8 Beautiful, Easy DIY Backyard Decks

Contractor-driven deckstend to be insanely expensive, butthe price tagplummets the moment you take on the job yourself. A couple of important threads run throughdo-it-yourself deck building: easy and inexpensive. Crews of workers magicallytransform empty backyardsinto multi-level decks within minutes. The Spruce / Michelle Becker In reality, do-it-yourself deck building is a slow process involving hundreds of pounds of lumber and concrete. This means that the need to keep things simple and easy is all the more important....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 408 words · Brian Clay

8 Before and After Attic Makeovers to Inspire Your Own

Before: Brick and Brown Hey Eleanor! Read more about ourDiversity and Inclusion Pledgeto make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome. After: Clean and Cozy Behold another awe-inspiring attic-to-primary bedroom makeover. imaginima / Getty Images Her pup, Sage, looks to be thoroughly enjoying the upgrade. and thin plywood walls that let in every bit of heat or cold from the outside. Hey Eleanor! Hey Eleanor! Beginning In the Middle...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 112 words · Robert Mckinney

8 Best Midcentury Modern Paint Colors for a Vintage Vibe

Midcentury modern paint colors tend to be vibrant and bold with some earth tones and neutrals in the mix. They can make any space feel fun, lively, welcoming, and comfortable. Here are some of the most popular midcentury modern paint shades that still look fresh for todays rooms. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Use it with white trim to really make the architectural details of the room pop. The shade plays well with other muted midcentury colors, including mustard yellow and burnt orange....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 241 words · Alexander Flores

8 Best Ping Pong Tables to Upgrade Your Game Room

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. While its an official Olympic sport, you dont need to be a pro to enjoy the game. The Spruce Ping pong tables come in a variety of sizes to suit your space and specific needs. Some models are even designed to withstand outdoor use, making them ideal for a backyard or patio. Some units come preassembled, allowing you to get right into the game without the hassle of assembly....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 621 words · Elizabeth Snyder

8 Best Roofing Materials

Wood shingle and shake roofing add natural beauty to the home. Clay or cement tile roofing can last 50 to 100 years. Slate lasts 100 years or more and is one of the most expensive. Bart Coenders/Getty Images Different roof configurations and different materials can make these costs vary greatly. Costs will differ even by region based on the differences in labor costs. When the cost of petroleum rises, roofing materials made from oil-based products rise in price, too....

May 4, 2025 · 5 min · 912 words · Andrea Rojas

8 Clear Signs You Have Way Too Much Stuff, According to Decluttering Experts

Do you feel as though your space is jam-packed withtoo much extra stuff? You’re certainly not alone. It can often feel overwhelming since it may be difficult to know where to start, she adds. La Bicicleta Vermella / Getty Images The same goes for your closet. Gitzen suggests getting rid of clothes that no longer fit or serve a purpose for you. This way, you could organize your wardrobe, so everything is easily accessible when you need it....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 172 words · Michael Frederick

8 Clever Ways to Cover a Kitchen Pass-Through in a Studio Without a Whole Renovation

Create a Breakfast Bar Arbor & Co. Want more design inspiration? These details add dimension but alsoshould you choose to paint them in contrasting colorsallow you to play with palettes. Styles also fire off the gamut: think geometric patterns, slotted cutouts, and organic or floral forms. sheilasay / Getty Images Or, think aboutwallpaperingthe area with an eye-catching graphic or relaxing scenic mural. This can include bi-fold shutters, slidingpocket doors, and even a window treatment such as a Roman shade....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 97 words · Casey Koch

8 Common Grouting Mistakes Pros Want You to Avoid and How to Fix Them Fast

Grouting mistakes make your tile project look less than perfectdespite all of your hard work. Install professional-looking tiles by learning from these common grouting mistakes. Solve this grouting mistake by choosing the correct grout material:sanded vs. unsanded tile grout. Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Mixing the Grout by Hand Properly mixed tile grout should be smooth and creamy. However, it’s difficult to mix dry grout by hand and achieve the right consistency....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 594 words · Megan Campos

8 Common Household Items You Should Always Repurpose, According to a Designer

Here are eight common items in your house you should always repurpose. Think pasta sauce jars, pickle jars, jam jars, drink bottles,wine bottles, and more. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? istetiana / Getty Images You know, the sturdy black plastic ones with the clear lids and theliter-sized soup containers? If your paper bag broke during transit, the pieces can bereused for arts and crafts. Instead, save them and repurpose them....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 179 words · Natalie Phillips

8 Decor Must-Haves Interior Designers Are Buying From Thrift Stores in 2025

From vintage gems to up-cycled statement pieces, here are 8 must-have thrift store finds for 2025. Even simply coating a thrifted tin piece in metallic paint often produces a totally believable lookalike. Want more design inspiration? Meghan Jay Design Look for books with bold-colored spines or eye-catching jackets. A new finish can work wonders, giving a bamboo piece a fresh Palm Beach Regency feel. A sheepskin thrown over the seat is another cost-effective way to modernize a basic design....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 171 words · Angela Jackson

8 Decor Staples Designers Say Have Lasted Every Move (And Most Are Thrifted)

Hear from the pros which items the hold dear. Some of them can be precious family heirlooms, avintage or antiquefind, or just a favorite decor staple. Lasting her through two moves, she says the material is super high-quality and timeless, plus multifunctional. Brass Hill Design “Now I have it next to my kitchen to store my cookbooks and hold other cooking utensils. Our printer is also hidden inside and office supplies!...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Kimberly Oconnor

8 Decorating Hot Takes Designers Still Stand By (Even If You Hate Them)

“Im not just mixing materials, Im layering stories,” she explains. Want more design inspiration? “To me, a subway tile’s simplicity is its greatest strength,” she says. House of Chais “For example, in my home, they serve as a backdrop for my Andy Bissonnette pottery collection. “Plus, its a great way to achieve a high-end look on a budget.” She also loves to use variousbrick treatments, like German schmear andlime washing....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 150 words · Suzanne Carter

8 Decorating Secrets Designers Wish They Knew Sooner

That’s why we asked several interior designers whichdecorating secretsthey now incorporate into every space.Their secrets are out. Adding this number-based rule to my list of decor tricks helped simplify the process." This way you might be brave and bold with your color choice. Design byDesiree Burns Interiors Pillows Are a Must Louis Duncan-He Designs/KM Photography Interiors An outfit looks bare without accessories. Instead, incorporate multiple layers of lighting in your home....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 167 words · David Hammond