Category: Home Improvement

Let’s Build an Outdoor Storage Bench!

You can go a lot of different ways for material for this storage bench but I went with an exterior rated MDF called Armorite. I know, I know, it’s typically a cardinal rule that you can’t use MDF in situations where it could get wet, as standard MDF swells and is forever ruined. Just look at how much that expanded? This Armorite is not only moisture resistant but is also treated with zinc borate to resist rot and termites. plus it machines so clean compared to standard MDF, this is straight off without any sanding.

I’ve created a set of build plans to help making building your outdoor storage bench simple.

Materials I Used to Build the Outdoor Storage Bench:

Step 1: Organizing Storage Bench Parts and Pre-Drilling

I first organized my parts on one of my work areas before getting started. To start the storage bench assembly, I first join together the front to one of the sides. Since this project will be going outside, I’m using an exterior wood glue on all the joints then pre drilling and running in a screw. I place my pieces near the end of my workbench so that I don’t have interference with my drill when pre drilling. After getting the first side connect, I repeated to connect the other.

Step 2: Placing the Bottom Between the Storage Bench Walls

Now before attaching the other side, I’m going to slip in the bottom, this should fit perfect between the two short sides. Once in place, I run around the three sides and add in screws to attach it. With that done, now the final fourth side of the box can be added in the same way. Nice and easy. Keep in mind that I’m making mine for outdoor but you can make yours into a end of the bed bench or a keys toy chest, or anything where you need decorative storage.

Step 3: Adding Legs to Get it off the Ground!

The storage bench body is done. Lets add some legs to it. Everything is made from Armorite and to distinguish the legs some, I took all the pieces to the miter saw first to cut in a slight angle. Now they can be added to the body. Two pieces will make up the leg, one is narrower than the other so that both look the same width once they are attached. I’m using wood glue once again but now switched over to using 1 1/4” brad nails instead of screws. In order for the legs to come out looking the same width, they need to be attached properly. Meaning the small side needs to be placed on first.

Well while I’m fixing my mistake I might as well show you a tip to remove brad nails. Instead of clipping them, which never leaves them perfectly flush, I like to pull them out on the backside. I do this with the large set of Crescent’s square nose pliers. I get a good grip on it then roll the nose so it pulls the nail up straight. Sometimes it breaks, but it’s easy to get another grip and pull it the remainder way.

Step 4: Placing the Side and Decorating the Body

With the short side in place, now I can butt this one right up flush and everything will come out looking correct. Another way you can do it is by placing the unit on it’s head, yeah actually this way is much easier, as you have the workbench as a reference point for both of them instead of holding one up while trying to get it flush to the top.

Lets stand it up and take a look. Yes, perfect.

Noooow, lets tilt it back down in order to decorate the body. I’m going with a lap siding look. This is very easy to achieve. You can start off with a small strip piece down at the bottom, this will create a bump off for the first siding strip. For everything on this step I’m using a little bit of wood glue and brad nails.

Actually, I’m going to go ahead and lower this to the floor as it’s just high enough to be annoying….or maybe I’m just short enough. This will be much easier to see and use my nail gun at this height but now I just need to grab one of my rolling around stools. 

Step 5: Attaching the Long Sides

Ok to start attaching the siding, this goes quick and easy. I laid down the first strip so that it’s flush with the trim piece below. From there, each strip is cut to fit in between the legs so that’s easy to get right but the overlap amount can vary. To make sure they all come out consistent, I cut a spacer. Now I just have to line this spacer up to the bottom side of the previous strip then nail it in place. I move this spacer over to the right and repeat. Then to the center and repeat.

With it stuck in place, I throw in a few extra ones in between before moving on to the next and repeat the process again. When you’re shooting in brads, keep in mind the over lap that each board will have and make sure to place your brads in this zone. That way the next board you lay down will cover up the nail hole. Oh I don’t know if I mentioned before, but the entire body is made from 3/4” but the slats I made from 1/4”. Armorite comes in varying sizes, I’ve even used 1” before on projects.

Something else to talk about on this step is adhesive. There is just a corner of the slat making contact to the body so you can’t use wood glue. You’ll want to switch to construction adhesive and my go to for projects is DAP Dyna Grip. It’s rated for interior or exterior and a small bead in a few places under each new slat works great.

