The 2010s began with the world in financial peril. It ended with stock markets hitting record highs. Its no surprise, then, that optimism or despair either amped up or pared down new home sizes, amenities and costs.

The last decades economic roller coaster sent Portlands asking prices tumbling 35 percent in some cases. In 2011, new high-end residential properties that were estimated to be worth $1.5 million before the 2008 crash were stuck on the market at $800,000 to $950,000.

Prevailing throughout the post-recession decade, as seen in the 44-year-old NW Natural Street of Dreams luxury home tour, were Oregon homebuyers strong desire for highly livable floor plans, environmentally friendly materials and smart devices that support todays ideal for a less-work, more-play home life.

Trends embraced between 2010-2019 included upscale versions of the past: Modern farmhouses had artistic barn doors, apron sinks and white shiplap-clad walls. Popular too were Mad Men-inspired midcentury moderns and warehouse-evoking industrial chics exposed brick, concrete floors and bare Edison lightbulbs.

The 2019 NW Natural Street of Dreams home, Bespoke. July 25, 2019 Beth Nakamura/Staff

At the dawn of the last decade, smartphones were just beginning to be used as a universal remote control. Mobile apps could adjust room lights and temperatures, heat up the hot tub and monitor security cameras. In 2015, Amazon made it possible through whole-home automation to order meals, play music and ask Alexa anything.

Throughout the twenty teens, the annual Street of Dreams reflected the ups and downs of homeowners aspirations, builders budgets and the areas thickening density.

The homeownership rate in the Portland area inched up from 61.6 percent in 2010 to 62.9 in 2018, the biggest increase among the nations 50 largest metros, according to the latest Census Bureaus American Community Survey as analyzed by Apartment List.

I wish I had a crystal ball to see into the future, but I do know that the dream of homeownership is still strong and most people in America would love to own a home of their own at some point, said master-planned community developer Rudy Kadlub, president of Costa Pacific Communities and chairman of the NW Natural Street of Dreams.

The definition of a home and its ownership type, however, means something different to everyone, he added.

The 2019 NW Natural Street of Dreams home, La Maison. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland created the Street of Dreams, the oldest and largest single-venue new home tour, in 1976 to promote local builders abilities to execute complicated, cutting-edge construction in a range of architectural styles.

That year, custom houses with built-in microwaves in Washington Countys Rock Creek neighborhood sold for around $75,000. By 2006, asking prices for Street of Dreams properties in Oregon Citys Hidden Lake Estates reached $3 million and square footage ballooned to 7,000 and beyond, about triple the U.S. average.

With up to 50,000 visitors to the monthlong home show, the Street of Dreams became legendary for buzz-worthy indulgences. Builders and interior designers installed over-the-top trophies like subterranean Dolby Atmos home theaters, wet bars adjacent to climate-controlled, glass-walled wine cellars and even the $125,000 solid bronze bathtub Brad Pitt reportedly once gave to Jennifer Aniston.

Before land-use laws and increased land costs and development fees forced homesites to shrink, Street of Dreams properties were resort-style, real estate fantasies with backyard sports courts, massive swimming pools, stone pizza ovens and private putting greens.

In comparison, the 2019 Street of Dreams in Wilsonville spotlighted standard-size lots with raised gardening beds and bioswales to help manage stormwater and reduce erosion.

Bad timing: The 2007 Street of Dreams opened just as the U.S. mortgage market tumbled, triggering the Portland regions biggest home price decline in at least two decades. All of the six custom homes in Oregon City were unsold nine months after the summer show ended.

One Street of Dreams builder tried unsuccessfully to auction his project.

The next year, real estate values continued to sink, lenders became reluctant to finance spec houses and superstars builders went bankrupt.

For three years, tight funding, limited land supply and hesitant demand forced Street of Dreams organizers to piece the show together from multiple locations and include condos and homes that had been lingering on the market.

Builders backed away from unnecessary extravagances such as cigar rooms and hidden elevators to man caves, and in 2011 introduced floor plans designed to spread out expenses by allowing multiple generations to shelter under one roof or owners to rent out a smaller dwelling sharing a lot with the main house.

