Author: Rick Dixon

Blending artistic vision with functional design, Rick Dixon has spent over 15 years creating cohesive indoor and outdoor spaces that elevate everyday living. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a dual focus in interior and landscape design, he brings a holistic approach to spatial transformation. Rick’s work spans elegant interiors, serene outdoor retreats, and seamless transitions between the two—helping clients achieve style, comfort, and harmony throughout their homes. His articles deliver expert design tips, seasonal styling ideas, and creative solutions that inspire readers to transform both their interiors and exteriors with confidence.

Creating a comfortable bedroom sitting area can completely change how you use and feel about your personal space. Many people think bedrooms are just for sleeping, but adding a dedicated spot for relaxation opens up so many possibilities. A well-designed sitting space gives you a quiet retreat within your room. You can curl up with a book, enjoy your morning coffee, catch up on emails, or simply have a moment to yourself away from the main living areas. Planning is key to making this work. You’ll want to consider your room’s size, choose furniture that fits the scale, and think…

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Got a long, skinny front porch that feels more like a hallway than a welcoming entrance? You’re not alone! Many homeowners struggle with these challenging spaces, wondering how to make them both functional and inviting. The good news? With the right approach, your elongated porch can become a charming focal point that guests will admire. Here’s the thing: traditional porch decorating advice often falls short for these unique layouts. What works for a wide, square porch can make a narrow space feel cramped or awkward. That’s why we’ve compiled seven creative long, narrow front porch ideas that work for your…

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Turn Your Tiny Space into a Fitness Playground Cramped classroom? Limited gym access? No problem! Small spaces don’t have to mean sacrificing physical activity for your students. Some of the most engaging workouts happen in compact areas where creativity meets movement. Think about it, kids need to move, especially during long school days. But traditional sports and activities often require expansive areas that many schools simply don’t have. That’s where indoor PE games for small spaces become absolute game-changers. You can create an active, energetic environment using just your regular classroom or any modest indoor area. From desk-side stretches to…

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Your fireplace sits there looking plain and boring. You walk past it every day, wishing it could be the stunning centerpiece your home deserves. Board and batten fireplaces are changing how people think about their living spaces. This simple design uses vertical wooden strips placed over smooth panels. The result? A classic look that makes any fireplace stand out. This guide walks you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn what board and batten mean, see different style options, and follow our step-by-step instructions. We’ll also share the materials you need, common mistakes that cost time and money, and…

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Gone are the days when everything in your kitchen had to match perfectly. Mixing metals is now the smart way to create a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and lived-in. But here’s the thing-get it wrong, and your space looks chaotic. Get it right, and you’ll have a kitchen that stops guests in their tracks. I’ve spent years helping homeowners master this trend. I’ve seen the mistakes that make kitchens look messy. I’ve also seen the combinations that create pure magic. This guide will teach you which metals work together and which don’t. You’ll learn how many metals you can…

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Having guests over soon, but your spare room looks more like a storage closet than a welcoming retreat? You’re not alone. Most of us want to create a beautiful guest space without spending a fortune or dealing with complicated renovations. The good news? Small guest bedrooms can be beautiful when you know the right tricks. You don’t need thousands of dollars or a design degree to make it happen. In this guide, you’ll get 9 proven strategies that transform cramped quarters into cozy havens. These aren’t Pinterest fantasies – they’re real solutions from homeowners who’ve done it. We’ll show you…

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Picture this: You’re hosting a pool party, and guests keep tracking water through your house just to use the bathroom. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Most pool owners face this exact problem. Wet floors, muddy footprints, and constant cleanup make pool days less fun. That’s where a smart pool bathroom comes in. But here’s the thing – small spaces can be tricky to design. How do you fit everything you need without spending a fortune? I’ve helped dozens of families solve this puzzle. After years of designing pool house bathrooms, I know what works and what doesn’t. Here’s what you’ll…

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Looking at your blank walls and feeling stuck? You’re not alone. Most people want to refresh their space but think wall painting requires professional skills or expensive tools. Here’s the truth: transforming your room is simpler than you think. This guide shares 9 beginner-friendly wall painting techniques that create stunning results. No art degree is needed. No complex tools are required. Just simple methods that work. You’ll learn easy color techniques for instant drama, step-by-step instructions for each method, budget-friendly approaches that look expensive, and common mistakes to avoid. I’ve tested these techniques in real homes with real budgets. Each…

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Looking to transform your walls without breaking the bank or committing to permanent changes? You’re in the right place! Creating beautiful wall paint design ideas with tape is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle this weekend. With just some painter’s tape, a few paint colors, and a bit of creativity, you can completely refresh any room in your home. From bold geometric patterns to subtle accent walls, tape opens up a world of design possibilities that rival expensive wallpaper or professional murals. The best part? These techniques work perfectly for renters who want stylish walls without…

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Your yard transforms after dark, but are your trees living up to their nighttime potential? Most homeowners miss the magic that happens when ordinary trees become stunning focal points through strategic illumination. Without proper lighting, your landscape fades into darkness, losing countless opportunities to create memorable outdoor experiences. Get ready to transform your outdoor space with creative outdoor tree lighting ideas that turn any backyard into an enchanting retreat. From romantic dinner settings to festive celebrations, the right lighting approach can completely change how you and your guests experience your outdoor environment. These simple yet impactful techniques will help you…

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