--- title: Kurk Homes Blog | Tips description: Tips | Read design tips and learn more about the custom home building process. Kurk Homes is a third generation full-service custom builder that has been designing and building dream homes in and around Greater Houston and the Texas Hill Country since 1989. With two main offices in Tomball and New Braunfels, Kurk Homes serves customers within 100 miles of each office. Design and Build on your Land with a 20 year Warranty. --- [![kurkhomes-logo](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kurkhomes-logo.png?width=290&height=70&name=kurkhomes-logo.png "kurkhomes-logo")](https://www.kurkhomes.com/) GREATER HOUSTON [(281) 809-6533](tel:+12818096533)HILL COUNTRY [(830) 608-1255](tel:+18306081255) - [Design & Build Process](https://www.kurkhomes.com/custom-design) - [Custom Plans](https://www.kurkhomes.com/custom-plans) - [Where We Build](https://www.kurkhomes.com/where-we-build) - [Why Us](https://www.kurkhomes.com/about-us) - [Photos & Events](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.kurkhomes.com/contact) ### Search through our topics below! - [Recent Posts](https://blog.kurkhomes.com) - [Featured Plans](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/featured-plans#topic) - [Happenings](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/happenings#topic) - [Home Design](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/home-design#topic) - [Custom Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/custom-home#topic) - [New Home Construction](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/new-home-construction#topic) - [Tips](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/tips#topic) - [Tradition](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/tradition#topic) - [Southern Living](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/southern-living#topic) - [Press Releases](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/press-release#topic) - [Our Team](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/our-team#topic) - [News](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/news#topic) - [Lifestyle](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/lifestyle#topic) - [Houzz](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/houzz#topic) - [Design](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/tag/design#topic) ![Kurk Homes Awarded Best of Houzz 2026 for Design and Service ](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Best%20of%20Houzz%202.png) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) February 19, 2026 ## [Kurk Homes Awarded Best of Houzz 2026 for Design and Service ](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/kurk-homes-awarded-best-of-houzz-2026-for-design-and-service) Kurk Homes is honored to be awarded the “Best of Houzz” in 2026, receiving awards for Best Design and Best Service. These awards... ![Why Empty-Nesters Are Choosing the Texas Hill Country for Their Forever Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Why-Empty-Nesters-Move-to-Texas-Hill-Country.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) February 11, 2026 ## [Why Empty-Nesters Are Choosing the Texas Hill Country for Their Forever Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/why-empty-nesters-are-choosing-the-texas-hill-country-for-their-forever-homes) Being an empty nester is a new and exciting chapter in one’s life, as children have moved out of the house and there are fewer... ![Why Architectural Designers Are Essential for Designing Your Dream Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Architectural-Designers-Essential-for-Designing-Dream-Home.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) January 22, 2026 ## [Why Architectural Designers Are Essential for Designing Your Dream Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/why-architectural-designers-are-essential-for-designing-your-dream-home) Designing a custom is a unique opportunity to shape the space where your life will unfold. At Kurk Homes, our in-house... ![Design Trends: Kurk Homes Copper Ridge Model Home & Design Center](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Kurk-Homes-Copper-Ridge-Front-Elevation.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) June 12, 2024 ## [Design Trends: Kurk Homes Copper Ridge Model Home & Design Center](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/design-trends-kurk-homes-copper-ridge-model-home-design-center) At Kurk Homes, we're passionate about creating homes that are not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle. We... ![Where to Splurge and Where to Save when Building a Custom Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/michael-browning-227688.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) September 15, 2023 ## [Where to Splurge and Where to Save when Building a Custom Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/where-to-splurge-and-where-to-save-when-building-a-custom-home) Setting a budget is always a tricky and exhausting affair when building a new home. It’s a tough financial balancing act when... ![Spotlight on Home Design: The 8 Most Requested Architectural Styles](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/LMP_2980.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) January 5, 2022 ## [Spotlight on Home Design: The 8 Most Requested Architectural Styles](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/the-8-most-requested-architectural-styles) We love to get the question "Can you make this change?" while we are designing your family's home. Yes, we can! In fact, we love... ![Above and Beyond! A Dozen Design Ideas for Your Ceiling](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Custom%20Homes%20Kitchen.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) December 23, 2020 ## [Above and Beyond! A Dozen Design Ideas for Your Ceiling](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/above-and-beyond-a-dozen-design-ideas-for-your-ceiling) When designing a [custom home](https://www.kurkhomes.com/), the ceiling is often the last thing buyers think of but a beautiful home without an eye-catching... ![How Much Does a Custom Home Cost?](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/gallery/kurk09.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) November 5, 2020 ## [How Much Does a Custom Home Cost?](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/how-much-does-a-custom-home-cost-0) For most people, building a home is the largest expense encountered in a lifetime. Whether it’s your forever home or starter... ![What to Look for When Choosing a Custom Builder](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/ICO_9753a.