The Oregonian

This is the vaulted master suite in the 2011 Street of Dreams' house by Brentwood Homes.

The 2011 Street of Dreams had five houses on double lots in Tigard accompanied by a separate, self-contained living space an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with a bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom.

The environmentally responsible Earth Advantage-certified homes also conserved energy and water use.

Asking prices ranged from $800,000 and $950,000.

Attendance at the 2011 home tour was double that of the previous year. The show was extended a week and forever boosted interest in homes within homes, meeting expanding needs.

Kadlub said the stereotypic Dad, Mom and kids represents less than 35 percent of the home buying market as more single people and generations of a family elect to live under one roof for convenience, to consolidate housing expenses and to be together.

To meet this need, designers, developers and builders are creating homes with two master suites with a dedicated entrance for private comings and goings.

An in-law suite is an inexpensive way to provide housing and privacy for a family member who has special needs or aging parents who would like their own kitchen, bathroom, entry and parking, said Kadlub. I would think we will continue to see more of this.

Four years after the 2008 bust, the economy was re-bounding and a West Linn vineyard was converted into home lots for the 2012 Street of Dreams.

The Oregonian

2012 Street of Dreams' Hamptons-inspired Montauk custom house by Delahunt Homes has a vaulted dining room.

A Hamptons-like estate, Oregon lodge-style house and five other Earth Advantage-certified residences exhibited the high level of luxury visitors were used to seeing on the Street of Dreams from the 1990s through the mid-2000s.

The 2012 properties were priced from $950,000 to $1.3 million.

LC-

The Rendezvous home, built by F. Dale Lumpkin General Contractor in West Linn, was sold before the 2013 Street of Dreams opened. Molly J. Smith/The Oregonian LC-

In 2013, seven of nine $1 million-plus homes on a one-acre lot in the Stonehenge neighborhood overlooking Lake Oswego were sold before the summer home tour opened.

The Street of Dreams big-budget, mega-sized residences are derided for their excesses, but builders contend that these custom projects allow them to learn how to apply cost-saving construction techniques to more affordable dwellings.

Behind the well-insulated walls of the Street of Dreams houses are high-performance heating and cooling systems that lower energy bills and carbon footprints.

In 2019, even with 2,784 to 4,600 square feet of living space, the average electricity and gas bill for each of the Street of Dreams houses was estimated at $141 or less a month, according to the Energy Trust of Oregon.

Most of the dwellings earned Earth Advantage sustainability certification and are more efficient than a similar-sized house built to code, according to the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland.

Energy efficient products have improved over the last decade and the cost in some cases has been reduced, so the return on investment has gotten even better, said Kadlub, who has been named Builder of the Year twice by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, Developer of the Year by the nonprofit, land-use planning organization 1000 Friends of Oregon and was twice awarded by the National Association of Home Builders for developing Americas Master Planned Community of the Year for his 1,800-home Orenco Station in Hillsboro in 1999 and 2,700-home Villebois in Wilsonville in 2009.

Energy efficiency is important to our country, industry and the consumers we address, he said.

In 2020, the Street of Dreams will return to the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in South Hillsboro, where the 2018 home tour was held.

The Elysian was built by Red Hills Construction in 2017 in Happy Valley. Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

In the last 10 years, most new homes, from modern Craftsman to Northwest contemporary, had a great room that enveloped a kitchen, which changed from having granite counters to eco-friendly manufactured white quartz that looks like marble.

The busiest room in a luxury house was also often stocked with flat-screen televisions, docking-charging stations plus, perhaps, a pet feeding area.

Although the Street of Dreams shows off the latest gee-whiz inventions, like a steam shower with a streak-free glass door, practicality has to reign in these pricey properties.

Open floor plans and master suites on the main floor make it possible for residents to stay in their home longer and live on one level.

Hardwood floors, no steps and wider hallways and doors allow people with wheelchairs to maneuver with more ease. Other universal design features such as curb-less showers became mainstays.

