Tag Archives: appliances

Tips for First Time Homeowners

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Buying, owning and living in a new house can be tricky, especially if you’re a first time homeowner. Here are a few tips that might save you from saying, “If only I knew.”

ROI

If you see your house as an investment, your best bet for a significant return on your money is finding a location in an up-and-coming area. In San Antonio right now that might be a neighborhood such as Government Hill, which is experiencing a dramatic revival.

HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

When building in a location with an HOA, make sure to ask to take a look at the contract before making a decision. Perhaps you want to have chickens for fresh eggs but find out the neighborhood is home to a feral cat community. It’s better to know what you’re getting into in advance.

BUDGETING

Make a detailed budget, not just one that includes the cost of the house, whether you’re having one custom built or buying a historic home, but a budget that includes things like utilities, commuting costs and eventual add-ons or re-modeling.

GRANTS

Look into grants that might supplement your mortgage. Regardless of your income, you’d be surprised to learn how many grants are available, based on location as well as profession. There are grants for farmers, teachers and many others.

DON’T SKIMP

Especially when you’re having a house built from the ground up, there are things you’re likely going to want to skimp on, such as appliances. While this can save you money up front, consider the long-term repercussions. High-end, energy-saving appliances cost more money but save in the long run.

If you have questions on these or any other home-related topics, please give us a call at 210-494-5400. To be added to our private email list to receive the newsletter, please sign up here.

 

 

More Kitchen, Less Kitsch

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For some of us, the kitchen is where we spend the majority of our time. High tech appliances and current trends are making kitchens more inviting than our living rooms. So if your family likes to gather around the kitchen, even when it’s not dinnertime, here are a few yummy ideas to consider for your next kitchen:

KITCHEN CONNECTIONS:  The kitchen is often a hub for home owners’ electronics. Two-thirds of NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) kitchen designers said they’re now incorporating docking and charging stations in kitchen remodels. Fifty-six percent said they included a flat-screen TV – so you don’t miss Manu’s 3-pointers while grabbing a snack.

ENERGY SAVINGS:  Home owners are always on the look-out for energy savings. Sixty percent of home designers expect energy-saving appliances to be in higher demand this year. Water-saving kitchen faucets are another energy-saver worth incorporating into your new kitchen. As far as finishes go, satin nickel is still a gorgeous choice.

OPEN SHELVING:  If you want to showcase your beautiful dishes or glassware, consider open shelving. Not only does it create an airy, fun feel to the kitchen, but it personalizes the space and allows you to show off that wedding china or other unique items. Not recommended if you’re a messy cook!

OPEN FLOOR PLAN:  Beyond open shelving, open kitchen floor plan designs are in much higher demand than a traditional closed kitchen space. This is a great design to incorporate for active families who like to host parties. Just remember that everyone will be able to see what you’re doing in the kitchen. You’ll also need to consider how the kitchen décor will complement the rest of the house.

KITCHEN SINKS:  With the growing popularity of warm metal fixtures and wood cabinets, consider a plain white kitchen sink or even a colored kitchen sink as opposed to traditional stainless steel. Imagine a striking canary yellow or a beautiful blue to help the kitchen pop!

LOOK UP:  Ceiling design is a lovely way to stylize your kitchen and make it an incredible showpiece. Statement-making ceilings are hot! You can use lighting, bulkheads, coffer ceilings or even murals, if you want to go nuts, to enhance your kitchen ceiling.

Remember to beware of flash-in-the-pan trends, such as crazy colors or design choices that may date your home. Custom home designs and all of the intricate decisions you’ll face are what we do best! Give us a call us at 210-494-5400 to get started.

2015 Home Trends – Hot or Not?

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If you’re going to put time and money into building a new home, you might as well make sure it’s everything you want it to be. Here are some fun new trends designers are anticipating for 2015. Read on to see if any of them spark your imagination!

ARCHITECTURE & FURNITURE

According to Zillow, mid-century modern elements in architecture as well as furniture is one of the biggest up-and-coming home design trends for 2015. However, keep in mind that trends such as these should serve as inspiration, but should not be overdone!

COLORS

Everyone’s talking about colors, but what colors are hottest is up for discussion.  According to Sherwin-Williams, people are opting for brighter colors now that we’re out of a recession.  Check out their Coral Reef, color #6606, which they’re saying reflects America’s new optimism for the future.

Pinterest seems to support this idea, as a majority of the color trends for spring on display are certainly bright, bubbly and even traditional Easter holiday colors.

Conde Nast Traveler would have you believe that ochre is the “it” color of the moment. Inspired by recent fashion trends, ochre is transitioning into home design, where it makes a dramatic impact when paired with rich, velvet jewel tones.

Remodelista’s pick for interior wall color of the year is a gorgeous yet humble pale, dusty pink called “Pink Ground” from Farrow & Ball. It pairs especially well with black or grey furniture.

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

An organic look for appliances is a continuing trend. Buttons on dishwashers are being gracefully hidden; refrigerators and ovens are made to blend into the kitchen’s décor, so that sometimes they’re even hard to find! Take a look at the Zen Oven by Amica, which has a crisp white façade with a simple wood handle and two black buttons –  the perfect accent to a minimalist kitchen.

Marble backsplashes are being used to create an exotic look and accent piece in any kitchen, while jewel-toned tiles in fun shapes are a stylish option for master baths or even guest baths and go great with vintage tubs.

THE LIBRARY

Surprisingly, in a country obsessed with getting online, libraries filled with old-fashioned books (made with paper!) are back in style. According to Details.com, libraries with actual books are making a comeback. Maybe it has something to do with the popularity of Downton Abbey, or perhaps people are simply nostalgic for the old days. Even VCR’s are coming back!

Stone Creek Custom Homes, along with our interior designers, can help you make all of these important decisions. Call us today at 210-494-5400 for a complementary consultation!