Category Archives: Outdoor Lifestyle

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28 Sep

5 Improvements That Will Make Your Home Feel Huge

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

Do you feel claustrophobic in your home? Are you unable to move to a larger home or are you just looking for ideas to create more space? If your home is on the small side, it doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make it feel a lot larger than it really is. Does your home feel small? Pick 1 of these 5 renovations for a huge home feel. Share on X

Make Your Home Feel Huge

There are several ways to add space to your home without breaking the bank. Follow these five tips to help create more space and make your home feel bigger and better.

  1. All About Light
  2. Marvelous Mirrors
  3. Color Contrast
  4. Clean the Clutter
  5. Seamless Transition

1) All About Light

Light can make all the difference when it comes to making a room feel larger. A dark and closed off space will feel tiny, but by letting natural light in, you can instantly make your space feel larger. Clean and open your windows to let in the beautiful sun, allowing the eyes to travel beyond the boundaries of your home to the outdoors.

2) Marvelous Mirrors

Mirrors are the perfect way to enlarge your space by not only brightens the room but also create an illusion of more space and a bigger room. Try swapping out some wall art for mirrors to keep your space bright and light.

3) Color Contrast

The colors you use on your floors and walls can make all the difference in making your small space feel larger. Opt for lighter colored paint for the walls, but avoid stark, bright white. Choose light, bright colors to make a room feel airy and open. For flooring, choose a darker color to contrast and make your walls seem taller, giving your entire room the illusion of more space.

4) Clean the Clutter

Clutter can instantly make a room feel meager. Go through your things and get rid of anything that isn’t being used. If you haven’t used it in the past year, you most likely won’t need it, so throw it away or donate it to someone who will use it! Start with one room and make your way through the whole house.

5) Seamless Transition

A home with a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor living area is the hottest trend, and it helps make your space feel much larger than it really is. By bringing indoor functions outside (with a covered patio or pergola, for example) your outdoor space feels like an extension of your home. Connecting your outdoor space with the inside gives you more places to do work, entertain, or just relax after a long day, and can add significant size to your living space.

Home Improvements to Maximize Space

Your small space doesn’t have to cramp your style. By following the above renovation tips, you can make your home look and feel a lot larger than it really is.

Contact us to learn more about what home renovations can help your home feel huge, or view our gallery for outdoor inspiration.

21 Sep

6 Creative Design Ideas For Your Backyard Renovation

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

Summer is settling down and the weather is a little more bearable making it the perfect time to spend it relaxing (or entertaining) friends and family in your backyard. Or, if you have been neglecting your outdoor space, this fall season is ideal for getting creative with a backyard renovation. There are so many ways to update your boring backyard to make it more inviting at your next get-together or to just create a serene place to relax after those long days at work.

Creative Backyard Renovation Ideas

Your backyard is an important part of your home and it should not be neglected. With the right upgrades and upkeep, your outdoor space can greatly boost the overall value of your home. Here are six ways to elevate your backyard and make it a place everyone will want to spend time in.

  1. Mood Lighting
  2. Add a Spark
  3. Luscious Landscaping
  4. Themed Inspiration
  5. Get Cooking–Outside
  6. Outdoor Dining

1) Mood Lighting

Create the perfect ambiance in your backyard with mood lighting. Whether you place solar lights around your landscaping to highlight walkways and pretty plants, or you hang lights from your pergola or arbor, you will create the right mood for relaxing or entertaining al fresco with friends and family.

2) Add a Spark

Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to your outdoor space is another terrific way to add value to your home and create a cozy place for your loved ones to gather around at the end of the day to chat, make smores, and create memories.

3) Luscious Landscaping

The easiest way to renovate your backyard is to add some landscaping! Having a yard with only a lawn to upkeep and mow each week looks plain and bland. Consider your climate first to decide which plants will grow with ease in your area. Share on X Add character by incorporating flowering shrubs, vining plants, and container gardens to your outdoor space.

4) Themed Inspiration

Another creative design idea for a backyard renovation is to choose a theme for your space. Your options are endless! Some popular themes are tropical, Tuscan, English garden, desert, or beach-house to name a few. Again–get creative and see what themed inspiration you come up with!

5) Get Cooking–Outside

An instant way to renovate your backyard space is to add an outdoor kitchen! An outdoor kitchen can be the new focal point of your yard and allow you more ways to spend time outside. There are so many design options for your new outdoor kitchen and you can custom tailor them to the look or theme you want.