Fairway Manor's walk-in shower. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff LC-

Gas fireplaces also evolved over the last 10 years into contemporary designs without standing pilot lights and with more controls that reduce energy use and increase the ability to heat only occupied spaces. These dramatic centerpieces can have two sides to face the great room and the outdoor living space or be installed in corners of the living, dining or family rooms.

In the 2018 Street of Dreams, Suteki Americas Northwest contemporary house had a 42-inch-wide Town & Country fireplace embedded in a tiled, towering wall while the French-country estate built in 2016 by Westlake Development Group had a low-to-the-ground, narrow fireplace in a wall between the master bedroom and bathroom.

Suteki Harmony's towering fireplace surround. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff

Over the decade, interior designers selected durable, eco-friendly finishes and natural materials for comfortable, uncomplicated and carefree furnishings.

Homeowners continue to want versatile, specialty spaces they can use as potting areas, music listening dens, spice rooms, sewing/craft rooms and health-centered yoga and exercise rooms, according to Portland homebuilders surveys.

Fairway Manor's potting space off the kitchen. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff

Beverage centers, cocktail or juice bars and even a built-in candy bar for kids snacking continue to be popular.

The Farm to Table house has walls with glass doors that dissolve the separation between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff

Other trends that expanded in the 2010s: Walls with folding glass doors dissolve the separation between indoor and outdoor living spaces and electric-car stations in extra tall garages, which can shelter an RV.

In preparation of a future where not everyone needs a car, garages are being designed to be easily converted to living spaces and detached buildings with roll-up doors can be used as a she shed or workshop.

The Farm to Table custom home has garages with roll-up doors that can be used as a she shed or workshop. Photo by Beth Nakamura/Staff

--Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

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Some of the last decades excessive design and decor stay: Youll see more farmhouses, midcentury moderns and - OregonLive

For the past two years, LG's rollable OLED designs have provoked gasps of wonder from television amateurs, and it looks like the South Korean giant wants more.

The company's panel-producing division, LG Display, has announced a new 65-inch OLED TV that, instead of springing out of its base, will roll down from the ceiling. The new technology will be unveiled next week at CES 2020 in Las Vegas.

The display, said the company, can be stored in the ceiling and pulled down like a projector screen, which means users will save TV stand space.

SEE: Sensor'd enterprise: IoT, ML, and big data (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)

At last year's CES, LG stole the show with the OLED TV R, another 65-inch rollable device that can fully retract into an aluminum base that doubles as a Dolby Atmos soundbar.

However, the latest announcement isn't a simple reapplication of the technology, from pulling up to dragging down.

According to Tim Alessi, LG's director of new product development, the TV R was designed to roll upwards only, and it would have been necessary to invent a brand-new mechanism to be able to hang up the display from the ceiling.

Although LG has not disclosed the technical spec of the new panel, it is likely to attract attention with manufacturers presenting ever-more sophisticated TV displays at CES.

Samsung, in particular, is setting itself as a strong competitor. The South Korean manufacturer's catalog includes no rollable TV display. Instead, the company is banking on 8K resolution, having shown off a 146-inch, 8K MicroLED panel two years ago dubbed 'The Wall'. In comparison, LG's TV R only has 4K resolution.

That's not to say LG is lagging far behind. In fact, the company also announced it will unveil various other displays, including an 88-inch 8K OLED display for homes and hotels. The panel includes an 11.2 channel sound system embedded into the display to generate sound directly from it.

SEE: LG Electronics changes CEO in generation shift

In what it describes as another world-first, LG will also showcase a smaller 48-inch OLED TV panel, designed for smaller homes and apartments, and which will add to the company's existing lineup of 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 88-inch OLED TV displays.

The company has not specified when the new products will be commercially available. LG had promised that its rollable prototype from CES 2019 would go on sale this year but has since failed to provide a release date.

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LG's new TV panel: You can roll it down from the ceiling - ZDNet

Editors note Were continuing our tradition of taking a look back each Saturday at some of the important, interesting or even odd events as they were reported during the same week throughout the years, along with interesting advertising features from back in the day.

This week in 1904, the Hillsboro News Herald reported that two Highland County teachers were elected to high positions in the Ohio Teachers Federation annual meeting in Columbus. The paper reported that Henry G. Williams was elected president and L.L. Faris became a member of the legislative committee.