Step 6: Attaching the Short Sides

After I got the long side complete, I flip the unit up on end and repeated with the short side. That’s another distinction with Armorite it takes brad nails so much cleaner than standard MDF. You don’t get that mushrooming and chipping.

Now, down we go and lets have a look. Well, that is pretty darn cute. And so quick!

Step 7: Placing the Top of the Storage Bench

Lets keep the momentum going by adding the top. For my lid I went with a plane slab of MDF because I plan to have cushions on it for sitting. But know you could always cut in a cool patten or make it look like individual boards like I show how to do on an outdoor cabinet. I’ll link that for you below. I line up the top to the body so that it’s flush on the back then pre drill and attach the hinges.

Step 8: Painting the Storage Bench

Worked like a charm. Note that I didn’t add a handle or cut one in because there is a built in lip that’s easy to grab all along the front. Let’s break all of these edges and get ready to throw a coat of paint on it! I actually did an entire video on how to properly paint MDF so I’ll link to that below if you’re interested. You can definitely roll or brush on paint, but since I have an HVLP, that’s what I used to really get in all the nooks and crannies, easily.

After letting it dry I moved it into place and tested it out. Since I knew I would be sitting my bench up next to the house, I left the lid as is, but another option is to add a chain to catch the lid from opening too wide if you are placing it somewhere without a wall. I can sit the cushions in place, but then when I want to stow them away, I can simply open the lid and put them in until next time.

All in all, this project only takes about two hours to complete once the parts are cut. So it’s nice and simple but will create a decent amount of storage for a variety of different spaces. Remember that I have a set of plans and a CNC cut file if you’re interested in building your own.

Let’s Build a Deck!

Materials I Used to Build a Deck

• Wood
• Nails
• Saw
• String Line
• Nailer
• Wood Tape
• Pro-wood Lumber

How I Chose Materials for the Deck

I’ve personally chosen pro-wood for all of my pressure treated. Needs. They not only have super high standards, but they are also used in the latest technology called MCA where the C stands for copper. I love this because that means that it’s not harmful to plants, people or pets. But it is harmful to microbials that cause rot, or fungi. The treated lumber does come in levels of treatment so choosing lumber can get tricky, but pro-wood has black end tabs that make it easy. Whether you need light duty, ground contact, or something else.

Step 1: Preparing the Deck Posts

Lets start off with showing you the before shot. Everything here was in pretty decent shape other than the staircase but I’ll get into that later so all I did was remove the railing and refinish what was there that I could start building onto it. The framework for any deck is comprised of four main components: the posts, the beams, the joist, and the deck board. We start with setting the posts. Different areas will have different depth requirements for how deep you have to dig your hole so be sure to check with your code before getting started.

Next I put on a post saver sleeve. I do not put a post in the ground without one of these guys. What you need in order to create rot on a post is moisture and air, and where the post is most susceptible is about two inches above ground level. The line here indicates this goes two inches above where the ground level is and this will protect this zone that I most susceptible to rot.

The inside of it is lined with a tar like feature so that it creates a water and air tight seal to prevent oxygen from having access to the post. The sleeve takes heat to shrink it perfectly to size. I used my propane torch while somebody else turns it. It only takes a few seconds, then I cool it with a roller dipped in water.

Step 2: Pouring Concrete to Secure the Posts

If you have a large job like this one I personally think its worth it to rent mixer so that you can do three bags at a time. Remember to slope the concrete away. You don’t want to create an area that more water can pool.

Let me give you guys a tip on using a string line to set post. A lot of times when you see people pull a string line they pull it and then they try to set the post up right next to the it, the problem is if you end up bumming it too much even sightly with one post you’re gonna knock the string out of alignment. What I recommend instead is moving the string line away from it, in this case its going to be 18 inches so that whenever you set the post you can then pull your tape measure set the tape and hit that mark.

Alright so that is all of the posts set, lets move on to cutting them to height so that we can set the beams.

