Tag: DIY

DIY Coasters

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When it comes to DIY projects, homemade coasters are one of the most simple, fun endeavors to take on! They’re excellent for beginners, appropriate crafts for kids, and they leave plenty of room for creativity. Functionally, coasters are also important to have at the lake house — especially if you’re often hosting guests for dinner parties or game day events. You can protect your furniture from spillage and stains from hot or cold drinks while showing off your style and creativity. Check out these fresh ideas for DIY coasters from several different bloggers!

Sharpie Coasters

Photo courtesy of Jessica Welling Interiors

Who would have thought Sharpie markers created these beautiful, abstract designs? To get started, all you need is a few Sharpie colors of your choice,  isopropyl alcohol, and peel-and-stick black felt. First, color the tile to your heart’s desire with whatever mix of colors you choose. If you follow these instructions from One Little Project, the alcohol will create abstract swirls in your design, while the top coat seals it in. Other methods such as Jessica Welling Interiors involve an extra step, putting it in the oven.

Wood Slice Coasters

Photo courtesy of DIY Candy

These DIY wooden coasters are perfect for any lake house since they integrate elements of nature into your decor. If you already have facets of biophilic design in your lake house, these wooden coasters will fit right in. After buying wooden slices at a crafts store like Michaels, the rest is up to you. In this outline from DIY Candy, the authors used acrylic paint to make cute winter-themed designs on each coaster. If you want to make DIY wooden coasters from planks of wood, check out these instructions from Fix This Build That. This method requires access to a saw, sander, and drill press planer, but the result is a series of sophisticated, matching coasters that integrate different shades of wood.

Mod Podge Map Coasters

Mod Podge Rocks Map Coasters
Photo courtesy of Pinterest

ModPodge is an essential ingredient for any crafter. Essentially a glue, finisher, and sealant in one, there’s no shortage of crafts you can make with this medium. One idea from the Mod Podge Rocks website involves applying paper to tiles using a paintbrush and Mod Podge. You can put anything you want on the surface—scraps of paper, maps of your lake area, magazine cutouts. It’s up to you to get creative! Just remember, you’ll want to use a resin spray as a final coat since Mod Podge is not waterproof.

Wine Cork Coasters

Photo courtesy of diys.com

Do you ever have wine corks sitting around from a house party at the lake? Maybe you’re saving them in a drawer, or you have been meaning to recycle them. Now is the time to repurpose these cold corks for a DIY coaster. Using these instructions from Diys.com, you can create a chic set of coasters for your home. Besides several wine corks, all you need is a silk ribbon, glue gun, paintbrush, and cream acrylic. The end result is a set of coasters that looks both homemade and sophisticated

Watermelon Coasters

Photo courtesy of diys.com

These adorable watermelon coasters are perfect for summer! By following these directions from Diys.com, you’ll spend less than $10 on materials. It only requires cork boards, red and green acrylics, and a few other simple tools. The simplicity of this DIY project also makes it perfect for kids. Using this same basic method, you could also create coasters specific to other seasons. Perhaps a cutout Christmas tree or dreidel over the winter holidays? Or a pumpkin at Halloween? Either way, you’re in for a charming new addition to your living room. 

Overall, DIY coasters make fun projects, great gifts, and decorative pieces for your lake home. What’s not to love?

Spring is in the Air: Decorate with Foraged Wreaths!

Posted on Jayden Marable

What is a Foraged Wreath?

Photo via The Kinlands

With March behind us, it’s safe to say Spring is finally in full bloom. One of the best parts about lake living in the Spring is the florals and greenery, making Spring the perfect time to get crafty. If you like DIYs or art projects, or if you love the lake lifestyle, this one is for you! Keep reading to learn how to craft the perfect foraged wreath for your lake home.

A foraged wreath screams Spring. Not only do you get to add your personal flare to your home with goods and materials collected right from your yard, garden, or shoreline, but it’s also a great way to spend more time with nature. Being outside and being in nature are known to aid in stress relief and mindfulness. Luckily, because you live on the lake, there’s plenty to do and find outside! That includes foraging. Making a foraged wreath is a good way to reuse and recycle goods in a unique, trendy way. This can be great to take on as a solo project and even better to involve your friends and family! With the world as your oyster, try to think outside the box and create something you never thought you would.

Inspiration

Photo via Alpha Fern

One of the many benefits of lakeside living includes easy access to foraged goods and materials. Materials like pinecones, flowers, stems, dried fruits or vegetables, or even leaves and roots can all be used to spruce up your home. When starting your project, it’s best to go into it with a different perspective. Try finding materials to find beauty in that you wouldn’t necessarily reach for. Or, you could try something totally new by upscaling materials. A few inspirations to draw from include pinecone flowers and dried fruit garlands. These can be quick and easy while adding fragrance to your home as well as bringing an interesting style element to your piece.