An excellent financial report had been received at the annual stockholders meeting of the Hillsboro Telephone Co., with businesses that had phones totaling 118 and residences in the village with phones numbering 317.

In Mowrystown news, the play Old Maids Convention was said to be well patronized with the largest crowd ever witnessed in the villages Town Hall. Reportedly over 100 people had to be turned away on account of lack of seating.

Two Hillsboro women were among the dead at a massive fire at Chicagos Iroquois Theatre on New Years Eve. Both were daughters of a wealthy contractor who moved his family to Chicago in 1888.

Playing for one week at Bells Opera House were the ever popular Howard and Dorset, supported by a strong company of artists. Starting Monday Jan. 4, 1904, tickets were just 20 and 30 cents for evenings, 10 and 20 cents for the matinee.

A rarity for the turn-of-the-century was a woman dentist, but Hillsboro had one, and Mrs. Auta Groth, DDS, advertised her dental office in the Masonic Temple building at the corner of High and Beech streets.

This week in 1932, The Hillsboro News Herald reported that a pair of bad fires destroyed the Mowrystown plaining mill and the residence of Howard McQuitty, with both fires burning at the same time. Help had to be called in from nearby Sardinia to put out the blazes, which destroyed both structures.

Ora Shaffer of Salem Township brought in two bushels of freshly picked apples to the News Herald office that he said he picked on Jan 5. He said the apples that he picked the previous fall and put in the root cellar rotted and had to be thrown out, but the ones he left on the trees were sound with a better flavor now than last fall.

Showing at the New Bells Theatre, Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts were starring in Unexpected Father, along with chapter 11 of the thrilling serial Danger Island.

The Ohio Historical Society had erected a museum building at Serpent Mound State Park in Adams County. A pioneer log house had been rebuilt and furnished with artifacts from the period of the early 19th century.

A mid-winter clearance sale was in full swing at Fred Laffertys clothing store on West Main Street in Hillsboro. The ad stated that mens and boys clothing, furnishings and shoes were selling at cost, less than cost and regardless of cost.

Blue washday Monday didnt have to be blue anymore with a new Voss wringer washer from the Southern Ohio Electric Company in Hillsboro. The new Voss cost $59.95, with $5 down and the balance due of just $1.50 weekly.

This week in 1968, the Hillsboro Press-Gazette reported that the first baby born in the New Year at was an 8-pound, 9-ounce bouncing baby boy born to William and Phyllis Ball of Hillsboro. William Douglas Ball made his appearance on New Years Day at the Adams County Hospital in West Union.

Work was progressing on the new museum at Fort Hill state memorial, with costs estimated at $52,000.

A new $150,000 library was proposed for Hillsboro, with the director of the Ohio Office of Appalachia filing an application for a grant to assist in the project. Albert Giles said that the Highland County District Library was currently housed in a rented outdated 1836 home known as the Scott House.

Showing at the Colony Theatre was real life husband and wife Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in The Taming of the Shrew, billed as a salty salvo in the war between the sexes.

Matson Chevrolet-Pontiac-Oldsmobile had a special of the week for discerning car buyers. A 67 Chevelle four-door sedan with six-cylinder engine, PowerGlide transmission, radio, heater, white wall tires and one owner was priced to sell at $1,865.

A Hillsboro soldier was wounded in action in Vietnam but lived to tell the tale and was awarded the Purple Heart. Spec. 4 Tyrone Lawrence sustained injuries in a military operation between Cu-Chi and Tay-Ninh near Saigon.

This week in 2005, the Hillsboro Times-Gazette reported on the aftermath on the December 2004 ice storm which left thousands without power in Southwest Ohio. South Central Power reported that 98 homes in Highland County still were without power as of the first week of January.

Curves International was opening a fitness center in Hillsboro specifically aimed at the needs females. Manager Karen Kumpf said the grand opening would be Jan. 10. Meanwhile in Greenfield, Dr. Eric Borsini was opening the CARE Chiropractic Center.