Step 3: Cutting the Posts to Height

So this line comes from using the laser level on all of the posts. Once you get the face mark now you can translate that around using the speed squarer. My favorite speed squarer to have on site is this crescent one that goes not only from a 6 inch but has a very quick flappable ruler that goes to a 12 in extension.

For all of the framing I’m using pro woods pressure treated wood and more specially for the post I’m using their label that says “for in the ground”. I’ll tell you more about their laboring press later. Jacob is now going through and marking off all of the shoulder locations. These headers are going to be attached to an actual shoulder so that they’re resting on a notch out on these beams so he’s just using a speed square to mark the depth.

The thing with making these shoulders is that the circular saw is not going to have enough throw in it to do it all in one. You can use the circular saw and set the depth in order to make this face cut to where it doesn’t go past your shoulder, in our case it can be all full depth without going past it but then make all of the cuts around here and as jake is going through doing that, I’ll come back and finish it with the saw. That wraps up cutting in all of the shoulders. The next thing is to cut all the beams to length to set on the shoulders.

Step 4: Setting the Beams

These are already crowned you can go through and crown your board and then whenever you find where the curve is you put an arrow on it so whenever you set these in pkae you can make sure it’s facing up. This one is gonna go halfway on this post. I’m going to come back with screws but for now I’m just gonna pop in a nail.

For the beams I’m using adoubled up 2 by 12. You want thse boards to be as untied as possible for strength so that means sucking them together. I first used three inch spacks power lags to pull the cup out then I came back with a framing nailer to nail it all throughout. This was my first job using the Senco framing nailer and I was very impressed with how rapidly it fired off.

At the end of setting al the beams in place it looks a little something like this.

Step 5: Mounting the Joists

The next step is to set the joist. Often you see joist go in hangers and are mounted on the face of the beam, but in this case they will be mounted to the top which first means I need to go through and flatten the top of the beam. A chalk line comes in handy to give a visual on the high points. Next I used an electric planer to flatten the top. Since the job site was sloped the lowest beam was pretty easy, the middle section as a shoulder workout, but the far beam was way too above my head.

Tip: if you don’t have  planer than another option would be to use a fence or a circular saw to make the top perfectly flat

Step 6: Setting the Joists

Lets start with the third major framing component: setting the joist. At the very beginning I ended up demoing the rim joist that use to be here so that we could have access to the joist from the existing deck and sister on these boards to them instead of going with joist hangers on the rim joists. By doing it this way, we’re not gonna have to cut to height each board, we’re just let it run wild into there, but we do have to notch it to get a 2 by 10 made up to this 2 by 8. On the opposite side, Jacob just set it right on top of it and this should come out level.

Whenever you’re deciding how many joist you want you can do either 24 inch centers, 16 inch centers, and you can play with doing 2 by 8s or 2 by 10s. actually with using 2 by 8s and 2 by 10s I could’ve gone to 24 inch centers but I made a decision to go with 16 in order to not make it so spongy feeling. The cost is very little difference so I would recommend sticking with 16s.

The complication here is making sure what we’re doing is going on square to the other surface, so we’re actually going to hop to the last one so that we can then pull diagonals and make sure the structure we are putting in is square. So out at the beams, I’m gonna have to toenail in the joist.

Tip: take off the tip of your nail gun This is really good whenever you’re in bump mode or nailing on flat but if you’re gonna be toe nailing and you’re going to take this off, they give you spikes in order to go in at an angle without it moving around on you.

The two measurements that I’m really paying attention to here in that these tails are the exact length apart and then that these are on 16 in center.

Step 7: Day two! Finishing Setting the Joist by Spacing them Evenly

So whenever setting joist, at the very last step you should attached a rim joist that connects the tails of each one. Its important to get the overhang of each joist as exact with each other as possible. So whenever measuring these 16 on center you never wanna go from the top because they’re not secured there, so you want to go from the bottom and then what I love about this tape is it has the numbers on both sides that makes measuring from the bottom very simple.

Step 8: Taping the Joist

Before doing anything else I want to do the joist taping which will drastically prolong the life of the boards. The tricky thing about my particular situation is the ground is so uneven I would have to move the ladder five or six times per joist, to prevent that I ended up doing some sort of leap frog activity where I used two 2 by 8s as seats and then just alternated them a little bit as a I worked my way back with four or five pieces of tape at a time. I’d progress the first two feet, move my board back then move my board back and progress the next two feet until I got to the end.

