If your Marvida home has a game room, you can create a friendly space for children to play, learn and unleash their creativity. Not sure where to start? Here are some exciting game room ideas to help you create the perfect play space for your kids:
Start with a Practical Foundation
Children and fancy flooring do not go together. If your game room will be your children’s primary play space, choose easy-to-clean flooring. Carpeting should be stain-resistant. Hard surface floors should have soft, stain-resistant area rugs to create comfortable seating areas. Consider colorful options to add vibrancy to the room.
Let Them Play with the Walls
You can turn walls into educational and creative play surfaces. Paint a wall with chalkboard paint for drawing and games. Create a magnetic wall for educational activities and artwork display. For very active children, look into installing a small rock wall.
Variations on a Theme
Choose a theme that reflects your child’s interests. Use wall decals or murals to create an immersive environment. Incorporate themed furniture and accessories. Consider changeable elements to update the theme as interests evolve.
Don’t Forget About Storage
Use colorful bins and baskets for easy toy storage. Buy play tables with built-in storage. Talk to your builder about the possibility of adding a storage closet. If a closet can’t be installed, look into wardrobes.
Nooks for Books
Set up a corner with bean bag chairs, cushions or a small sofa where kids can sit comfortably with a good book. Very young children may enjoy a more private space screened off by a teepee or canopy. Install floating shelves for easy access to books. Add soft lighting for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Where the Games Are
Create a space for video and board games. Install a flat-screen television. Add comfortable chairs, small tables for snacks and beverages and a storage area for games and controllers. A leader board can be a fun way to keep the competition going.
Lets’ Get Creative
Set up a dedicated arts and crafts area for whenever your child is feeling creative. Use a low table with storage for art supplies. Install a paper roll holder for endless drawing possibilities. Set up an easel for painting. Small, labeled bins can be set up nearby containing crafting supplies.
Let’s Get Physical
Encourage physical activity for days when inclement weather keeps kids indoors. Install a mini basketball hoop or indoor swing. Create an obstacle course with foam shapes and tunnels. Set up a small trampoline or balance beam. Set up a small dance area with curtains for a stage and good speakers for their favorite tunes. Jump ropes, foam balls and other toys encourage activity without risking walls or furniture.
Costumes, Anyone?
Who doesn’t love playing dress-up? Set up a costume rack and mirror, then provide different outfits. Provide props in the form of play kitchens, grills, stores and more for role-playing.
What About School?
Include a quiet area for studying. Set up a desk or have one built-in when your home is being built. Provide comfortable seating and storage for school supplies. Install a bulletin board for schedules and reminders.
Check Out Our Model Homes for More Inspiration
Love these ideas? We’ve got many more and you can see some of them when you check out our model homes. While there, why not talk to our builders’ representatives? They can help you pick out the perfect home with the perfect game room. Visit Marvida today.
Do you want to serve up a special meal for Father’s Day? Not sure what will be a hit? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together recipes for brunch, appetizers, dinner and desserts — all of which can be cooked up in your new Marvida kitchen! Don’t have one? Come see us. In the meantime, here are some ideas for meals that will make Father’s Day special:
A Big Brunch
Let Dad sleep in then present him with a big brunch starting with mini chicken and waffles. If you’re expecting a crowd but want something easy, try Ree Drummond’s sheet pan biscuit breakfast sandwiches. Build Dad’s Eggs Benedict with beef instead of bacon. If Dad has a sweet tooth, he’ll love this refreshing orange-raspberry coffee cake.
Amazing Appetizers
Whether you are serving dinner or just want to leave stuff for Dad to snack on, why not build a charcuterie board. Serve Dad these cheeseburger sliders while he enjoys the game. Turn on the crockpot and let Dad enjoy this buffalo chicken dipall day long. Put a little spice into Dad’s life with jalapeno poppers.
Get Out the Grill
What does Dad love more than barbecue? A barbecue where someone else mans the grill. Impress him with herbes de Provance grilled flank steak. If Dad is a rib guy, this is the best recipe ever. With just two skillets you can make grilled white pizza. This grilled salmon recipe is quick and easy.
Dad-Approved Dinners
Not everyone wants to fire up the grill, but you can still serve up a delicious Juicy Lucy burger. You can make these finger-licking good ribs in the oven. If Dad is craving deep dish pizza, make this instead of ordering delivery. You’ll want to double this enchilada recipe because Dad might eat the whole pan by himself.
Delicious Desserts
Dads generally don’t go in for frilly desserts, so serve up beer-and-bacon toffee sundaes instead. Fake Dad out with this chocolate “steak” cake. If Dad is just a big kid at heart, he will love this no-bake banana split cake. Simply guys in love with pies will devour this rum-vanilla cream pie.
