Author: Thomas Avery

Building a gazebo can be one of the most rewarding DIY projects, especially when it adds charm and functionality to your outdoor space. If you’ve already installed decking, balustrades, deck lighting, and even some landscaping, adding a well-designed cupola will not only improve ventilation but also offer architectural beauty. This project is perfect for homeowners who enjoy crafting with wood and have basic carpentry skills. I based this guide on a real DIY project I completed over several seasons. It includes detailed steps, helpful tips, and practical advice that you can follow at home. If you’re looking to upgrade an…

In 2025, outdoor spaces are being reimagined not just as extensions of the home, but as fully immersive sanctuaries that elevate daily living. The fusion of sustainability, advanced technology, and refined design is transforming gardens, patios, and poolside retreats into dynamic living environments that cater to relaxation, wellness, and sophisticated entertaining. As homeowners seek to make the most of their outdoor real estate, every detail—from material choices to functional layouts—plays a critical role in crafting spaces that feel both indulgent and responsible. Frisco landscape designer Clark Outdoor Designs recommends these trends for 2025, guiding homeowners toward elegant, eco-friendly, and highly…

More than ever, our homes are doubling as places of restoration. And among all the wellness upgrades homeowners are making today, few deliver the impact—both visual and therapeutic—of a sauna. Whether it’s a rustic barrel sauna tucked into a garden corner or a sleek modern cube with panoramic glass, an at-home sauna offers a space to sweat, slow down, and reset. You don’t need a luxury spa budget to create one either. With today’s range of sauna kits and p Why More People Are Installing Saunas at Home The sauna has long been a staple of Finnish and Swedish culture.…

Thinking about new flooring and stuck between vinyl and linoleum? You’re not alone. Most homeowners get these two mixed up, assuming they’re basically the same thing. But they’re not! In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what makes vinyl and linoleum different. I’ll walk you through: What each material really is How they look and feel Their durability You’ll find which floor covering matches your home’s needs, budget, and style. Trust me, by the end of this blog, you’ll be a flooring expert who can confidently choose between vinyl and linoleum. Let’s solve this flooring puzzle together. What Are Vinyl…

Choosing the right paint finish matters just as much as picking the right color. I learned that firsthand when I painted my living room, same shade, but different finish, and the results were night and day. Satin finish quickly became one of my go-to options because of its smooth, soft sheen and reliable durability. It works just as well on trim as it does on walls, offering a clean look that’s easy to maintain. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what satin paint really is, what makes it stand out from other finishes, and why it’s such a popular…

When I started exploring paint options for my walls, I thought “flat” and “matte” were just two words for the same thing. However, once I tested them, I noticed how each finish behaves slightly differently. They may look similar at a glance, but their performance, durability, and best uses vary more than you’d expect. In this guide, I’m breaking down everything I learned about flat and matte paint. You’ll find side-by-side comparisons, practical benefits, ideal use cases, and tips to choose the right finish for your space. If you’re working on a home makeover or repainting a room, understanding the…

When I started choosing paint finishes for my home, the difference between satin and gloss felt small until I actually used them. These two sheens might seem similar, but they perform very differently depending on where they’re applied. Gloss is shiny and tough, while satin is softer in appearance and more forgiving. Picking the right one means thinking about more than just looks. It’s about how much wear a surface gets, how often it’ll need to be cleaned, and how smooth or imperfect the wall really is. In this guide, I break down everything I’ve learned about satin and gloss…

Choosing the right paint finish makes a bigger difference than most people expect. I’ve learned that it’s not just about the color, it’s also about how the surface looks, feels, and holds up over time. A flat finish can look soft but marks easily, while satin is durable but sometimes a little too shiny for certain spaces. That’s where eggshell comes in. It sits perfectly in the middle, offering just the right amount of sheen without drawing too much attention to wall imperfections. It’s smooth, subtle, and gives a room a clean, elegant look with better durability than flat or…

When I first started picking out paint finishes, I felt completely lost. I kept hearing about “matte,” but I wasn’t sure what it meant. Was it just another word for flat? Was it dull or classy? And how did it compare to satin or gloss? If you’re wondering the same things, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ve since learned that matte finishes have a soft, velvety look that adds warmth and elegance to a space. But they’re not the best choice for every room or surface. In this blog, I’ll break down exactly what a matte finish is, how it…

Building my own wooden garden gate was one of the most satisfying DIY projects I’ve done. It added charm to my yard and helped keep things safe and private. I didn’t need fancy tools or expert skills, just a little time, a plan, and some basic supplies. A wooden gate can make a big difference in how your garden looks and feels. It also provides a clear entry point and helps keep pets or children inside the space. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps I followed to build a simple, sturdy, and visually appealing garden gate. I’ll…