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Author: bdowdy

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips

Transform Your Space: Bold Accent Wall Ideas

Accent walls are a creative way to give a room a unique vibe that makes a bold statement. Here are a few ways to turn a not-so-impressive wall into a centerpiece that grabs the attention of the entire room. 

 

Pops of Color – The idea behind any good accent wall is to act as the room’s focal point, and nothing draws the eye away from three bland walls like a wall that has a pop of color. 

 

When deciding on the accent wall, pick a wall with purpose. The eye should be drawn to it as soon as you enter the room. Choose your color carefully, too, as the color in space impacts mood. If the other three walls are a darker color, then go for a lighter accent wall, and choose a darker color if the other walls are on the lighter side. 

 

Create a Gallery Wall – The art gallery is a classic accent wall idea and functions as the perfect showcase for a person’s personality and creativity. Before you start hammering nails into the wall, consider these tips to create a gallery wall that is cohesive. 

 

  • Begin with a large piece of art to act as an anchor for the wall.
  • Aim for a mix of horizontal and vertical frames to keep things interesting.
  • Mix up your frame colors and styles.
  • Don’t be afraid to blend art styles. An oil landscape painting can live harmoniously beside a framed drawing from your kid.

 

Create a Photo Album Wall – Family photo walls are a great way to display family moments and add a personal touch to the home. Similar to an art gallery wall, a mix of picture sizes and frame styles can work incredibly well, yet photo album walls are a bit more forgiving if you do want all your frames to be the same size and style. 

 

Black and white photo album walls add a classic touch, but color photos are equally as appealing. Even something as simple as draping a ribbon across a wall and using clothespins to hang polaroids can create a playful photo wall with minimal cost. 

 

Wallpaper – Wallpaper trends come and go (which can be frustrating if you’ve ever tried to remove it), but if you’re curious about it and don’t want to commit to a full room, an accent wall is a perfect compromise. 

 

Using wallpaper for an accent wall creates a striking focal point that adds depth, personality, and visual interest to any room. Peel and stick versions of wallpaper are available in thousands of styles and are easy to apply. 

 

Shelving and Lighting – If space is a commodity, then creating an accent wall with shelving is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Floating shelves create visual appeal and add an element of storage space to a room. They can also be a fun way to showcase anything from art to family photos, memorabilia, or house plants. 

 

Similarly, wall lights are a wonderful way to completely transform a room and compliment the space’s design or furnishings. 

 

A home should be more than just a place where you live, but is an expression of who you are.

If you’re in search of your dream home, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Amenities Blog Lifestyle Tips

Holiday Hustle: Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

Whether it’s traveling, figuring out a shopping budget, planning big meals, or keeping the peace at family gatherings, the holiday hustle can be exhausting. 

 

Here are a few ways to stay merry and bright throughout the holiday season. 

 

Don’t Skip on Exercise

 

Many people tend to hit pause on the gym come Thanksgiving and vow to start exercising again after New Year’s. This is a mistake. 

 

Making time for regular exercise (at least 2-3 days a week) will help you stay healthy during the holidays in a number of ways. 

 

  • Reduces stress
  • Provides an energy boost
  • Strengthens your immune system
  • Can prevent weight gain 

 

Nobody wants to end the year sick, tired, and feeling like they put on unwanted weight, so get in some cardio!

 

Travel Smart

 

Travel during the holidays can be especially tiring, and with so many people passing through airports and roadside travel centers, it’s especially easy to pick up a bug. 

 

A key tip to avoid getting sick is to follow the advice of your kindergarten teacher and wash your hands. Always wash them after using a public restroom, preparing to eat a meal, or after passing through a baggage checkpoint. (Keeping hand sanitizer on you isn’t a bad idea either.)

 

If you have a compromised immune system or are getting over an illness, masking up when passing through airports, subways, or crowded areas is also a good precaution. 

 

Hydration is Key

 

Speaking of travel, flying naturally dehydrates the body, so make a point to drink lots of water. Even if you’re not traveling for the holidays, drinking plenty of water is still good. People tend to eat more sugar and salt during the holiday season, and drinking water will help to keep your body hydrated. 

 

It’s also wise to drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have. This will go a long way in preventing that dreaded holiday office party hangover. 

 

Healthy Eating 

 

Perhaps no other time of year is full of mouthwatering treats and recipes than the holiday season. It’s no secret that many holiday dishes are full of calories, and those calories can quickly add up.

