DIY Porch Decorations for Fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Tabletop Centerpiece Ideas

Photo courtesy of My Domaine

When hosting guests at your lake house, creating a beautiful centerpiece can do wonders for your space. But instead of buying an expensive decoration, you can easily create a DIY centerpiece that shows off your creativity and personal style. If you’re seeking ideas for a sophisticated dining table aesthetic, we’ve got you covered.

The Tin Can Succulents

Photo courtesy of Balcony Garden Web

Designing your centerpiece around plants is a great way to foster a biophilic aesthetic in your home. Especially with succulents, you can add greenery to your home in a stress-free way. These plants are low-irrigation, making them super easy to care for. Add a few upcycled tin cans, a tray filled with decorative rocks, and you’re all set.

The Leafy Greens

Photo courtesy of Southern State of Mind Blog

To create a nature-based centerpiece, you don’t need to look further than your own backyard. Using various clippings of leaves from your lakeside property, you can create a beautiful centerpiece that evokes a natural aesthetic. Quick to assemble, you can replace your foliage every so often with new hand-picked plants. For an extra unique flair, try adding some lemons and limes to the base of the vase. It’s also a great opportunity to dig in your craft basket for a beautiful ribbon to wrap around the vase.

The Candle Corner

Photo courtesy of Liz Marie

Nothing evokes a sense of warmness, comfort, and overall hygge quite like a collection of candles. Rather than arranging candles sporadically in various corners of your house, try compiling them to create an elegant centerpiece for your table. This DIY idea from Liz Marie’s blog features a pottery tray with wood bead garland, topped with nine pillar candles of varying heights. The combination of various materials such as wood figures, a ceramic plate, and a woven tray table creates a dynamic look.

The Fruity and Delicious

Don’t underestimate the decorative power of that fruit bowl sitting in your kitchen. With the right amount of creative touch, fruit bowls can make lovely tabletop centerpieces. For a pristine look, get a smooth, white, or silver bowl with a wide base. Then, pair jewel-toned fruits with a variety of sizes but with similar coloring. For example, plums and pomegranates complement each other well, with their dark reddish shades. For a more interesting look, you can also pair it with florals from your garden.

The “I Want Candy”

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Want to create a good-looking centerpiece with a whimsical touch? Try filling a glass jar with Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in silver. While unconventional, this idea creates a fun and inviting atmosphere, and the silver wrappers create a cohesive, shiny look that goes with any lake house aesthetic. The best part? Your guests will always have a sweet treat to munch on. 

Of course, these are just a few ideas. When it comes to creating your own centerpieces, the options are endless. Use whatever materials are at your fingertips — greenery, used mason jars, fruit, flowers, craft paper — and get creative! Your interior design style is personal, and it’s all about cultivating the right look for you!

DIY Bird Seed Tips

Photo courtesy of Andrew Dernie / Getty Images via The Spruce

In summertime when food is abundant, birds are more likely to scavenge for their own meals. However, resources are scarce during the cooler months. So, this season, birds could use a little assistance finding a reliable sources of food. Installing a bird feeder in your backyard is a great way to attract birds to your lake home and enjoy birdwatching on a regular basis. But when it comes to filling those feeders, things get trickier. If you decide to make your own bird seed (a fun craft project for everyone), how do you know what the “dos” and “don’ts” are? Which types of seed will attract a wide range of birds? At Lake Homes, we’re here to help. Check out these tips for creating DIY bird seed this winter!

Essential Ingredients

Photo courtesy of Bird Watcher’s Digest

The key to creating a delicious homemade bird seed recipe is including nutritious ingredients that birds need in their diet. Luckily, these essential components are inexpensive! You can usually find them in bulk at most grocery stores. For instance, peanuts are beloved by birds and provide them with enough protein for their diet. Besides peanuts, any good bird seed mix will include sunflower seeds. Whether hulled or in the shell, these seeds are highly nutritious. Specifically, black oil sunflower seeds have high fat content, as well as protein and fiber, which is perfect for birds.

Extra Ingredients

Photo courtesy of This is My Garden

While key ingredients like peanuts and sunflower seeds may be the star of the show, supplemental ingredients are necessary to round out the nutritional value of your DIY bird seed. First off, white millet (as opposed to red millet) is an excellent source of protein, calcium, magnesium, oil, and phosphorus. Similar to white millet, cracked corn is a great high-protein ingredient. As opposed to whole corn, cracked corn is easier for both small and large birds to consume. Just be sure to use limited amounts! Too much cracked corn can absorb moisture and dry out your other ingredients. Finally, an ingredient often excluded from store-bought mixes is dried fruit. A handful of raisins (white or red) can attract a host of birds to your backyard who might not otherwise hang around.

Ideal Ratio of Ingredients

Photo courtesy of Growing Family

As one might expect, the essential ingredients (e.g., peanuts and sunflower seeds) should be prioritized in these DIY bird seed recipes. For a standard recipe option, include one cup of peanuts and sunflower seeds and ½ cup of extra ingredients. This ratio excludes dry fruit, in which a little bit (just a handful) goes a long way.

Ingredients to Avoid

Photo courtesy of Powell Feed, LLC

Although birds are known to devour a host of seed-like ingredients, there are several that you’ll need to avoid when creating your own DIY bird seed. Among them is milo, a filler grain. This large, reddish seed with a round shape is less appealing to most birds. A few select species, such as doves, enjoy eating milo, but including it in your recipe will turn the majority of birds off to your backyard. Canary seed, grass seed, oats, wheat, and sticks are other bad ingredients to avoid. One of the benefits of creating DIY bird seed is that you can avoid these “bad” or “filler” ingredients that are often included in cheaper store-bought mixes. In fact, so many mixes contain more milo than other, healthier and more appealing ingredients. Making your own bird seed will ensure that birds are attracted to the food you’re offering! 

With these tips, your backyard is bound to be a hotspot for birds this winter!