Assembly

Photo via Floret

The trickiest part of this DIY is the assembly process and even that is easy! Before you start, you will need to ensure that you have a wire frame, gardening clippers or scissors, green wire, or something else to tie the foraged materials to the frame, and last but not least, you will need your foraged materials! If wanted, glue could suffice for the wire, though the wire will ensure a tighter hold and allow for a longer wreath life.

As said, assembly is quite easy. Follow these three simple steps for a successful foraged wreath!

  • First, piece together bundles of flowers, stems, and other foraged goods or greenery.
    • We suggest using the bigger pieces first, as they take up the most space and will be harder to adjust when the wreath is fuller.
  • Next, you will need to use either wire or some form of string to tie the bundles onto the frame.
    • It is a rule of thumb to separate each bundle by an inch or so to ensure a full wreath. This will also make the wreath appear more symmetrical.
    • Do this until the entire frame is covered.
  • Lastly, it is time to add the special touches.
    • Use flowers, pinecones, etc. to fill in the empty spots.

Wreath Care

Photo via FlowerBe

Taking care of your wreath is as simple as can be. Either you can choose to leave it alone as is, or you can periodically mist your wreath. If properly taken care of, a foraged wreath can last several months. Of course, this depends on the climate and temperature of your home. Wreaths in warmer climates tend to not last as long as those in colder climates. Similarly so, wreaths placed indoors tend to not last as long or tend to dry out faster.

A tip for wreath care to pay attention to in the beginning is the care of your cut stems and greenery. By immediately placing the cut stems in a bucket of water, you are preserving the wreath. Doing this allows for excess water to be absorbed before the assembly of the wreath. As we know, all living things need water to survive, so this is an easy and effective step to take. While doing so, make sure to aim the water towards the back end of the wreath or towards the cut ends of the stems.

As you can see, making a foraged wreath is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch of your lake home to your decor. Whether you choose to make something new or make something you know you’ll love, you are sure to spruce up your home!

DIY Porch Decorations for Fall

Posted on Mattison McWhorter
Materials for a fall DIY
Courtesy of Midwest Life and Style

A DIY is more than just a fun project to take on for a weekend. A DIY gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. And there’s no better time than the present. Here is a compiled list of some fall DIYs that will be sure to stand out on your front porch this autumn.

Pumpkin Doormat

Pumpkin Doormat
Courtesy of The Merry Thought

One thing every porch needs is a doormat. Despite its primary purpose of keeping dirt outside, it can also dress up your door. It’s one of the first things guests will see on your porch, so it’s best to make it welcoming and, in this case, festive! Check out this DIY pumpkin doormat to make this autumn.

Materials:

  • Doormat 
  • Pencil 
  • X-acto knife 
  • Scissors
  • Paint 
  • Paint Brush 

Instructions:

The first step to making this festive doormat is to flip it upside down so that the bottom of the mat is facing up. From here, you will sketch your pumpkin on the back of the mat. You can do this freehand or by using a reference photo. Once you’re happy with the drawn shape, take your X-acto knife and cut off the edges so that the mat is in its pumpkin shape. Then, you’ll flip the mat over, right side up, and clean up any messy edges with scissors. Finally, creativity comes in! Use your imagination and paint the mat. It can just be an outline of the pumpkin so the natural mat shows, or you can use any color that will match the rest of your porch décor.  

Mums in a Pumpkin Planter

Mums in a pumpkin planter
Courtesy of Simple Sojourns

Chrysanthemums, also called mums, are a staple fall flower because of their vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. Mums are sturdy flowers that will last throughout the fall season. One easy way to step up your mum game is to place them in a unique planter. What is more unique and autumnal than a pumpkin? Read these next steps on how to plant your mums in a pumpkin to dress up your flowers.

Materials:

  • A Mum 
  • A Pumpkin Large Enough for the Mum 
  • Knife 
  • Large Spoon 
  • Sharpie Marker
  • Potting Soil 
  • Ribbon 

Instructions:

Your first step for this planter is to select your pumpkin-chrysanthemum combination. There is little rhyme or reason here, so pick what you like! It can match your other porch decorations or simply complement them. The one rule is to make sure your mum and pumpkin are proportional to each other and that the mum can fit inside the pumpkin. To get started, remove the mum from its pot and set aside. From here, grab your pumpkin and draw a circle around the stem using the plastic planter from the mum as a stencil. Now, cut the top of the pumpkin open where you drew a circle.

Once open, take the time to remove the guts and seeds using a large spoon. With this step, you want to take out the majority, but whatever little bit is left will just be turned into fertilizer. Be sure to save those seeds for roasting! Next, add the soil into the pumpkin so that the bottom of the mum will sit an inch below the opening. Now, the fun part. Plant the mum into the pumpkin and water it. You can stop here or decorate it with ribbon. Be sure to water it every other day and enjoy your new planter! 

