Posts in category 'Outdoor Living'

A vacation offers a simple way to disconnect and recharge – and a screen-free staycation can feel especially refreshing, giving you time to relax and reconnect with your home and community in a new way. Putting your phone and devices away is not always easy, but the payoff can be surprising. When distractions fade, home can become an experience worth remembering. You may rediscover a favorite corner of your backyard, visit a local business you've never explored or return to a hobby you once loved. From one-day escapes to week-long digital detoxes, these screen-free staycation ideas can help you make the most of your time close to home.

The One-Day Reset

A one-day screen-free staycation is a simple way to step away from daily distractions and feel refreshed. To fill your digital-free time, consider:

It's almost criminal — leaving rooms in your home underutilized. While navigating the obstacle course of life, there are a host of reasonable factors that lead to this common home-functionality transgression. Now is the ideal moment to repurpose what you have and reinvent such spaces.

A desirable feature of yesteryear, the formal dining room is now often deemed obsolete by many homeowners, who allow it to morph into an underused or wasted space. A contributing factor is the evolution of the kitchen into a multi-functional communal area. Fortunately, the size and central location of this former principal gathering room typically allow for plenty of practical new purposes.

Similarly, extra bedrooms are always useful – until they aren't. These rooms typically boast prime real estate within a dwelling, yet unless you frequently host overnight guests, they easily befall the sin of neglect. If it's become rare for you to have stay...

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Summer is all about creating spaces that feel fresh, open, and full of energy—and in 2026, homeowners are leaning into design trends that maximize both color and light. From airy interiors to cheerful accents, these seasonal updates help homes feel brighter, more welcoming, and perfectly suited for summer living.

One of the biggest trends this season is the use of light-reflecting color palettes. Warm whites, soft sands, pale sage greens, and muted sky blues are replacing darker tones and helping interiors feel larger and more open. These shades work especially well in living rooms and kitchens where natural light can bounce throughout the space.

At the same time, homeowners are embracing strategic pops of color to add personality without overwhelming a room. Sunny yellows, terracotta accents, and ocean-inspired blues are showing up in throw pillows, artwork, accent chairs, and decorative accessories. These smaller updates instantly energize a...

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Empty homes don't go unnoticed – and as travel plans pick up this season, a few simple moves can reduce risk and add home security while you're away. With the right mix of everyday habits, subtle automation and smart technology, you can step out knowing everything at home still looks and functions as it should.

Make Your Home Look Lived-In While Traveling

One of the easiest ways to protect your home while traveling is to keep it visually active. Start outside with motion-activated fixtures, solar lighting and timers that turn lights on at dusk to help eliminate dark areas and create natural movement around your property. Inside, small adjustments go a long way.

Smart plugs can power lamps, TVs or radios at different times throughout the day. Smart thermostats can mirror typical energy use, while automated blinds open in the morning and close at night. Together, these subtle shifts create a steady, fami...

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With summertime and milder weather in full swing, it's the perfect time for a backyard BBQ. For homeowners, it's also an opportunity to not only showcase your property, but to fully enjoy the outdoors and neighborhood you call home. With the right theme and a little planning, your at-home BBQ can feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event.

Start With a Clear Theme

A theme sets the tone for everything, from the menu to the décor. It doesn't need to be over the top: The "classic summer BBQ" works just as well as something more specific like a coastal seafood boil or a Southern-style cookout. The key is consistency. When your food, music and setup all align, the experience feels intentional and elevated.

Design Your Space for Flow

A successful summertime party isn't just about what you serve; it's about how guests move through the space. Create clear zones for cooki...

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