Hosting a big summer party always sounds like a great idea — until you’re deep in the planning and juggling a hundred small decisions at once. Whether you’re celebrating the season or marking a special occasion, preparation can quickly start to feel overwhelming. With a few thoughtful choices early on, though, it’s entirely possible to stay organized and actually enjoy the process.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the location. There are a lot of venues you can book and hire, but sometimes the simplest option is also the most effective. Hosting in your own backyard can make things far more manageable, while also creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There’s something hard to beat about the easy charm of a garden gathering. Continue reading Plan a Summer Party That Feels Effortless, Not Exhausting→
A great backyard can completely change how you experience your home. It becomes an outdoor living room, a place to gather with friends, relax with family, or simply enjoy a little fresh air at the end of the day. But while the idea of a dream backyard is exciting, getting there takes more than just a few plants and a patio set.
The truth is, many backyard projects go slightly off course — not because people lack good ideas, but because a few common design mistakes sneak in along the way. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the pitfalls homeowners often only notice once the project is finished. Learn from these missteps now, and you’ll be far more likely to end up with a backyard that looks beautiful and works exactly the way you hoped. Continue reading 4 Mistakes People Make When Designing Their Backyards→
Having extra garden space might sound like a dream — but when it’s underused, it can start to feel more like a missed opportunity than a luxury. An oversized lawn that demands constant upkeep without offering much in return can quickly become a chore. The good news? With a little intention, that open space can be transformed into something both functional and enjoyable. From practical upgrades to creative touches, there are plenty of ways to make your garden work harder for you while enhancing how you live at home. Continue reading The Best Ways To Make Good Use Of Your Extra Garden Space→
Summer remains the most popular season, but it’s not as comprehensive a victory as you might think. During childhood, many of us develop positive associations with the hottest months of the year, but when we reach adulthood, the season can have a few drawbacks that make it a little more difficult to love.
There has been a tremendous increase in accessibility in both private and public spaces throughout the past few years. Curb cuts, ramps, and elevators are now common in many city locations, due to updates and revisions to the accessibility building codes. Despite the emphasis on accessibility in building codes, recreational spaces outside of buildings continue to be omitted from accessibility plans, resulting in how people with mobility impairments participate in very basic forms of outdoor activity. Although there are no apparent technology-based barriers to inclusion, it appears that planners have simply overlooked these environments. Continue reading Accessible Design Ends at the Door: Rethinking Yards, Pools, and Patios→
