Tag Archives: sustainable

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Maximize Your Fall Decor while Minimizing Storage Space

We’ve all been to Hobby Lobby when they start carrying their fall decor. Not a single surface is free of pumpkins or bright orange leaves. But how realistic is it to have a whole collection of decor for every season?

We’re here to share a few minimal tips to usher fall into your space while keeping it limited to a single storage box for the off seasons.

One of our first tips is to embrace some neutrals and softer tones allowing you to maximize your use of decorative pieces. Next, mix in shades of rust or terra-cotta that have been the stars of this year’s home color palettes. For those of you with neutral bedding, one unique tip we came across was to swap out your sheets for a pop of rust during the fall months. Similar warm effects can also be achieved with a fall colored throw blanket.

All Roads Woven Baja Throw Blanket

Our favorite suggestion is to invest in some fall pillow covers to mix with your current throws. Depending on whether it works with your color scheme, we recommend a deep rust velvet cover for a pop of fall and cozy to your seating area. If rust doesn’t compliment your color scheme a minimal “hello fall” pillow works with any color combo. For minimal storage purchase a pillow cover in the same size as your current throw pillows allowing you to simple swap covers when fall comes around! This decorative trick can be done in the living room and bedrooms for pops throughout the house. Here is a link to the covers we ordered on Amazon.

Navy & Rust Color Block - Mohair Velvet Pillow Cover - 14x24 Lumbar

Fall offers the excuse to splurge on a few extra throw blankets. I know in Texas we may sweat through Christmas, but the morning chill with a cozy throw and hot coffee is simply divine! With the weather starting to cool off, now is the time to include chunky knit throws in fall colors or neutral tones. Opting for neutral tones allow you to keep the cozy throws out through the whole holiday season which, you’ve guessed it, keeps seasonal storage to a minimum.

August Sage Chunky Wool Throw Blanket

For the pumpkin obsessed, we are with you! Covering your porch in mixed tones of pumpkins allows for a bold statement that you can change each year as you shop new selections of fresh pumpkins. Mixing in white and neutrals pumpkins offers just enough of a twist to a classic.

My personal favorite way to include live pumpkins is using mini white pumpkins on your coffee table, mantel, or table centerpiece.

Love + Grey home decor

For the decorator who varies between minimalist and maximalists, this suggestion is for you. Fall florals can vary from including a subtle sprig or an entire show stopping centerpiece. We’ve been crushing on dried wheat or pampas grass this year which can offer a subtle fall feel or be mixed with fall leaves to make a DIY fireplace centerpiece. We suggest having a vase of various florals or dried grasses year round that can easily be switched out seasonally to keep storing to a minimum and maximize your decorations budget.

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We hope you enjoyed these tips to maximize your fall decor while minimizing the burden on your closet space. Goodbye y’all and hello fall!!

New Year, New Home!

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You know we always say there’s no better time to start planning your dream home, and that’s never been more true as we launch into 2019. If, indeed, you are ready to get the ball rolling, here are some things that will help you make the best decisions possible as you move forward.

San Antonio Housing Market

According to MetroDepth, the San Antonio housing market is predicted to continue to see a rise in the cost of housing prices. This comes as no surprise to us, as San Antonio is one of the most booming towns in the United States. For locals, this means, there’s no time to delay! Good news is, price growth is anticipated to slow.

Currently, the median home value in town is $165,000, according to Zillow. That’s about an 8% increase from the previous year.

Mortgage Down Payment

Although, it’s recommended to put 20% down, many lenders allow a lot less than that. While this can be useful, we recommend that you put at least 20% down, if not more, and here’s why. You’ll be paying a lot more in the long run, and it could result in higher costs when paying for private mortgage insurance. Here’s a wonderful little tool – a down payment calculator, that will hopefully help shed some light on what to expect.

Know Your Neighborhood

Finding the right house or the right builder is only half the battle. Your neighborhood is the other half of the equation that will determine whether you and your family will be happy with your new home for the long run. To ensure a good match, consider a few things. Do you wish to be a in neighborhood with a homeowners association? Find out just what this entails. Sometimes the fee is worth the amenities.

Additionally, if you have kids, you’ll want to research nearby schools. Even if you don’t have children, the quality of the schools could affect the value of your home. Look into safety and crime statistics and take the time to map out all the important go-to’s, such as the closest hospital, grocery store, gas station and other relevant stops. Although time consuming, try driving through your potential neighborhood on different days and various times throughout the day to check on the traffic and noise. You won’t regret making the effort!

These are just a few notes to help prepare you for your new home. When you’re ready, we’re here to help build your dream. Give us a call at 210-494-5400 or fill out our online form to get started.

 

Love Your Living Room

Courtesy of Glen Andrews Art Glass

Courtesy of Glen Andrews Art Glass

There’s that one main room in your home where everyone gathers, perhaps watches TV, enjoys lively conversations, plays games. You might call it the living room or the family room. You might even have a great room, a modern version with an open floor plan that also combines the dining room. We love building great rooms for our clients, which by its very nature, encourages family interaction.

Regardless of what it’s called, this is the heart of your home, and you want it to be a room that shines. Your living room should, more than any other room, reflect the personality of you and your family.

Here are some tips to help bring some love into your living room or make that great room even better!

-          If you have a great room, then you must rely on area rugs and furniture to create the spatial boundaries in the room. Typically, you want a backdrop that is more neutral. Different sections of the space can utilize colors and patterns but should compliment the other sections of the room. Accent walls can also be used to cleverly add definition between spaces.

-          Update your great room with a home office space, small library, children’s play corner or adult arts and crafts corner. All of these options can, again, add dimension and definition to the space.