Now on this joist tape you do want to wrap it around the end and cover up the end grain which is where the wood actually absorbs the moisture.

Step 9: Completing the Deck Frame by Adding a Rim Joist

As Cindy and I were tackling the joist taping, Jacob was finishing off the last of the framing members for the pool. This is the only portion of the deck that includes joist hangers. For this we are using a Senco Nailer made specifically for joist hanging.

The last thing we do to conclude framing is add on the rim joist. This it the board that will tie all the tails of the joist together. Another important thing it does it plumb the joist. With the joist you always start with the board on one end and progress to the other end of the joist one at a time. As you go one person should be making sure that the top of the rim joist is not only flush to the top of the joist but that the joist is also at a ninety so that it can be nailed at the top and the bottom. It’s easiest with two people on this job.

I check with a speed squarer to ensure it is flush and will push or pull it if it isn’t. If the joist is twisted then I use a crescent hammer with a spur on it to grab the joist and use leverage to twist it straight while tell Jacob “top” so he knows he can stick it.

Deck Framing Completed!

And that is going to wrap up the first video of the deck series. I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed building it. But stayed tuned because I have plenty more deck to build and I’ll be bringing you along on the entire journey. In the mean time, feel free to check out my website for tons of project plans and templates. Until next time!

(BPT) – Homeowners seeking transformative bathroom renovations may be surprised to learn just how accessible it is to realize their vision. Current trends topping the list in bathroom design this year include greater design personalization, handcrafted home materials and a more cohesive overall design. All of these are possible to achieve with the help of Kohler^® bathroom solutions.

Explore these options to help you shape a vision for a bathroom that feels as elevated as it is functional, creating a look and ambience that expresses your sense of style.

Personalization through design

One huge trend shift in 2026 bathroom design is away from a minimalist approach and toward a more personalized aesthetic. Consider this space as an opportunity to explore a look uniquely your own, instead of making your bathroom look just like everyone else’s.

To help you create the look you want, Kohler^® makes customization easy by offering Mix & Match faucets. You can select your own combination of spout, handle and finish from these three distinct collections with different style expressions — traditional, transitional and modern — for over 50 possible combinations:

• Components^® lets you elevate your bathroom space with bold sophistication, where strong lines meet smooth forms to create faucets with a distinctly modern aesthetic. New York-based designer Cara Woodhouse selected Components^® faucets as a feature in a recent home renovation.
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To create your unique look, simply:

1. Choose your spout: Select from a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as deck- or wall-mount options for a design to anchor your space.
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Sustainability and craftsmanship

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If this trend speaks to you, consider a WasteLAB^® DemiLav^® rectangular vessel sink when you’re planning your next bathroom upgrade. Each sink is made with at least 70% recycled materials sourced from manufacturing waste streams. Handcrafted by artisans and American made, these sinks are made in small batches, creating natural variation and individuality.

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Cohesive bathroom design

Another way to elevate your bathroom’s look is by creating an overall cohesive design, a trend that can be achieved using repeated colors through color drenching — even using the same color for walls, trim and ceiling — to unify the look of any space.

For a truly cohesive bathroom design, the Kohler x Studio McGee Claude collection offers an authentically timeless full-suite collection including toilets, sinks, vanities, mirrors and baths that are all designed in a modern classic style, though inspired by historic details. Designed to create a coordinated aesthetic across the entire space, this collection blends timeless design elements with modern performance. The Kohler x Studio McGee Claude collection uses architectural detailing and classic forms for a modern yet enduring look.

Within this collection, you can choose from three different bathroom sink options (console, pedestal and undermount) to tie powder rooms, guest bathrooms and primary bathrooms together in a home without over-repeating.

Customizing your home so it’s uniquely your own, with sustainable options and cohesive spaces, is a goal you can make happen, with the right approach and products meant to inspire.

For whatever direction you want to go with your next bathroom transformation, explore all the possibilities at Kohler.com.