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) July 20, 2020 ## [What to Look for When Choosing a Custom Builder](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/how-to-choose-your-custom-builder) For most people, building a home is the largest expense encountered in a lifetime. Whether it’s your forever home, first custom... ![Custom Home Building: Why the Weather can be Your Friend or Enemy](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Kurk%20Homes%20Custom%20Builder%20Modern%20Farmhouse.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) June 27, 2019 ## [Custom Home Building: Why the Weather can be Your Friend or Enemy](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/custom-home-building-why-the-weather-can-be-your-friend-or-enemy) Building a custom home is a big decision and an even bigger investment. Any delay in the construction of your new home is... ![Spicing Up the Pantry](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/IMG_1383.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) May 21, 2019 ## [Spicing Up the Pantry](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/the-latest-pantry-trends-to-consider) In the past, luxury estates had a full kitchen staff who utilized one or more large pantries to store fresh and canned foods as... ![Elements of a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Kitchen_155x225.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) April 30, 2019 ## [Elements of a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/elements-of-a-modern-farmhouse-kitchen) Farmhouse kitchens are appealing more to homeowners because of both the simplicity of the style and the utilitarian design. ... ![Unique Additions to Custom Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/curved-staircase-wall-round-black-table-gold-planter-fiddle-leaf-fig.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) March 29, 2019 ## [Unique Additions to Custom Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/unique-additions-to-custom-homes) Building a custom home is an exciting time, but it's also something you really want to get right. Among the considerations you'll... ![Questions to Ask Your Builder](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/IMG_0050-1-1.png) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) March 18, 2019 ## [Questions to Ask Your Builder](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/questions-to-ask-your-builder) When you plan to hire a builder, it's not surprising that you will have questions. You might even have a lot of them,... ![Building a Home for Storage: Capitalizing on Space](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Under-the-Stair-Creative-DVD-Storage-Ideas-for-Classic-Home-Plan-with-Mahogany-FLoor-Design-646x969.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) January 16, 2019 ## [Building a Home for Storage: Capitalizing on Space](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/building-a-home-for-storage-capitalizing-on-space) When you build a home, you can make it what you really want and need. But one of the areas where people could miss out on all... ![January Home Checklist from Kurk Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/brooke-lark-194254-unsplash.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) January 11, 2019 ## [January Home Checklist from Kurk Homes](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/january-home-checklist-from-kurk-homes) Starting a new year is always exciting. While we all have new hopes and resolutions in place, we wish to keep our families safe.... ![Southern Living Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/brooke-lark-93583-unsplash.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) January 3, 2019 ## [Southern Living Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/southern-living-recipe-creamy-chicken-rice-soup) The perfect meal when it feels a little crisp outside is Southern Living's [Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup](https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-rice-soup). A great choice that the... ![Texas Holiday Traditions](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/daeun-kim-488641-unsplash.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) December 20, 2018 ## [Texas Holiday Traditions](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/texas-holiday-traditions) For many homeowners, the holidays are a time to fall in love with what makes your space so special — all over again. ’Tis also... ![Decorating Your Front Door During the Holiday Season](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/element5-digital-462698-unsplash-1.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) December 12, 2018 ## [Decorating Your Front Door During the Holiday Season](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/decorating-your-front-door-during-the-holiday-season) It’s that time of year again, and one of the most festive areas of your home could be your front door. After all, this is what... ![Thanksgiving Turkeys & Table Settings](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/IMG_4809.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) November 22, 2018 ## [Thanksgiving Turkeys & Table Settings](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/thanksgiving-turkeys-and-table-settings) {% video\_player "embed\_player" overrideable=False, type='scriptV4', hide\_playlist=True, viral\_sharing=False,... ![The Tuscany Plan | Kurk Homes Design](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes_Tuscany_Home.png) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) November 5, 2018 ## [The Tuscany Plan | Kurk Homes Design](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/the-tuscany-plan-kurk-homes-design) There are many different options to consider when building your home. Our design team will customize any house plan to suit your... ![Planning Out Your MUD Room](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Unknown-4-1.jpeg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) October 30, 2018 ## [Planning Out Your MUD Room](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/planning-out-your-mud-room) Whether you have a mud room already, you're planning on adding one, or if you are designing one in your future home, you probably... ![Home Building Traditions](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/829ab76d66e5930322af0f3d8c726c86--bible-decor-house-bible-verse-home-decor.