In sports, McClains Tigers defeated the Southeastern Panthers 65-48 in a non-league romp, while in Mowrystown the Lady Wildcats fell to the Washington C.H. Lady Blue Lions 50-43. McClain and Hillsboro were a close first and second in the SCOL boys standings, while in the girls tally it was Miami Trace and London fighting it out for first and second place.

Hillsboro City Council member Dick Donley awarded the December citizen of the month award to the Collins family for their notable charity work in the community.

Elected officials were sworn into office after the first of the year, with newly elected state representative David Daniels, Highland County commissioner Rich Graves, county prosecutor Jim Grandey, recorder Ike Hodson and engineer Dean Otworth all pictured taking the oath of office.

Thirty-nine years to the day after she started as deputy director of the Highland County Board of Elections, Zelma Furnish decided it was time to call it quits and retired to spend more time at home with her husband of 59 years, Bill.

Reach Tim Colliver at 937-402-2571.

A look back at news items through the years

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January apples, young elopers and baby New Year - Hillsboro Times Gazette

DENVER The Denver International Airport released new renderings this week of its ongoing gate expansion and the amenities that will be included.

The project will add 39 new gates to the airport, increasing the airports gate capacity by 30%.

Not only will there be new gates, new concessions, lounge seating, nursing rooms and family restrooms, said Alex Renteria, a DIA spokesperson.

Under the design plans, each concourse will also feature an outdoor patio in the secured area so that passengers can get some fresh air without needing to go through TSA again.

The 39 gates will be spread out throughout the three concourses. The new gates will be located at the ends of each concourse. Here is a breakdown of the new gates:

-A-West: 12 gates -B-West: 4 gates -B-East: 7 narrow-body gates -C- East: 16 gates

Along with new gates, each concourse is also getting an outdoor patio installed. The patios will feature a pet relief area, outdoor seating and fire pits.

Holder Construction and FCI Constructors Inc. will work on Concourse B-East and Concourse C-East, and Turner Construction and Flatiron Construction on Concourse A-West and Concourse B-West. HNTB Corp. and Jacobs Engineering Group were contracted for architectural and design services for the project.

B-West will be complete by the end of 2020 and A-West, B-East and C-East will be complete by the end of 2021.

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Denver Int'l Airport's gate renovation will include new outdoor patios at each concourse - The Denver Channel

Posted By Thaddeus McCollum on Tue, Dec 31, 2019 at 12:43 PM

Correction: An earlier version included an inaccurate date. Apologies!

For the past four years, the Punk on the Patio series has been carrying on the tradition of floor shows established by the likes of Bar-BQ-Bar and the Social's old back-door shows. After their fourth anniversary earlier this year, though, they're hanging it up.

The final Punk on the Patio happening Tuesday, Jan. 7 features performances from scene veterans Flashlights, along with more recent newcomers like Chalet Girl, Like Father and No Handouts. The cover includes a free drink to get you started on the celebration/commiseration.

Find out more on the Facebook event page.

8 p.m. | The Patio, 14 W. Washington St. (enter through 64 North, 64 N. Orange Ave.) | foundation-presents.com | $5Get our top picks for the best events in Orlando every Thursday morning. Sign up for our weekly Events newsletter.

Tags: Punk on the Patio, Tuesday January 7, Flashlights, Chalet Girl, Like Father, No Handouts, the patio, Orlando shows, Image

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Don't miss the final Punk on the Patio, happening Tuesday, Jan. 7 - Orlando Weekly

PHOTO VIA GOOGLE MAPSJust last week CL spottedBackyard Grill and Patiotaking overNueva Cantina's (and Love Artifacts) old stomping grounds at 4918 S. MacDill Ave. in Tampa.

It looks like the restaurant is wasting no time getting up and running, as Backyard Grill is making its debut on Friday, January 10. Local rock band, The Ordeal, will be taking over the outdoor patio to celebrate. In the band's Facebook event, The Ordeal explains that the restaurant's owner is hoping to revive Love Artifacts thesmall neighborhood hangout and music venue that owner Lynn Love created, followed by a call to action:

"The Ordeal will be kicking off this new business with a bang. Come join us in making this new Backyard Grill and patio South Tampa's coolest music venue."