(BPT) – When you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, there’s no shortage of choices you have to make. Most homeowners focus on visible features like kitchens, flooring and smart technology. But there’s one system that matters just as much, and it’s hidden behind your walls. That system is your home’s ventilation.

Why does ventilation matter?

Think of your home’s ventilation system as its lungs. It brings in fresh outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. Good ventilation means fresher air throughout your home, better moisture control, and fewer odors and indoor pollutants.

Every home needs proper ventilation. Whether you live in a cold northern region, a hot and humid southern state or anywhere in between, proper ventilation keeps your home comfortable, healthy and structurally sound.

Here’s where traditional ventilation systems often fall short

Modern homes are designed to be super energy-efficient, which means they’re sealed more carefully than ever before. The downside? That same seal that saves on your electric bill also traps stale air, humidity and cooking odors inside. Traditional ventilation systems work with a one-way approach. Some pull air out of your home and hope fresh air seeps in through cracks and gaps. Others push air in and hope stale air escapes the same way. Neither approach works well in today’s airtight homes.

The result? Uneven comfort, excess moisture, condensation on windows, lingering cooking odors, and a buildup of indoor pollutants from everyday activities like showering and cleaning. It gets worse. Exhaust-only systems can create negative pressure, allowing moisture and contaminants to seep into your walls. Supply-only systems trap moisture inside, increasing the risk of mold and long-term damage to your roof, walls, foundation and insulation.

Why balanced ventilation with an ERV is the solution

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) continuously bring fresh outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air. And it does something traditional systems can’t. It transfers heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. As energy codes continue to evolve and builders construct tighter, more efficient homes, balanced ventilation is becoming an increasingly important part of residential design. So, how can you ensure your new home provides the ventilation you need for good indoor air quality, long-term home performance and year-round comfort in any climate? The key is balanced ventilation powered by an energy recovery ventilation (ERV).

One example of a balanced ventilation solution is the Panasonic BalancedHome^® Elite+ 210, an energy recovery ventilator designed for modern single-family homes. The system delivers what modern single-family homes need by:

• Helping maintain indoor comfort while reducing energy loss
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• Offering installation flexibility for different home designs
• Operating quietly in living spaces

A modern home deserves modern ventilation

As homes become more energy-efficient and airtight, ventilation is no longer optional. It is essential for your family’s comfort and long-term home performance. Homeowners who prioritize balanced ventilation can enjoy fresher indoor air, improved comfort and greater confidence that their home is performing as intended.

To learn more about the benefits of balanced ventilation, ERVs and why a new home isn’t complete without it, visit BalancedHome^® ERV – Elite Plus Models – 210 | Panasonic North America – United States.

*BalancedHome^® 210 performance may vary based on installation, operating conditions and climate.

(BPT) – It’s hard to ignore the creeping price of the monthly utility bill and the sting of gas prices at the pump. These rising costs have made it more difficult for Americans to budget effectively for monthly expenses. How can households afford power sources that feel increasingly unreliable?

Luckily, homeowners and renters can take back control of their energy use, even amid unpredictable energy costs and volatile gas prices. Here are a few ways you can achieve energy independence and stabilize your home energy costs.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Refrigerators, washers, dryers and dishwashers are the workhorse appliances of any home. They’re also heavy energy consumers. However, you can still enjoy these modern conveniences and lighten your energy load by upgrading to certified ENERGY STAR appliances.

When you switch to an ENERGY STAR appliance, you can save 10%-50% on energy costs compared to conventional models. That’s because these modern, efficient appliances use significantly less power to do the exact same job as older models. By switching, you can keep your home running smoothly while naturally lowering your energy usage month to month.

Pro tip: Big changes start small. Consider switching your current light bulbs to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

Install a smart thermostat

Heating and cooling account for the bulk of your monthly energy bill. So, how can you keep your home comfortable and your wallet happy? You don’t need to suffer in the sweltering summer or freezing winter. All you need to do is install a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat learns your daily routine and adjusts the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home. In short, it allows you to program your comfort. This instant automated control of your environment is a seamless way to lower heating and cooling costs and enjoy your time at home without the hassle and guesswork of manual adjustments.