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) October 15, 2018 ## [Home Building Traditions](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/home-building-traditions) There are many different traditions surrounding home building, but one of the most common is doing something that isn't seen but... ![Building in the Texas Hill Country](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/SL-1926_4CR.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) September 19, 2018 ## [Building in the Texas Hill Country](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/building-in-the-texas-hill-country)  [*Photo courtesy of Southern Living - Haley's Farm, Plan SL-1926*](http://houseplans.southernliving.com/plans/SL1926) ![5 Things to Consider when Building a Custom Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Kurk-homes-custom-homes-texas.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) September 6, 2018 ## [5 Things to Consider when Building a Custom Home](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/5-things-to-consider-when-building-a-custom-home) The more informed decisions that are made in the planning stage of your home, the faster and smoother the building process will... ![Top Trends in Designer Outdoor Kitchens and Entertaining Spaces](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/IMG_20130910_152557_671.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) August 27, 2018 ## [Top Trends in Designer Outdoor Kitchens and Entertaining Spaces](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/top-trends-in-designer-outdoor-kitchens-and-entertaining-spaces) An increasing number of homeowners are extending their living and entertaining areas far beyond the confines of their home. The... ![2018 Energy Star Certified Homes Partner](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Green%20Grass%20Photo%20Earth%20Hour%20Instagram%20Post.png) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) August 21, 2018 ## [2018 Energy Star Certified Homes Partner](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/2018-energy-star-certified-homes-partner) When rigorous ENERGY STAR® requirements are applied to new home construction, the result is a home built better from the ground... ![Designing a Custom Home to include Farmhouse Features](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/davids-kokainis-525811-unsplash.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) August 8, 2018 ## [Designing a Custom Home to include Farmhouse Features](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/designing-a-custom-home-to-include-farmhouse-features) There are a lot of ways to design and build a custom home, and one of the most popular options includes the addition of... ![Updating the All-White Kitchen](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/farmhouse-kitchen-1.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) July 20, 2018 ## [Updating the All-White Kitchen](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/updating-the-all-white-kitchen) The all-white kitchen has reigned supreme among home decorating trends for the past decade. From stark alabaster to shades of... ![What can I do if I am not happy with my house plans?](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/modern%20farmhouse%20custom%20.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) March 7, 2018 ## [What can I do if I am not happy with my house plans?](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/what-can-i-do-if-i-am-not-happy-with-my-house-plans) You've been thinking about building your dream home for a long time, and you've finally decided to take the plunge. You found... ![Modern Farmhouse Paint Colors](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/IMG_0016.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) November 22, 2017 ## [Modern Farmhouse Paint Colors](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/modern-farmhouse-paint-colors) ![Building a Home for Entertaining](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/intKurkHomes079new.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) November 20, 2017 ## [Building a Home for Entertaining](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/entertainers-home-entertainers-home-entertainers-home-entertainers-home) Whether you’re always hosting family for gatherings around the holidays or your home is just the go-to destination for your group... ![7 Ways to Add Texture & Character With Interior Masonry](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFv-9pQ9VTs/V6PFzdxKn0I/AAAAAAAACxk/iwfNYBdn9gAuq8P9ee2ZBQJYcqYu8IumACLcB/s640/Stevens%2BBrick%2BKitchen.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) August 18, 2016 ## [7 Ways to Add Texture & Character With Interior Masonry](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/7-ways-to-add-texture-character-with-interior-masonry) This month's spotlight is on Interior Masonry. Here are 7 Beautiful Ideas to add texture and character to your [custom home](https://www.kurkhomes.com/)using... ![Interior Design - 7 Ways to Custom Design A Farmhouse Kitchen](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25aZ4FmQDhs/V2gkEOyRZrI/AAAAAAAACc0/24YA0VThaaASgaL0kNYcbcUTnht_aaoKACKgB/s400/IMG_4866.JPG) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) June 21, 2016 ## [Interior Design - 7 Ways to Custom Design A Farmhouse Kitchen](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/interior-design-7-ways-to-custom-design-a-farmhouse-kitchen) The "farmhouse" look has become a favorite of many, especially as it has recently been made even more visible in current... ![Demo VS Remodel - What is better for you?](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSm-zxE0hi0/V5DzElGVkSI/AAAAAAAACnI/n4Zwe8au33IQA4dYiGhHnKuyuMzA948VQCLcB/s400/Image%2B7-21-16%2Bat%2B11.06%2BAM.jpg) ![](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/hubfs/KurkHomes-Sep2017/Image/favicon.png) March 9, 2016 ## [Demo VS Remodel - What is better for you?](https://blog.kurkhomes.com/demo-vs-remodel-what-is-better-for-you) **Location Location Location!**The first rule of real estate is a doozie. If you love your home, and can't imagine getting old(er) in... 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