3 Options for Creating a Shaded Backyard Hangout Spot

Houston summers present homeowners with a dilemma. On the one hand, there are ample chances to catch some sun and enjoy clear skies. On the other hand, the famous Houston heat can make spending too long outdoors unbearable. What’s the best solution? Plenty of homeowners are choosing to add shaded outdoor spaces to their backyards, allowing them to enjoy fresh air without getting sunburned. Let’s take a look at a few possible ideas for backyard shade!

Do you miss spending time outdoors before Houston’s infamous summer heat kicked in? Why not try a shaded hangout spot in your backyard? Find a few ideas here! #Creekstone #backyardliving Click To Tweet

A Comfortable Outdoor Living Space

Even during the hottest part of Houston summers, adequate sun protection goes a long way toward providing comfort outside. Why not block the sun with a custom patio cover or pergola? Not only will you have immediate sun protection, but your new shade structure will provide a sheltered area all year round for future gatherings! Check out these common backyard shade ideas:

  1. Patio covers
  2. Pergolas
  3. Arbors

1) Patio Covers

If you already have a patio or are planning to add one soon, your best choice might be a patio cover. These shade structures match your house and can even be attached to the house if you so choose. They provide excellent shade and essentially give you an outdoor living room or dining area with open walls.

Pro Tip: A patio cover is the perfect finishing touch to an outdoor kitchen! Cook and host outdoors whenever you want, rain or shine.

2) Pergolas

Pergolas are large shaded structures similar to a patio cover at first glance. However, their design is rather different. Instead of solid pillars and a shingled roof, pergolas boast a more cagelike appearance, designed to support climbing plants. Pergolas also don’t have solid rooftops like patio covers. While they still block out the worst of the sun without completely leaving you in darkness, pergolas won’t keep you from getting a bit wet during a storm.

3) Arbors

For anyone with a smaller backyard or simply a smaller space to turn into an outdoor room, an arbor may be the way to go. Think of an arbor like a smaller pergola, designed to hold climbing plants and let in some sun while still providing a good amount of shade. Arbors don’t tend to cover a lot of space, so they’re best used for a smaller hangout spot like a reading nook or to cover a garden bench.

Don’t Miss Out on Sunny Days!

Houston’s infamous summer heat may make time in the sun a little uncomfortable, but don’t let the heat chase you indoors all summer! A shaded outdoor space allows you to enjoy fresh air and sunshine without exposing yourself to scorching heat or heavy summer rain. Get in touch with our team to see which style is best for you.

Check out our Facebook page to see what patio covers our other clients chose!

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof

No outdoor living space is complete without some shade! If you’re designing an entertainment space in your backyard, installing a covering is a great way to add style and functionality. Between a pergola and patio cover, the two structures may sound essentially the same. However, understanding the differences will help you choose the right outdoor covering for your living areas.

Isn’t a pergola and a patio cover the same thing? Learn the differences and find out what kind of outdoor kitchen roof you need! Click To Tweet

Pergola or patio cover? Which outdoor covering is right for your home? Where the pergola might add character with its open rafters, a patio cover brings functionality and protection. Both pergolas and patio covers have benefits, but depending on your lifestyle, there’s undoubtedly one that is right for you.

Pergola vs Patio Cover: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Roof, Creekstone, Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

What is a Pergola?

Interestingly, a pergola is usually not defined as a “roof”. Because it is built from a frame with open rafters, it can’t fully protect from weather elements. It can, however, bring shade to your backyard or garden area. A pergola can either be a freestanding structure or attached to your home, depending on the design. Choose from a wide range of high-quality wood stains or rust-proof iron elements to build a pergola with character and style in your outdoor living area.

What is a Patio Cover?

Compared to a pergola, a patio cover is essentially an extension of your home. The roof of a patio cover is usually covered with asphalt shingles to match the attached home or garage and is attached to the exterior siding. Patio covers range in design and customized features including stone, wood stains, height, and built-in light fixtures. To add shade and protection from the rain, a patio cover is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen or living space.

Pro Tip: Design a patio cover to bring your outdoor kitchen, living, and dining areas together under a single roof.

Deciding on an Outdoor Roof

Choosing between a pergola or patio cover depends ultimately on your use. How will you use your outdoor space? If you plan to spend time with your friends and family outdoors, shade is an absolute must but the outdoor roof can vary.

Pergolas are usually less expensive, can be customized for small spaces, and can even house climbing plants. A patio cover, however, is built to fully protect your outdoor living space and is a permanent addition to a home.

Outdoor Living in the Greater Houston Area

Whether you’re adding a covering over your outdoor kitchen or creating a defined space for hanging out, the choice of covering ultimately depends on you. Both a pergola and patio cover offer shade, functionality, and style to your unique backyard. Once you figure out how you’ll be using your back patio and which coverage works best, it’s time to build!

Connect with our team to design a customized and beautiful pergola or patio cover for your home!

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

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.

4 Goals to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis in 2019

2019 has arrived and with it, the opportunity to set new goals for the New Year! A little preparation now will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space in the coming months. It’s easy to create an outdoor oasis in your backyard when you make these 4 goals for the new year. Click To Tweet

Create Your Own Oasis in 2019

Whether your backyard been neglected or you just don’t like the current style, it’s easy to create your own tranquil oasis in 2019. Now is the time to create the space you’ve always dreamed of! By working towards a few goals now, you’ll have your perfect space and outdoor oasis in no time!

Backyard Renovation

ProTip: One of the easiest way to create an outdoor oasis is by choosing a theme for your outdoor space.

Add some style and create a place that you won’t want to leave. Design options are endless! Some popular themes are tropical, Tuscan, English garden, desert, or beach-house to name a few. Create these looks with different plants and landscaping, new throw pillows, and decor. Again–get creative and see what themed inspiration you come up with!

Outdoor Kitchen

If you love to cook and entertain, adding an outdoor kitchen to your outdoor space is a simple way to create an outdoor oasis in 2019. An outdoor kitchen (and dining area) can be the new focal point of your yard, allowing 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.

Fire Features

To create an instant outdoor oasis, add a fire pit to your outside space! The most popular outside fire feature these days is the fire pit. They come in every shape and style and can 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.

Add Mood Lighting

Outdoor lighting can turn your boring yard into a sanctuary to relax in during the evening hours. 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.

Set Your Goals Now to Enjoy Your Outdoor Oasis All Year

Setting goals now will allow you to build your dream backyard without feeling rushed.  Whether you’re building a brand new outdoor space or improving on an existing one, start early and plan ahead to set you up for success!

Contact us to learn more ways to turn your outdoor living space into an outdoor oasis in 2019!

5 Tips to Design the Rustic Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

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! Click To Tweet

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. Click To Tweet 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.