Use heavy energy-consuming appliances during off-peak hours

Did you know that electricity costs change depending on the time of day? Check with your utility company. You may be surprised to find that you’re paying premium rates during peak hours, usually in the late afternoon and evening.

Do a little digging and find out your area’s time-of-use rates. Once you know the peak-use window, you can outsmart the grid by using your heavy, energy-intensive appliances during off-peak hours. Try running your dishwasher or doing laundry in the morning or late at night and see how much you save.

Embrace a clean energy home backup

Achieving true energy independence means having the ability to power appliances no matter what the grid is doing. To gain independence and make a sizable dent in energy costs no matter what gas prices and electricity rates are, homeowners and renters should consider always-on clean-home battery backup solutions like Jackery solar generators. Unlike traditional gas generators, these portable power stations are clean and quiet. That means no expensive fuel runs, noxious fumes or noisy operation. Plus, sunlight is free, so once you own a solar-powered generator, you can count on cost-stable energy.

Jackery’s gasless, indoor-safe home batteries pair a portable power station with solar panels so that you can capture, store and use power on your own terms. By using the solar generator’s stored power during peak hours, you can offset your energy bill and keep the essentials like refrigerators, laundry machines, fans and WiFi routers running, even when costs are high or the grid is down. You can even opt to connect a solar generator to your home’s circuits with automatic switchover, like the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus combined with a smart transfer switch so backup kicks in seamlessly when you need it the most.

Jackery’s generators are designed with modern living spaces in mind and meant to fit a real home, not to hide in the shed. So, whether you need to charge your computer, power a fridge or run essentials across multiple rooms at once, there are plenty of options that let you ride out price spikes and outages without lifting a finger.

Energy savings and independence are within reach

Lowering your energy costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice modern comforts. Using these tips can get you started on the path to energy independence and a better energy budget, no matter the current energy and gas prices.

To learn more about how to take back control of your energy costs and the benefits of solar battery backup solutions, visit Jackery.com.

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Whimsy-maxxing is a growing lifestyle trend often found in home design.
• Adding special decor to your home helps create a playful, joyous feeling.
• Items with bold colors or patterns are ideal for whimsy-maxxing.
• MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale offers significant discounts on unique, whimsical items.

As people move away from minimalist interiors, whimsy-maxxing has emerged as one of today’s most playful design movements. When everyday routines start to feel a little boring and bland, whimsy-maxxing is the solution. This home trend embraces touches of color and playfulness, adding imagination and joy to your favorite spaces.

Elevating your home and personal spaces with whimsical touches can impact your outlook and attitude, inspiring happiness each day for you and your guests. This doesn’t require major renovations — a beautifully patterned accent or thoughtfully handcrafted piece can instantly brighten a room and spark a whimsical feeling.

Now is the time to embrace and experience whimsy-maxxing because for five days between July 16 and 20, 2026, iconic home decor and lifestyle brand MacKenzie-Childs is having their annual Barn Sale, making it easier than ever to refresh your home without paying full price. This highly anticipated event features daily surprises and deep discounts on their iconic enamelware, hand-painted ceramics, seasonal must-haves and more.

“Whimsy has always been at the heart of MacKenzie-Childs, long before it became a design trend,” said Rebecca Proctor, Chief Brand Officer of MacKenzie-Childs. “We believe every home should reflect the people who live there, which is why our collections are designed to bring joy, creativity and personality to any space. Whether it’s a colorful tea kettle, a patterned serving piece or an unexpected decorative accent, whimsical touches are an easy way to make a home feel more personal. Barn Sale is the perfect opportunity to embrace the trend or refresh your space with artisanal pieces that make distinctive design more accessible.”

Want to get started? Here are 5 simple tips to whimsy-max your home:

Use playful patterns and creative colors

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to whimsy-max a space is to add pattern and color. Embrace combinations that feel collected over time. Think colorful florals, vibrant striped hues or bold polka dots that instantly energize a room. MacKenzie-Childs’s classic Courtly Check pattern is the perfect example of tradition with a twist, and is available in a variety of colors to suit your personality. Check out the gorgeous Emerald Check and viral Mocha Check for inspiration, featured in this year’s Barn Sale for the first time.