Locals can slide by to kick 2020 off with live local music, new eats, and draft brews on Friday, January 10 from 8 p.m.-midnight.

Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for ourBitesnewsletter.

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New Tampa restaurant Backyard Grill and Patio will open next week - Creative Loafing Tampa

ESCONDIDO When writer, cartoonist and Dykes to Watch Out For creator Alison Bechdel was 19, she came out to her parents as a lesbian. Not long after, Bechdels gay father, Bruce, stepped into the path of a delivery truck and died. The tragedy of her childhood and coming to terms with both her sexuality as well as her fathers apparent suicide is the underpinning of Fun Home, Patio Playhouses upcoming 2020 production.

Fun Home is a Broadway musical based on Bechdels 2006 graphic memoir Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, adapted by Lisa Krone and Jeanine Tesori. Patio Playhouses Artistic Manager Matt Fitzgerald serves as the plays director. Initially drawn to the production by Tesoris score, which he calls fantastic, he also found himself relating on some level to some of the characters.

Its easy as a father to see as unkind as it might sound, to see a little bit of Bruce in myself, and have that egg me on become a better father, a better person, he said, though he feels that he does not go to the same extremes.

Not to normalize (Alisons) story, but the feeling of being an outsider, in high school or in college is, I think, relatable to most people. And thats Middle Alisons story the awkwardness of discovering who you are and relating that to your life.

Bechdel is depicted in three stages of her life by three separate actresses: the child Small Alison (Emma Delaware), the college student Middle Alison (Caitlin Groome) and middle-aged cartoonist Alison (Dani Leandra). Fitzgerald hailed the actresses skills and their effort to inform each other about the character. He said he believes that whatever differences are visible in their respective performances will reflect on the growth of Alison as a person.

To reflect the source materials graphic novel origins, some of the props used in the play will be images drawn by some of the cast, as well as (possibly) pieces of some of Bechdels artwork. Were trying to match her style as best as possible with all of our props and stuff, Fitzgerald said.

The production will serve as Patios second musical in a row after Miracles of the Season, but two key things will set it apart from that production. First, instead of playing pre-recorded tracks, there will be a seven-piece orchestra in the black box theater. Second, there will be alley seating, meaning there will be bleachers set up across from the ordinary seats. Thus, managing the sound became the biggest design challenge of the play.

Fitzgerald says that even if audience members dont relate to Bechdel herself, they can still find meaning and enjoyment in a story about family.

I think theres a lot of people who have found a home in this show, he said. A relatability, particularly those in the LGBT community, specifically young lesbian or bisexual women have found a protagonist in the show they can relate to specifically, rather than generally.

But really, its a difficult but fantastic story with a beautiful score.

The show will play at Patio Playhouses black box theater on Kalmia Street in Escondido from Jan. 17 to Feb. 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $44.

Alex Wehrung covers Rancho Santa Fe and theatre-related news in North County. He previously reported forThe Daily Nexus in Santa Barbara, CAand the Escondido Times-Advocate in Escondido, CA.

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Patio Playhouse's 'Fun Home' will sing the songs of Alison Bechdel's life - Coast News

Possibilities are unlimited with this amazing, private retreat! Nestled on over 24 wooded, rolling acres, sitting high above the Great River Road with incredible views and sunsets. Conveniently located within 15 minutes of the amenities of Historical Grafton, the conveniences of Alton and access to the Clark Bridge. The main home offers 8,000 sq. feet of finished living space, gorgeous handscraped, exotic hardwood flooring, full kitchens on 2 levels, built in hot tub and sauna, full bar, central vac, radiant floor heat, solarium with humidity control, 3 fireplaces, 3 car att. garage, huge main floor laundry area, sunroom, numerous patios & balconies with phenomenal views, it overlooks the 1 acre stocked pond, and just beyond that, on the 2nd parcel (PIN#01-396-009-00)you'll find the 5 are stocked lake! But wait...there's more!! The detached 4 car garage, built in 1995, also offers a 2 bedroom guest house! Opportunities like this don't happen often! Welcome to your new DREAM HOME!