Autumn Leaf Archway

Fall archway on decorated porch
Courtesy of Macy.Blackwell on TikTok

This DIY is no small feat, but it makes a big impact. With this fanciful leaf arch, you will be the talk of the block. It may be a more time-consuming project, but it only has four materials you’ll need.

Materials: 

  • PVC Pipe
  • Chicken Wire
  • Garland 
  • Zip Ties

Instructions:

Build an arch with PVC pipe based on how big your arch needs to be to fit your porch. Attach three pieces of chicken wire to form the square arch shape with zip ties while ensuring it doesn’t stick out too far. Then, fill in with strands of garland, attaching with zip ties. The number of strands is dependent upon size. However, you will likely need at least 20. Continue to add until it is at your desired fullness. 

Pine Cone Door Hanger

Pine cone door hanger
Courtesy of Country Living

Wreaths are a porch necessity for all seasons. However, the trends are often changing on what kind of wreaths are becoming more popular. So, rather than a traditional round wreath, consider a hanging pine cone door hanger for this fall season. 

Materials: 

  • Pine cones, preferably real 
  • Eye-Bolt Screws
  • Ribbon 
  • Stapler

Instructions:

This DIY works best with natural pine cones you can scavenge from the forest or your front yard. First, take your pine cones and screw your eye bolts into their tops. Depending on your cones and screws, you might be able to do this by hand, or you may have to use a drill first. Screw it in until the eye hook touches the cone. Now, you have to visualize how the pine cones will lay. You will want them at staggered lengths rather than one bunch. So, lay out the pine cones at the varying lengths you want. Next, cut your ribbon to the desired length plus two inches for tying room for each pine cone.

Thread your ribbon through the eye hook, leaving one inch on the other side. Fold the inch onto the longer portion and staple them together to secure the pine cone. Repeat for all pine cones. From here, gather your ribbon-hung cones and lay them out how you visualized them. This is best done with the longest in the back and the shortest in the front. Once it looks how you like, staple all ribbons together near the top to make one hanging bunch. Now, cut the tops above the staple to make them even. Add a loop at the top with more ribbon, still stapling the two ends to the existing ribbon. Finally, use the remaining ribbon you have to decorate! You can add a bow near the top where the bunch will hang or at the top of each pine cone to add playful layers. 

Three Pumpkin Stacked Topiary

Stacked pumpkin topiary
Courtesy of Midwest Life and Style

If that archway was a little too extravagant, try this DIY topiary. It will give a similar effect on a smaller scale. This is a perfect touch to a porch, especially for those who don’t have a green thumb. You can customize this project with different pumpkins, leaves, and garlands. You could even use jack-o-lanterns and spiderwebs for a Halloween theme. 

Materials: 

  • Urn Planters
  • Potting Soil 
  • Three Different Size Plastic Pumpkins
  • Wood Dowels 
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Glue Sticks
  • Drill and Drill Bits 
  • Faux Fall Leaves
  • Grapevine Garland

Instructions: First, fill your planter with the potting soil. Next, you can begin preparing your pumpkins. Take the largest pumpkin and drill a hole in the bottom of it, big enough to insert the wooden dowel but not too large. You want it to fit snuggly on the dowel. Now, put the pumpkin dowel down into the soil. It’s time to add leaves! Remove the stem on the pumpkin simply by pulling or cutting it off. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach some leaves to the top of the pumpkin. You’ll want them to appear as if they’re lying on top of and falling off the pumpkin.

Now repeat! Drill another hole into the top of the bottom pumpkin so that it can hold the dowel of the next pumpkin. Drill and add the dowel to the second pumpkin, stack, add leaves, and do it a third time for the top pumpkin. Lastly, wrap the now-built topiary with grapevine garland to give it a rustic feel. Ta-da! New topiary! Make two and add them on each side of your door for a symmetrical effect.

Any of these DIYs are sure to impress. When you have guests over, and they ask, “Where did you get that?” You’ll be able to say, “Oh, I didn’t buy it. I made it!” It seems like an ideal conversation starter and something sure to boost your pride. Pick one out and work on it today!

   – Materials needed: A Mum, A Pumpkin (large enough for the Mum), Knife, Large Spoon, Sharpie Marker, Potting Soil, Ribbon.

   – Instructions: Cut the top of the pumpkin, remove the guts and seeds, add soil, plant the mum inside the pumpkin, and water it regularly.

   – Materials needed: PVC Pipe, Chicken Wire, Garland, Zip Ties.

   – Instructions: Build an arch with PVC pipe, attach chicken wire to form the arch shape, and fill it with strands of garland using zip ties.

 

   – Materials needed: Pine cones (preferably real), Eye-Bolt Screws, Ribbon, Stapler.

   – Instructions: Screw eye bolts into the tops of pine cones, arrange them at staggered lengths, attach ribbons to the eye hooks, staple them together, and create a hanging bunch with the pine cones.

