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Category: Design

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Design Homeowner Tips

Choosing the Right Furniture for your New Home

new home, real estate, moving and furniture concept - close up of male lifting up sofa or couch

Picture this: you are ready to pick furniture for your new home. You stroll into HomeGoods, prepared to make purchases, but you find yourself overwhelmed with choices. Though the cutest couch may be comfy and affordable, consider these four tips to help guide you! 

 

  1. Consider your space: Whether the room is spacious or on the small side, consider the overall space. Be sure to use a tape measure and measure the length and width of each room you plan to furnish. Measure each doorway to ensure plenty of space for moving pieces of furniture into the room.

 

By starting with this task, you can craft your dream floor plan with the furniture you have or pieces you hope to get! Plan to accommodate at least one yard between pieces of furniture so that people can move freely about the room. 

 

  1. Look for pieces that complement each other: The polka-dot ottoman with a plaid couch and a leather loveseat might have been perfect for college, but you may be looking to step up your game as a homeowner. Interior designers frown upon only going for pieces with the same colors and designs but encourage finding complementary patterns and shades.

 

Consider both the color of the walls and the floor when considering pieces. If you have dark wooden floors, aim for decor on the lighter side to provide some contrast. Find your personal style among all of these design tips!

 

  1. Start with the basics and build out: Once you decide on the room design, start with the basics each room will need before moving on to smaller pieces of furniture and accessories.

If you consider the bedroom layout, for example, start with where you like the bed to go, then add the dresser and nightstands! With the family room, consider the placement of the sofa initially, as it will probably be the largest piece, before factoring in smaller chairs, a TV, or end tables. 

 

  1. Choose a theme(s): Who doesn’t love a good theme? Traditional, modern, and casual are the top themes in furniture. Modern tends to incorporate sleek designs and materials like glass, steel, and plastic. Traditional is often more formal – think ornately carved wooden dining chairs. Casual is often the coziest of the styles: big cushioned sofas and recliners. 

 

Can’t decide which one is your favorite? Take your time and blend elements of the three if you have an eye for style. Whether you go for any combination of the three or select one and run with it, your new home will be a dream!

 

Style and functionality: It is a safe bet that a couple with three young children will probably consider different pieces of furniture than a bachelor. Style and functionality can live in harmony – so long as consideration is given to both. Look for pieces that are pleasing to your personal style but are also functional to your lifestyle. 

The last thing anybody wants is to bring a new piece of furniture home and discover that it isn’t quite right for your favorite space.

 

Hopefully, these tips will help you formulate a game plan to shop for the right furniture for your home. If you are ready to look for your dream home or have questions about furnishing a home in the Crosswinds master-planned community, contact us for more information. 

Categories
Design Homeowner Tips

Prepping Your Home for Fall

Pumpkin spice products are on the coffee house menus, Halloween decorations are on store shelves, and the kids are back in school. Summer is officially in the rearview mirror and autumn is in the air. 

 

From getting your home and yard in shipshape to keeping the kids busy and active on those perfect fall weather weekends, here’s a rundown of how to prep for the season. 

 

September:

 

Organize the garage: Okay, so cleaning out the garage isn’t exactly a fun way to start the season. There’s a good chance, though, that with so much happening over the summer months it could use a little sprucing up. 

 

Youth sports: Fall youth sports leagues such as soccer, football, and hockey often have their first practices and games in September. The City of Kyle’s youth sports page has a full list of sports available through the parks and recreation department to help your kiddos stay active and have some fun on those crisp fall evenings. 

 

Scout out fall decorating trends: There’s more to fall decorating than throwing a couple of pumpkins on the porch and calling it a day (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Warm earthy tones, woven baskets, and textured fabrics and textiles are on-trend fall designs to watch for in 2022. Hit your local thrift shop or favorite home goods store now to start sprucing up your space for the season!

 

October: 

 

Dig in the dirt: More specifically, now’s an ideal time to plant bulbs for spring flowers such as tulips. October is also an ideal time to fertilize and reseed patchy areas of your lawn or put a new shrub in the ground, plus, as the mornings and evenings start to cool down, spending time outside is a must!

