Brett Horton

Turn your pool into an all-day retreat with a cabana that gives shade, storage, and a place to lounge—without blowing the budget. The right cabana turns “quick dip” backyards into mini resorts: a dry place for towels and tech, a shaded zone that cuts UV exposure, and—if you plan it—room for a changing nook or … Read more

You don’t need acreage to get color, fragrance, and pollinators—just the right plan for your zone. Most people stall out choosing plants because they’re not sure what truly thrives where they live. Add worries about water use, heat waves, and keeping blooms going from early spring to late fall, and it’s easy to give up … Read more

That pile of logs in your backyard isn’t just firewood waiting to happen—it’s a treasure trove of DIY possibilities. You see those logs and think “maybe someday I’ll do something with them.” But store-bought rustic home decor costs a fortune. A simple log picture frame runs $25. Wooden planters cost $40 each. Log furniture can … Read more

That rusty metal milk jug sitting in your garage could become your home’s next shows topping decor piece. You’re not alone if you look at that old container and see nothing but junk. Most people inherit these vintage pieces or find them at garage sales and then stick them in storage because they don’t fit … Read more

From Baja shelves to solar heating, 2025’s best backyard inground pool ideas aren’t just pretty—they cut energy and maintenance costs, too. If you’ve ever fallen for a gorgeous design on social media and then learned the real price tag, permit rules, or upkeep later, you’re not alone. Many homeowners overspend on trendy features, forget code … Read more

Turn your pool into a private shoreline with a beach-style, walk-in entry. A zero-entry pool—sometimes called a walk-in pool—starts dry at deck level and gently slopes into the water, giving you that resort vibe at home. The challenge? Translating the look into a build that actually works for your yard and budget. Homeowners get hung … Read more

Imagine cooking, dining, and relaxing outside year-round—without worrying about sun or rain. That’s the promise behind the best backyard pavilion ideas: a solid-roof, open-sided structure that feels like an outdoor room. But choosing the right setup isn’t simple. Homeowners get stuck debating pavilion vs pergola, roof pitch, materials, size, and whether a permit is required—then … Read more

Want a shed that actually solves storage—and maybe adds a quiet shed office—without breaking codes or your budget? You’re in the right place. Most homeowners start with Pinterest pictures and a tape measure; then permits, setbacks, foundations, anchoring, and interior storage show up and the project gets rebuilt—twice. This guide filters backyard shed ideas through … Read more