Naples offers so much more than beautiful weather. It’s a haven for active retirees looking to fulfill a lifestyle that combines health and wellness and cultural experiences all with a touch of luxury.

Staying Active

The balmy year-round weather provides residents the opportunity to stay fit in many ways.

Also known as the pickleball capital of the world, the buzzing pickleball community in Naples is popular with the young and old alike. If picking up a pickleball paddle isn’t your style, there are over 90 golf courses within 15 miles of Naples to take advantage of.

Other ways to keep moving in Naples include walking or doing yoga on the beach, taking a hike at one of the many nature preserves, hitting the gym, or joining a cycling club. Whether you’re exploring a new fitness routine or perfecting your current game, the opportunities to stay fit and active in Naples are plentiful.

Indulging Your Inner Artist

Naples is home to a bustling arts scene. With the recent groundbreaking of the brand new Gulfshore Playhouse, the theater and arts scene in Naples is about to get a rapid expansion. The new state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center will be home to two performance venues, an education wing and space for other programming.

In addition to the brand-new facility, Naples hosts a flourishing art district, the Naples Art Institute, Artis – Naples and the Baker Museum. There is no shortage of options to indulge in your creative side while residing in Naples.

Culinary Delights

After spending a morning on the pickleball court or hitting the links, the locals refuel at one of the many gourmet restaurants in town. The Naples restaurant scene offers every cuisine imaginable. From high end options on 5^th Avenue South to a hidden gem off the beaten path, foodies can find a meal that will satisfy their cravings. The Naples waterfront offers several opportunities to dine with a water view where you can take in the sunset while enjoying your meal. From fresh catches of the day to a perfectly grilled filet, you are guaranteed to leave feeling refueled and relaxed.

Finding a Home in Paradise

There are many options when it comes to putting down your roots in Naples. Whether you prefer the privacy of a single-family home, or the convenience of a maintenance-free condo, there are multiple home styles to suit your taste and budget. Gulfstream Homes has been building custom, single-family homes for 25 years in Naples. Our experts can help guide you in the process of building a new home that meets your needs or renovating and remodeling an existing home to make it the perfect abode.

The Naples Promise

With the perfect blend of sunshine, activities, cultural experiences and gourmet restaurants, Naples is sure to deliver an unparalleled experience during retirement. When you are ready to embark on the next journey of your life, contact us at Gulfstream Homes to get started on the next steps!

The post Naples: An Active Lifestyle in Paradise first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Are you wondering what your lifestyle would be like if you moved to a luxury home in Golden Gate Estates? There are so many fun attractions within driving range of the neighborhood.

What Is There to Do in Naples, FL?

No matter how you like to spend your free time, you won’t run out of activities near your Golden Gate Estates home. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular destinations for the community’s residents.

Plenty of Shopping

From unique boutiques to antique shops and everything in between, you’ll find all kinds of shopping to explore in Naples. From Waterside Shoppes where your designer dreams can come true, to the Village Shops on Venetian Bay and Coastland Center Mall, everyone is sure to find what they need. Each unique destination has a variety of shopping experiences for everything you and your new home may need.

Delicious Dining Options

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night or a family get-together, there is no shortage of delicious eateries within close driving distance of Golden Gate Estates. Some nearby restaurants include:

• Traditional southern Cracklin’ Jacks
• Late night hotspot South Street City Oven
• Family-owned upscale establishment The Warehouse

These restaurants alone just go to show how eclectic and varied the dining scene is around Naples. The entertainment scene continues to expand with the new Founder’s Square and of course the Seminole Casino in Immokalee has been a community go-to for decades.

Entertainment for All Ages

When it comes to entertainment in Naples, a great place to start is with the many national parks and protected wildlife areas nearby. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the Naples Botanical Garden, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park are all great places to enjoy a hike or take in the beauty of the Everglades.

If you want to spend time cityside, get to know Naples through its many museums. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples features all kinds of interactive exhibits for kids, and the Baker Museum is home to one of the largest art collections in southwest Florida, with 15 distinct galleries inside.

Create a Lifestyle You Love at Golden Gate Estates

Instead of asking, “What is there to do in Naples, FL?” you might as well ask, what isn’t there to do? At Golden Gate Estates, you’ll never run out of ways to explore, enrich, and enjoy. Learn more about what life could look like for you in Golden Gate Estates by contacting our Gulfstream Homes team.

The post Golden Gate Estates Living — What’s Within Driving Range? first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Traditional materials might not withstand these conditions, so what flooring is good for building a home in Florida? There are a variety of materials that will withstand the Florida climate.  

Florida’s Unique Flooring Needs  

The Sunshine State has mainly subtropical climates, but the southern part is considered tropical. Because it is a peninsula, the surrounding water makes it hot and humid most of the year.  