-          Find some unique antiques to add some character to your living room. Old antique doors can also be used to divide up a room. We recommend a hidden gem right here in San Antonio, called Architectural Antiques Salvage. This giant warehouse is filled with all sorts of treasures, from doors to light fixtures, clawfoot bathtubs, sinks and even some décor. They are located at 403 Dawson St., just on the eastside of downtown.

-          If you’re looking to update your furniture, which is a fun way to change the look of your living room, consider adding some curved furnishings. Once popular in the 60’s, the curved look is coming back. For example, a crimson velveteen sofa with a back in the shape of a half circle and a curved cushion in front. A piece like this can help add a touch of femininity to the room.

-          Light fixtures can be an easy way to define the space in your great room or living room, and can also serve as a showpiece that truly represents the ambiance you’re wanting to achieve. You might consider having some custom blown glass pieces to create a modern-day chandelier. Locally, we recommend Glen Andrews Art Glass of Caliente Hot Glass. They can design a piece specific to your look and tastes and even install it for you. For more information, visit glenandrewsartglass.com.

However, if it’s simply time to start dreaming of a new great room, we’re here to help! Give us a call at 210-494-5400 or fill out our online form to get started.

Zhoosh Up Your Décor and Dinner for the Holidays

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The holidays are here are again, and this year, it’s time to go all out! If your home is the place to be this Thanksgiving or Christmas, we’ve got some tips to make sure that this holiday season will be one to remember for years to come!

Décor:

It doesn’t take much to transform your home into a Texas winter (we use this word loosely) wonderland!

-          For Thanksgiving, make an easy yet beautiful centerpiece on the dining table out of fruit. Fill a decorative bowl full of your fruit of choice (we recommend apples or pears) and attach paper leaves to the stems with messages of “thanks-giving” written on them. You can even ask your guests to write a Thanksgiving message. The same concept can be used as place cards on the table for seating arrangements.

-          If it’s a winter wonderland you truly desire, then go for it! White décor is in! Decorate your house with a stunning white fur tree, white walls and, don’t forget, fake snow. Use a bold accent color such as red or blue to complete the look. White lights are also a lovely addition to the tree, if you’re wanting to keep it elegant.

-          Decorating on a budget this year? No worries! Simple additions such as evergreen clippings, pine cones and homemade items from the kids, such as candy cane cut-outs and a show-stopping gingerbread house can make your home feel full of cheer. These are also great activities that the whole family can enjoy. Although they now sell kits that are a breeze, here’s an easy “how-to” of a made-from-scratch gingerbread house.

Dinner:

-          We know you’ve always wanted to fry a turkey, and not just because it looks dangerous. It’s delicious. Sure, thousands of people burn their house down each year trying to fry a turkey, but it’s not going to be you! Check out this Art of Manliness’ video and be safe!

-          Not only is ambiance important during the holidays, but dinner can actually make or break your special day, so we found some yummy recipes to guarantee everyone will go home with a full and happy tummy. We turned to Texas Monthly for something a little different but still with a Texas twist. Instead of the usual sides, why not try making these delicious Sweet Potatoes with Ginger, Pecans and Jalapeños? We bet you won’t be sorry!

-          We also love these Cranberry and Pecan Tamales. Even in the tamale capital of Texas (which we assume we are), this is something you don’t often find.

-          Oh, and don’t forget to leave some cookies for Santa. Here’s a fun recipe for the kids that’s hassle free for you!

Just make sure to ask Santa for your dream home, but if he doesn’t come through, you can always give us a call at 210-494-5400 or fill out our online form. We may not have any reindeer, but we know how to make dreams come true!

Happy Holidays from our family at Stone Creek Custom Homes!

Autumn Trends To Fall in Love With!

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It’s been a brutal summer in South Texas with 100-degree weather for days on end. Thankfully, fall is finally here! What better way to celebrate this new season than with some exciting new inspirations for your current home or new? Here’s what’s trending:

Kitchen Un-Confidential

New residential construction trends are seeing kitchens built with more open space, which is ideal for folks who love entertaining and inviting friends and family into their kitchens. For many, the kitchen is the new living room. Imagine a kitchen which opens up to the rest of your home showcasing a giant marble counter lined with chairs, so visitors can enjoy some cocktails and appetizers while you prepare the main course. If this is your dream, we want to fulfill it!

Pretty in Pink

Old-fashioned pink tones are in this season. Done artfully, pink can lend your home both a vibrant, cozy feel. Imagine a dark fuchsia couch contrasted by powder pink pillows, as an example of a stunning use of pink in your home. Pink, of course, is not for the meek. Experts recommend pairing it with metallic, contemporary greys and darker neutrals.

Flower Power

It seems this season is all about celebrating traditionally feminine aesthetics. Another hot décor trend right now is big, bold flower patterns. Before you dismiss this idea, remember flowers can be more than just beautiful. They can be wild and inspiring. Think of the intrepid orchid, of which there are approximately 30,000 species from all over the world. Some look like the creatures that pollinate them, such as the Bee Orchid. When it comes to décor, imagine a giant mural of flowers in dark, rich colors, complimented by dark wood floors.

Bathtub Bliss

If you want a showpiece for your bathroom, look not further than this Boca Do Lobo bathtub:

n’t be afraid to dream, and dream big. This tub also comes with a wash basin, if your truly feeling adventurous.

Mudrooms & Flex Rooms

Be gone are the days of the over-filled hall closet by the front door. Welcome in the days of the mudroom filled with a plethora of storage features, such as cubbies and cabinets. Flex rooms are also gaining in popularity. Typically located near a front hallway or entryway, it’s a room with pocket or French doors that can be used as an office space, library, parlor or other. You decide!

If any of these features sound enticing, please call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a consultation and discuss your vision. You can also simply fill out our online form.