6) Outdoor Dining

Even if you aren’t able to get an outdoor kitchen at this time, creating an outdoor dining space is another easy way to renovate your backyard. Dining areas are the new must-have for any backyard. Make sure to have comfy chairs for all your guests who will be begging to come over and hang out in your newly renovated outdoor space.

Renovating Your Outdoor Living Space

One thing is for sure, renovating your outdoor living space not only boosts your home value, but it will get you and your loved ones spending more time outside. By implementing some of the above design ideas, your backyard renovation will be done in no time and you will be enjoying time together eating by the fire pit.

Contact us to learn more creative design ideas for your backyard renovation.

14 Sep

7 Pool Party Games to Liven Your Next Backyard BBQ

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

It’s the end of summer and the weather is perfect for a backyard barbecue and spending time with friends and loved ones. Instead of just sitting around and watching the kiddos play in the pool at your next backyard barbecue, why not get everyone involved in some super fun pool party games?

Pool Party Games to Play

Why let the kids have all the fun? Grown-ups love games and challenges, too! There are endless ideas for pool party games at your next backyard barbecue--just get creative! Share on X If you can’t seem to come up with any, here are seven simple pool party games that are easy and will guarantee that everyone has a great time!

  1. Empty Bottle Bowling
  2. Tug of War
  3. Pool Sports
  4. Pool Noodle Relay
  5. Scavenger Hunt
  6. Chicken Fight
  7. Outdoor Movie

1) Empty Bottle Bowling

This game is for those who don’t want to get wet, but still want in on the fun. After you have collected some empty soda or beer cans, set them up at the end of a walkway and have a game of bowling! Use a ball (or get creative and use various fruit) to knock down all the bowling pins. Take turns and keep score to see who knocks the most down!

2) Tug of War

Everyone loves an old-fashioned game of tug of war–and only the losers get wet! Stretch a long rope across the deep end of the pool. Divide your group in half and position each team on an end of the rope. Each team will pull until the stronger team is the only one standing dry on land.

3) Pool Sports

There are numerous, inexpensive and inflatable sports products for your pool on the market these days. Purchase an inflatable volleyball or basketball set and create some fun pool party games using them! Play a game of HORSE with the basketball set, or plan a mini volleyball tournament at your next backyard barbecue.

4) Pool Noodle Relay

Swimming races can be fun, especially if you use a pool noodle! Use a pool noodle under your arms or between your legs to float while swimming to the other side of the pool to add a challenge! For even more pool party fun, turn the race into a relay between teams!

5) Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a perfect way to ensure tons of fun at your next backyard barbecue and pool party! Hide various items throughout the yard, the pool house (and in the pool, too) and whoever locates the most items, wins!

6) Chicken Fight

Nothing beats an old-fashioned chicken fight! One person gets on another person’s shoulders (little ones love being up there), then proceeds to try to knock down the opposing team.

7) Outdoor Movie

It isn’t a game, but another great idea for your backyard barbecue is to set up an outdoor movie theatre. Your friends and family will love to watch a flick while floating in the pool or relaxing around the fire pit. Hang a large, white sheet to project the film, or roll out your big screen T.V. and let people enjoy a movie by moonlight.

Swimming Pool Games for Your Next BBQ

Everyone loves a backyard barbecue, but make it even more memorable by adding one or more of these fun pool party games that everyone of all ages will enjoy! Don’t just sit around talking and let the kids have all the fun–get everybody involved for the most unforgettable pool party yet.

Contact us to learn more fun pool party games to liven up your next backyard barbecue.

31 Aug

6 Fun Ways to Spend Your Weekend

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd, so make the most of what’s left of summer by getting together with friends and loved ones to celebrate the kiddos heading back to school! Take advantage of the weekend by getting outside and spending time with friends and family. Share on X

Weekend Entertainment For All

There are so many different options for things to do on Saturday and Sunday. Here are six great ways to get out and make some lasting memories.

  1. Take a Mini Road Trip
  2. Head to the Forest for a Hike
  3. Explore the Museum
  4. Host an Al Fresco Party
  5. A Day at the Lake
  6. Family Game Time

1) Take a Mini Road Trip

Weekends are the perfect excuse to pack up a bag, load everyone into the car and head someone for a short road trip. Find a new place to explore within a couple hours of you and have fun on your weekend adventure.