   – Materials needed: Urn Planters, Potting Soil, Three Different Size Plastic Pumpkins, Wood Dowels, Hot Glue Gun, Glue Sticks, Drill and Drill Bits, Faux Fall Leaves, Grapevine Garland.

   – Instructions: Fill the planter with potting soil, drill holes in the pumpkins, insert wooden dowels, add leaves to the pumpkins with a glue gun, stack the pumpkins, and wrap the topiary with grapevine garland for a rustic touch.

Waterproofing Your Rugs: Here’s How To Do It

Posted on Jayden Marable
Outdoor rug and patio seating group with fire pit
Photo via RugsUSA

You might ask why it would be necessary to waterproof a rug. Our answer? You live on the lake! The lake lifestyle inherently calls for outdoor activities—swimming, kayaking, exercising, and much more. But even though outdoor living is a lot of fun, it can also cause a big mess. This is especially true for families with young children. Rugs quickly absorb rain and water, making them more susceptible to the eventual growth of mold and mildew. This can be unsafe and cause unpleasant odors at your lake home, but you can prevent it. Waterproofing rugs can help preserve flooring, reduce mold and mildew, and it’s quick and easy to do!

Focus Areas

Photo via Sunset

It is best to waterproof rugs in areas of your home that typically get a lot of foot traffic. This includes mudrooms and entryways where people come and go with wet shoes, umbrellas, and coats. It’s also smart to waterproof rugs in your lake home’s bathrooms and laundry room. These areas are known for having humid conditions—along with wet feet and clothes.

Here’s How To Do It

Photo via RugpadUSA

Waterproofing your rugs doesn’t have to be complicated. First, you want to consider what areas of the rug to focus on. The upper fibers, underside, and any padding layers underneath are all important. Keep in mind that the underside is just as important as the top of the rug when it comes to waterproofing. As water can easily seep through the entire rug, you want to ensure that every area is sealed. This way, you won’t have to worry about unwanted mold or mildew.

There are several ways to waterproof a rug—all quick and relatively easy to DIY. Waterproofing techniques include rug pads, fabric seal sprays, and adhesives.

Fabric Seal Spray

This must be sprayed to prevent liquids from soaking into the rug. Not only does this help prevent rug stains, but it also helps keep the fibers from unraveling and thread slippage. Some safe and reliable options include sprays such as Scotchgard or Thompson.

Rug Pad

Rug pads help prevent unwanted water or humidity from being absorbed. The pads are placed and attached to the rug’s underside using a heavy-duty silicone adhesive. You can purchase rug pads at most hardware stores, and trustworthy options include Anchor Grip and Cloud Comfort.

Silicone Adhesive

Adhesives should be used in accordance with the rug pad that you select. Remember to choose a strong, heavy-duty adhesive that will last. For example, Loctite Clear offers a reliable and durable silicone adhesive that will endure heavy use.

Testing Time!

Photo via The Home Depot

Now that you know how to waterproof your rug, it’s time to test it! It is best to wait a full 24 hours before testing the rug to ensure the waterproofing layer is dry. To test, you will only need about a cup of water. Slowly pour the water onto the top surface of your rug.

  • If it works, you will see the liquid bead up and run off the surface.
  • If the rug absorbs the water, allow it to dry, and add a second coat of sealant spray.

So now you know how quick and easy waterproofing your rugs can be. It’s an excellent and beneficial way to prevent odor, reduce the risk of mold and mildew, and preserve your flooring while enjoying the lake lifestyle.

Home Upgrades: DIY Projects to Improve ROI

Posted on Noah Ryan
man in a workshop with tools, wood, a laptop, and a book
Courtesy of Ivan Samkov
  • From small DIY projects to major overhauls, there are many upgrades homebuyers can do to elevate ROI:
    • Improve Curb Appeal
    • Install Metal Roofing
    • Refinish Hardwood
    • Switch to LED

We look back at old homes and like to think of them as well-loved, but houses tend to reflect the scars of time. From dents in the wall to oil spots and scuffed hardwood, most properties desperately need a facelift. So grab the caulk gun and sanding paper as we discuss four DIY projects to improve your home’s return on investment (ROI).

Improve Curb Appeal

home with dark blue accents, asphalt shingles, and and siding
Courtesy of Westlake Royal Building Products

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home derived from its aesthetic value. Put simply, what does the average passerby think of your property from the street view? Are your hedges trimmed, your exterior freshly painted, and your flowers blooming? Curb appeal encompasses more than these few ideas, but most upgrades bring at least 50% ROI. Landscaping improvements such as planting new trees or garden beds can yield a 50% ROI and a jump in resale value by 14%. Power washing your driveway removes the grunge and costs less than $500. Not all upgrades cost a fortune; new light features, doorknobs, and small porch plants can cost under $200.