Did you know Marvida is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Houston? That means you can spend every weekend having fun in the big city! On a budget? Not to worry, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do that are absolutely free. Here are 10 of them:
Twenty museums make up the Houston Museum District and most offer free admission on certain days or times, usually Thursdays. Some popular choices include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Menil Collection and Contemporary Arts Museum are free every day.
This expansive park offers various free attractions, including walking trails, playgrounds and a Japanese garden. Don’t miss the McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Hermann Park Railroad (small fee for train rides).
Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green hosts numerous free events throughout the year, including concerts, movie nights and fitness classes. The park also features playgrounds, interactive water features and art installations.
Explore this beautiful urban park with walking and biking trails, picnic areas and scenic views of downtown Houston. Keep an eye out for free events and activities hosted by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
You don’t need a library card to enjoy the story hours hosted by branches of the Houston Public Library. Some branches also off Maker Spaces where you can use 3D printers, kid-friendly tablets, video editing, a music studio and more.
Waterwall Park
One of Houston’s most beloved, iconic landmarks, the stunning Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features a 64-foot semi-circular architectural fountain. It’s a great spot for photos and picnics.
Enjoy free performances including concerts, plays and dance productions at this outdoor amphitheater located in Hermann Park. Tickets are often required for covered seating, but lawn seating is free.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Admission is free at this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary (parking is $6). There are miles of trails to walk, a Discovery Room with interactive exhibits and activities and a nature playscape.
Port Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. The boat carries a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck.
Located near the Shepherd School of Music on the Rice University campus, James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace art installation is a great place to watch the sun rise and set. The pyramidal structure has an LED light sequence that projects onto the ceiling of the 72-foot square roof daily at sunrise and sunset. The light sequences begin 40 minutes before sunrise and 10 minutes before sunset daily every night except Tuesdays.
From selecting water features to choosing patio furniture, there’s plenty of advice out there for engineering the perfect backyard. Unfortunately, not all these tips are child-friendly. So, in honor of the opening of our new family-friendly playground the Island Amenity Village anchored by a lazy river, we thought we’d share our tips on creating a fabulous kid-friendly backyard.
Safety First
Ensure that your backyard is safe by removing any hazards such as sharp objects, poisonous plants or tripping hazards. Double-check any play equipment you plan to install to make sure it is safe. If you have a pool, install a fence around it.
Involve Your Kids
Remember to involve your kids in the process of designing and creating their backyard space. By incorporating their interests and preferences, you can ensure that they’ll have a backyard they love spending time in.
Perfect Play Structures
Invest in age-appropriate play structures such as a swing set, jungle gym or playhouse. Make sure these structures are sturdy, well-maintained and installed on a soft surface like mulch or rubber tiles to cushion falls.
Sensory Play
Set up a sandbox or a water table for sensory play. Kids love digging, building sandcastles and splashing around, which can provide hours of entertainment.
Prepare for Game Day
Create space for outdoor games like hopscotch, bean bag toss or ring toss. You can paint game boards directly onto the ground or set up portable versions that can be easily stored when not in use.
Plant a Vegetable Garden
Involve kids in gardening by creating a small vegetable or herb garden. Let them help plant seeds, water plants and harvest vegetables. It’s a great way to teach them about nature and healthy eating.
Encourage Outdoor Creativity
Set up an outdoor art station with supplies like chalk, paint, clay and paper. Kids can unleash their creativity and make masterpieces while enjoying the fresh air.
Cozy Up to a Book
Create a cozy reading nook with outdoor-friendly bean bags or cushions, along with a selection of children’s books. Encourage kids to spend time reading outdoors surrounded by nature.
Don’t Forget the Toys
Provide a variety of outdoor toys such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops and Frisbees. These simple toys promote physical activity and imaginative play.
Kid-Friendly Eating Area
Set up a picnic table or blanket where kids can enjoy outdoor meals, snacks or picnics with family and friends. Make it inviting with colorful cushions, blankets and outdoor-friendly dinnerware.
Invite Wildlife
Create opportunities for kids to observe wildlife by hanging bird feeders or setting up a butterfly garden. Encourage them to identify different birds, insects and plants by hanging charts or putting books about them in the reading nook.
Do you need to use a Realtor when you purchase a to-be-built home in Marvida? Absolutely. There are many advantages to using an expert even if you aren’t planning to buy an existing home. Here are eight reasons why:
Neighborhood Expertise
Realtors know everything there is to know about local neighborhoods and master-planned communities, including the builders, schools, nearby conveniences and services, and more. They can help you find the one that is right for you based on your needs and wants.
Your Advocate
A Realtor will work on your behalf. As they know the builders, they can explain the contract and which options and upgrades are worth investing in. They will ask questions you haven’t thought of and point out model home details you may have missed.
Budget Conscious
Every homebuyer has a budget and, a Realtor can help keep you to it. They will discuss your priorities with you and steer you toward builders who can meet your budget and needs. They can also keep you from purchasing pricy upgrades you don’t really need.
