existing space. Start the design process by scheduling a consultation today!

Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests, Creekstone Outdoor Living

2) Texas Retreat

If you want to turn your backyard into a retreat, you can install a custom-designed patio cover like this home. By combining warm wood stains with natural stone, these homeowners were able to create a space that complimented their rustic style. The rock waterfall addition to their pool was a special touch that brought a warm feel to their Texan retreat. 

Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests, Creekstone Outdoor Living

3) Outdoor Charm

If you want to make your home the talk of the neighborhood, install an outdoor fireplace to spark interest and create an outdoor meeting place. By adding a hot tub to their pool and large fireplace on the side, these homeowners are now able to entertain all throughout the year. 

Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests, Creekstone Outdoor Living

4) Upscale Resort

Who says you can’t have a stay-at-home vacation? By installing a custom patio with luxury lighting and a pool with water features, this home’s backyard was transformed into an upscale resort for everyone to enjoy.

Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests, Creekstone Outdoor Living

5) Cottage Hideaway

When your outdoor living space becomes an extension of your home, you’ll know your custom backyard is on the right track. These homeowners chose to coordinate the red brick from their home into their outdoor kitchen by installing a custom island. With ambient lighting and a pool steps away from the patio, this backyard is a cottage hideaway unlike any other.

Custom Backyard Designs to WOW Your Guests, Creekstone Outdoor Living

Living Spaces Designed for YOU

Are you ready to design your outdoor living space? From the initial design consultation to the completion date, our designers are available to assist you in building your customized backyard. Our pool builders and landscape designers look forward to making your space an outdoor retreat your whole family will love.

For more backyard design ideas, connect with us on social media!

24 Jan

5 Must-Have Pool Features for Your Houston Backyard

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Custom Pool

Designing a dream backyard has to include an inground pool. But not just any inground pool. It has to include features that will be functional and loved by your family. Make your outdoor space stand out with these must-have pool features to add to your design plan.

Don’t settle for ordinary pool design! Install the best backyard pool in #Houston with these personalized features! Share on X

5 Must-Have Pool Features for Your Houston Backyard, Creekstone Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

Make Your Pool Extraordinary

Are you ready to design your pool layout? Whether you have an existing pool or are breaking new ground, don’t forget to customize your pool with add-on features. If nothing else, start with these 5 features to make your pool extraordinary! 

  1. Tanning Ledge
  2. Jump Rocks
  3. Swim Up Bars
  4. Pool Heater
  5. Seating Benches

1) Tanning Ledge

Why settle for the traditional lounge chairs and pool deck? Tan comfortably in the water with access to a tanning ledge from your pool. With customizable shapes and sizes, you can design your pool with a tanning ledge to fit in any space!

2) Jump Rocks

Make your pool kid-friendly with a jump rock any age could enjoy! Instead of a diving board, pool owners love the idea of a jump rock. Whether attached to a rock waterfall or placed along the side of the pool, the natural stone look is a great way to enhance your pool’s character.  

3) Swim Up Bars

Take your entertaining to a new level without ever leaving the pool! With a swim-up bar, you can serve food and drinks at a bar built into your pool’s infrastructure. Instead of having to get out and dry off for dinner, you can keep the party going in the pool water.

Pro Tip: Use different color bulbs in your LED lights to set the mood and plan the perfect nighttime pool party for your friends and family.

4) Pool Heater

No pool is complete without a heater to maintain functionality year-round. Install a pool heater in your pool or hot tub to keep the water temperature at a comfortable level no matter what weather has been forecasted.

5) Seating Benches

Why not have seating built into your pool structure? Instead of buying outdoor furniture, install a seating bench to attach along the edge of your pool for your guests. With a wide range of options, you can artfully design the bench materials to match your pool and backyard style.

Best Pool Design in Houston

When designing an inground pool, there are a number of water features to make your pool unlike any other. Our pool builders provide exceptional knowledge and innovative ideas to help you create the best pool in Houston. 

Did we forget to mention your favorite pool feature? Share with us on social media!

06 Dec

5 Essential Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Lifestyle

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:

  1. Refrigerator
  2. Sideburner
  3. Ice Maker
  4. Wine Cooler
  5. 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.

11 Oct

Saltwater vs. Freshwater Pools: Comparison & Contrast

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Custom Pool

Freshwater chlorine pools have been the gold standard of swimming pools for multiple decades. However, the trend of saltwater pools is beginning to challenge the notion that chlorine is automatically the superior choice. Is a saltwater swimming pool ever equal to or even better than a traditional chlorine pool?