These don’t always work out, though. Not all buyers are looking for an intricate garden to tend to, and not everyone desires the maintenance that a pool requires. Costs associated with curb appeal changes depend on the property and modifications made, and you can check out some of our ideas INSERT INTERNAL BLOG LINK HERE.

Install Metal Roofing

person with glove cleaning a gutter of a metal roof
Courtesy of Sheffield Metals

Our next DIY project is no small task. Over the past few decades, the popularity of metal roofing has risen exponentially, and the market expects to hit $33.5 billion by 2030. The low-maintenance alternative boasts longevity well over the classic asphalt shingle lifespan of 12–20 years, as metal roofs last up to 70 years. Of course, depending on local conditions and weather events, homeowners must also replace asphalt shingles often. But metal roofing, whether shingles or trays, helps homebuyers in the long run with its energy-saving properties. By its nature, this product reflects UV rays and, on average, saves between 10–25% on cooling costs. Likewise, lightning strikes upon a metal roof drastically reduce the risk of nature-borne house fires. And for those concerned with sustainability, most metal roofs are constructed with at least 25% recyclable materials.

Costs of swapping to a metal roof range between $5,000–$20,000 but average a 61% ROI alongside added benefits.

Refinish Hardwood

diy brushing hardwood with a varnish
Courtesy of BuildDirect

When installing flooring, hardwood and tile instantly elevate any space as long runners tend to increase perceived depth. In fact, Professional Builder suggests that hardwood floors increase a home’s ROI by 70–80% and a 2.5% boost to the overall sale. But over the years, scratches and knicks formed in the hardwood degrade its luster. More cost-effective alternatives exist, such as vinyl or laminate, but many homebuyers prefer genuine hardwood. Don’t just take our word for it. In 2019, the National Association of Realtors conducted a Remodeling Impact Study revealing that 27% of realtors suggest refinishing hardwood before putting your home up for sale. If you want to do a DIY project for your refinished hardwood, expect to spend between $800–$2,000, dependent on quantity and desired finish. Still, this remains more cost-effective than replacing the flooring entirely — often at three times the price!

Switch to LED

person screwing in an LED bulb into a light fixture
Courtesy of Inch Calculator

LED bulbs are a cost-effective lighting choice with several benefits. Americans spend, on average, at least 15% of their electricity bills on lighting, per the U.S. Department of Energy — but LED bulbs slash those numbers. Because they put off minimal heat, energy spent on cooling is reduced, and households retain an average of $225. Like many of the other DIY projects on this list, switching to LED bulbs is an investment in longevity. LED bulbs last approximately 30,000 hours, whereas incandescent bulbs only last 1,000 hours.

These DIY upgrades to improve ROI on your home only scratch the surface of potential ideas. So, whether you’re a DIY expert or just starting, there’s always something you can do.

5 Tips for Sticking to a Renovation Budget

Posted on Lacey Spear
Lake house
Photo Courtesy of Dwell

So you’ve bought the lake home with a stunning view, and now you’re ready to tailor the interior to fit your needs. Renovations are an excellent way to increase your home’s value and incorporate unique features. However, sometimes unexpected problems arise, but fear not—you can easily stick to your renovation budget with some strategic planning. 

1. Conduct Extensive Research 

Drawing of kitchen remodel
Photo Courtesy of The Family Handyman

Dazzling images of your dream kitchen and master bedroom swirl through your head. And you’ve scrolled through dozens of Pinterest boards to finalize whether you want quartz or marble countertops. However, not all materials are created equally, and it’s crucial to note price points before sketching out renovation plans. Plus, you must factor in the cost of labor. 

As Dwell contributor Kate Reggev points out, the more you plan, the fewer changes you make later and the less money you spend. So, it’s important to detail every renovation you want to integrate—even the minuscule ones. As Imran Hamidi, principal at Laing + Simmons East Group, explains, extensive planning forces you to ponder which additions enhance the value of your home. If you research thoroughly, you can avoid needless spending and stick to your renovation budget.

2. Be Intentional During the Bidding Process 

Contractor talking to couple in front of renovated house
Photo Courtesy of Freedom Mentor

When you are eager to move into your lake home, it can be tempting to rush the renovations. However, it’s essential to explore your options before coming to a decision, especially during the bidding process. When selecting a contractor, many renovation experts advise reviewing bids from at least three contractors to make an educated decision. 

Although selecting the cheapest contractor may seem economical, you could save less than you expect. Quality matters and an inexpensive contractor might end up leaving tasks unfinished. Home Advisor recommends hiring a contractor with a good reputation, noting, “When it comes to home renovations, you have to spend money to save money.” Additionally, Family Handyman contributor Rachel Broughman suggests researching what others have paid for similar renovations. She proposes not selecting the most or least expensive contractor but finding the median between the two. 