 

You don’t need to forgo pie and stuffing completely, but simple holiday healthy eating tips like doubling up on veggies, skipping seconds, and not shopping on an empty stomach can go a long way in keeping extra weight off. 

 

And if you’re in charge of the cooking, opting for healthier versions of holiday dishes will help balance out the extra plate of cookies. 

 

Manage Holiday Stress

 

The holidays can be stressful even for those who seemingly have nerves of steel. Recognizing what causes that holiday stress is the key to managing it. If you feel like you “have to do everything,” then taking on less and saying “no” more often can take extra pressure off your plate. 

 

If relatives are a source of stress, then it’s important to set boundaries. As the saying goes, “You can’t change how others act, but you can determine how you respond.”

The holidays are a wonderful time and enjoying them in a home you love makes the festivities even more special. If you’re looking for your dream home, contact our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

Categories
Blog Family Fun

Kid-Friendly Crafts for Fall Fun!

Whether you’re looking to get crafty with natural materials or simply be inspired by nature, here are some fun ways for kiddos to tap into their creativity this fall. 

 

Painted Pumpkins

 

Carving pumpkins is a lot of fun, but it can also be incredibly messy, and with small children, mom or dad generally end up doing 95% of the pumpkin carving. Painting pumpkins is a great alternative that is pumpkin gut-free and no sharp carving tools required!

 

Painting a goofy or spooky face is always a classic, but the range of pumpkin painting ideas is nearly endless. Older kids may do better with acrylic paint, but for the littles, keep things easy and opt for washable paint. 

 

Leaf Turkeys

 

Making a leaf turkey is a simple craft that children of all ages enjoy and can be done with just a few inexpensive materials. You’ll need some brown and orange construction paper for the turkey’s body and beak, a pair of googly eyes, scissors, and glue. 

 

This is a good project once the leaves start turning colors since you’ll want to head into the yard to grab around a dozen leaves for the turkey’s feathers. 

 

Thanksgiving Cards

 

Nurturing gratitude in kids is important for helping them grow into healthy adults, and everyone loves getting a hand-written card. 

 

It doesn’t have to be something elaborate. Your child could draw a festive picture, the favorite activity of the person they’re giving the card to, or simply write a message expressing gratitude for this person in their life. The important thing is helping kids to recognize and express thanks to friends and family. 

 

Leaf Rubbings

 

Leaf rubbings are a super easy craft… and one more way to make use of all those leaves that have fallen in the yard. 

 

You’ll need: 

  • Crayons
  • White paper
  • Leaves of various shapes and sizes

 

Peel the paper off your crayons and place the paper over your leaves. You can either do each leaf individually or arrange them in a pattern. 

 

Hold the crayon sideways and gently rub it over the paper area on top of the leaf to reveal the leaf’s texture underneath. 

 

Thanksgiving Table Art

 

Most people don’t have the chops or time to go all out Martha Stewart style when it comes to making a Thanksgiving table centerpiece. Getting your kids involved in the decorating is a great way to keep them busy while they’re home from school and, hopefully, free you up to focus on the meal. 

 

Here are a few easy craft ideas for kids that double as table art:

 

  • Have kids paint funny faces and glue paper feathers on gourds and baby pumpkins to create mini turkeys
  • Fill soda bottles with colorful popcorn kernels or dried beans and use them as candle holders
  • Gather up colorful leaves and have kids place them between two sticky pieces of contact paper to make placemats
  • Use some paint, construction paper, and cardboard rings to make festive napkin rings for the big meal. 

 

These craft ideas will not only keep your crew busy and having fun but give your home a festive touch of fall. 

To learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community and available inventory of homes, contact our team today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Mastering Meal Prep: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Families

Families are busier than ever, but thankfully, meal prep is one area of life where a few time-saving strategies can make all the difference. 

 

Make a Meal Plan

 

The first step to any good meal plan is creating a master list of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that you know your family will actually eat. You’ll want to be sure and mix in enough variety so that your family members aren’t rolling their eyes by week three. 

 

From there, you’ll need to decide on what meals you plan on cooking that week and take inventory of what’s already in the kitchen before you head to the grocery store. You’ll want to do this around the same day each week to get in the habit of making this part of the weekly routine. 

 

Freezer Meals for Busy Days

 

Even with a good meal plan, there are probably going to be those days when, by 9 AM, it’s obvious that there’s not going to be enough time in the day to cook a full meal. This is where the freezer meal backup plan comes in. 

