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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.

What About the Kids?

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When you envision your perfect dream home, make sure to carve out a little dreaming for the kids too! Whether you’re looking to start from the ground up or you just need a make-over, here are some great ideas that will make the kids happy! Some of these are also an opportunity for family bonding.

Wall Art

Give the kids permission to paint on the walls and you’re definitely going to get kudos from the kiddos. Use wainscoting in a room and paint the wall below with chalkboard paint. The kids can pick whatever colors they like and have a blast!

Additionally, removable wall transfers are a great and affordable way to let the kids decorate their own room, knowing that as soon as they’re bored with it, it can easily be changed. These “wall tattoos” come in a variety of styles and patterns.

Playtime

What kid doesn’t want his/her own playroom? Turn that extra bedroom into a mini theatre where your kid(s) can create, imagine and perform. All you need is a mini stage with a curtain, a mic and a few chairs for family and friends to watch… because the show must go on!

DIY Projects for the Kids

Wanting to spruce up your home décor this fall? Get the kids involved and create a homey atmosphere at the same time! Some easy DIY projects might include building a bird house. It doesn’t take much – just a few scraps of wood, some paint and bird feed. You might need a few power tools as well. We like THIS  easy to make birdhouse, which claims to take 5 minutes and cost only $5. Check it out:

Other fun DIY projects include painting a mailbox, creating a mini fairy garden in the backyard and making a teepee. If you want a serious project, build some bunk beds, which are perfect for sleepovers and space savers. Who wants a regular bed these days anyway?

We bet you can come up with even more fun ideas to help make your house a home for the whole family! If you’re ready for a new home, please call us at 210-494-5400 to set up a consultation or fill out our online form.

 

2018 Mid-Year Housing Market Update

8.28.17

We’re already over halfway through the year, if you can believe it!? School’s about to start up again, and the holidays seem right around the corner. We decided it was about time for an update on the housing market. If you’re considering buying a new home, here are some things you should know.

We’ve been saying for a while now that there’s no better time to buy a house than right now, and that statement has never been more true. According to the San Antonio Business Journal, home sale prices in San Antonio are still on the rise.

The good news is if you’re looking to sell your current home, before investing in your new dream home, it’s currently a seller’s market. The average sales price per year is increasing by approximately 6 percent. Primarily, homes being sold range from $200,000 to $500,000.

With the market being so hot right now, it makes even more sense to invest in building a home designed specifically for you and your family’s needs – one that will last a lifetime. At Stone Creek Custom Homes, we also go above and beyond to help you find just the right property. Why not start from the ground up, instead of moving into a pre-built home made for somebody else’s family, where you don’t really know what you’re getting into?

With us, you will know exactly what’s going into your home, from the quality of the materials to the expertise and dedication. We work with our customers every single step of the way, so there are no surprises.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, builders aren’t constructing enough homes to keep up with the demand – yet another reason to work with a personalized company such as ours. You’re not just a number in a long line of home owners.

On a national scale, U.S. house prices are expected to rise at twice the speed of inflation and pay, according to a Reuters poll. House prices have been rising more than 5 percent over the past few years – driven again by the shortage of affordable homes in the U.S.

It’s clear San Antonio will continue to grow as well. It’s already considered one of the best places to live in America for a variety of reasons, and we agree. When you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, you know we’ll be here for you! For a consultation, please call at 210-494-5400, or fill out our online form.