Home Management Interests - aka: HMI

06/01/2026

When times are financially difficult, the interiors of homes reflects more of nature, which is soothing and calming. Colors and textures abound so that everyone in the home may feel more grounded and balanced. This photo demonstrates this concept.

05/17/2026

Blue flowers always make a garden feel calmer 💙 They’re not always the easiest color to find, but when you add them in the right spots, they really stand out.
🌸 Blue hydrangeas are gorgeous, but their color can depend on your soil.
💙 Agapanthus gives that bold, elegant look in warm areas.
🌿 Larkspur adds height and a cottage-garden feel.
🪻 Lobelia is lovely for edging, containers, and soft little pops of blue.
🔔 Campanula brings that pretty bell-shaped bloom that looks so sweet in borders.
I like mixing blue flowers with white, lavender, or soft pink blooms so the whole bed looks fresh without feeling too busy 🌿

04/29/2026

A small outdoor space can be beautiful with some work.

Beautiful Garden

04/23/2026

This kitchen is shown in a beautiful 2026 green cabinet color with stone backsplash and white countertops. Do you see the opening to the skullery or prep kitchen? Too many plants in a functioning kitchen, but overall, it has a really nice design with lighting at the kick drawer space.

04/23/2026

Lined the base of the downspout with edging blocks, then added a small channel of pavers to guide the water away from the house. A layer of gravel underneath helps with drainage and keeps everything stable over time.

04/23/2026

What type of outdoor dog house is best for your dog? With many options available, stay away from aluminum or steel, as they retain heat. Be certain if choosing a plastic or wooden one, that there is adequate air flow through the dog house to keep the dog cool in summer. Another option are the open air dog houses that provide some sunscreens and shade, whether the dog lays on the ground or above it. When the ground is hot, airflow under the dog seems the best option. Good luck searching, and may your dog stay cool in summer and warm in winter!

04/23/2026

Time to take off the green grunge. Spray with bleach, follow with strong brushing by hand or long broom. Rinse off with water and dry. Next, after complete drying of the wood, lightly sand and wipe down with damp cloth. To avoid the green grunge from returning, choose a spray on or brush on gloss paint. Repeat with 2nd coat. When completely dry, finish off with a gloss or matte sealant finish. You can DO THIS!

04/08/2026

Small back yards or patio areas can be made to be somewhat private with yard dividers as in a green hedge or purchased wood or metal divider. Adding landscaping then adds the final touch to your private escape.

04/08/2026

Ugly propane tanks need not boldly ugly. Hide it with a fence and brighten with flowers.

Hide your massive outdoor propane tank and create a stunning colorful garden sanctuary that increases your home value.

Propane tanks are big, ugly eyesores that sit right in the middle of your yard and completely ruin your relaxing view. They make your beautiful property look like an unfinished construction site instead of a finished home. Neighbors and visitors are forced to see it every single day. Hiding it immediately makes your whole house look more elegant and expensive.

You will gain a lush secret garden filled with vibrant flowers to look at instead of a big, gray metal barrel. The sturdy wood screen creates a perfect new spot for growing climbing plants for even more color and privacy. This project is a massive win for your yard and for your neighborhood appeal. Your whole family will love having a finished look in this wasted space.

First, you must build a strong wood screen fence with heavy cedar planks and sturdy four-by-four posts to completely hide the tank on two sides. Use special lag screws for a super secure fit that can withstand high winds. Install a neat gate with black hardware for quick and safe access to your tank. Next, lay down a barrier of strong landscape fabric and create a neat boundary line with small grey bricks to stop grass from moving in. Fill the new garden bed with bags of rich, dark topsoil for healthy plant growth.

Place green Clematis vines and red climbing Roses right next to the fence so they can grow up and hide the wood. Fill the garden with colorful Lavender, pink Coneflowers, yellow Daylilies, and rounded Hostas for layers of summer colors. Cover all exposed soil with a thick layer of shredded wood mulch to keep the ground damp and prevent weeds from growing back. Be careful to leave space around your air conditioning unit for proper airflow.

For a great pro-tip, select flowers with different bloom times so you have continuous color from early spring through fall. A purple Clematis blooms early and classic roses bloom all summer to keep your garden beautiful for months. Be very careful never to block or plant over the tank's filling valve or main service cap. Water your new plants deeply every single day for the first two weeks so they can establish strong roots in their new home.