Additionally, consider hiring a contractor with fixed rates. As NAB (National Australian Bank) explains, “It could be worth the extra you pay to know exactly what you have to pay for upfront—and make it much easier to stick to your budget.” This way, you won’t have to scramble to readjust your budget later if unexpected issues arise. 

3. Safeguard Against Potential Problems 

Contractor showing plans to couple
Photo Courtesy of GOBankingRates

If you’ve watched HGTV long enough, you know renovation horror stories. Although many homeowners encounter minimal renovation issues, it’s paramount to safeguard against potential problems. Electrical or plumbing issues can lurk behind perfectly painted walls and go undetected until the demolition process. Most experts recommend setting aside 15-20% of the contractor’s renovation cost to confront these unexpected issues. This amount may sound like a hefty sum, but it guarantees these repairs won’t sink your budget. Plus, if you do not encounter any problems, you will have extra funds to invest in renovations you might have initially shelved. 

4. DIY When You Can 

Repurposed furniture before and after
Photo Courtesy of Amazing Interior Design

Unless you have extensive renovation experience, you should leave the plumbing to the professionals. However, there are some basic renovations anyone can accomplish. Most contractors will charge you for any extra work, so taking care of minor repairs in advance can help you stick to your renovation budget. For example, you can easily fill in holes in the wall or nail down loose floorboards. Furthermore, Chris Dossman, a real estate agent in Indianapolis, says that removing and discarding your old carpet can significantly cut labor costs on the installer’s bill. Then, when the contractor comes in, they can focus on major repairs. 

You can take on design-oriented projects like painting rooms or repurposing furniture. With countless DIY videos on the internet, you can spruce up your home and avoid an expensive trip to the furniture store. Lake Homes Lifestyles also has helpful DIY tips to get you started. 

5. Know When to Splurge and When to Save 

Sleek modern kitchen
Photo Courtesy of Detroit News

Splurging does not equal excess when you’re increasing your home’s value. Reggev pinpoints windows, appliances, and doors as a few key examples of where you can splurge and gain revenue in the long run. To decide when to splurge, Hamidi recommends splitting your budget into needs and wants, with essential items falling under the needs category. The needs—such as adding an extra bedroom or bathroom—will increase your lake home’s value if you decide to sell it. On the other hand, an outdoor waterfall might be a unique feature, but it isn’t guaranteed to enhance your home’s marketability. Therefore, it would be better to cut that expense than the extra bathroom—and having your renovations categorized simplifies this decision. 

According to Zillow, you should spend no more on each room than the value of that room as a percentage of your overall house value. For example, a kitchen generally accounts for up to 15 percent of a home’s value. So if your lake house is worth $500,000, you wouldn’t want to spend more than $75,000 on the kitchen. Also, consider undertaking several renovations simultaneously. For instance, if you decide to replace your home’s flooring, it would be better to install the new flooring throughout the entire house. It is easier for laborers to accomplish all of this at once, saving you more money in the future. 

There’s nothing like enjoying a breathtaking lake view in a home perfectly tailored to your taste. With these five tips in mind, you have the necessary tools to stick to your renovation budget and turn your lake house into your dream home. 

DIY Holiday Lake House Decor

Posted on Lacey Spear
Christmas tree at a lake home in a living room decorated for the holidays.
Photo Courtesy of Styled With Lace

Contributing Author: Madeline May

No matter how fast-paced and automated our world gets, there’s something about the holidays that makes us want to take it slow and go the homemade route. Whether you’re making grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe or creating your own garland, you can’t replace the feeling of doing it from scratch. Of course, you could go buy these items from the store and save some time and effort. But imagine your family and guests visiting for the holidays. You are sharing the joy of the season together—and perhaps cups of apple cider or hot cocoa. Then they look over at your pumpkin centerpiece or handmade wreath and ask, “Wow, where did you get that?” And you respond, “Oh no, I made that.” If this is your idea of an ideal holiday, check out our top picks for DIY holiday decor!

Pretty and Pumpkin

DIY pumpkin centerpiece, made from pine cones and a variety of fall stems.
Photo Courtesy of A Pumpkin & A Princess

Crisp fall leaves, bright berries, soft flowers, textured pine cones, and a smooth pumpkin—this centerpiece is the epitome of the fall season. Plus, you can add variations to it throughout the season to adapt it to any holiday gathering. It’s the ideal finishing touch to your autumn table setting.

Materials

  • Styrofoam block
  • Fall stems
  • Faux pumpkin
  • Hot glue

Instructions

Using a knife, cut the top stem off your pumpkin. Make sure the hole is large enough to fit your styrofoam inside. Glue the styrofoam inside of the pumpkin, then arrange your fall stems inside. For variations and more pumpkin centerpiece ideas, visit A Pumpkin & A Princess.