The weather is a significant draw for visitors and residents, but extreme weather conditions impact your home’s flooring. Materials used in new home construction must be durable enough to handle these harsh conditions.  

What Flooring Is Good for Building a Home in Florida?  

Choosing long-lasting flooring for your home is essential. Most homeowners can find something they like within these options.  

Engineered Hardwood  

Solid hardwood flooring is a top choice among many homeowners. Unfortunately, it does not survive in the Florida weather well. Engineered hardwood is a good replacement that is ideal for humid conditions.  

Engineered hardwood is a manufactured board made of several layers of recycled wood. Typically, these boards have five to seven layers. The top layer is a more durable wood often made from:  

• Hickory 
• Maple  
• Oak 

Engineered hardwood contains acrylic materials that make it stronger than hardwood. The additional layers add moisture protection.    

Luxury Vinyl Flooring  

There are many advantages to choosing vinyl flooring for your home. It can resemble the appearance of natural wood but doesn’t absorb moisture as quickly.  

This feature makes it the perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms in humid climates. You have many design options, so you do not have to compromise your style.  

Natural Stone Flooring  

Natural stone flooring includes materials such as slate, marble and travertine. Each piece of natural stone is unique and can bring a natural element to a space.  

Since natural stone tends to be porous, Gulfstream Homes can help you select the right natural stone for your space to ensure it lasts a lifetime. There are many eco-friendly pieces available and selecting locally acquired stone can cut down on the environmental impact of transport. 

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile  

One of the most popular choices is ceramic and porcelain tile. Both materials are also manmade. They are fired at high temperatures to reduce the water level and give the material its shape.  

Because it is made at high temperatures, it is stronger than other materials. It is less likely to need frequent replacement.  

These water-resistant materials are often used in laundry rooms, restrooms, and kitchens. You can add your personal touch to your home because tiles come in various colors, styles, and finishes.   

Choose from a Vast Selection of Flooring Materials  

You don’t have to let Florida’s hot and humid temperature ruin your floor. If you have questions about what flooring is good for building a home in Florida, contact Gulfstream Homes.  

We have been building homes across Southwest Florida since 1998. Our experienced team will help you choose the best products for your home. 

The post Best Flooring Choices for Florida Homes first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Additionally, it’s where you spend many hours every week preparing meals for you and your family, socializing, and enjoying quality time with the ones you love. At Gulfstream Homes, kitchen remodels are one of our most popular requests. Of course, cabinetry is an important consideration during any kitchen remodel.  

5 Kitchen Cabinet Trends to Consider During Your Next Kitchen Remodel 

Perhaps you’re looking to start from scratch and design custom cabinetry from square one. Or maybe you simply want to refresh and update what you already have. Whatever kind of remodel you’re considering, these current kitchen cabinet trends will help give your kitchen a fresher and more updated feel.  

1. Creating Contrast with Dark-Colored Cabinets 

You’ve heard the saying “opposites attract.” Although this usually refers to people, it applies just as well to kitchen design. If your kitchen features lots of light colors and open space, consider adding some contrast with dark-colored cabinets. Dark wood grain patterns or solid colors can create a more relaxed and comfortable feel.  

2. Adding Visual Interest by Mixing Cabinet Colors 

Kitchen cabinets are traditionally a single color or pattern, but many homeowners are bucking tradition and adding visual interest by mixing cabinet colors. One popular method involves choosing different colors for each area of your kitchen.  

For example, you may choose to install white wall cabinets and light green base cabinets. Alternatively, you can add visual interest with two-toned cabinets.  

3. Making Cabinets a Focal Point with Bold Colors  

Many kitchens lack a strong focal point that commands attention as soon as you enter them. There are plenty of ways to create a focal point for your kitchen, but one of the easiest is to make the cabinets pop. Choose a bold — not necessarily bright — color to make your cabinets the star of the show.  

4. Embracing Natural Finishes 

If you already have a very busy kitchen or you prioritize a more peaceful feel or natural look, natural finishes are the way to go. Wood grain finishes provide a simple yet classy and cozy feel that many homeowners crave.  

Light-colored wood offers a brighter and more modern feel. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a rustic charm or simply a warmer space, you might go with a nice darker wood.  

5. Adding a Touch of Elegance with Metal Accents 

For a more sophisticated and elevated feel, swap out your regular cabinet hardware for metal finishes, such as: 

• Gold 
• Silver 
• Rose gold
• Brass
• Bronze
• Brushed nickel
• Copper

Whether you’re trying for a sleek and minimalist feel, industrial chic, or even a more bohemian look, these metal accents stand out in any kitchen.  

