Author: Thomas Avery

Designing For Cold Climates: How To Keep Your Home Cozy Without Sacrificing Style Living in a cold climate means more than just bracing for snowstorms—it demands smart, intentional home design that balances warmth, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. The right strategies can keep your home inviting and snug through long winters, without turning it into a bulky bunker of wool and brick. Photo by changhui lee on Unsplash From essential HVAC maintenance to creative design choices like layered lighting and thermal curtains, there are stylish solutions that do more than just shield you from frost—they elevate your everyday living experience.…

Your home bar should be more than a cabinet with bottles—it should be an experience. A stylish, well-appointed home bar invites you to unwind, entertain, and indulge, all without leaving your front door. Whether you’re transforming a corner of your living room or dedicating a full room to your passion for cocktails and wine, the key lies in blending sophistication with escapism. You want to create a space that doesn’t just store your drinks but elevates them—offering atmosphere, function, and a hint of wanderlust. Below, we explore key elements to achieve this, starting with the showpiece of any elegant bar:…

Designing your dream home in Singapore is about more than architecture—it’s about understanding how local customs, urban layouts, and daily rhythms shape the way people live. As a compact and multicultural city-state, Singapore blends modern urban planning with deep-rooted traditions, meaning your new home will need to accommodate both high-density innovation and culturally influenced habits. From planning functional layouts in limited square footage to respecting traditional design practices like the placement of shrines or kitchen orientation, this guide explores what to anticipate as you shape your space for long-term comfort, practicality, and harmony in the Lion City. The Role Of…

A vibrant, Southern-style porch isn’t just about charm—it’s about curating an atmosphere that celebrates long seasons, blooming beauty, and easy-living design. From Charleston’s layered containers to Atlanta’s shaded verandas, Southern porches are an extension of the home. With the right plant combinations, you can transform any patio, deck, or entryway into a personal retreat bursting with color, texture, and life. Below, we begin with a curated collection from one of the most trusted names in Southern horticulture, followed by specific strategies to replicate that signature look with flair and function. Start with the Southern Living Plant Collection from Plants By…

If you’re thinking about adding a skylight to your home, you’re probably looking to brighten up a room with natural light or improve ventilation. I completely understand the excitement of choosing the right skylight. When I first installed one in my living room, I was amazed at how much brighter and more welcoming the space became. However, the process wasn’t as simple as just selecting a skylight. I had to consider cost, installation, energy efficiency, and how much light I really needed. Over the years, I’ve had both traditional and tubular skylights installed in different parts of my home, and…

Designing a functional and visually appealing yard can be a challenge in regions where water is scarce or natural sunlight is minimal. Traditional grass lawns demand frequent watering and thrive best in sun-drenched conditions—making them less than ideal in such environments. Thankfully, a combination of modern landscaping materials, smart plant selection, and design strategies can yield a yard that remains attractive without constant upkeep. When your outdoor space struggles with dry conditions, patchy shade, or both, the key is choosing durable, low-input elements that work with nature, not against it. Below are strategic ideas that offer both resilience and beauty…

Refinishing hardwood floors might sound like a job for pros, but you can definitely do it yourself. If you’ve got a few free days, a clear space, and some basic tools, it’s a manageable DIY project. I’ve done it, and while it takes some effort – think sanding, cleaning, and applying multiple coats – it’s worth the time and saves a lot of money. You’ll deal with dust and fumes, but nothing you can’t handle with a bit of prep. This works best on solid hardwood, not on vinyl or laminate. If your floor is thin, warped, or severely damaged,…

There’s nothing worse than dealing with a frozen air conditioner. I know because I’ve been there. I was sweating bullets in the middle of a hot summer day, and when I went to check my AC, it was freezing up. Not the temperature I was hoping for, to say the least. If you’ve found yourself in this situation too, you’re probably wondering how to fix it quickly and without calling a repair person. The good news is, unfreezing your air conditioner is simpler than you might think. In this blog, I’ll walk you through a straightforward, step-by-step process to unfreeze…

Thinking about installing wood-look tile and unsure how to stagger it the right way? That was precisely my concern when I started remodeling my guest room. I wanted the warm, natural feel of hardwood but with the durability of tile. Still, getting the stagger right wasn’t as simple as it looked on Pinterest. The wrong offset can lead to lippage, weird seams, or a floor that feels “off.” After digging through tile forums, watching tutorials, and learning from a few missteps, I figured out what works. In this blog, I’ll walk through everything I know from choosing the best layout…

Polypropylene rugs are perfect for busy areas in your home. They’re tough, budget-friendly, and come in stylish designs. But let’s be honest, keeping them clean (especially in high-traffic zones!) can feel like a challenge. I’ve been there, too: muddy footprints, pet messes, snack spills, you name it! In this blog, I’ll show you step-by-step how I clean and care for my polypropylene rug to keep it looking fresh and new. From daily tidying to deep cleaning, these tips work. By the end, you’ll feel confident tackling stains and extending the life of your rug. Why Choose a Polypropylene Rug? Polypropylene…