 

You’ll want to carve out some time in your schedule when you know you can make an extra meal that you can put in the freezer for those super busy days. How many you want to keep on deck is up to you (and how big your freezer is), but two or three never hurts. 

 

Some meals freeze better than others, so be sure to pick recipes that thaw well. Stews and casseroles are usually a safe bet. 

 

Simplify Recipes

 

Everyone likes a home-cooked meal made from scratch. The problem is that “from scratch” can be very time-consuming. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to simplify many classic recipes and still deliver a delicious meal the family will love. 

 

Here are a few simple ways to take some of the work out of recipes:

 

  • Opt for canned veggies over fresh
  • Buy frozen or pre-sliced veggies
  • Ask your grocery butcher to slice the meat you’d like to buy
  • Invest in an Instant Pot or Crock Pot
  • Instead of slicing garlic or ginger, buy the already-minced version
  • Toss your meats and veggies on a baking sheet for an easy sheet pan dinner
  • Make use of a preheating oven for roasting veggies that aren’t as sensitive to a fully heated oven

 

Involve the Family

 

There’s no reason not to get the entire family involved if they’re going to be eating the food, too. (Okay, babies and toddlers might be more trouble in the kitchen than help, but everyone else…) Bringing in the entire family to help with some aspect of the meal prep can take part of the load off your shoulders and will also help children be more confident and independent in the kitchen. 

 

Even if it’s something as simple as grabbing a box of pasta from the pantry, dumping in a can of corn, or stirring a pot of chicken noodle soup, kids (and spouses) will gradually feel more comfortable and probably even enjoy helping with meal prep. 

A well-designed and functional kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to meal prep. To learn more about the amenities and floor plans of the homes in the Crosswinds community, contact our team today.

Categories
Blog Homeowner Tips

Autumn Essentials: Leaf Maintenance Tips

As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, it’s important for homeowners to spend some time cleaning up for a healthy yard come spring. 

 

Here are a few autumn essentials when it comes to keeping your yard looking good. 

 

The Right Tools for the Job

 

Whether it’s spring clean-up, summer maintenance, or fall prep, having the right yard tools for the job makes all the difference. When it comes to fall yard work, there’s one tool that is an absolute must – a rake. In regards to rakes, the old adage “bigger is better” applies. A rake with a larger spread will allow you to grab more leaves with each stroke. Chances are that your local hardware store will have a variety to choose from. 

 

Another popular fall yard tool is the leaf blower. Leaf blowers tend to come in both electrical, battery-operated, and gas-powered varieties. Because they can be loud and kick up a lot of dust, it’s a good idea to wear both ear protection and a dust respirator to guard your ears and lungs. 

 

Rake Like a Pro

 

If you have a lot of trees on your property then you’re going to want to use some strategy with your leaf raking. Rather than filling up 20 or 30 giant garbage bags with leaves, consider using a Bagster or a large tarp. This will allow you to easily drag the leaves to the curb or your compost pile for fresh garden compost in the spring. Work smarter, not harder, as the saying goes. 

 

The Final Mow

 

Before you retire your mower to the shed for the winter, be sure to give your lawn one final mow. You’ll want to wait until nearly all of the leaves have fallen off the trees, you’re finished raking, and your grass goes dormant. This typically happens around late November or early December. 

 

Set your mower height a bit lower than you normally would in the summer – around 2.5–3 inches. This height won’t weaken the root system and will help the nutrients from leaf decomposition better get into the soil. 

 

Don’t Neglect the Roof

 

It’s not just the lawn that needs some leaf maintenance in the fall; your gutters and roof will probably need some attention, too. Leaves that remain on a roof can trap water and contribute to ice that leads to roof deterioration. It’s a good idea to blow the leaves off the roof (or hire somebody if you don’t like heights) once they’ve fallen from the trees. 

 

The same goes for gutters, too. They should be cleaned out of leaves and twigs to allow the water to flow out of the gutters without blockage during winter months. 

 

Prune and Trim

 

Last but not least, you may want to prune any out-of-control or dead tree branches once the leaves have fallen off. Especially if they hang over your house. Fallen tree branches due to strong storm winds can do serious damage to a roof, and the best defense against costly roof repairs is a good offense. 

