I love entertaining in the cool springtime evenings. What is the best way to light my outdoor kitchen?

Floodlights, spotlights, post lighting and decorative lanterns are used to highlight specific features for interesting effects, task lighting or to provide general illumination. Compact fluorescent lamps are interchangeable with regular incandescent bulbs and burn 1/3 the amount of energy and last up to 4 times longer. The latest in lighting technology is LED, which burns 1/10 the energy of regular bulbs and lasts 30,000 hours. LED lighting is a smart way to illuminate your outdoor living space and save energy.

Bob Contos • Lights Fantastic • 512-452-9511

Our backyard view is breathtaking, but we need a fence to contain our property. What kind of fence would not hinder our view?

An ornamental iron fence made from galvanized steel with powder coating gives you the best look and the longest lasting maintenance-free product. Galvanized metal does not rust and powder coating ensures that the color will remain true for years to come.  Powder coating is a process where finely ground plastic particles are electromagnetically charged and sprayed onto the iron, then baked to ensure long lasting and great looking color. You can choose a stock color and design or your fence can be completely customized to accent your own style.

Chris Rodgers • Northwest Fence and Iron • 512-219-5901

I want to add a custom iron railing to my staircase in our five-year-old home. I am concerned that the construction will harm my floors and faux finishes, not to mention present a danger to the children. Is this true?

Before any project is started, your wood, carpet or marble is wrapped with 3/16 hardboard, to protect from damage. We do as much prefabrication at our location as possible. When installing, we remove the existing staircase, one section at a time and replace it with the new addition immediately.  Upon completion, I personally hand check the hand rail to ensure there are no burrs or rough edges on your beautiful new staircase.

Christopher Voss • Christopher Voss 4th Generation Craftsman, Inc. • 210-843-4332

Online real estate searches are easy and free. What advantages does one gain by contacting a professional realtor to assist in the home buying search?

The internet is a great tool, but the expert advice you will receive from your realtor ensures that this major purchase runs smoothly. A realtor listens to your needs and uses their local market expertise to match you with the best home possible. Realtors provide the selling points of other comparable properties and determine if the home you are interested in is appropriately priced. From the beginning to end, negotiating terms to closing, your realtor assists you so that you can be confident in your decision.

Jana Birdwell • Coldwell Banker • 512-784-8600

We just moved from a house to a loft. What do we need to keep in mind when designing the smaller space?

Multifunctional pieces, storage and color are the key elements to loft living. A study can moonlight as a guest room by adding a sleeper sofa. An overhanging kitchen island doubles as a breakfast area. Think smart and chose an ottoman that will also be used as a coffee table or extra seating and opens up for storage. Use color to create contrast and define separate living areas. Take care not to obstruct views in order to keep the overall flow open and clean. Contemporary pieces mixed with a few classic touches will keep your loft unique and timeless.

Stephanie Villavicencio • Bella Villa Design • 512-443-3200