Tag Archives: energy efficiency

Trending Architectural Elements You Need to Know About! 

36_34820_Ansley_Rdg_Trl__Bulverde_7816336_Revised__1_mls

In the heart of the Lone Star State, where the spirit of independence and innovation thrives, the world of custom home building has never been more exciting!

Texas, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique canvas for builders and architects to create high-end custom homes that are a perfect blend of style, sophistication and, of course, functionality.

As we step into the realm of luxury living in Texas, it’s important to us that we are always up-to-date with the latest architectural styles and elements. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home or simply intrigued by the world of cutting-edge architecture, let us direct you to the future of Texas custom homes.

Here’s what our customers are considering:

Open Concept Layouts: Open floor plans that create a seamless flow between living spaces remain highly popular. This design encourages interaction, maximizes natural light, and gives homes a spacious feel. Perfect for families that love to entertain!

Large Windows and Glass Walls: Expansive windows, sliding glass doors, and glass walls continue to be sought after. These features bring the outdoors in, provide excellent views, and flood interiors with natural light. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen more and more home owners interested in this idea.

Minimalist Design: Clean lines, simple forms, and a minimalist aesthetic are favored by many homeowners. This approach focuses on functionality and uncluttered spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Sustainable and energy-efficient elements are an ever-growing trend. This includes solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, well-insulated walls and roofs, and high-efficiency HVAC systems to reduce environmental impact and lower utility bills.

Indoor-Outdoor Living: Outdoor living spaces are becoming more elaborate, featuring outdoor kitchens, fire pits, covered patios, and even outdoor rooms with heating and cooling options. We love nothing more than building our customers a luxurious outdoor space!

Smart Home Integration: Homes equipped with smart technology for lighting, security, climate control, and entertainment are increasingly popular. Voice-activated controls and automation systems are becoming standard.

Natural Materials: The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and metal in interior and exterior design elements adds warmth and character to custom homes.

Multi-Generational Living: Designs that accommodate multi-generational living are on the rise. This includes features like separate living spaces or additional suites for extended family members.

Custom Built-Ins: Custom shelving, storage solutions, and built-in furniture are gaining popularity, as they add functionality and uniqueness to your beloved spaces.

Floating Staircases: Contemporary, minimalist floating staircases add a sense of elegance and modernity to homes.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Incorporating green roofs and gorgeous living walls not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Unique Roof Designs: Architects are experimenting with creative roof designs, such as flat roofs with rooftop gardens or pitched roofs with interesting angles.

Dedicated Home Offices: The need for dedicated home office spaces has grown significantly, with many homes now featuring stylish and functional workspaces. Here, you can go wild or conservative with the interior design to make work life as interesting as home life.

The world of high-end Texas custom home building is an ever-evolving landscape of innovation and creativity. The architectural styles and elements mentioned above represent just a glimpse of the exciting possibilities available to you through us at Stone Creek Custom Homes.

Increase the Value of Your Home

hill country house 15

You may be well on your way to achieving your new year’s resolutions, but what about resolutions for your home? Have you been putting off those remodeling projects for so long you forgot what you were even planning on doing? Here are some ideas that will help your house feel more like a home and also increase its value.

  1. Kitchen Remodel. Of course, you can easily spend thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars on a new kitchen, and perhaps this is something you’ve been wanting to do. However, be careful not to install a kitchen that outshines the rest of the house. Get the biggest bang for your buck by simply updating the paint color.

2017 trends are seeing bolder, more dramatic, colors in the whole house, including the kitchen. Also consider replacing old, worn out appliances with energy efficient ones. This attribute is definitely a plus, especially for potential buyers.

  1. Add a new Bathroom. According to HGTV, investing in an additional bathroom in your home can recoup you 80-130% when you’re ready to sell. It sounds like a great idea, right, but first you need to figure out where to put it. A half-bath requires at least 18 square feet of space and you’ll need at least 35 sq. ft. of space for a full bath.

What you do with that bathroom next is up to you. Prices vary greatly depending upon what kinds of fixtures and accessories you plan on using. The choices these days are virtually limitless. As far as overall style, vintage is in, but is it ever really out? Freestanding roll-top baths and classic brass fittings are hot items right now. If you’re on a budget, you can sometimes find them from salvage yards, restoration specialists or auctions.

If you want to try something completely different, play with a Mediterranean-inspired design. Think Spain, Portugal or Morocco and create a stunning room with hand-painted terra cotta and modern metallics.

  1. Repurpose a Space. Do you have a basement that’s been sitting empty and unfinished for years or perhaps an attic room or third bedroom that’s just become something of a hoarder’s nightmare? Then now’s the time to think of how you can best transform that space into something beautiful, livable and ultimately sellable.

A basement remodel can cost you an average of $64,000, according to Remodeling Magazine. However, imagine having your own in-house wet bar, gym, game/movie room. You might never want to leave the house. An attic or other unused room can be easily made into a craft room, office, yoga room or kids play room.

  1. Energy Efficiency. If you’d rather invest your dollars in ways to improve the value of the house without messing with the aesthetics, consider installing energy-efficient windows and insulation. You can save up to $2,500 each year, and the investment can be minimal. Extra insulation to your attic will only run you around $200 (depending on the size of your home), but will save you some serious green.

If you’re looking, not just to transform your current space, but build a new one, please call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a free consultation. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.