 

Reverse your ceiling fan: Has your ceiling fan been on non-stop since July? Well, turn it off for a minute and reverse it. By setting your ceiling fan to spin clockwise in the cooler months (rather than counter-clockwise in summer) it will move warmer air trapped at the top of the room downward. 

 

Check windows for leaks: Most parts of the United States get more rain in the winter months than they do in the summer – Texas included. Now is the ideal time to check for any leaks in your windows and doors to keep heat in and rain and drafty weather out. 

 

November

 

Check your smoke detector battery: Checking your smoke detector battery is one of those things you know you should do, it’s just remembering to do so that is the tricky part. That’s why it’s recommended that when you set your clock back with the end of daylight savings (November 6th!) you also check your smoke detector’s battery. 

 

Clean the gutters: Cleaning the gutters of leaves and other debris that has built up over summer and fall will help prevent problems like rot along your roofline. 

 

Dig your winter clothes out of storage: Sure, the Texas heat hasn’t sent its goodbyes quite yet, but it’s now probably safe to put away the board shorts and tank tops and break out the scarves and sweaters—if not for cooler temps, at least for the sentiment. 

 

There’s a lot to love about fall in Kyle and it’s one of the best times to move to Crosswinds. Our community is past the earliest stages of development with established neighborhoods, infrastructure, and residents, yet we are still evolving to include new amenities and new homes to welcome you to the neighborhood.

 

If you’d like to learn more about finding a new home here this fall, contact our team to learn more about our available homes, exceptional schools, and  

Categories
Design Homebuilder

5 Benefits of Building a New Home

One of the best investments you can make in your lifetime is to buy a new home. Homeowners often experience a bigger return on their investment when they eventually sell their homes. On top of that, the Austin real estate market is hot.

Those who prefer a quieter and smaller place to live in the Texas Hill Country will find that in Kyle, which is just 20 minutes from downtown Austin. Kyle has everything you want to live, work, and play while being close enough to Austin to take advantage of its unique offerings like Austin City Limits.

Here are the top five reasons to buy a new home in Kyle, TX.

  1. Live in a home built by hand-selected homebuilders

Our team vetted many Kyle homebuilders to choose the right ones for the Crosswind’s community. It’s important that all builders design homes that reflect Crosswind’s mission of creating an active community with all the comforts of home.

While you and your neighbors have the same goal of finding a place to call home with a thriving community, you may have different design styles. We selected these builders to make sure you get a home in a design that you love.

Building a home in the Texas Hill Country is very different from building a home in the panhandle or East Texas. The environment, elements, and land are different. These builders know the Texas Hill Country and design homes with nature in mind.

  1. Have a say in your home

If you have specifics in mind about your floor plan, you can do that in a Crosswinds home. Each builder has different floor plans. Whether you want a three-car garage, an office, a game room, or all of the above, you can get that by selecting a floor plan the best fits what you want.

  1. Select the right colors

A house may be perfect except that yellow backsplash is not your cup of tea. Rather than having it changed out, you can make those design choices when you work with a to-be-built home. You choose the carpet, the paint colors, the backsplash, and the cabinetry.

  1. Enjoy community amenities

There is one community amenity that no builder has control over. And that’s nature. The Crosswinds community allows the natural beauty of the Texas prairies to shine. Landscape architects developed a plan to highlight the best of nature while adding features that brings everyone and the outdoors together.

Live oak trees shade the community pool complex known as the Cove. The younger kids can splash around its wading pool while adults will relish relaxing by the pool covered by shade. The community also contains a place for gatherings, play dates, or celebrating. Residents can also pick up a fresh gourmet coffee or tea at Le Muse Coffee right in the community.

  1. Be the first to live in your home

When touring pre-owned homes, it’s not easy to spot problems and damage. With a new home, you won’t have to worry about that. And a new home will have a warranty. The type depends on the builder.

You’ll benefit from these top five reasons when you opt for a to-be-built home in Kyle’s Crosswinds. Kyle has much more to offer, so browse this blog for more.

If you’d like to learn more about new homes in Kyle, please contact our Crosswinds team. To stay on top of great resources from Kyle and nearby, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Amenities Design Lifestyle

What Real Estate Agents Say About This Kyle Community

Searching for a master-planned community near Austin that’s amazing, affordable, and filled with amenities? Discover Crosswinds and its idyllic setting near major thoroughfares. When you live in Crosswinds, you’re just 20 miles from Austin City Limits.