Design the Kitchen of Your Dreams with Gulfstream Homes 

It doesn’t matter if you’re designing a custom home or planning for an upcoming kitchen remodel: at Gulfstream Homes, we will make it easy to get exactly what you want.  

Let our experts help you design a kitchen that will be the gathering place you’ve always wanted and take the stress out of the remodeling process. Reach out to us today to discuss your project and learn more about what we can do for you.

The post Top Kitchen Cabinet Trends first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Prepping the Space

Your lawn deserves a little TLC. Clean up your yard by raking if needed, pulling up old weeds, getting rid of fallen palm fronds and assessing your soil. Toss old or moldy patio furniture and pool toys. Next, start to think about what flowers will bloom best during the spring season and will tolerate our steamy SWFL climate:

• Egyptian Star Flowers also known as Pentas
• Begonias
• Periwinkles
• Rain Lilies

Of course, there are more flowers than listed that bloom during the spring but any of the flowers and plants listed above will add the right amount of color. After deciding which flowers you want, figure out where you would like to plant them. What would go best and where? Whether in the front yard, back yard or both, the flowers’ spring bloom will be sure to liven up the space.

How about those bulbs?

If you have landscape lighting, check to see if you need to replace any bulbs. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, maybe consider getting some string lights or lanterns. Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s have the perfect assortment of landscape lighting. Some other great outdoor light fixtures are:

• Path lights
• Spot lights
• Deck lights
• Low voltage or solar lights

Get creative with your lighting. Hang them above a grotto if you have one or line the deck of your pool area. With path lights, you can set them up to guide people to your front door or outside to the patio area. Deck lights can be used to give that area a brighter look so when you host a party, it won’t actually feel like you’re in the dark.

Patio Furniture and Décor

Comfortable and homey patio furniture is all the rage. People want to feel as comfortable sitting outside as they do inside. Now, many home furniture and decoration stores such as Home Goods, Pier 1 and Target have a wide variety of options for outdoor furniture. If you want to make your backyard feel comfortable while helping it stand out, look into these:

• Sectionals
• Chairs & ottomans
• Colorful accent tables
• Chaise lounges and hammocks

Most outdoor furniture has customizable cushions and pillows. If your house or backyard has a theme, find the colors to match or start over and try something new. Online home stores such as Wayfair and Overstock are great places to look for furniture and décor. 

If you’re looking to revamp your landscape, now is the time to do it. Not everyone was born with a green thumb so if you’re looking to make some changes to the outside of your house, you could always hire a landscape design service.

The home building professionals at Gulfstream Homes are ready to get to work on your project. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

Contact Us

The post How to Add Spring Color Into your Landscape Design first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Save Money

This may come as a surprise, but having a home security system can save you money on your utility and your electric bills. Having the capability to control which lights stay on and off when you’re not home can not only protect against a break-in, but technologies that also control your appliances are available to help control how much energy your home is using while you’re away. Many systems also allow you to control your thermostat while you’re away, so that you can adjust it to the changing temperature outside.

Pet Protection

Pets are part of the family, and that’s why many homeowners are concerned when they leave them home alone. What if a disaster happened while you were away? Many home security systems have smoke and carbon monoxide detection that can alert you to any potential threats to your pets and send help right away. This provides peace of mind to many families who worry about their furry companions.

Connectivity

Another aspect of home security systems that you may not think of is the ability to connect your system to your devices, such as your smartphone, tablet or smart watch. This capability to sync these items that are constantly on you has many homeowners installing more sophisticated security technology in their homes. Items that can be controlled remotely include:

• Lighting
• Appliances
• Temperature
• Door locks
• Video doorbell answering

Having this capability at the touch of a button is extremely helpful and offers a sense of security whether you’re at work, travelling or even somewhere else in the home.

Reduce Homeowner Insurance

Along the same lines as saving money, installing a home security system can help reduce your homeowner insurance premiums and deductibles if you choose a security system that is professionally monitored. Many homeowners save upwards of 20% on their insurance premiums just by having a security system in place. Talk with your insurance company to see what types of systems that they cover and be sure to do your research on potential systems, so that you can be sure that you’re taking advantage of these discounts.

Potential Deterrent

Many homeowners feel safer, just by having a security sign in their yard or sticker on their front window. Just by advertising that you have a security measure in place can stop a threat in their tracks. Many burglars see these warning signs and choose to walk away, knowing that what lies inside isn’t worth a blaring alarm and the police rushing down the street in a matter of seconds.

Keep these things in mind the next time you’re thinking of installing a home security system, and know that there are numerous benefits to protecting the things that you love most. Have peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are protected while you’re at home or away, and trust in a system that focuses on your safety.

Are you ready to build your custom home? The experts at Gulfstream Homes are ready to help. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

Contact Us

The post Top 5 Surprising Benefits of Home Security Systems first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.