Form Follows Function the Design Theme for 2016

“Form follows function,” an idea that Louis Sullivan, the founder of modernism, brought to light with his breakthrough in building design. Form Follows Function the Design Theme for 2016 and adapting existing form to fit more tightly to the new function of rooms is a trend we will continue to see in real estate in general, but also on the small-scale of patterns for particular rooms.

Kitchens and bathrooms have historically been areas of the home that see the results of adaptability first. Countertops get replaced with more “modern” materials, cabinets are like a Rubik’s Cube for personal preference. In bathrooms, sink fixtures and bath or shower enclosures evolve along with innovation. The introduction of necessary accessories like low-flow toilets or showerheads have led movements based on environmental concerns, with adaptations of the original to follow.

“Micro-housing” is dotting the unique culture of urban landscape. This minimal-space dwelling might not be the ideal scenario for everyone, but we can see it influencing broader trends in interior design. Micro-housing is the ultimate exercise in function determining form and design.

The ensuing trends encompass five essential aspects:

1. Effortless user experience. We see this phrase related to e-commerce shopping surveys, because if the site were difficult to navigate, we wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. Kitchens are embarking on the same journey. Make the space accessible and user-friendly.

2. Open shelving. In micro-housing, shelf or cabinet doors take up space, so why not just remove them? For bathrooms and kitchens alike, open shelving provides sleek, clean design lines as well as a flexible structural component.

3. Uber-neutral color palettes. The resurgence of black, white and gray continues into 2016 for both kitchens and bathrooms. Variations of white for wall colors with accents or hardware/appliances in grayscale remain perpetually chic design aesthetics.

4. Incorporation of technology. Mobile devices are just that — mobile. They go everywhere. Kitchens and bathrooms are using technology both in design and accommodation. Docking stations and Bluetooth-enabled controls will find their way into more kitchens and bathrooms. Invest now in power strips or showerheads that play music to stay current.

5. Furniture-look pieces. Countering the adaptation of technology is the continuing trend of furniture in the kitchen and bathroom. Furniture pieces like dressers provide shelving options while softening potential overly rigid design schemes.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the forerunners of reusing existing spaces in the house. High-use areas demand the judicious application of alteration. In other words: change it up, make it yours.

Clean lines and simple colors add a rejuvenated ambiance to any room. Plus, for you to appreciate this new space, clutter has to be minimal. In the new year, you will win the clutter battle!

Rayford Crossing Shopping Center

Residents along the Grand Parkway and Riley Fuzzel corridor can look forward to many new stores coming soon. Several restaurants and business are planned for the Rayford Crossing Shopping Center. The proposed plans include: Walmart, AT&T, UPS, Chipotle, Whataburger, Bank of America, Pollo Loco, Starbucks,Today’s Vision, Mattress Firm, and Pet Supplies Plus.

The Rayford Crossing Shopping Center once complete will be located at the corner of Rayford Road and the Grand Parkway. According to site plans, several spaces remain available for lease.

Grand Parkway Builders of the next major stretch of the massive third freeway loop, from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59 north of Houston, confirmed that significant rains earlier this year pushed back the opening of any new segments in 2015. The focus now remains on Grand Parkway Plans to Open First Quarter 2016. Read here for more details.

Grand Parkway - Hopes of opening First Quarter 2016

Builders of the next major stretch of the massive third freeway loop, from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59 north of Houston, confirmed that significant rains earlier this year pushed back the opening of any new segments in 2015.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

“We had 60-to-90 days where we pumped water out,” said Joe Wilson, construction manager for Zachry-Odebrecht Parkway Builders, and despite “a great September and really strong October,” they could not make their end of the year goals.

The focus now remains on opening in the first quarter of 2016. The details of each segment opening dates are still being worked out.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

The 38 miles of construction zone on the Grand Parkway, has come with challenges, particularly the enormous amount of rain the Houston area received in May and June. Segment G of the parkway – the current project encompasses segments F1, F2 and G – was “totally exposed” during the rainy months, said Wilson.

Excavations and clearings from Interstate 45 to U.S. 59 basically became mud holes. Additionally the underpass at FM 2920, also fared poorly in the storms.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

Along the project, tasks such as new curbs and medians at local street crossings are underway including final checks of overpasses. It is a welcome sign to see the last phases come together and an indication of things to come. Source: Chron.com

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa - December 5th

December 05, 2015 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The South Montgomery County YMCA at Creekside, the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Woodlands Online, are joining forces to bring you the ultimate Christmas celebration at the Annual Breakfast & Pictures with Santa event on Saturday, December 5 between 9:00 a.m. and noon located at 6464 Creekside Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77389.

Breakfast will be served from 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Admission will be a non-perishable food item for donation to benefit the Montgomery County Food Bank.

Bring the entire family to enjoy breakfast and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, balloon artists, face painting, holiday movies, arts and crafts, the Kids Holiday Play Area, and much more to get you in that holiday spirit!

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Breakfast & Pictures with Santa!

First Time Home Buyer Mistakes - Diamond Homes Realty

First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

If you are a first time home buyer, it can be a bit intimidating. Purchasing a home is a huge investment. As your expert real estate team, we are here to guide you along your journey to home ownership. We make sure you are fully aware of the in’s and outs when purchasing your first home.

Don’t Look For A Home Before You Get A Loan– When you finally make the decision to purchase a new home, the excitement sets in! Often times first time home buyers go into purchasing a home without fully thinking about the financial commitment they are about to get into.

This is one of the biggest mistakes 1st home buyers make. Often time’s people go out searching for a home based on a price they think they could qualify for. The problem is many times that number is way off from reality. Don’t be afraid to ask what you can qualify for, even if you can’t qualify for a loan for the type of home you are looking for at least you’ll know and won’t waste your time. Also, most seller’s require a pre-approval letter to be submitted with any offer. If you are a pre-approved buyer it gives you a big advantage since there are no guessing games. That way you have more leverage in negotiations.

Don’t Jump Into Buying A Home Without A Professional– Many times 1st time home buyers get overly excited with purchasing a home and over look this very important thing. The home buying process is full of tiny details and fine print, so going into blindly can really cost you. We pride ourselves in giving you the best advice and make sure you are not walking into anything you don’t want or need. Also it is important to know the local housing trends. They change constantly and we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure you get the best deal for your budget.

Buying a home is usually one of the biggest investments in anyone’s life, make sure you are well informed. As your 5 STAR rated real estate team, we will guide you in the right direction. Click Here to read what our clients have to say!

Don’t Use Your Entire Life Savings For A Down Payment – This is another huge mistake 1st time home buyers make. Don’t let the excitement of owning a new home put you in a bad financial situation. Life has a strange way of giving us surprises and the last thing you want is to be in a situation where you don’t have any money because all of it went to into your down payment. Every situation is different, but it might be smarter to pay less on a down payment, and then have slightly higher monthly payments, rather then putting all your money in on a down payment.

Consider All Aspects of a Home– Sometimes 1st time home buyers find a home and focus in on only one aspect they love about the home. It could be the neighborhood, it could be a pool in the yard or newly remodeled kitchen. This however could make them blind to other issues in the home. The important part is to remember when you are purchasing a home you buy the whole house. While everything in the home doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, try to take the emotion out of the process, and keep a non-biased view of every property you look at.