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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Backyard Bliss

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A Slice of Garden Heaven

““If one word could describe Marah’s backyard transformation, it would be Bliss.””
— Marah

When W+M agent Anna Domenico’s client, Marah and her family moved into their home, they knew their dream backyard would include a garden, open space for yard games, and something special that could evolve over time. “We wanted a garden and open space for yard games, and as the kids grew, the jungle gym idea really excited us,” Marah shares. What started as a simple vision soon blossomed into a lush, functional space the whole family could enjoy together.

Working with the space they had, Marah and her partner, Matt, got to work on their backyard project—despite being beginners in the gardening world. “Matt built one garden bed before this at our last house, and I grew up with some gardening knowledge,” Marah admits. The couple leaned on their creativity and helpful neighbors and friends to build their dream backyard step by step.

The project, which took about three years to complete, was a true labor of love. “We have been working on the yard slowly for three years,” says Marah. “We allocated about $10,000 for the garden, sauna, and jungle gym, with the sauna taking up most of the budget. We probably went a little over budget buying new plants each year, but it’s totally worth it—we get so much enjoyment out of our gardening hobby.” 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the transformation? The sense of community and the help they received along the way. “Neighbors and friends with different expertises helped with digging post holes, carrying concrete, building the sauna, and putting the roof on the jungle gym,” Marah recalls. “We moved in during the pandemic with a newborn, and that year was quite isolating. Having people help and spend time with us in our yard was especially enjoyable when that was safe for everyone.”

As for Marah’s favorite part of the project? It’s simple. “We love being in the garden as a family. It’s a dream come true to harvest tomatoes and strawberries with the kids and to be outside together.”

The materials used in the backyard are just as thoughtful as the project itself. The table and benches are from West Elm, the “mud kitchen” in the jungle gym was made with materials from ReStore, and most of the wood came from Front Range Lumber. 

Marah’s advice for anyone starting a similar project? “Invest in water-wise plants and look into plants that grow well in Denver. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a great place to find inspiration. And lean on your community. We’ve exchanged skills with our neighbors, and it’s helped us build great relationships.”

What began as a daunting list of tasks evolved into a passion project that has brought the family closer together. “When we first moved in, the projects seemed daunting. Now, gardening feels like a hobby—a labor of love,” Marah reflects. “It’s still a work in progress, but we enjoy it so much, and we’re excited for what’s next.”

 

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Try the 'Holding Zone' Decluttering Method When You're Not Ready to Say Goodbye to Your Stuff

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Any attempt to get rid of things is inevitably a big challenge, because even ratty old T-shirts and DVDs we haven't watched in at least a decade somehow still spark joy for us.

So maybe we needed a gentler push toward finally declaring at least some of those items ready to go. Enter our latest attempt to get a little more clutter out the door: the slow-roll shakeup. Rather than send something out the door right away, we pop it in a "holding zone" bin for a bit—and give ourselves time to get used to the idea of setting it free.

If you have some stubborn cluttered spots (or some stubborn clutter keepers), try these tips to see if you can make some progress through this decluttering method.

How This Decluttering Method Works

This method can work for any type of decluttering project, whether you're just looking to organize a drawer or shelf, or doing a whole room. Here's how to work it into your decluttering routine.

Add a "holding zone" box or bin to your declutter session setup

Most decluttering methods start by sorting into several piles/bins: to keep, to give away, and to trash. The slow-roll method gives you a fourth option: the "maybe later" or holding zone bin. That's where you put those things that you're not totally committed to keeping, or that you know deep down you can probably part with—whether it's the jeans that you haven't been able to squeeze into for the past five years, or the board game you love but can't get anyone in your family to play with you.

That "maybe later" bin can help you avoid the roadblocks and emotional fatigue of letting go right away.

Store the bin—for a little while

Find an out-of-the-way place to keep your holding zone bin while you get used to the idea of life without those items. If you find yourself needing to pull something out of there while it's stored, it's clearly an item that needs to stay.

Set a deadline

Mark it on the box, put it in your calendar, and post it on your fridge: That "maybe later" bin should have a definite shelf life. Obviously, the sooner, the better is best, but try to make it no more than three months from now, so you don't hold onto these items indefinitely (just in a more hidden spot).

Donate or sell everything

When you hit that deadline, everything that's still in the box must go. Send the items into the universe, whether you donate them to charity, sell them at a garage sale, or give them away on a Buy Nothing group. If you're concerned about waffling on the items in the box when it's time to say a final farewell, don't even take a peek into the box. Have a less sentimental friend or family member go through it and get the items ready to sell or donate.

Benefits of This Decluttering Method

This may be the best way to clear away stuff if you're someone who has a very hard time letting go of items, or if you've already done an initial pass and you still have too much stuff. By putting the items into limbo for a bit, you may finally cut that connection and be able to set it free.

You may also find yourself breezing through your next declutter more quickly, since you won't be dealing with the emotions that come with getting rid of something you love.