View Listing

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Big Homes Just Listed in the St. Louis Area - STLtoday.com

Houstons restaurant scene is huge and there is no shortage of fun, family-friendly restaurants around town. Sometimes you just want to kick back and relax while the kids eat and play.

Weve rounded up the best restaurants in Houston with a playground, make sure you visit them all.

Here is our full Guide to Restaurants with Playgrounds in Houston:

Crisp Heights- This gastro pub offers pizza and Italian-fusion bites, plus they have an outdoor patio great for kids. They dont have a playground but theres a fountain, a ping pong table, and cornhole.

Little Matts- This unique burger restaurant has picnic seating, game tablets, a candy shop, and an arcade. They also offer chicken wings, personal pizzas, and more on the menu.

Betsys at Evelyns Park- If you want an awesome playground, why not go to a park? This park in Bellaire has a restaurant and coffee shop on the same property. There isnt an actual playground but the kids will love the walk-up slides. Plus, there is plenty of room to run and its close enough to keep an eye on the kids while you eat. Bring your camera- there is also an awesome sculpture installation based on Alice in Wonderland.

Lake House- This counter-serve restaurant has an outdoor patio right inside Discovery Green. They are located by the fountains so the kids can play in the water while you eat.

Christians Tailgate- This restaurant has three locations in Houston. Their West University location has a small arcade and an outdoor playground. Make sure to order a milkshake!

Lupe Tortilla- This Texas-native restaurant has multiple locations around Houston, and many of them have an outdoor playground. The playgrounds are in a sandbox so know before you go.

Preslees-This new Heights restaurant on 19th St. has an outdoor patio with tons of stuff for kids to play with, including swings/hammocks, a mini-playground for toddlers, a pedal car, ping pong, cornhole, and more.

Chick-fil-A-Sure, it might be fast food, but Chick-fil-A is always a favorite with kids and adults alike. There are numerous locations all across Houston, and most of the restaurants have an indoor playground.

Jimmy Changas- All of the Jimmy Changas locations, from Katy to Pearland, have a playground! There are four locations in Houston, all with a Jimmys Jungle.

Yard House- This outdoor beer garden and restaurant doesnt actually have a playground but one visit and youll see why its on the list. They have a huge, outdoor area with lawn chairs, green space, and hammocks. They offer their eclectic menu for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining.

Lupe Tortilla- This Texas-native restaurant has multiple locations around Houston, all of them with an outdoor playground. All of the playgrounds are in a sandbox so know before you go.

Beavers West- Enjoy room to run plus play equipment at this restaurant on Westheimer. They have a great menu and a fun atmosphere, great for singles and families.

Live Oak Grill- This restaurant has one location in Houston- in Sugar Land. Each location has a spacious patio with room for kids to move around, picnic-style seating,

Casa Ole- Casa Ole has several locations in Houston but there is only one left with a sandbox! Bring a towel for the car, youll need it! This location is on Highway 6 North at Yorktown Crossing.

Creekwood Grill- Located in Cypress, this restaurant has a playground and great food. They also offer kids eat free on Wednesday nights!

La Hacienda- This Cypress-area restaurant is huge and has an even bigger playground. The towering structure is great for kids aged 3 and up. They will also enjoy the indoor and outdoor patio seating.

Jimmy Changas- All of the Jimmy Changas locations, from Katy to Pearland, have a playground! There are four locations in Houston, all with a Jimmys Jungle.

Las Ventanas Tex Mex- This spacious Tex-Mex eatery offers a small childrens play area. There is plenty of room on the patio so you can keep a close eye on the bubs, plus delicious drinks and food.

The Original Shack Burger Resort- This outdoor restaurant offers a huge play space, complete with games, a sandbox, and more. They sometimes have live music and the food is always good.

The Backyard Grill- This Cypress-area restaurant has a small sandbox on the patio for kids. The patio is screened in during bad weather. Theres also a tree, adorned with fairy lights, right in the middle of the restaurant! The kids will love it.