This exciting Kyle community showcases master-planned amenities including the Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a resort-style pool and splash pad, shading with seating, gathering area around the fireplace, BBQ grills and picnic benches, and playground equipment.

Outdoor lovers and exercisers will have access to many community trails and sidewalks. The area contains plenty of open spaces for flying kites and playing soccer. A dog park and playing fields are in the works.

We admit it. We’re a tad biased. So, check out what real estate agents say about Crosswinds in Kyle, Texas.

Atoosa Ponsford, RE/MAX Posh Properties

Atoosa learned about Crosswinds from friends and families. She checked out the community and the first thing people talk about are the affordable homes. “Anyone we talk to in Crosswinds, they are always so cheerful, so happy, they just love the community, so that makes my clients feel like this can be their future home,” she says.

Linda Villanueva, Coldwell Banker Realty

According to Linda, Kyle is a growing community, which makes it a valuable investment for first-home and move-up buyers. When she thinks of the high quality of homes and value for your investment, Crosswinds is one of the first communities that comes to her mind.

Briana Farris, Keller Williams Realty

Briana’s favorite thing about the beautiful Crosswinds community is the amenities it offers. This includes the Windy Point Amenity Center with a pool and splash area as well as park areas and nature trails. Moreover, the community features three award-winning builders with a variety of floorplans.

Brittney Heffernan, David Brodsky Properties

The location, the layout of the community, the builder selection, and community events makes Crosswinds one of Brittney’s favorite communities in the Kyle and Buda area. The location makes it easy to access the different areas of Austin. She also says Crosswinds’ builder and developer partnership is perfect.

Crosswinds in Kyle offers easy access to employment and endless getaway possibilities around the Texas Hill Country. “So, if you’re looking for a place to call home, make it Crosswinds,” says Brandon Holley, a real estate agent with Superior Town and Country Realty. “The decision should be easy as pie.”

Connect with our Crosswinds community team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or browse the inventory of new homes in Kyle.

Categories
Design Homebuilder

Why Should I Buy a New Home and Not a Pre-Owned Home?

 Buying a home is one of the best investments to make in your lifetime.  The Austin area is hot for new homes. And this is especially true as companies reconsider their remote working stance.

People are looking for new homes around the Texas Hill Country in smaller cities like Kyle. This lets them delight in the small-town lifestyle while being close enough to Austin and its fantastic resources. Today on our blog, Crosswinds in Kyle is sharing six reasons to buy a new home.

  1. Warranty

When you buy a pre-owned home, it may not be covered by a warranty. And its appliances, foundation, flooring, and other things may need repair or replacing soon. With a new home, your appliances, HVAC unit, windows, and other items come with warranties to save you on the high costs associated with repairs and replacements. Ask your home builder about its warranty.

  1. Save money with a more energy-efficient home

Older homes either don’t have energy-efficient features or comply with older, lower energy-efficiency standards. New homes contain efficient central heating and air conditioning systems, better insulation, and low E3 windows minimize the effect of outdoor temperatures on the inside. You’ll save on home energy bills.

  1. Do less maintenance

A pre-owned home has a history. You don’t know the full history. To boot, some of the problems may not be spotted in a home inspection. Today’s homes use products that last longer and require less care. New homes won’t have the wear and tear of pre-owned homes. You can extend the life of your home by doing proactive home maintenance. For instance, have the HVAC unit inspected once or twice a year.

  1. Customization

It’s hard to find a pre-owned home that has all the colors and materials to your liking. Often, people make changes right after buying a pre-owned home. And that’s an added expense. You can have a say in the design of a brand-new home including colors, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and other things. As soon as you close on your new house, you can move right in and not worry about making changes.

  1. Live in a home with a modern floor plan

The way people live in their homes today is vastly different from two decades ago. Many of today’s modern floorplans feature open-concept living, large walk-in closets, oversized showers and kitchens, two bathroom sinks in the master, and tall ceilings.

  1. Enjoy more community amenities

Newer communities tend to offer more amenities than older communities. Besides, the amenities in older communities may be outdated. As you browse new homes in Kyle, explore places within walking distance of the community. You may find hiking and biking trails, a library, and shopping near or inside the community.