In the debate of saltwater vs. freshwater pools, neither option is strictly “better” than the other. The answer depends on the price you’re willing to pay, your commitment to ongoing maintenance, and the effect both pools will have on you when you go swimming. Before you make your choice, educate yourself on both types of pools and their pros and cons.

Have you ever considered a saltwater swimming pool? Compare it against a standard chlorine pool for a more detailed picture. #outdoorliving Share on X

Saltwater vs. Freshwater Pools, Creekstone Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

Chlorine Content

Contrary to popular belief, saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. Instead, the drastically lower levels of chlorine are produced through electrolysis, where the water passes through mild electrical currents to produce just enough chlorine to disinfect the pool. This is in contrast to a typical pool where the chlorine must be manually added and maintained at a higher level. For the most part, the level of chlorine in a saltwater pool is low enough that swimmers won’t notice any dry skin or bleaching on their clothes.

Pro Tip: Are you considering a saltwater pool to get around a chlorine allergy? Saltwater pools still contain some chlorine! Make sure the levels are safe for yourself and your family.

Costs

It’s difficult to estimate the exact costs of both kinds of pool and contrast the two. However, there’s no question that a saltwater pool is a more expensive investment initially. The chlorine generator and its power usage can also add up quickly. Additionally, any custom features or pool additions will need to be salt-proofed in order to be used without damage. Because of the complex system, any repairs or extensive maintenance will need to be performed by an expert rather than the homeowner.

Maintenance & Damages

Speaking of maintenance, saltwater pools require slightly less ongoing work than conventional chlorine pools. Because of the electrolysis process, a saltwater pool does a pretty good job balancing its own pH and chemicals without intervention. Chlorine pools require periodic chemical checks and rebalancing.

However, if something in your pool breaks or needs extensive work, the job is far more straightforward and affordable in a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools’ specialized fixtures cost far more than their conventional counterparts and should only be handled by experts. A leaky pool or broken pipe will cost far less time and money for the owner of a chlorine pool.

A Different Swimming Experience

It’s impossible to say that a chlorine pool is better than a saltwater pool, and vice versa. However, different homeowners may have different preferences or requirements that make one the clearly superior choice. Don’t make this decision lightly. Consider the initial and ongoing commitments both types of pools will require before you decide.

Connect with us to learn more about the debate of saltwater vs. freshwater pools.

30 Aug

Why You Need a Pool Cabana During Texas Summers

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Outdoor Lifestyle, Patio Covers

Houston weather is wildly unpredictable, as any Houstonian will know. One day the weather might be perfect for a long walk or swim. Meanwhile, the next day will be unbearably hot or filled with heavy rain. Too often, our enjoyment (or lack thereof) of the outdoors hinges on whether or not the weather is cooperating. That doesn’t have to be the case.

Don’t let bad weather chase you inside! With a poolside cabana, you can continue enjoying the fresh outdoor air regardless of rain or sun. Take a look at what installing a new cabana can do for your backyard!

Do you already have a cabana in your backyard to provide a shady spot? If not, here’s why you need to get one right now! Share on X

Relax Outdoors in Protection

Everybody loves a little fresh air, but far fewer people love the heat they have to endure to get that fresh air in Houston. Fortunately, a cabana gives you the best of both worlds! With plenty of shade from the sun and covering from the rain, you can relax outside and enjoy the pleasant summer air without exposure to the less pleasant summer weather. Plenty of homeowners even add ceiling fans to their cabanas for a pleasant breeze!

Increase Your Storage Space & Property Value

Homes that come with a pool, outdoor kitchen, or other custom features have slightly more resale value than the neighbors’ homes would. Installing a cabana can similarly increase your property value. People love the chance to party in comfort outside!

Additionally, a cabana doesn’t have to be open on all sides. Installing even one or two partial walls gives you a little extra storage space protected from the rain. When you aren’t using your grill, bike, or other outdoor valuable, just put it under the cabana for safekeeping.

Pro Tip: Take your cabana a step further by adding a single-stall restroom, small storage closet, or even planting a garden in its shade! Impress your guests with your creativity.

Host Stylish Parties

Your guests aren’t any more thrilled about unpleasant summer weather than you are. With a cabana, you can offer to host dinners or parties in more places than just your crowded kitchen. Bring your friends outside for some fresh air and enjoy the pleasant weather in comfort and style!

Design Your New Cabana!

Your perfectly designed custom backyard just needs one more feature to be complete: a cabana to let you enjoy the outdoors without exposure to the elements. Take advantage of this versatile and stylish backyard feature to make the best of your personal space!

Connect with us to start planning your backyard upgrade.

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