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06 Mar

Latest Outdoor Kitchen Trends: 2020 Edition

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Kitchen

Back when an outdoor barbecue consisted of a couple of picnic tables and a BBQ pit, not many people thought of their backyard as a living space. A majority of homeowners mostly ignored their backyard and simply tried to keep the lawn groomed. Today, installing outdoor kitchens as an extension of indoor living areas is becoming all the rage.

Looking for inspiration for your outdoor kitchen design? Stay fresh and functional with these top trends of 2020! Click To Tweet

Hot Design Trends for 2020

Can you picture an outdoor kitchen in your backyard? With a drink in one hand and a book in the other, spending time in a new outdoor living space can become a reality. If you’re in the process of designing a new outdoor kitchen, keep your eye on the following design trends for 2020.

  • Kamado-Style Grills
  • Built-In Ice Makers
  • Stainless Steel Appliances
  • Attached Living Areas
  • Improved Functionality

Kamado-Style Grills

First popularized in Asia, the kamado-style grills are becoming quite popular in American outdoor kitchens. Compared to metal charcoal grills, the enclosed design of a kamado grill cooks flavorful meats and vegetables with ease. That being said, kamado grills are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods including smoking, baking, roasting, and grilling!

Pro Tip: Upgrade your outdoor cooking with your own kamado-style grill from Big Green Egg. We have various sizes available to fit your space perfectly so that you can start cooking your next meal! 

Built-In Ice Makers

Why buy bags of ice when you can make your own ice cubes? This year, more and more homeowners are taking advantage of built-in ice makers in their outdoor kitchens. Whether you’re sitting by the pool or entertaining a large group, having ice readily available is a great way to add value to your outdoor space.

Stainless Steel Appliances

It doesn’t look like stainless steel will ever go out of style. Designed with weather-resistant surfaces and sleek features, stainless steel appliances are a must for any modern outdoor kitchen. Choose from a wide range of appliances including wine refrigerators, side burners, pizza ovens, and sinks to complete your updated kitchen.

Attached Living Areas

Outdoor kitchens have more than just counter space and cooking surfaces. Today, modern outdoor kitchens are a small part of complete outdoor living areas. Transform your backyard into a personal retreat by designing a dining space or lounge area nearby.

Improved Functionality

Instead of having to jump back and forth from your indoor kitchen, homeowners are designing outdoor spaces to be fully functional. By installing sinks, dishwashers, and even trash disposals, you can keep the party prep and cleanup contained in one area.

Modern and Stylish Custom Kitchens

Overall, we get to enjoy beautiful weather in Houston throughout every season of the year. That being said, entertaining outdoors is becoming a staple of every southern home. Whether you’re in the process of designing or about to consult the experts, it’s exciting to think of all of the new features that can be added to your outdoor living space.

Did one of these design trends catch your eye? Connect with our design team to find out how to include these features in your custom kitchen.

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! Click To Tweet

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!

03 Jan

3 Backyard Ideas for Entertaining in 2020

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

The new year is a great time to reevaluate your progress and set goals for the future. As you start setting resolutions for 2020, don’t forget to make plans for your outdoor space! This is a great time to start brainstorming backyard ideas for entertaining your friends and family this year.

Can you believe it’s 2020?! Start the year off right with these 3 backyard entertaining ideas! Click To Tweet

Creating Your Entertainment Space

Is your home the go-to hangout spot for your community? With a couple of improvements, your backyard could become the talk of the neighborhood. Instead of looking out your back window with regret, start designing the entertainment space of the year with these impressive ideas. 

1. Host a Movie Night

Ever heard of a drive-in movie theater? Instead of having to drive somewhere, provide that same experience in the great outdoors! With an outdoor living room and projector, your backyard can become the perfect space for a movie night. Add stove-cooked popcorn and homemade pizza, and you’ll have the best cinema in town.

Pro Tip: Keep drinks cold for any occasion with a wine cooler or outdoor fridge. Your outdoor parties will be a hit with refreshments within arm’s reach.

2. Make Your Backyard Kid-Friendly

If your goal is to create a great backyard this year, don’t forget about the kids in your life! From a custom pool to playground equipment, designing a kid-friendly backyard will add value and functionality to your outdoor space. 

3. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Do you really want to be the entertainer of the year? Then, install an outdoor kitchen. Easy to access appliances and customized dining tables will upgrade your space exponentially. Instead of being cooped up inside, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and entertain your guests with the personalization of an outdoor kitchen.

This is Your Year

No matter what may have transpired in 2019, the start of a new year welcomes a fresh start and room to achieve your goals. Don’t waste time thinking about what you wish you could accomplish. Make 2020 the year to design the perfect backyard for you and your family.

What are your new year’s resolutions? Share with us on social media!

13 Dec

Install a Fire Pit and 6 Other Ideas for Outdoor Kitchen Decor

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Kitchen

Your outdoor space is a place you and your family entertain guests and enjoy time together. It’s where you can step outside your back door, enjoy a cup of coffee, watch the big sports game, or celebrate a birthday. Above all, your outdoor kitchen decor should match your unique style and be an extension of your home.