They Can Negotiate
Realtors are skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf to secure the best possible deal. That can include helping you get additional options and upgrades or price reductions on move-in-ready homes.
Navigating Legalities
Real estate transactions involve complex legal documents and procedures. Realtors are familiar with the legalities involved in buying a home and can guide you through the process, ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and deadlines are met.
Time Savings
Buying a home can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities. Realtors handle many of the tasks involved in the process, saving you time and reducing stress.
Guidance and Support
Realtors provide guidance and support every step of the way, from the initial consultation to closing. Whether you have questions about pricing, financing options or the closing process, your Realtor is there to offer expert advice and assistance.
Peace of Mind
Working with a Realtor provides peace of mind knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced professional advocating for your best interests. Having a Realtor by your side can make the process smoother and more successful.
Bring Your Realtor to Marvida
We love meeting Realtors and invite you to bring yours. Together we can find the perfect home for you!
10 Tips for a Stress-free Move
Moving ranks up there with taxes when it comes to things people enjoy doing. No matter how beautiful your new Marvida home is, the idea of moving into it is probably pretty stressful. There are ways to make it easier. Here are 10 tips for a stress-free move:
Start Early
Begin planning and organizing your move as soon as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Create a timeline with key tasks and deadlines to keep yourself on track.
Declutter Before Packing
Before you start packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate, sell or discard items you no longer need or use. This will lighten your load and make packing and unpacking easier.
Create a Packing Plan
Develop a packing plan and start packing non-essential items well in advance of your move. Pack room by room and label boxes clearly with the contents and the room they belong in. Consider using color-coded labels for even easier identification.
Pack an Essentials Box
Pack a box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies and important documents. Keep this box with you during the move for easy access.
Hire Professional Movers
Consider hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. Research moving companies, read reviews and get quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Notify Utilities and Services
Arrange to have utilities, internet, and other services transferred or disconnected at your current address and set up at your new address. Notify relevant parties, such as banks, insurance companies, and subscriptions of your change of address.
Take Care of Pets and Children
If you have pets or children, arrange for their care during the move to minimize stress for them and for you. Consider boarding pets or having them stay with a friend or family member on moving day. Enlist the help of a babysitter or family member to watch children.
Stay Organized
Keep important documents — such as moving contracts, rental agreements and contact information — organized and easily accessible throughout the moving process. Use a binder or digital folder to store documents securely.
Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care
Moving can be physically and emotionally draining, so be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Practice self-care techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or exercise to help manage stress.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Once you’ve completed your move, take time to celebrate your accomplishments and settle into your new home. Unpack at a comfortable pace and prioritize setting up key areas such as the kitchen and bedroom for a sense of normalcy.
Making the move to Marvida? Wondering what there is to do? Turns out there are at least five must-see spots. Plan to visit them and then come home and take advantage of the many amenities our community offers.
Delve into Cypress’s history at the Cypress Top Historic Park. This outdoor museum features restored historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, including a one-room schoolhouse, log cabins and a vintage railroad caboose.
Shopaholics will love exploring the Houston Premium Outlets. This expansive outdoor shopping center features more than 145 designer and name-brand outlet stores, offering discounts on fashion, accessories, home goods and more.
The Berry Center is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex. It hosts a variety of events, including high school sporting events, concerts, trade shows and community gatherings. Check their schedule for upcoming events and experiences.
A great place to connect with nature, this 790-acre preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including raptors, herons and wading birds. There are 10 miles of walking trails, as well as two boardwalks for birdwatching. Educational programs and activities are offered to all ages, including guided hikes, workshops and educational presentations.
Houston Yoga & Ayurveda Ashram
An ashram in Cypress? You better believe it. This beautiful and peaceful spot offers yoga classes from beginner to advanced, including hatha, vinyasa, yin, restorative and power yoga. Ayurveda consultations are also offered providing a holistic approach to health through diet and exercise.
The kids will be on spring break soon (March 11-15 for Marvida students). Instead of hopping on a plane this year, why not become a tourist in your own town? Houston is a great place to explore and not far from Marvida. What should you do? Whatever you want — but here are a few ideas!
Houston Museum District
The Houston Museum District is made up of 20 world-class museums. Ask each member of the family to pick their favorite, then go exploring. Museums that should be at the top of your list include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Children’s Museum Houston.
Get Outdoors
Take advantage of Houston’s beautiful spring weather by spending time outdoors. Visit Hermann Park, where you can stroll through the Japanese Garden, rent pedal boats on McGovern Lake or have a picnic. Memorial Park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as recreational facilities.