A good-looking yard can make a beautiful home look that much better. If you’re in the market for a new home, reach out to us to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Fall Favorites and Family Fun

One of the best things about fall is the festivals. There is no shortage of fall festivals to be enjoyed in the Texas Hill Country, and one of them can be found right down the road from Kyle at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in nearby Georgetown, Texas. 

 

Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about the 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival. 

 

Where and When

 

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a popular attraction in Georgetown, about an hour’s drive from Kyle. The farm is more than simply a place to pick and buy fresh fruit, though; it’s also a petting zoo and adventure destination, making it a great weekend destination for families. 

 

Located at 14400 E State Hwy 29, the festival runs from September 21st – November 8th. You’ll need to plan your trip accordingly, though, because the festival and select events only happen on certain days and times. 

 

Sept | Everyday | 9am – 6pm

October | Sun – Thursday | 9am-8pm

October | Fri & Sat |  9am-10pm

 

Early bird tickets start at $12.49 for guests ages 2+, and regular sale tickets are $24.95.

 

What to Expect

 

The Central Texas Fall Festival is sure to be a hit with kids, but it’s also a great option for a date, as there’s plenty to do and see. 

 

The festival includes daily activities like a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and dozens more farm-related activities. There are even pig races and a fireworks show on Friday and Saturday nights in October. 

 

A major highlight and one not to be missed is the corn maze and adjacent pumpkin patch. The corn maze covers 4.5 acres and is perfect for exploring or an impromptu game of hide-and-seek. This year’s maze was designed with a prehistoric dinosaur theme, and it’s one of the largest corn mazes in the state. 

 

The pumpkin patch is also a popular spot for photo opportunities and includes over 40 varieties of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Kiddos will love searching for that perfect pumpkin that they can take home and carve or paint for free at the farm. 

 

More Fun

 

From falconry shows with soaring and swooping birds of prey to Zoofari, where guests can learn all about animals such as lemurs, toucans, and kangaroos, there’s no shortage of cool things to check out. 

 

Two especially popular activities guests won’t want to skip are the apple cannons and candy cannons. The apple cannon is an air-powered cannon that lets guests take aim at targets and blast apples out of a barrel at more than 50 mph. The candy cannon, on the other hand, is a massive cannon on the back of a truck that shoots out 80 pounds of candy at a time into the air. Needless to say, it’s a highlight with the kids. 

With so much to do in the Central Texas area, it’s no wonder why so many people are moving to Kyle. If you’d like to know more about all this area has to offer and find a home that fits your family’s needs, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds community.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Kyle’s Top Coffee Shops

Iced coffee is something of an essential for caffeine addicts here in Central Texas where summer temperatures can easily soar well into the 90s. But let’s face it, fall is the best season when it comes to coffee. 

 

With a return to cooler outdoor temps, so to do coffee shops return to seasonal autumn flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. From chains to local spots, these coffee shops are sure to put you in the fall spirit. 

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar

 

Black Rock Coffee Bar is mostly found west of the Mississippi River, and it’s a shame because everyone on the East Coast is missing out on some fantastic drinks. 

 

The coffee chain recently rolled out its fall menu, and by far, the standout is the Pumpkin Mexican Mocha. It combines everything great about pumpkin spice, but with a blend of chocolate and a little spice, it’s anything but basic.  

 

Dutch Bros

 

Dutch Bros’ current seasonal menu has a few drinks that seem more like summer leftovers than fall favs (looking at you, Electric Berry Dirty Rebel and Double Rainbow Dirty Rebel). There are three drinks, however, that definitely take aim at autumn – the Caramel Apple Rebel, Cookie Butter Latte, and Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve. 

 

If you’re craving some serious sweetness with your pumpkin spice, then go for the Caramel Pumpkin Brulee Breve, which is available hot or cold and comes topped with a salted caramel drizzle and raw sugar sprinkles. 

 

Summer Moon

 

Summer Moon Coffee Shop is a national chain that uses a wood-fired roasting process for its beans, giving each cup a warm finish that is especially welcomed on a cool October morning. 

 

The chain’s signature fall drink is the Autumn Moon Latte. This pumpkin spice latte is perfect for those coffee drinkers who enjoy a milder coffee drink that isn’t overbearing with sweetness yet doesn’t sacrifice the pumpkin flavor. 

 

Kyle’s Daily Grind

 

If you’re all about supporting your local coffee shop (and you should be), then be sure to hit up Kyle’s Daily Grind. Located at 607 West Center Street, the coffee shop offers protein shakes, smoothies, muffins, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious coffee. 

