Author: Thomas Avery

I tried the German smear look on my brick wall. At first, I thought it would be easy. Just smear on some mortar, right? But things didn’t go as planned. The color looked off. Some spots were too thick. Others had almost no mortar at all. I started to worry I had ruined my wall. If you’re in the same boat, don’t stress. I’ve been there, and I found ways to fix it. You don’t need to start over. With a few simple steps, you can turn a bad smear job into something you’ll actually like. In this post, I’ll…

Have you ever stared at your cluttered dresser and felt completely stuck? You’re not alone. This guide will transform that forgotten furniture piece into the stylish focal point your bedroom deserves. In this article, you’ll discover: Simple styling tricks that work with any budget How to organize your items for both function and beauty The perfect balance between personal touches and designer aesthetics I’ve spent years helping people like you turn frustrating spaces into places they love. Your dresser doesn’t need a complete overhaul or expensive accessories—just thoughtful attention and a few proven techniques. If you’re prepping your home for…

A walk through today’s fitness culture reveals a clear trend: the rise of the home gym. Whether sparked by a need for flexibility, driven by pandemic lockdowns, or simply the desire to break free from crowded commercial gyms, more people are bringing fitness into their homes. And the best part? It doesn’t require a luxury budget. By sourcing high-quality used gym equipment, you can create a versatile, effective training space without overspending. This guide is designed to help you make informed, budget-smart decisions. You’ll learn how to choose the right space, select durable equipment, and avoid common pitfalls—all while maximizing…

Are you tired of your beautiful brass fixtures turning dull and spotty? You’re not alone. Unlacquered brass can be stunning when well-maintained but frustrating when it’s not. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about keeping your unlacquered brass looking its best, from daily cleaning routines to deep restoration techniques. I’ve spent years restoring brass in historic homes and testing countless methods. The solutions I’m sharing are simple, affordable, and actually work. Whether you’re dealing with bathroom faucets, door handles, or antique light fixtures, these techniques will help restore and preserve your brass’s warm, natural glow without…

Choosing the right size for your accent wall can be tricky. You want it to stand out but not overwhelm the room. That’s where an accent wall calculator comes in. It helps you figure out the perfect size for your wall, making your design process easier. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use an accent wall calculator step by step. It’s a simple tool that takes the guesswork out of your decision. By the end, you’ll know exactly how big or small your accent wall should be to fit your room perfectly.  It’s all about making sure your…

If you’re looking for a way to update your walls without spending too much, plywood shiplap might be the perfect choice. It’s affordable, easy to install, and adds a lot of character to any room. I was surprised by how much it transformed my space. Plywood shiplap has a unique look that can give your home a modern farmhouse feel or a more rustic vibe. It’s a great option for walls, ceilings, and even accent areas. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit almost any style. In this blog, I’ll explain why plywood shiplap is such a great choice. It can…

Are you staring at that dark wood trim and wondering if you can brighten it up yourself? You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel stuck with outdated stained trim but worry that painting it seems too complicated. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to transform your home’s trim from dark and dated to fresh and bright. No special skills are required—just some basic tools and a weekend of your time. If you’re refreshing a single room or your entire house, you’ll find everything you need to prep, prime, paint, and finish your trim like a pro—without the…

Choosing the right sheen for your cabinets is more important than it may seem. It affects not only the look of your cabinets but also their durability and ease of maintenance. Picking the wrong sheen can make your cabinets harder to clean, show more fingerprints, or just not fit the style of your home. In this article, I’ll guide you through the best sheen choices for different home styles, from modern to rustic, so you can make a decision that’s both practical and stylish. Whether you’re renovating or building, I’m here to solve your problem and help you choose the…

Natural wood grain has a charm that never fades. If you’re decorating a cozy living room or a modern office, wood adds warmth and texture that instantly makes a space feel more inviting. In this article, we’ll explore how natural wood grain can transform your home. We’ll explore how wood grain fits into various styles, from rustic to contemporary. I’ll also show you how to care for wood and give you ideas for incorporating it into your space. If you’ve been searching for ways to add a touch of nature to your decor, you’re in the right place. By the…

If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your kitchen or bathroom, DIY cabinet curtains might be just the solution. In this article, I’ll show you how easy and affordable it is to transform your cabinets with custom curtains that match your style. DIY cabinet curtains are a great way to hide clutter or give your space a fresh, cozy feel. Whether you’re new to home projects or a seasoned pro, I’ll guide you through the steps to create something beautiful and functional. This article will help you solve the problem of plain, uninviting cabinets and give you the…