Category Archives: Outdoor Lifestyle

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02 Nov

Creekstone Outdoor Living: 2018 Pinnacle Award Winner

Author Sam Hickey Categories Featured Projects, Latest News, Outdoor Lifestyle

Creekstone Outdoor Living is pleased to announce that they have been honored as a 2018 Pinnacle Award Winner by Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living Magazine! Sam Hickey, the owner of Creekstone Outdoor Living, teamed up with Regal Pools to create an outdoor living masterpiece that won top honors for Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space. Creekstone Outdoors: 2018 Pinnacle Award Winner, Outdoor Entertaining Design, Outdoor Kitchen

Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living Magazine 

Each year, the magazine Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living hosts the Pinnacle Awards honoring the most prestigious pool builders and outdoor landscape designers. Esteemed judges seek out outdoor projects that represent the year’s best designs. Creekstone Outdoor Living’s outdoor entertainment design wowed the judges and ended up being highlighted on the cover of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue. Copies of this issue are still available through the Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living website.

Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space

Creekstone Outdoor Living enjoyed creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining space with the help of Regal Pools. Their three-layered pool design caters to all ages and swimming preferences, and the 1,500 square foot covered outdoor living area is perfect for relaxing after a nice swim or eating a delicious meal cooked in the outdoor kitchen.

Creekstone Outdoor Design

This amazing project was created using all exposed Douglas fir beams, 12×12 solid columns with custom fabricated trusses and automated lighting to light up the night while you entertain friends and family. This same design also won the prestigious GHBA Prism Award (Greater Houston Builders Association) for best Outdoor Living Space.

Contact us to learn how you can get a beautiful, custom-designed outdoor living space for your own Houston-area home.

26 Oct

5 Outdoor Fire Features to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

People are spending a lot more time in their outdoor spaces and having a bland yard just won’t cut it anymore. These days, people want to transform their yards to make it a place to unwind, relax, and entertain with ponds, flower beds, vegetable gardens, outdoor kitchens, and more increasingly, fire features.  

Transform Your Yard with Outdoor Fire Features

If you are hoping to transform your yard, but you’re unsure which fire feature will be a good fit in your outdoor space, get transfixed by one of these outdoor fire features and you’ll be sitting around the fire telling stories in no time.

  1. Built-In Fireplace
  2. Fire Pit
  3. A Bowl of Fire
  4. Fire Column
  5. Chiminea
Looking to transform your yard with an outdoor fire feature? Here are 5 popular fire features to help you make your decision. Share on X

1) Built-In Fireplace

A built-in fireplace is a perfect way to enjoy an outdoor fire all year. A built-in fireplace fits perfectly when designed to match your covered patio. Choose from a variety of materials, colors, styles, and finishes. Make sure to talk to an outdoor living design expert to help you create your perfect built-in fireplace.

2) Fire Pit

The most popular outside fire feature these days is the fire pit. They literally come in every shape and style and can, like the built-in fireplace, be made from a plethora of materials, and finishes. In addition to providing heat and a comforting place to sit and relax, your pit can also help you cook up some tasty food, too.

3) A Bowl of Fire

While they seem similar, the fire bowl is different than a fire pit, in that a bowl is not usually built into the ground, but is usually portable and much more lightweight. Fire bowls can be useful in areas that have regulations set by landlords or housing authorities.

4) Fire Column

A fire column is a newer fire feature that combines the best of a fire bowl, but into a sleek and stylish column that is typically fueled by gas. They take up less room and are, like bowls, usually portable. Fire columns, however, should only be used for heating, and not for cooking foods.

5) Chiminea

A chiminea is another fire feature that comes from the American Southwest and Mexico areas. The word chiminea is Spanish for chimney and that is exactly what it is–a portable chimney. It provides heat and comes made in terracotta or even metal.  The shape of this fire feature sends the smoke upwards and also allows it to be used while it’s raining outside.

Outdoor Fire Features

ProTip: Fire features can instantly transform your yard, creating a natural gathering place you and your family can sit around relaxing, making smores, and creating memories.

