Author: Rick Dixon

Small backyard, big dreams? You’re not alone. Most townhouse owners face the same challenge. How do you create a beautiful outdoor space when you only have a tiny patch of ground to work with? Here’s the good news: Size doesn’t matter when you have the right ideas. This article shares seven proven strategies that real homeowners have used to make their small backyards feel like private retreats. We’ll show you how to add privacy without breaking your budget. You’ll learn to create multiple zones in a limited space. We’ll help you choose plants that thrive in small areas. Plus, you’ll…

Walking through your front door straight into the living room? You’re not alone. Many homes skip the traditional foyer, leaving homeowners wondering how to create that welcoming first impression. Here’s the good news: This layout doesn’t have to feel awkward or uninviting. In this guide, you’ll find seven practical design ideas that transform your front door living room combo into a stylish and functional space. We’ll show you exactly how to create natural separation without walls, choose the right furniture placement, add storage that works, and make your space feel bigger and more welcoming. Why trust these tips? They come…

Thinking about giving your wooden furniture or craft project a fresh new look? You’re probably curious: “Is acrylic paint good for wood?”; and that’s a smart question to ask before you start your painting project. The short answer is yes; acrylic paint can work amazingly on wood surfaces when applied correctly. But like any painting technique, there are important factors to consider that will make or break your results. From preparation steps to choosing the right products, getting the best outcome requires knowing what you’re doing. Some painters love acrylics for their quick-drying properties and easy cleanup, while others worry…

You open your bathroom medicine cabinet, and it creaks like an old door. The mirror is spotted, the shelves are warped, and everything inside looks cluttered. Sound familiar? Medicine cabinets used to be in every bathroom. They gave families a handy spot to store pills, toothpaste, and daily essentials. But today’s homeowners want cleaner looks and better storage solutions. Many designers now skip them completely. So what’s the verdict? Are medicine cabinets old-fashioned relics or smart storage that still makes sense? The answer isn’t simple. Some new versions look sleek and pack in cool features like LED lights and charging…

Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. It should be your retreat where you can relax and recharge after long days. Many homeowners today want more space and privacy in their homes. They need room for growing families or aging parents. Others simply want to increase their home’s value before selling. A master suite addition gives you all these benefits in one smart project. This type of home addition works well for many situations. You might need space for elderly parents to live comfortably on the main floor. Or maybe you want a quiet space away…

Your kitchen cabinets look tired and outdated, but a full replacement costs $15,000 or more. Cabinet refacing seems like the perfect middle ground-new doors, fresh veneer, updated hardware for half the price. Then reality hits. Peeling veneer after six months. Crooked doors that won’t close right. Hidden damage that makes the whole project pointless. Thousands of homeowners have walked this path before you. Some got great results that lasted years. Others ended up spending almost as much as a full replacement anyway. This guide shares real stories from both groups. You’ll learn what goes wrong, why it happens, and how…

Your porch sits empty most days. Rain keeps you inside. Bugs chase you away. Cold weather makes it useless for months. But what if that space could work for you all year long? More homeowners now see the potential in enclosing a porch for living space. They’re creating cozy sunrooms for morning coffee. Kids get new playrooms. Remote workers build quiet home offices. Families add dining areas for big gatherings. This guide covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn about different enclosure types and materials. We’ll walk through each step of the process. Real homeowners share their best tips.…

Your 1950s Cape Cod kitchen has character and charm. But it probably needs some serious updates to work for your family today. Maybe your counters are cracked laminate. Your cabinets feel cramped. The lighting is dim. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners face this same challenge. How do you modernize a vintage kitchen without losing what makes it special? This article shows you exactly how to do it. You’ll see real before and after photos, specific renovation ideas that work, ways to keep authentic Cape Cod style, and modern updates that make sense. We’ve helped families through this…

Thinking about updating your kitchen but worried about going too bold? A navy kitchen island with white cabinets might be exactly what you need. This color combo gives you personality without the overwhelm. The navy adds character while white keeps everything bright and clean. It’s a safe way to add color that won’t make you second-guess yourself later. Here’s what you’ll find in this guide: 9 real kitchen ideas you can use, paint colors that work (with specific names and numbers), layout tips for small and large spaces, and budget-friendly ways to get the look. I’ve spent years helping homeowners…

Living in a compact home doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. When square footage is limited, every inch counts, and that includes the space occupied by your closet doors. Traditional swinging doors can consume valuable space and create visual clutter that makes small areas feel even more cramped. Enter the world of creative concealment: hidden closet door ideas that change ordinary storage into extraordinary design features. These clever solutions do double duty, providing essential storage access while maintaining clean lines and open flow. From bookshelf facades to mirror panels, these innovative approaches can make your closet completely disappear into your…