2) Head to the Forest for a Hike

Another great option is to disconnect and head to the forest for a hike. If you live near Houston, there are many great National Forests that aren’t too far. Consider the Sam Houston National Forest, the Davy Crockett National Forest, or the Lone Star Hiking Trail to take in some wildlife, recreation, and exploration this weekend.

3) Explore the Museum

If being outside isn’t your thing, take the family to a museum to spend the day learning about science, dinosaurs, butterflies, or space. The museum district of Houston is bustling with 19 different museums for your to spend the day.

4) Host an Al Fresco Party

If leaving home doesn’t sound appealing, why not invite the party to your home? Have your friends and family join you as you host the most epic al fresco party ever! Fire up the grill in your outdoor kitchen and make sure everyone brings their swimsuits and a towel for some swimming fun.

5) A Day at the Lake

Like National Forests and Museums, there are a number of lakes around the area to spend your time. Head out to Lake Livingston, Lake Houston, or Lake Conroe and rent a canoe or turn your lake adventure into a weekend camping trip.

6) Family Game Time

You can keep it low-key this weekend by staying home and having a family game time. Whether you all sit inside playing board games or use your outdoor living space and pool to create a game of obstacles, a family game day is sure to create memories to last.

Making the Most of Your Weekend

Whether you plan to venture out or stay home and relax, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your labor day weekend. Get creative and enjoy your last days of summer!

Contact us to learn more about making your backyard the ultimate destination for every weekend!

17 Aug

7 Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Do you have a perfectly landscaped yard? Or is your yard neglected and not used at all? If you have kids, your backyard can be a wonderful place to help inspire creativity and play. But how do you go about getting a kid-friendly backyard? There are plenty of ways to keep everyone happy and your backyard in use.

Making Your Backyard Kid Friendly

Your backyard can be adult and kid-friendly without too much stress or hassle. By making a few changes you can have a backyard that kids will want to spend all day in making memories. Share on X Here are seven great ideas for making your backyard perfect for all ages.

  1. A House for Play
  2. The Right Size
  3. Get Them Gardening
  4. Water Features
  5. Backyard Toys
  6. A Place for Art
  7. An Outdoor Kitchen

1) A House for Play

A backyard room is perfect for play! Your yard might already have some great little nooks or corners to create the perfect secret room for your kiddo, but if not, a pool house, trellis, or a pergola covered with vining plants can create the perfect nook for your little one to hideout, read a book, or engage in imaginary play.

2) The Right Size

Your kids need furniture that is the right size for them! Give them a special area under your covered patio with pint-sized seating and a table. With so many options available, you can find some kid-sized decor that matches your overall look and feel–or let them choose the new seating and dining area they would like!

3) Get Them Gardening

Kids can learn so much from gardening. Setting up a little garden area for your kids helps teach them patience, how to care for something, and can also help them learn to like various fruits and veggies! Some kid-friendly plants are tomatoes, radishes, carrots, different herbs, and strawberries.

4) Water Features

Kids love to play in the water–especially in the summertime when they are home from school and the weather is so hot! If you already have a pool, a waterslide is a great addition, but if you don’t, there are other ways to add water to your backyard. A splash pad, a stream or creek, or waterfall are easy ways to add some water fun for your kids.

5) Backyard Toys

Consider adding a playground area to your backyard for hours of endless play! Swings, a slide, balance beams, and a sandbox equipped with shovels, buckets, and molds are other great ideas to make your backyard more kid-friendly.

6) A Place for Art

The outdoors can be a terrific inspiration for art! Make your backyard kid-friendly by setting up an art area for them to paint, draw, and create. Set aside an area for an art easel or table for them to use to paint pictures and draw things they see outside. With all the flowers, butterflies, and birds, there is no shortage of things to be your child’s muse.

7) An Outdoor Kitchen

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard is another way of making your backyard kid friendly. Not only will you better be able to watch your kiddos while they are enjoying their outside time, but you can also get them to help cook and experiment with meal time.

A Backyard Kids Will Love

There is no reason that you can’t turn your backyard into a place that everyone of all ages will love to spend time. By adding one (or a few) of the above suggestions to your outdoor space, you can create a backyard kids will love to spend time in.

Contact us to learn more kid-friendly backyard ideas.

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