When you hit your Balmoral builder’s design center, you are going to be asked to make a lot of choices. Lost in the excitement of picking out flooring and cabinets is what type of lights you will have. Yet, getting the lighting right in your home can significantly enhance both functionality and ambiance. How? Here’s a handy guide.

What Type is Right?

In general, there are three types of lighting. The type you choose depends on what you want to do. Ambient lighting provides the general illumination for a space. It’s the foundation of your lighting design and should be bright enough to allow for easy movement and visibility.

Task lighting focuses on specific areas where activities like reading, cooking or working take place. This type of lighting should be bright enough to reduce eye strain and improve concentration.

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features in a room, such as artwork, plants or architectural details. This type of lighting adds depth and interest to your space.

Think Light Layers

Using a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting creates a well-balanced environment. Layering different types of lighting allows you to adjust the mood and functionality of a room easily. For example, in the family room you might want overhead lights (ambient), side table lamps for reading (task) and track lighting to illuminate wall art (accent).

Lights Have Color Temperatures

The color temperature of your light bulbs can affect the feel of a space. Warm white light (around 2700K) creates a cozy atmosphere, while cool white light (around 4000K) is more energizing and suitable for task-oriented areas. Choose the right temperature based on the room’s purpose.

Dimmer Switches Are Your Friend

Installing dimmer switches allows you to control the brightness of your lights, making it easy to adjust the mood for different activities. You don’t even need a switch. Most homes now feature smart lights so you can adjust lighting with just a command.

Position Lights Strategically

For task lighting, position fixtures to minimize shadows and glare. For example, place desk lamps to the side of your workspace rather than directly in front to avoid screen glare. In kitchens, ensure under-cabinet lights illuminate countertops effectively.

If You Have Natural Light, Use It

Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light, airy window treatments. During the day, rely on sunlight to reduce the need for artificial lighting. This not only saves energy but also creates a more inviting atmosphere.

Select Your Fixtures

Select light fixtures that complement your decor while serving their purpose. For instance, pendant lights can add style over kitchen islands, while sleek desk lamps can enhance a modern office space.

Safety First

Ensure that your lighting design considers safety, especially in areas like staircases and hallways. Use bright, even lighting to prevent accidents and consider motion-sensor lights for added convenience.

Check Out Our Lights

If you want to see lighting done right, visit Balmoral and check out our model homes. These professionally decorated homes demonstrate how your light choices can enhance the beauty of your home. Visit today.

Balmoral students attend excellent schools in the Humble Independent School District, a vibrant educational community dedicated to fostering student success and engagement. With kids heading back to the classroom, we thought you would like to get to know the district better.

Humble ISD serves a diverse population of more than 48,000 students across 47 campuses. The district is known for its commitment to innovative teaching practices and a supportive learning environment. With a focus on both academic and extracurricular activities, Humble ISD aims to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

The district has received several accolades, including an A from Niche. The district ranked among the 2023 top 10 Best School Districts in the Houston area and among the top 100 in the state. The district also placed No. 4 on the website’s list of the Best Teachers in the Houston Area.

Ten of the district’s campuses were selected as winners of the prestigious Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for their work in the 2022-2023 school year. The CREST Award is a symbol of excellence in counseling services, recognizing school counselors for their exceptional contributions to student development, academic achievement and overall well-being.  Two of those schools — Groves Elementary School and Woodcreek Middle School — are zoned to Balmoral.

The strong emphasis on students’ emotional health is supported by incorporating Social Emotional Learning into the curriculum. These are strategies designed to enhance students’ behavioral and academic skills, ensuring that they are not only academically prepared but also emotionally equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Humble ISD offers a strong curriculum and goes out of its way to help students to succeed. Students in need of extra challenges can enroll in a number of programs, including the Gifted & Talented program, honors classes, AP classes and dual credit programs.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) targets students in the academic middle who are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in honors and AP classes. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors and participate in enrichment and motivational activities.

The district also offers a robust Career and Technical Education program, allowing students to explore various career paths while still in school. This program includes hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with local businesses to provide real-world skills that are essential in today’s job market.

A school district is only as strong as the parents and students that make it up. Humble ISD actively encourages community participation through various events and programs.

The district also highlights success stories through its “Inspiring Moments” series, which showcases achievements like the Summer Creek High School BBQ team qualifying for the Texas High School BBQ State Championship in their inaugural 2023 season. Such initiatives not only celebrate student accomplishments but also promote school spirit and community pride.

We are proud that Balmoral students have access to the schools headed by this dedicated and forward-thinking district. If you want to be part of the Humble ISD family, visit us and learn more about our new homes today.

There’s a new builder in Balmoral. New Home Co. is committed to quality, innovative design and exceptional customer service, making them the perfect choice for homebuyers looking to build their dream home in Balmoral.