If you’re ready to search for a new home in Kyle, here are tips of what to look for in a new home. We’re here to answer your questions or you can connect with our Crosswinds community team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Categories
Design Education Family Fun Lifestyle

Get Creative with Egg Decorating Ideas

 

Here’s a fun activity to add a splash of color in your life and make everyone smile. These egg decorating ideas will have you doing more than just dipping eggs in the dye. Get ready to try something new!

 

Marbled Eggs

This marbleized effect will amaze and astound everyone. Pour 1 cup of dye into a bowl. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir with a straw or craft stick. Roll the eggs into the bowl gently for a few seconds. Carefully pat the excess oil and dye with a paper towel and set it on a rack to dry. After it’s completely dry, use a dry cloth to wipe away excess residue.

You can create a marble effect with two colors. Dip the egg into a base color and let it dry. Then do the above with a second color.

 

Blackboard Eggs

Cover the eggs with chalkboard paint and you have a canvas for chalk drawings. You can order chalkboard paint online. The cool thing is that you can erase the chalk and draw a new design.

 

Disco Egg

Channel Donna Summers and turn your egg into a disco egg by diluting craft glue with an equal amount of water. Completely paint the egg with the solution. Pour superfine silver glitter into a bowl and roll the egg around in it. Put it on wax paper to dry completely.

 

Out of This World Eggs

Space fans will love this one. Start with a marbled egg. It could be blue and purple or some other color. After the egg dries, brush it with gold luster dust and glue on stars, planets, and other space décor.

 

Permanent Marker Eggs

You won’t have paint, dye, or glitter to clean up with this one. And you most likely have a permanent marker in your home. Grab a few fine-tipped permanent markers and draw patterns. You could do just black for a monochromatic look. Try stripes, polka dots, diamonds, and abstract for slick-looking eggs.

 

Baby Chicks Eggs

Dip the front of an egg length-wise in yellow dye. (Not quite half of the egg.) After it dries, use a fine-point permanent marker to draw its face, arms, and legs.

 

Votive Eggs

These eggs make great decorations. Poke a hole at the top of the egg large enough to empty it out. Let the empty eggshell dry. Carefully break the top one-third of the shell with a spoon to create a bowl. Dye the egg and allow it to dry. Once dry, insert a tea light candle inside. If you’re concerned about accidental fires, you can order battery-operated tea lights.

 

Washi Tape Eggs

Like the permanent marker eggs, this one requires no dye, glitter, or anything that makes cleanup harder. Pick up a variety of Washi tape designs. Cut them, mix them, and stick them on the egg. And ta-da! Colorful eggs!

 

Share your egg decorating ideas with our Crosswinds community team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Want to look at new homes in Kyle? You can safely explore the homes virtually on the Crosswinds website.

 

 

Categories
Design Homebuilder

New Homes in Kyle, Texas Available This January

Looking for a breath of fresh air in a place where gentle breezes blow across the rolling Texas prairie? You can find that in Kyle where award-winning Crosswinds home builders are creating a place with everything you need right in your backyard and puts you just 20 miles south of Austin.

Here are some of the available homes ready for your perusing.

Highland Homes

For more than 30 years, Highland Homes has built award-winning homes in Texas. The homebuilder is an eight-time People’s Choice Builder of the Year award winner and appears on the prestigious 2016 Builder 100 list.

243 Windswept Way

  • Available now
  • Wakefield plan
  • Two stories
  • 2,843 square feet
  • 5 bedrooms
  • 3 full bathrooms
  • $309,990 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

Upgrades in this home include extended outdoor living, master shower, and a giant kitchen island with a sink.

268 Nautical Loop

  • Available now
  • Wimbeldon plan
  • Two stories
  • 2,948 square feet
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 3 full bathrooms
  • $323,990 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

Its upgrades include a master bath with a separate shower, covered patio, and a gas drop on the patio. Explore the interactive listing with a 3D tour.

Pacesetter Homes

Recognized by Builder Magazine as one of the top 10 fastest-growing homebuilding companies in the U.S. Pacesetter Homes lives the QUALICO family mission. That mission is to develop communities that enrich lives. They take the time to build things right.