Thankful and Timeless

DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece with fall stems and a sign that reads "thankful."
Photo Courtesy of Eighteen25

The holidays are a time to set aside our everyday stresses and remember the reasons we have to be thankful. With playful fall stems and an elegant script, this DIY holiday mantelpiece will complement any decor style. Plus, it will remind guests of the real meaning of the season.

Materials

  • 18” x 27” embroidery hoop
  • Mustard spray paint
  • Fall stems
  • Sign
  • Hot glue

Instructions

First, spray paint your embroidery hoop and allow it ample time to dry. Then, glue your stems around the sides near the base. Secure your finished hoop on the mantel, then place your sign in front. Enjoy your new mantelpiece!

Classy and Chic

DIY holiday wreath filled with pine cones, lights, and greenery.
Photo Courtesy of A Piece of Rainbow

Pine cones are a great way to bring the outdoors in and emphasize the winter season while still granting your lake home a timeless aura. This pine cone wreath complements numerous decor styles, from farmhouse to modern. Plus, you can customize it to go with your fall, Thanksgiving, winter, or Christmas decor. Talk about a four-in-one!

Materials

  • A 14″ wire wreath
  • Door wreath hanger (optional)
  • Hot glue and hot glue sticks
  • Battery-powered LED fairy string lights
  • 60-75 pinecones, sorted into 3 even groups of large, medium, and small

Instructions

First, wrap the wreath form with twine until it is completely covered (this will help the glue stick). Next, glue the large pine cones to the outside ring of the wreath form. Then glue the medium pine cones to the next circle, closer to the center. Finally, glue the small pine cones on the most inward ring of the wreath. Creative variations include adding evergreen cuttings, red berries, string lights, and more. For more details, check out A Piece of Rainbow.

Repurposed and Rustic

DIY hanging Christmas tree, made from repurposed wood and rustic ornaments.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest / Julie DIY Darlin’

Do you love putting a twist on an old classic? This DIY holiday tree can serve as a unique alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, and its rustic look wonderfully complements the lake home aesthetic. Plus, you can use sticks and logs from your own backyard to create the tree, making it an eco-friendly option.

Materials

  • 7 Silver Birch logs (30-40 mm diameter)
  • 6 meters of jute rope
  • Ornaments

Instructions

Arrange the logs in a tree shape and keep space between them. Knot the middle of your rope onto the top log. Then, keeping it taut, tie it onto every log at the ends of the log, forming a triangle. Hang your tree onto the wall and add your ornaments and decorations.

Expensive and Elegant

Elegant DIY Christmas garland, filled with gold embellishments and ribbon in front of a living room with a Christmas tree inside.
Photo Courtesy of Magnolia Lane

Calling this garland expensive might seem like a misnomer since you can create it for a low price. However, when your lake home guests take in its sparkle, elegance, and glam, they will hardly think it was crafted on a budget. Although it looks complex, this Christmas garland is quite easy to make and will transform your home into a mini Hallmark movie in no time.

Materials

Instructions

First, spread your garland out on the floor. Secure all your embellishments to the garland by using wired wood picks. Then, wrap the ribbon around the garland. Feel free to wire some loops together and cut shorter pieces to tuck into certain sections. Leave some ribbon hanging on each end. Secure to the wall with two large anchor hooks and some command strips on the side. For more details, visit 11 Magnolia Lane.

We hope these pieces enhance your holiday gatherings with friends and family. Cheers to all things merry and bright—and from our lake home to yours, Happy DIY Holidays!

Best Birdhouse Kits for Your Backyard

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by chris robert on Unsplash

Having a birdhouse (or several) in your backyard is an excellent way to attract birds to your lake house. Plus, creating your own birdhouse can be a fun DIY craft activity for you and your family. But if you’re not an expert woodworker, what should you do? Luckily, there are several birdhouse-making toolkits available on the market. With these kits, you can get all the fun of building your own birdhouse and none of the stress. With most being kid-friendly and a few more upscale choices, check out our top five recommendations!

Toysmith Beetle & Bee Birdhouse Kit

Image courtesy of Amazon

This Beetle & Bee Birdhouse Kit from Toysmith is a fun, highly-rated craft project. The simple, straightforward design requires easy assembly without hardware requirements, perfect for kids ages 5 and up. It also includes a paintbrush to add fun designs to your birds’ new nesting place at the lake.

Window View Birdhouse Kit

Image courtesy of thebirdhousechick.com

This window view birdhouse kit allows you to get a close-up view of birds who visit your lake home. Made of natural Eastern white pine, this small birdhouse is made of durable, high-quality wood that’s built to last. In addition to its wooden parts, the kit comes with two suction cups for mounting onto your window. Just install the birdhouse onto the window, ideally one with curtains or blinds so birds won’t be distracted. Then, just watch birds flock to your hand-built home while you lounge in the living room!