 

The cafe welcomed its fall lineup at the end of August with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Pie Mocha, Pumpkin Spice Frappe, S’mores Latte, and Gingerbread Chai. If you’re having a hard time choosing which one to get, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of fall left to try all of them!

 

Starbucks

 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t throw out a mention to the chain that can arguably take credit for the pumpkin spice latte craze. There are four Starbucks locations in the Kyle area, so you’re never going to be far from grabbing a classic PSL. 

 

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, Starbucks also has on deck a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. Yum. 

There’s a lot to love about Kyle in the fall, and a warm pumpkin spice coffee is the perfect way to start the day. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and finding your dream home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

Categories
Blog Events Family Fun Tips

Headstart on the Holidays

It may still be plenty hot in Texas, but make no mistake about it… fall is on the way! From Halloween all the way up through the Christmas season, here are a few pointers to help you get a head start on the holidays. 

 

Get Your Home Prepped Inside and Out

 

From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving meals and New Year’s soirees, a home can see a lot of foot traffic during the holiday season. In order you save yourself some time (and stress), a little bit of prep work in advance can go a long way. 

 

  • Prep your lawn with the final fertilization of the season and give it a one-last mow once you’ve raked and bagged the last of the leaves. 

 

  • Seal up any air leaks around draft doors or windows. 

 

  • Repair any damaged walkways and add adequate lighting since the days will be getting shorter. 

 

  • Add some curb appeal to your front door with a festive wreath. 

 

  • Give your carpets and drapes a thorough cleaning.

 

  • Take some time to dust the interior light fixtures in your home, as well as ceiling fans. 

 

  • Clean your baseboards and touch up any interior/exterior paint blemishes. 

 

Holiday Budgeting 

 

The holiday season is a lot of fun, but all of that fun can also take a heavy toll on your bank account. There’s still plenty of time, however, to work out a game plan for your holiday budget so you’re not looking at a stack of unpaid bills come January. 

 

  1. List out your holiday expenses. Write out a detailed list of what you can afford to spend for holiday travel, decorations, food, gifts, etc. It’s best to break this up per holiday and give yourself some flex room. 

 

  1. Resist using credit cards as much as possible. Yes, they’re convenient, but making gifts or any sort of frivolous purchase will only leave you with a bigger bill to pay once the holiday season has passed. Unless you’re disciplined to pay your credit card down in full at the end of each month, opt for cash as much as possible. 

 

  1. Don’t be afraid to set financial boundaries. If you have more expenses this year than the previous, then be upfront with your family that you’re working with a tighter budget and may have to cut back on travel or gift spending.

 

Recruit Some Help

 

Setting up a killer haunted house for the neighborhood kids or hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people is a lot of work – so don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have a friend or family member who is especially good at decorating, then ask if they’d be willing to help out for an afternoon. Are your pie-making skills lacking but your aunt is a baking champion? Then, be sure to tell her how much you admire her pies and ask if she’d be willing to handle dessert duty at Christmas dinner. 

 

Nearly everyone is busy during the holidays, but people also tend to be especially open to helping out and spreading a little holiday cheer, so reach out and ask for a helping hand. 

Looking for the perfect home to settle into this fall? Go ahead and contact the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun TX

Weekend Getaway to San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas and became a city nearly 60 years before the United States gained its independence. Most famously known for the Alamo and the bloody battle that took place there during the Texas Revolution, there’s plenty for modern-day visitors to discover in this historic and vibrant city that’s only an hour’s drive from Kyle. 

 

Stroll the Riverwalk

 

No weekend getaway to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the Riverwalk. Truth be told, you could probably spend an entire weekend just in the Riverwalk area and not get bored with all there is to do. 

 

Kick things off with a Go River Cruise to see things from a floating perspective and then simply explore it on foot, stopping in at any shops or restaurants that happen to catch your eye. There are also plenty of spots along the Riverwalk, like the Red Tunnel, Grotto, and Casa Rio umbrellas that make for amazing photo opportunities. 

 

Take in the Nightlife

 

There are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail at along the Riverwalk, but if you’re looking to venture out a little bit more, San Antonio has lots of nightlife to offer. 

 

Paramour is one of the city’s premier rooftop bars and offers fantastic views of the city along with an extensive cocktail and wine menu. There’s even bottle service if you want to feel extra fancy. 