The builder offers five beautiful floor plans ranging from 1,702 to 2,797 square feet. Homes are priced from the low $300s and feature gorgeous island kitchens, inviting covered patios, flex rooms, studies, game rooms, two-car garages and more. You can see the plans —and the many options and upgrades available to you — when you visit the recently opened New Home Co. model home.

A leading homebuilder in Texas, New Home Co. has been creating beautiful and functional homes for families across the state for more than a decade. At the heart of their success is an unwavering commitment to quality. The company uses only the best materials and employs skilled craftsmen to ensure that every home they build meets the highest standards.

From the foundation to the roof, each detail is carefully considered and executed to perfection. The company’s knowledgeable and friendly professionals guide homebuyers through every step of the process, from selecting a homesite to choosing finishes. They are committed to ensuring that the experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

New Home Co. is also committed to building homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. The company uses energy-efficient materials and appliances to reduce homeowners’ energy costs and carbon footprint. They also prioritize sustainable landscaping practices to conserve water and promote biodiversity.

We are excited to welcome New Home Co. to the Balmoral line-up of exceptional builders. Visit their model home and start building your new life today.

Reports this month indicate that the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage will range between 6.1 to 6.8 percent throughout the rest of the year. High interest rates impact your buying power and your monthly payments. Fortunately, many Balmoral builders are riding to the rescue with incentives that will lower your monthly payments, reduce closing costs and even lower the cost of your new home. Check them out.

Brightland Homes
Roll Back Sales Event

Brightland Homes is rolling back the clock to a time when interest rates were lower. From now through July 21, the builder is offering an interest rate buy down on inventory homes that allows you to pick your rate such as 3.94 percent, 4.49 percent or 5.49 percent on a fixed-rate loan. Plus, you will receive $10,000 toward closing costs. Prefer to build from the ground up? Brightland is offering up to $60,000 to use toward options and financing.

Chesmar Homes
Virtual Consultation

Want to learn how to pay no interest for the first six months you own your new Chesmar home? Schedule an appointment with a New Home Consultant today.

Lennar
July Sales Event

Take advantage of Lennar’s fantastic offers from now through July 21. Finance through Lennar Mortgage Plus to lock in an FHA fixed rate of 4.25 percent (5.377 percent APR), up to a $40,000 price reduction and $6,000 toward closing costs.

Long Lake Ltd.
Lock in Interest Rate

For a limited time, the builder will help you lock in a low 4.99 percent interest rate when you purchase one of their select inventory homes.

At Balmoral, we are all about having fun in the sun. A great way to do that (besides hanging out on our white, sand beach) is to host a meal al fresco. Of course, to do that, you need an outdoor kitchen. Creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen involves combining functionality, durability and style to create a space that is perfect for cooking, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. Here are some ideas:

Maximize Your Patio Potential

Because your outdoor kitchen will be vying for space with your dining and entertainment areas, pay close attention to your patio’s layout. A U-shaped or L-shaped layout can be highly efficient as it allows you to create separate areas for cooking, prepping, dining and lounging. If you plan on hosting a lot of outdoor gatherings, consider speaking to your builder about extending the patio.

Choose Your Appliances

The right appliances will make or break your outdoor dining experience. Choose high-quality appliances that are durable and can withstand the elements. A high-end gas grill with multiple burners will get your meat on the plate in no time, as well as help you prepare a few side dishes. A refrigerator and freezer will keep food and beverages chilled and easily accessible. Look into a few add-ons such as a pizza oven and smoker to add some versatility to your cooking repertoire.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Additional items that will make your life easier include a sink for easy clean-up, a warming drawer to keep food warm while you are putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece and a built-in trash compactor. An outdoor bar is a fun extra. The dedicated space should have storage for glassware, a beverage fridge and a sink.

Best Materials

When it comes to actual materials, durability should be a priority. For countertops, choose materials like granite, concrete or stainless steel that can withstand the elements. Weather-resistant materials like marine-grade polymer, stainless steel or teak are your best options for cabinetry. Your patio floor is also important. You want it to be attractive but slip resistant so choose materials like stone, brick or tile.

Sustainable and Smart

When designing your ultimate patio, make sure your appliances are eco-friendly and smart. Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. Use solar-powered lights to reduce energy consumption. If you can, include a composting bin for organic waste. The environment will thank you. Take your home automation system outdoors for convenience. Install a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled grill for precise cooking control. Integrate smart lighting, irrigation for plants and sound systems that can be controlled via smartphone for convenience.

Additional Considerations

While you cook, guests should be comfortable. Equip a seating area with comfortable patio furniture. Include patio heaters or a fire pit for cooler nights and fans or misting systems for hot days. Install task lighting for cooking and ambient lighting for dining and socializing.

Talk to Our Builders

For more great patio ideas, visit our model homes and speak with our builders’ representatives. They can let you know what your options are for building the perfect home with the perfect patio.