544 Nautical Loop

  • Available now
  • Campania plan
  • 2,124 square feet
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 full bathrooms
  • $279,900 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

This home contains a ton of kitchen counter space, quartz countertops, a large kitchen island, and a pergola in the backyard.

134 Compass Lane

  • Available now
  • Solaro plan
  • 1,668 square feet
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 full bathrooms
  • $257,821 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

This large one-story home features an extra-large kitchen with spacious white cabinets, an island, and crown molding. It also has granite counters and tile flooring in the living area.

628 Nautical Loop

  • Available now
  • 1,798 square feet
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 5 bathrooms
  • $258,371 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

On a private cul-de-sac, this two-story home contains a giant kitchen with a breakfast counter, island, white herringbone tile backsplash, and walk-in pantry. Its stunning living room has a powder room for guests and a large backyard with a covered patio.

Gehan Homes

At the annual Star Awards, the Texas Association of Builders has named Gehan Homes Volume Builder of the Year to recognize the company’s excellence in homebuilding. Gehan is also the 2018 winner of Best Customer Service from Houzz.

136 Billowing Way

  • Available now
  • Blanton floor plan
  • 1,610 square feet
  • 1 story
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 full bathrooms
  • $254,900 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

Featured options include a covered patio, large kitchen island, and door to the utility from the master closet.

259 Biscayne Bay Bend

  • Available now
  • Mahogany floor plan
  • 1,960 square feet
  • 1 story
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2 full bathrooms
  • $269,990 *Prices subject to change. See onsite sales counselors for details.

Enhanced options include a master bedroom sitting nook, two sinks in the master bath, full sod and sprinkler, large kitchen island, covered patio, and a study.

New homes in the Kyle Crosswinds Community don’t stay on the market for long. Come by our community to see these homes in person. To learn more, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Categories
Design Homebuilder Lifestyle

5 Home Design Trends to Watch for 2020

With 2020 only a few months away, this is a good time to explore home design trends for inspiration. If you’re browsing new homes in Kyle, you can take these to your home builder. They typically have designers on their team who can turn your ideas for each room into reality.

The interior design trends of 2020 are all about character, personality, and nature. Check out these five 2020 home design trends you will want to consider.

  1. Minimalism

Less is more especially for those who love a clean and calming environment. Although it tends to have less in a room, minimalism can pack a punch and look beautiful. Furniture containing geometrically-clean shapes and lines provide a touch of elegance. Think Scandinavian style.

  1. Blues

Footwear News reports that Laurie Pressman, VP of Pantone Color Institute, PANTONE’s Color of the Year gets its inspiration from the sea. Products are reflecting the colors of nature including florals and raw earth. However, the sea will be the biggest source of creativity.

Naval color

And confirming blue is going to be hot for 2020 is Sherwin Williams. They have selected Naval SW 6244 as their 2020 Color of the Year. This shade of blue feels calming yet strong. Complementary colors include lighter shades of gold, taupe, and green.

  1. Sustainability

An engineered environment echoes the earth trend. What this means is that designers are using science to find ways to create something that is long-lasting. For example, Ecobird’s line of children’s furniture is made of recycled plastics from discarded children’s toys.

Another growing trend is the use of terrazzo, a composite material with a seamless finish containing flecks of marble, quartz, granite, or glass. It’s been around since the 1920s as it appears widely in art deco. Adding terrazzo in your home will give it a retro-glam look.

  1. Natural Materials

The natural colors of wood continue to be a winner. One of the trends of 2020 is the use of darker wood like chocolate and cinnamon as well as natural cork, which works well on walls and doors. Enhance the spaciousness, warmth, and comfort by playing with the lighting. Wood tends to pop with bright lighting from ceiling lights and spotlights.

  1. Ethnic Elements

Considering the diversity of our world, you have many possibilities in playing with ethnic elements in your space. Maybe you’ve picked up wall hangings on your international travels or browse international-focused shops that offer accents, furniture, and other unique elements to enrich the space.

Changing up the look and feel of a room doesn’t require a complete makeover. Just add an accent or two, a new piece of furniture, or fresh coat of paint can invigorate the space. You can even use contrasting colors, which will create a unique vibe. Ask the Kyle builders about implementing these design ideas in your new home.