Whether you choose to have a fireplace built into your covered patio or a fire pit with cozy chairs seated around it, an outdoor fire feature is one of the best ways to help boost your home value and also creates a great focal point in your yard.

Contact us to learn more ways to transform your backyard with an outdoor fire feature.

19 Oct

How to Grill in a Big Green Egg

Author Sam Hickey Categories Featured Projects, Outdoor Lifestyle

Did you just purchase a new Big Green Egg grill? Or are you considering purchasing one and wondering what all the fuss is? This grill has created a cult following, and it’s no secret why. The Big Green Egg’s design differences allow for multiple cooking styles, helping you cook up the tastiest vittles around.

How to Grill in a Big Green Egg

So, how do you create perfect meals time and time again in your ceramic, egg-shaped grill? If you’re new to this amazing device, don’t be intimidated. You’ll be grilling up delectable meats in no time. It’s easy to cook up perfect plates of food with the Big Green Egg. Follow these five grilling tips for the perfect meal every time. Share on X

1) Natural Lump Charcoal

Always choose natural lump charcoal when using your Big Green Egg. Because of its unique shape, your grill works as an oversized chimney, meaning no lighter fluid is necessary! Make sure to open all the vents and lid when first lighting your charcoal, then close it after 7-10 minutes until your grill reaches the perfect temperature.

2) Burp Your Big Green Egg

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Yes, it says ‘burp’ your Big Green Egg. Once your egg is hot, do not open the lid immediately. Instead, raise the lid a few inches to release a little heat. Do this a couple times to help prevent a blast of ‘back flash’.

3) The Perfect Temperature

Getting to the perfect temperature on your Egg is imperative to grilling mouthwatering meats and meals. For direct grilling, open top vents wide and heat to 600 to 700 degrees. When your meat juices drip down, they will send fragrant smoke up, giving your food an unforgettable taste and aroma.

4) ConvEGGtor

If indirect cooking is your choice, install the convEGGtor in the top of the bottom section of the firebox. This heavy, 3-legged plate lets you slow cook the perfect meal.

5) Slow Smoking

You can also slow smoke meats and fish in your Big Green Egg, too! Add the normal amount of charcoal and then mix in two handfuls of hardwood chips. Close the lid after starting your coals, and let the grill reach your desired temperature. The fire will spread slowly, allowing as much as 16 to 18 hours of cooking on a single load of charcoal.

ProTip: Whether you enjoy cooking indirectly, directly, or slow smoking your meats, the Big Green Egg lets you do it all, making it the right tool for the perfect meal every time.

Get Cooking on Your Big Green Egg

With fall here, there is no better time for inviting over friends and family and grilling up a delicious meal. Visit your local outdoor appliance shop to talk to a professional about getting your own Big Green Egg. You, too, will be an Egg-head before you know it.

Contact us to learn more valuable tips for grilling on your Big Green Egg.

12 Oct

5 Tips to Design the Rustic Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

The rustic style is rugged and nature-inspired with earthy colors and organic warmth, and designing your outdoor kitchen with a rustic feel is the perfect way to capture this popular look. With sturdy materials and age-worn finishes, your rustic outdoor kitchen will be perfect for entertaining or relaxing, making your outdoor living space feel welcoming and unpretentious. Have you been dreaming of a rustic outdoor kitchen to entertain friends and family? Make your dream a reality with these design tips! Share on X

Designing a Rustic Outdoor  Kitchen

Folks in Texas (and all around the country) love the rustic look. Here are five excellent tips for when you are ready to design your own rustic outdoor kitchen.

  1. Rustic Decor
  2. Recycled Materials
  3. Outdoor Dining Area
  4. Fabulous Fire Pit
  5. Custom Kitchen Features

1) Rustic Decor

For an instant rustic look, be sure to decorate your outside area in rustic decor. From unfinished wooden tables to faded aluminum decorative signs, there are numerous ways to add a rustic touch to your backyard and outdoor kitchen area.

2) Recycled Materials

What is more rustic than something that’s been recycled? Using recycled wood, aluminum, and other materials can instantly give your area a rustic feel. Search from some rustic-styled or recycled planters to plant some fresh herbs or veggies.