Mix patterns with confidence

Say goodbye to the beige blahs! Pattern layering is often found within the whimsy-maxxing trend, so don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, mix organic patterns and checks or strips and dots. Pattern-on-pattern draws the eye and creates moments of happiness within a space. Designer tip: Incorporate a unifying color that appears in both patterns to ensure cohesiveness that looks intriguing and intentional.

Add imaginative extras that bring you joy

Whimsy is often found in the small extras that make everyday life special, so focus on adding decor and housewares that elevate life. For example, consider fun photo frames, delightful dishes and smile-worthy mugs. MacKenzie-Childs’s best-selling 2-Quart Tea Kettle, available in a variety of colors, is as much a visual feast for the eyes as it is an item you’ll use often to create a moment of magic. The handmade details and artisan craftsmanship give whimsical spaces authenticity, making them feel curated instead of overly themed.

Reach for refined accents to create cozy comfort

A warm cup of your favorite tea. A soft blanket that inspires relaxation after a long day. Accent pillows that make your house feel like a home. Refined accents help you relax and get cozy, and are the perfect whimsical additions to any space no matter the season. Make the mundane more magical with special touches like these that personalize your home. These items also make great gifts for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Turn everyday gatherings into occasions

Whimsy-maxxing helps you enjoy your life to the fullest and can inspire you to share that feeling with others. Invite loved ones over and enjoy entertaining them with some fun and functional pieces. For example, patterned serveware, funky tablecloths and that perfect platter that inspires conversation. Think outside the box and consider using items in new ways for your gatherings, such as your teapot as a centerpiece or as a vase for fresh flowers.

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For shoppers hoping to score the best selection, MacKenzie-Childs Loyalty Rewards members receive VIP early access to the Barn Sale beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026, giving them first pick of many of the event’s most sought-after pieces. Not yet a member? Joining is quick, easy and unlocks a whole new level of Barn Sale benefits. Visit www.mackenzie-childs.com/rewards to join today.

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(BPT) – In summertime, backyards come to life, becoming destinations for fun, gathering and relaxation. Whether you’re hosting cookouts, lounging poolside or unwinding after a long day, thoughtful design helps you get more enjoyment out of every square foot.

Design of outdoor spaces has been influenced by recent trends captured in the 2026 U.S. Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report and Yardzen’s 2026 Trend Report. Current backyard ideas reflect homeowners’ desires for softer, cozy spaces with nature-inspired colors, along with increased interest in sustainability and small-space maximization.

To create spaces in line with these trends while also being comfortable, functional and built to last, homeowners can find inspiration for durable paver patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features and poolside gathering areas from Belgard. Using Belgard’s tools and resources, elevated outdoor living spaces can support everything from quiet, peaceful mornings to lively summer celebrations.

Create the foundation

Every successful outdoor living space starts with a well-designed patio. This basic structure sets the stage for dining, entertaining and relaxing all summer.

Pavers are a highly versatile option for backyard patios, combining durability with design flexibility. Available in many sizes, textures and colors, pavers can complement any architectural style, helping define how the space functions. Large-format pavers create a clean, contemporary look, while modular layouts add visual interest and naturally establish separate areas for dining, lounging and entertaining.

During summer storms and seasonal weather events, permeable pavers offer an added layer of functionality, allowing water to filter through the surface and into the ground below. This process helps manage runoff while maintaining the finished appearance of a traditional paver patio.

Permeable pavers, such as Belgard’s Aqualine™, Eco Cobble^® or Turfstone™ series, are gaining traction with homeowners for these water management efficiency and low-maintenance benefits. Yardzen reports that for 2026, the traditional lawn is being replaced by more dynamic, layered ground systems that do away with the need for extra watering and pesticides.

Whether you’re choosing traditional pavers or a permeable system, investing in a durable foundation ensures your backyard remains beautiful, functional and low maintenance for years to come.

Design outdoor “rooms”

Just as interior spaces are designed for different activities, outdoor spaces work best when each area serves a specific purpose. An outdoor cooking and dining area near the home can simplify outdoor meals and entertaining, while a nearby lounge space creates a comfortable place for conversation and relaxation. Belgard Rooms can provide designs to serve as a starting foundation to spark inspiration, or as a complete guide for a backyard renovation.