Art and Architecture
Downtown Houston is known for food, shopping and theater, but there is plenty of art and architecture to discover. Visit Discovery Green, a 12-acre urban park that hosts events, concerts and art installations. Explore the historic buildings and architecture, such as the iconic JP Morgan Chase Tower or the historic Market Square Park.
Culinary Adventures
Houston is known for its diverse culinary scene. Take the opportunity to try out different restaurants, food trucks and cafes. Local favorites include The Blind Goat, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.
Houston Zoo
Set aside an entire day to visit the Houston Zoo. Home to more than 6,000 animals from around the world, the zoo features several habitats such as the African Forest, the Asian Elephant Habitat and the Gorilla Habitat. The zoo also offers interactive experiences and educational programs.
Get a Room
What should you do with the money you save on plane fare? Rent a room at a luxury hotel. Imagine floating down the Texas-shaped lazy river at the Marriott Marquis. Order truffle fries poolside at The Moran City Centre. Other great places to stay include The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Park, Hotel Alessandra and The Whitehall.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Be sure to save a day for shopping. The Galleria offers everything a fashionista could want, including more than 400 premiere stores. Highland Village features nationally known retailers and great restaurants. For hip, artisanal shopping there’s Uptown Park.
The watchword for 2024 is biophilic design. Huh? If you’ve never heard of it, biophilic design is an approach that seeks to connect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into interior design. The idea is that by incorporating these principles into your spaces, you can create environments that promote health and well-being. Now that you know what biophilic is, how can you incorporate it into your new Marvida home? We have some ideas.
Light It Up
Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. Homes with large windows, skylights and glass doors allow in plenty of light which helps your body make Vitamin D. It also provides views of the outdoors that can reduce stress and enhance your connection to nature.
Bring Nature Indoors
Incorporate indoor plants throughout your space to improve air quality, reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Choose a variety of plants that thrive indoors and place them strategically in different rooms.
Use Natural Materials
When it comes to furniture, textiles and countertops, opt for natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo and cork in your design elements. These materials add warmth, texture and visual interest to the space while also evoking a sense of the natural world.
Incorporate Nature in Patterns and Textures
Let nature inspire your choice of patterns and textures. Choose leaf motifs, organic shapes or patterns resembling natural landscapes. These elements can be used in textiles, wallpaper, flooring and other decorative features.
Rooms With a View
Wherever possible position seating areas to overlook nearby green spaces, including your backyard, parks, ponds or other scenic landscapes so you can constantly have a visual connection to the outdoors.
Water, Water Everywhere
The sound of flowing water can help mask noise pollution and promote relaxation, so incorporate water features such as fountains, ponds or indoor waterfalls wherever you can. Small table fountains work great in family rooms and the bedroom.
Provide Spaces for Nature Interaction
Design outdoor areas such as gardens, patios or balconies that provide opportunities for relaxation, socialization and connection with nature. Consider adding seating, greenery and elements like fire pits or water features to enhance the outdoor experience.
Go With Curves
Incorporate natural shapes and forms into your design, such as curved lines, arches and irregular shapes. These elements mimic patterns found in nature and create a more organic and harmonious environment.
Engage All Your Senses
We don’t just use our eyes and ears. Incorporate elements such as natural fragrances, sounds of birdsong or rustling leaves and tactile materials that invite touch and exploration.
Get Outdoors
Provide opportunities for your family to get outdoors. Promote activities like gardening, birdwatching and nature walks. Families that live in Marvida have access to amenities that get them out outside and having fun including our new lazy river, exercise stations and playgrounds.
Visit Our Model Homes
Want to learn more about biophilic design? Visit our model homes. You’ll be inspired to incorporate it into your new home.
There’s good news ahead for buyers looking to purchase a new home in 2024 — interest rates are falling.
Freddie Mac recently reported that 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped from a high of 7.9 percent in October 2023 to 6.6 percent in mid-January. That’s the lowest they’ve been since May 2023. Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research group predicts that 30-year fixed averages will drop below 6 percent by the end of the year.
Other prognosticators agree. The National Association of Realtors predicts fixed rates will stay at 6 percent for the next few months. The Mortgage Bankers Association projects rates on a 30-year loan will be 6.1 percent by the end of the year. Bankrate predicts that average 30-year rates could drop as low as 5.75 percent by the end of 2024.
Driving the rate reduction are pauses in federal rate increases by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has paused three times, with two of these pauses leading to a drop in mortgage rates. On November 1, the date of the second pause, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 8.06 percent. For a 15-year mortgage, it was 7.20 percent. On December 13, those rates stood at 7.31 percent and 6.70 percent, respectively.
What does that mean for homebuyers? Your monthly mortgage costs could be reduced by an average of $200 a month for a median-priced home. This equates to a savings of $68,000 in interest over the life of your loan.
It also means that now is a great time to purchase your dream home in Marvida. Visit us today and talk to our builders. You could be moving before you know it.