3) Outdoor Dining Area

Every outdoor kitchen needs a dining area and what better what to give your backyard a rustic feel than with an unfinished wood table and chair set sitting beneath a natural wood pergola or arbor? Don’t spend a fortune on your dining area. It’s easy to find rustic, mismatched chairs and an old table at a thrift shop or garage sale.

4) Fabulous Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your outdoor space is another great design idea for your rustic outdoor kitchen. After a night of grilling or cooking up a pizza in your wood-burning pizza oven (you can’t get much more rustic than that), everyone can huddle around the fire, telling stories and cooking up some s’mores.

5) Custom Kitchen Features

The best thing about designing a rustic outdoor kitchen is the ability to work with an outdoor design professional to create your own custom outdoor space. Whether you want a covered outdoor dining area, a stainless steel grill in your kitchen space, stone countertops, or to use reclaimed wood in your design, a professional can help you get the rustic look you are dreaming of.

Pro Tip: Adding custom features to your outdoor kitchen creates a space that’s personalized to your wants and needs.

Rustic Outdoor Kitchen Design

With the right materials, countertops, woodwork, and decor, you can design the rustic outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Share on X Remember to contact a professional to discuss your rustic kitchen ideas and get started on creating the outdoor kitchen and living space you’ve been wanting for so long.

Contact us to learn more tips for designing the rustic outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

05 Oct

Patio Problems: When to Repair and When to Renovate

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

Is your patio old and outdated? Is your paver patio cracked, leaving it uneven and causing a tripping hazard for your friends and family? Or is your wooden patio warped and aged and giving people splinters when they walk barefoot? Just like everything else in your home, your patio needs maintenance and upkeep. You might be asking: Can these patio problems be fixed by a simple repair, or do I need to renovate?

How Big is Your Patio Problem?

To determine whether your patio issue can get by with a repair or if you need to take the plunge and just get it renovated, you must first assess the different types of patio problems to determine what you are experiencing. Here are five common patio problems so you can better determine what the best plan of action is for you.

Different Types of Patios & Their Problems

Trying to determine whether to repair or renovate your patio problem? Here are four common patio issues and information to help you make the best decision. Share on X
  1. Failing Flagstone
  2. Shifting Patio Pavers
  3. Cracked Concrete
  4. Warped Wooden Decking

1) Failing Flagstone

Flagstone is a popular choice for patios because of its natural look and earthy, timeless appearance. Unfortunately, flagstone is subject to erosion, and without proper installation, you might run into drainage problems, as well as splitting. To determine whether your flagstone simply needs little repair work or if it’s time to renovate, contact a local landscape professional to discuss your options.

2) Shifting Patio Pavers

Paver and brick patios look terrific, but after some time, the pavers settle, leaving dips and uneven areas, and even create tripping hazards. In order to repair this patio problem, you need to remove the old bricks so you can re-establish a firm base. This can be a tedious and time-consuming endeavor. Consider hiring a professional to complete this job–whether you opt for a repair, or to do a full patio renovation.

3) Cracked Concrete

Concrete patios can create a number of patio issues. After time, the concrete can end up with cracks, holes, and pitting. When this occurs, you have the option of filling the cracks or completely resurfacing it. Another option is to install something completely different on top of the cracked and aging cement, like interlocking tiles to prevent further cracking in the future.

4) Warped Wooden Deck

According to statistics, there are over 40 million wooden decks in the United States that are over 20 years old. The typical life expectancy of a wooden deck or patio is approximately 15 years. If yours falls around this age, it is a good time to have your patio renovated to prevent rotting beams and other issues that revolve around aging wood.

Patio Repairs & Renovations

Whether you decide to repair or renovate your patio, it is always best to talk to a professional first. If you decide on a renovation, you should also consider upgrading your outdoor space by adding a patio cover, or even an outdoor kitchen. You can never go wrong with making upgrades to your outdoor living space!

Contact us to learn more about whether your patio problems can be resolved through repairs, or if you need a renovation.

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