For avid hosts, modular systems like Belgard Artforms™ incorporate kitchens into the overall patio design, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Adding preparation space, storage and serving areas creates a natural hub for entertaining, encouraging guests to spend more time outdoors.

The hardscape materials chosen for each outdoor room can also help define how the space looks and functions. Large-format pavers such as Dimensions™ create clean lines and a contemporary foundation for dining and lounge areas, while pavers like Charlestone™ offer timeless character that complements traditional and transitional outdoor designs. Using complementary pavers, walls, steps and accents throughout the project helps create a cohesive outdoor environment that feels intentional from the ground up.

To separate spaces and provide extra seating, built-in seating walls provide additional gathering spaces without needing extra furniture. This is vital for smaller outdoor spaces. Lawn square footage has dropped 25% year over year, and homeowners are looking for ways to maximize every square foot of their outdoor living space. The Houzz study revealed increased interest in planning for smaller yards, with searches for “small front yards” up 79%, “small patio garden” increasing 57% and interest in “small backyard” up 43%. Modular hardscape systems make it easier to create multifunctional outdoor rooms that support dining, entertaining, relaxation and recreation without sacrificing style or usability.

Elements like railing and fencing help homeowners define and enjoy outdoor spaces as well. Modern railing systems, like those from RDI Railing, can help frame elevated decks, patios, front porches and transition areas without interrupting sightlines, while fencing can create privacy around dining spaces, pool areas, side yards or wellness zones. For example, Catalyst‘s Manchester Fence with AlumiCast reimagines the classic fence style while featuring clean lines and a refined profile.

Coordinate your choice of pavers with walls, steps and other hardscape features for a cohesive outdoor environment that feels intentional from the ground up. Together, these details help outdoor living areas feel more finished, comfortable and connected to the home’s overall design.

Add comfort, night and day

Cozy, comfortable vibes are vital for a truly functional backyard, both day and night. Shade structures like pergolas and pavilions make outdoor spaces more enjoyable during summer’s hottest days. In addition to providing relief from the sun, structures frame outdoor rooms and create visual interest.

As the sun sets, fire features extend enjoyment of the space. Fire pits and fireplaces create cozy gathering places for conversation and relaxation long after dinner is over, adding ambiance and year-round appeal.

Elevate poolside relaxation

For homeowners with pools, the surrounding hardscape is just as important. Pool decks, walkways and lounging areas influence how comfortable and inviting the space feels overall.

Pavers are a popular choice for pool environments because they offer durability, design flexibility and a sophisticated appearance. Coordinating poolside hardscapes with nearby patios creates a seamless transition between recreation and relaxation areas, improving the overall flow of the backyard.

Products like Belgard’s Delmaro™ Coping create a refined edge around the pool. Paired with premium pool finishes including those offered by PebbleTec^®, these design elements create a polished, resort-inspired atmosphere. The result? A backyard that feels cohesive, comfortable and ready for pool parties or quiet afternoons in the sun.

Definitive details

Once major elements are in place, thoughtful design details bring an entire space together. For example, herringbone layouts offer movement and depth without overwhelming a space, while modular patterns introduce visual rhythm and architectural character. Color coordination helps patios complement home exteriors, landscaping and outdoor furnishings.

Decorative accents can provide additional personalization. Finishing touches available through Belgard’s Elements collection can introduce subtle design details reflecting each homeowner’s style, while maintaining a cohesive look throughout the space.

Your ideal summer backyard

The best summer backyard transformation ideas balance beauty, comfort and functionality. Combining durable paver patios with outdoor kitchens, fire features, shade structures and thoughtfully designed poolside spaces, homeowners can create living areas that support everyday relaxation and memorable gatherings.

Whether you’re planning a full backyard renovation or making smaller enhancements to the current space, investing in versatile, low-maintenance outdoor living features can transform any backyard into a destination worth enjoying all season long.

Find more design inspiration at Belgard.com.

*Source: Data reflects year-over-year growth in U.S.-based searches on Houzz from January-March 2026 versus January-March 2025.