Tips

We often think of our backyards as a collection of furniture and plants — a place for the kids to play and the pups to run. But if you have a fence, you know it can define the mood. From beautiful white picket fences to warm wood 4-board ones, a fence doesn’t have to just…

It’s May and, as the days get longer and the sun gets brighter, the weather has a way of spotlighting your home’s entryway, especially your front door. From peeling paint to worn edges, it’s not a look a good spring cleaning can fix.  Your front door isn’t just an entry point – it’s the handshake…

There is a specific, undeniable energy that hits in late April. It’s that first afternoon when the rain finally breaks, the air feels light, and you realize that summer isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a restorative headspace, and it’s almost here. You want to open every window, turn on the whole-house…

There is a specific kind of momentum that hits in April. It usually starts with a deep clean — scrubbing baseboards, purging the pantry, reclaiming the garage from a winter’s worth of clutter, and, for those of us in the midwest, cleaning out that junk drawer that’s been haunting you since the holidays. But as…

When was the last time someone other than your parents patted you on the back for tackling an interior paint project on your own? Have you ever stepped back and thought, “Wow, those edges look amazing” — or were you more focused on stretching that last bit of paint to cover the thin spot on…

A DIY paint project always starts with optimism. You walk through the paint aisle at your local home improvement store gathering paint swatches like get-out-of-jail-free cards in Monopoly and holding onto that vision of exactly what that room will look when your dream becomes a reality. You just know it’s going to be perfect. Interior…

As homeowners face the realities of climbing inflation and a somewhat uncertain real estate market, many are seeking lower-cost, higher-impact ways to care for and update their homes. For franchisees of Fresh Coat Painters, the 190-plus-unit painting franchise with a national presence, this presents a unique opportunity. According to a 2024 report, the mid-range cost for a…

A warmer color palette is on the rise, especially in kitchens. The latest design trend is “cashmere kitchens,” a style that favors warm neutrals over the cool, crisp grays and whites that have been popular in recent years. Cashmere kitchens combine warm colors with modern and luxe styling for a cozy, calming space that feels upscale. Thanks to the…

Dark, moody paint colors aren’t going anywhere, according to the more than 10 designers we polled. Despite feeling like a ubiquitous trend, the deep navy blue, forest green, and even black interior rooms that dotted your timelines for the past five years are part of centuries of timeless design. “Dark, moody paint is timeless,” says…

If your home feels a little bit blah and uninspired, it could come down to the walls (and ceiling). A color that’s fallen out of favor could make your home look and feel dated. Fortunately, one of the most affordable ways to give your home an update is with a fresh coat of paint (especially…