 

If you’re looking for something a bit more chill, then consider checking out El Camino in downtown SA. There’s always a collection of food trucks parked right outside and with a full beer and cocktail menu, it’s hard not to have a good time at this festive spot. 

 

San Antonio has some great live music venues, and Paper Tiger holds its own. Most shows are under $30, and with acts spanning indie, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and country, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with music fans. 

 

Shop ‘til You Drop

 

With everything ranging from name-brand stores to local boutiques, there’s plenty of reason to work a little bit of shopping into a San Antonio weekend. 

 

If you’re a sucker for a good mall, then be sure to check out North Star Mall on busy San Pedro Avenue. You’ll find major retailers and department stores such as Louis Vuitton, Juicy Couture, H&M, Apple, Dillard’s, and JCPenny. And like any good mall, the food court has plenty to offer when hunger hits. 

 

Be sure not to sleep on the many boutique stores found throughout San Antonio as well. Historic Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza that is home to the largest Mexican market in the United States, offering everything from clothing to art and jewelry. 

 

Eats and Drinks

 

Downtown boasts well over 100 restaurants with favorites like NONNA Osteria and Domingo Restaurante finding themselves on nearly any “must-visit” list. 

 

Venture over to the Pearl District and you’ll discover everything from mouth-watering Mediterranean at Ladino to American comfort food at Full Goods Dinner. Whatever you’re craving, you can probably find it here. 

With so much to do in San Antonio, it’s easy to see why this Texas city has been attracting visitors for over 300 years. But after a long weekend, it’s always good to come back to a home you love. If you’re looking for your dream home, reach out to our team to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

Categories
Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Small Details, Stunning Spaces: Easy Ways to Revamp Your Home

Revamping your living space or even a single room can be a great way to refresh the interior of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas that will never go out of style. 

 

Get Green

 

There’s a certain something that is naturally rejuvenating about having plants and flowers in your home (even the fake ones). Plants can fit any room, big or small, but choosing the right plant for the right part of the room makes all the difference. For example, a potted tree can work great in a large living area but would likely be out of place in a small home office. 

 

Play around with different heights and sizes of the plants you’re considering, and try arranging them in different clusters for balance. 

 

If you’re apprehensive about having to remember to water a plant long-term, consider the occasional bouquet of flowers. The Kyle Flower Shop offers a range of floral bouquets that will add a splash of color to any room. 

 

Get Artsy

 

Every home should have art in it. Art makes for a unique talking point with guests and provides you, the homeowner, a way to express yourself. 

 

If you’re unsure how to go about finding what you like, consider visiting a few local art galleries to get an idea of what grabs your attention. The Inspired Minds Art Center in Buda is a great place to start, as it has rotating exhibits, community art events, and even classes if you’d prefer to make your own artwork!

 

By checking out different art galleries and festivals, you’ll discover an endless world of painting styles, unique sculptures, glasswork, and art mediums that defy convention. Who knows, you may just find that perfect painting from a local artist that gives your space a whole new vibe. 

 

What’s Old Becomes New

 

If you’re looking to give your space a new look, why not consider something old? Antiques have been having a moment for about the last 50 years, and that popularity doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. 

 

Of course, a common misconception is that antiques can’t be mixed with modern style. That’s not true; it’s all about finding a balance. Check out the Kyle Flea Market on a Saturday or Sunday, and you’re bound to see numerous antiques that have been refurbished and repurposed with new upholstery, paint, or stain to give them a look that’s both vintage and fresh. 

 

Candles

 

A good candle can find a home in just about any room. Whether you opt for small or large, single candles or a grouping, scented or unscented, the warm glow of candles adds an extra bit of coziness to any interior space.

 

If you’re looking for that next perfect candle for your home or to give as a gift, consider checking out local candle shop Ava & Addi for a selection of premium hand-poured soy wax candles. 

 

Show Off the Family

 

A wall dedicated to photos of loved ones and family memories is a wonderful way to make use of hallways and stairwells inside the home. A large family portrait can also make for a striking visual centerpiece for living rooms and dining rooms. 

 

If you’re looking for a professional-quality portrait of your family, consider contacting local photographer Amanda Lynn, who specializes in family photos of all types. 

The homes within the Crosswinds community were designed with comfort and style in mind, making the interiors the perfect palette for each homeowner’s unique style. Contact our team to learn more.

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