Cook in style with these 7 Creekstone-approved decorating ideas for your outdoor kitchen! Click To Tweet

Upgrade Your Houston Cooking Space

Whether you’re just now designing an outdoor kitchen or are looking for ways to spruce up your entertaining space, the options can be overwhelming. Consider these 7 ideas in preparation for your design consultation: 

  1. Fire Pit
  2. Outdoor Furniture
  3. Pergola
  4. Light Fixture with a Fan
  5. Fully-Customized Grilling Station
  6. Designer Backsplash
  7. Outdoor TV

1) Fire Pit

There’s nothing like grabbing a camp chair and gathering around a fire pit to roast marshmallows. Install a fire pit or custom fireplace in your backyard to provide warmth and functionality for your guests.

2) Outdoor Furniture

What’s an outdoor living space without ample seating? Whether you have a sofa and chair set near the dining area or a lawn chair by the pool, outdoor furniture is a must for any outdoor kitchen. With a number of colors and durable materials, you can create a space to enjoy year-round.

3) Pergola

There’s nothing more annoying than sitting outside and having the sun glare into your eyes. With a pergola or patio cover, you can save on electricity and escape from the sun by shading your outdoor cooking space.

Pro Tip: One pergola is unlike the other. From double-stacked beams to arbor columns, our design experts can design a shaded structure with any kind of solid wood or metal you desire.

4) Light Fixture with a Fan

Every outdoor dining area needs a good light and a ceiling fan. Whether the sun is blazing hot or going down, your kitchen would greatly benefit from a light fixture with a fan. It’s functional, and in most cases, a stylish way to welcome guests to spend time in your outdoor space no matter what time of day.

5) Fully-Customized Grilling Station

Without a grill or a way to cook food, could it really be called an outdoor kitchen? As you’re designing your kitchen, choose features that your family is going to use. From a pizza oven to a rotisserie smoker, there are a number of built-in grills to make food prep a fun activity right in the backyard.

6) Designer Backsplash

Often overlooked, the backsplash that you choose for your outdoor kitchen is a great way to add personalization to your space. From different materials and colors, you can choose a pattern that will coordinate beautifully with your counter surface and outdoor appliances.

7) Outdoor TV

Make your backyard the best place for the big game or national event with an outdoor TV installed in your kitchen. While waiting for the food to cook or visiting at the dining table, an outdoor TV can provide entertainment for all of your guests.

Stylish Outdoor Entertaining

Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be drab and boring. With stylish design choices and personalized features, your outdoor kitchen can become your family’s favorite hangout spot.

Connect with us on social media to learn more about how our expert designers can make your dream outdoor kitchen a reality.

19 Apr

How to Style Outdoor Pool Furniture

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

To add that extra touch of elegance to your patio, find your favorite style of pool-friendly furniture and decor. Search for the outdoor experts that carry nice furniture that strikes a perfect balance between style, durability, and affordability.

In the market for new patio furniture? Here are a few things to keep in mind. Click To Tweet

In your search for pool furniture, keep several key factors in mind to help narrow down your options. Don’t settle for cheap pool furniture if it looks tacky. Likewise, don’t pay through the nose for really nice furniture that falls apart in the rain. Weigh every choice carefully.

How Does it Match Your Backyard’s Colors?

If you already have some backyard furniture or decor that you’re particularly attached to, try to match colors and patterns on both sets. If you can’t find exact matches, use a color wheel to see what complements your original choice. Contrasting hues, like orange throw pillows on a dark blue couch, are very pleasing to the eye and make classy design choices.

Pro Tip: Have a party in the backyard! Make sure your outdoor dining set is big enough for all your friends and family.

Is it Weather Resistant?

Inevitably, your pool furniture will either get rained on or bake in the Houston sun. Of course, going straight from the swimming pool to your chaise lounge chair also means your nice furniture will get wet. Custom designed patio covers and umbrellas can help protect your furniture from the elements, but don’t rely on them to entirely protect your furniture. Water- and sun-resistant pieces will keep their color longer and require less maintenance, making them the ideal choice for your lounge area. Partially plastic weather-resistant furniture feels more comfortable than it sounds. Choosing durable furniture will keep your backyard pool area looking stylish for a long time.

Is it Practical in Houston Weather?

Pool furniture gives you the chance to be clever with practical applications. For instance, an end table may look like a normal woven ottoman when it’s shut, but it conceals a hollow inside to shield cushions from bad weather or keep beer chilled. You could also install more conventional cabinets against a wall or barrier. Patio storage can be clever!

Is it Safe Around Fire?

If your pool furniture will be anywhere near your backyard fire pit or grill, ask yourself this question before buying anything new. Weather-resistant materials are likely already fire-resistant, but it pays to double-check everything. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Build the Backyard of Your Dreams!

Regardless if you’re buying new outdoor furniture or upgrading your original collection, let your imagination run wild! Experiment with your favorite color combinations and unique furniture with hidden features. The more durable and long-lasting your new decorations are, the better.

Connect with us for more inspiring outdoor design ideas.

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