Clays- This restaurant in West Houston has a large play area with turf grass as well as a petting zoo! You can sit inside or outside without worrying about the kids.

Lupe Tortilla- This Texas-native restaurant has multiple locations around Houston, all of them with an outdoor playground. All of the playgrounds are in a sandbox so know before you go.

Drix Restaurant & Lounge- This Katy-area wine bar and restaurant has an entire room set aside just for kids! Youll want to check on the kids frequently because you wont be able to see them from outside of the playground but you can easily see who is coming and going.

Did we miss one? Name your favorite local restaurant with a playground in the comments below:

Link:
A Guide to Restaurants with Playgrounds in Houston - Houston On The Cheap

Fancy a new patio, bed or border, or maybe its time to make that veg plot a reality? Hannah Stephenson offers design ideas to help get you started.

The New Year is a great time for turning over a new leaf and planning a new look for your garden.

You can sit inside in the warm, sketch possible shapes and sizes of lawns, beds and borders, and maybe even contemplate a new patio.

Heres some inspiration for getting started

Tackling steep gardens

Dealing with a steep garden can pose problems (Hannah Stephenson/PA)

My own garden needs some careful thought as its on a steep hill but I havent got round to terracing it into sections, as that would require major digging work and all the expense that goes with it.

The trouble with steep gardens is that if you want level planting areas, you can create terraces but you are likely to need a specialist to build the necessary retaining walls. However, if you decide to go ahead, it can mean endless possibilities, as such walls can include steps, water features and split-level flowerbeds.

Dealing with difficult shapes

Use trellis and climbing plants to separate different areas of the garden (iStock/PA)

You, too, may have a difficult garden which doesnt have a uniform, rectangular shape, but while you are planning, bear in mind these basic guidelines.

The key to an interesting garden is to be able to move through it, and everything should not be visible at a single glance. Its great to provide surprises by creating trellises or other borders, which will divide a garden into individual areas.

Softening borders

Soften gardens with curved borders (iStock/PA)

If you have a square plot, this may seem almost impossible, but you can soften boundaries with climbing plants. It is also a good idea to base the whole garden on a circular pattern, whether it be with a circular lawn or paved area, with soft curved borders providing eye-catching colour and detail.

If you have a town garden with an unsightly view of, say, an industrial building, or you are overlooked by neighbours, you could think about planting a tree or a climbing plant on trellis in a strategic position, to enhance privacy and create a pleasing sight for the eye.

Tackling narrow and wide gardens

People with wide gardens which are not very long should never place a focal point on the opposite boundary, as this will only emphasise the gardens shortness.You can create eye-catching surprises like this water feature in odd-shaped gardens (iStock/PA)

Instead, place eye-catching points from corner to corner, arranging a viewing point in one corner and planting the borders, so the eye automatically goes to the other corner.

Long, narrow gardens can also cause headaches, but such a plot can be divided effectively by creating a meandering path in an S shape, using plantings so that each curve you take brings you to another surprise.

Make a plan

There are a number of garden apps which will help you do this, includingiScape (iOS), a great way to visualise how your garden could look. The app lets you take a photo of yourgarden, render it into 3D, then drag and drop features onto it, including plants, trees, ponds and ground cover such as grass and gravel.

Whatever online help youre offered, make a list of what you want in your garden will you be growing vegetables, making your own compost, investing in a greenhouse, or would you rather it consisted mainly of pretty pots and borders of colour?

If you are short of space, you may have to compromise on your initial wish list, rather than trying to cram everything in and not being able to move.

Also consider how much time you are going to have to spend maintaining your garden. If you have a full-time job, it may not be wise to have masses of beds and borders and a huge lawn, which will need high-maintenance upkeep.

Sketch it out

Always design a new garden on paper first, as though you are looking down on the garden. Measure the shape and dimensions, scale it down to suit the size of your paper and draw in your house first, making sure it is at the correct angle in relation to the garden.

Pick up ideas for new garden design by visiting public gardens, or flick through magazines and books to findpictures which may well correspond to the shape and size of your garden.

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Want to redesign your garden for 2020? Heres how to give it a go yourself - Irish Examiner