Some houses aren’t small—they just feel small. And most of the time, that boxed-in feeling comes from choices that have nothing to do with square footage. A few small layout or design habits can make a space feel way more cramped than it actually is. Bulky Furniture in Narrow Walkways If your couch or table…
There’s a difference between low-maintenance upgrades and yard features that sound great—until they start falling apart. These are the ones that rarely last more than a season or two before becoming more trouble than they’re worth. Built-In Fire Bowls They look great in catalogs, but most people don’t use them often enough to justify the…
Not everything trending on Pinterest actually makes a yard look better. Some projects seem like a good idea but end up creating more visual noise or extra maintenance without adding real value. Fake Grass Rugs on the Porch They seem low-maintenance, but they trap dirt and get gross fast. They also hold moisture and can…
Trying to boost curb appeal is one thing. Making the yard look like it’s trying to win an award? That’s another. When things start looking too fussy or overdone, it can make people wonder what you’re trying to cover up—or worse, it feels forced instead of welcoming. Too Many Solar Lights A few along the…
Some DIY yard ideas look cute at first—but give it a season and they’ve faded, broken, or turned into an eyesore. If you’re aiming for something that’ll actually hold up, skip these. Painted Tire Planters They seem like a cheap win, but tires fade, crack, and trap water. Pretty soon you’re growing mosquitoes instead of…
When we left city life behind, I knew we’d need tools—but I didn’t realize which tools would matter most. You can always build up your collection, but starting with the right stuff saves you time, effort, and a lot of frustration. These are the first tools I’d recommend grabbing if you’re getting set up on…
You can save money in a lot of places. Tools shouldn’t be one of them—at least not certain ones. I’ve burned through enough bargain-bin gear to finally learn what’s worth spending a little more on. The cheaper versions might seem fine at first, but they’ll let you down when you need them most, or worse,…
When you live out in the country, stuff piles up fast—shoes, tools, jackets, feed, toys. If you’re not intentional about what stays outside and what comes in, your house ends up looking like a barn and nothing ever stays where it should. Here’s how to draw that line. Keep Dirty Shoes, Boots, and Crocs Outside…