Hapray DIY BirdHouse Kit

Image courtesy of Amazon

Why limit your backyard to just one birdhouse? The Hapray DIY Birdhouse Kit comes with four unassembled birdhouses. With the wooden materials, Bplus glue, and string, you have everything you need included in this kit. These birdhouses are made of high-quality plywood which is both non-toxic and eco-friendly. Now for the most fun part — it also comes with several 12×2 paints, plus a painting palate so you can mix colors to your heart’s content. With cons of colors and plenty of wood, you’ll add a bright, playful feel to your backyard.

Scout Regalia Birdhouse Kit

Photo courtesy of West Elm

For a more upscale option, check out this Scout Regalia Birdhouse Kit. Made of laser-cut birch plywood, it’s durable and made to last through the years. In addition to the wooden pieces, this kit also includes a paracord for hanging, as well as clear assembly instructions. Once you’ve put it together, there are several options for styling such as staining, clear coating, painting, or covering it in birdseed. Unlike many other birdhouse kits, this one has a more open-air design, making room for a wide variety of bird species.

Made By Me Birdhouse

Image courtesy of Walmart

This Made By Me Birdhouse is a perfect project for you and your kids at the lake. Easy to build, it comes with pre-cut wooden pieces and glue — no required tools needed. The kit also includes six paint colors, as well as little wooden accessories. Whether your birdhouse is lined with a green fence or decorated with small pink flowers, it’s time to get creative! It’s also a great opportunity to see how colors attract different birds. For instance, hummingbirds are attracted to reds and pinks, while bluebirds are (you guessed it) drawn to blue.

A Few Key Tips

Photo by Lubomirkin on Unsplash

To keep your experience as fun as possible, just be sure to read all the assembly instructions beforehand to make sure you have the proper tools. Also, it’s important to consider the durability of the materials. While cedar is perhaps the most sturdy, high-quality material, it’s also the most expensive. However, plywood is also an excellent option. Finally, determine what species of birds you’d like to see. For instance, bird feeders with smaller holed entrances will attract smaller birds like wrens, whereas birdhouses with more open spaces will bring in larger birds like sparrows. Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy creating your birdhouse — and we hope the birds enjoy it just as much!

A Guide to DIY Weed Killer

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Almanac.com

As any gardener knows, keeping weeds away from your prized plants can be a hassle. Even in the most successful gardens, weeds will creep into the soil and sunlight that your plot provides. Luckily, there’s a myriad of options for weed killers. However, many of the store-bought options contain herbicide chemicals that you may choose to keep out of your garden. If you’re looking for an all-natural DIY option, we’ve got you covered!

A Weed Killing Recipe

Photo courtesy of getgreenbewell.com

For a safe and effective weed-killing recipe, a combination of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap will usually do the trick. The acetic acid in the vinegar and salt help to draw out moisture from the weeds, wilting them. To complete the concoction, dish soap serves as a surfactant which helps the plant to absorb this toxic mixture, instead of sitting topically on the leaves in beaded form. To create this mixture, just combine a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. If you want to add some extra potency, try squeezing some lemon juice too. 

Don’t have vinegar or liquid soap handy at the lake house? As an alternate DIY weed-killing solution, you only need one ingredient — boiling water. Its high temperature can help by killing the invasive plants down to the roots, permanently killing the weeds. However, you just want to make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process! Be sure to stand far away from where you’re pouring, and exercise caution.

Pros and Cons of DIY Weed Killer

Photo courtesy of Cook’n

Let’s start with the pros. With just a few simple ingredients, this herbicide is super simple to create. It doesn’t require a trip to the store, and it doesn’t expose your backyard to harsh chemicals. A win-win! However, one downside of a DIY solution is that it doesn’t get to the root of the problem (no pun intended). Chemical herbicides directly target the plant’s root system, while the DIY solution may require multiple spray sessions to finally kill the weeds. Despite its limitations, this quick, low-cost homemade solution is perfectly effective in managing a lake house garden.

When to Apply Weed Killer

Photo courtesy of Glen Carrie on Unsplash

To make the mixture most effective, it’s best to apply it to a group of weeds on a bright, clear sunny day. In the sunlight, the effects of your handiwork would be evident within a few hours. When you see wilting leaves and browning stems, you know the herbicide is working. Usually, they’ll turn fully brown before finally withering away.

Weed Prevention

Photo courtesy of Green Lawn Fertilizing

In addition to killing weeds once they’ve already sprouted, developing solutions for deterring weed growth in the first place is an excellent prevention strategy. Mulch is one easy solution that obstructs sunlight and prevents weed growth. It also retains moisture in the soil, carving out less watering time for you. Additionally, practicing good lawn care such as mowing at a taller height, regular watering, and checking on the health of your plants can be helpful. 

When it comes to properly kill weeds, you might have all you need right in the kitchen of your lake home. For more gardening tips, continue to check out our blog!