Downsides to Consider

As with any decluttering method, the holding zone has its drawbacks. The key one: if you're a procrastinator, that "maybe later" box could end up sitting there forever—and that stuff will continue to gather dust in your home, instead of serving a purpose.

But there is also the issue of finding a spot to hold all those items. And if you've sorted more items into the holding zone than anywhere else, it'll still be taking up a lot of space in your home while you're waiting for the delay to do its magic.

Still, storing that clutter for a short time can be a small price to pay—if you're willing to get rid of it after that time has passed.

Read more at Real Simple

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Fixer-Upper Houses: What Home Shoppers Should Know

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Buying a fixer-upper can provide a path to homeownership for first-time home buyers or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood.

With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if you’re on a budget.

Fixer-upper houses — existing single-family homes in need of renovations or repairs — usually sell for less per square foot than homes that are in good shape, says Dan Bawden, president and CEO of Legal Eagle Contractors in Houston, Texas.

But before you start bargain hunting, you need to know what you're in for; renovations aren't as easy as they look on TV. Seemingly simple projects can become complicated once the demolition starts, and if costs end up higher than estimated, finishing your to-do list can take longer than anticipated.

Weigh these considerations to help decide if buying a fixer-upper is right for you.

Fixer-upper mortgage options

Renovation loans are mortgages that let you finance a house and improvements at the same time. With a renovation loan, you can pay off improvements over a longer period of time and at a lower interest rate than other types of financing. Options include:

  • FHA 203(k): Offered through the Federal Housing Administration, FHA 203(k) loans allow lower income and credit scores than conventional mortgages. They can be used for many improvement projects, including making the home more accessible, repairing a swimming pool or building a garage.

  • HomeStyle: Guaranteed by Fannie Mae, HomeStyle mortgages require higher credit scores than FHA 203(k) loans. But almost any improvements are eligible, including “luxuries” like a pool or landscaping.

  • CHOICERenovation loan: Guaranteed by Freddie Mac, this mortgage allows borrowers to finance the purchase and renovation of a home in one loan with a minimum down payment of 5% (3% for first-time homebuyers).

  • VA renovation loan: VA borrowers can finance the purchase and renovation of a home with one loan, though this product can be difficult to find, even among lenders that specialize in VA loans. A VA-approved contractor is required, eligible projects are somewhat limited and work must be completed within 120 days of closing on the loan.

A fixer-upper mortgage may also help cover your mortgage payments if you have to live elsewhere while improvements are in progress and may include extra funds in case projects exceed the estimated cost.

How to determine the work needed and your budget

1. Consult a professional

Before buying a fixer-upper home, hire a professional contractor to estimate the cost of the work that’s needed before you make an offer. The house that’s right for you depends on your skills, schedule and the way you plan to finance the improvements.

“There’s less-than-perfect shape and then there’s total disrepair,” says Carolyn Morganbesser, assistant vice president of mortgage originations at Affinity Federal Credit Union in New Jersey.

2. Pick the right payment method for your project

For more simple repairs: You may be able to stick with a traditional mortgage and pay for upgrades with cash, a credit card or a personal loan to start renovating right after closing. These bootstrapped financing options might put a low ceiling on your budget and come with a higher interest rate.

3. Expect roadblocks

Whether you DIY or hire a pro, don’t be surprised if there are roadblocks along the way. “It always takes longer than you thought it was going to take because that’s the nature of remodeling,” Bawden says.

If you're looking at foreclosed homes, which often need work, brace for delays during the mortgage offer process as well, Morganbesser adds. With bank-owned properties, you’ll be negotiating with the lender that owns the property, and it may reject your offer more than once, she says. That makes for a slow start to a project that could take months.

4. Prepare for additional supervision and appraisals

Renovation loans often require extra consultations, inspections and home appraisals designed to protect the lender’s investment — as well as your own.

A standard FHA 203(k) loan, for example, requires you to hire a Department of Housing and Urban Development consultant who’ll approve your plans, manage contractor payments and inspect the property after each phase of work is complete.

These additional hurdles can be frustrating, but they help to ensure the work is on time, on budget and adds value to the home.

Read more at Nerdwallet

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The Rise, Fall, and Return of the American Porch

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The porch, as part of the American home, is more than an architectural feature: It’s a viewpoint into the country’s changing cultural (and literal) climate.

Since the mid-19th-century golden age of this classic U.S. domestic design element, its look and role have revealed wider societal fluctuations, from the car’s impact on suburbia to the more recent push for walkable neighborhoods. The porch is so important that it’s the subject of this year’s U.S. Pavilion exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Here, we trace the road to its revival.

A Welcome Arrival

Outdoor coverings connected to a building have existed in various forms across cultures for millennia, from Greco-Roman porticos and Venetian loggias to ancient Indian alindas (verandas), among others. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century, however, that the porch became a ubiquitous part of American homes—particularly in the South, where French Colonial–style galleries, which echoed features of cabins built by enslaved people of African descent, provided shade and air circulation in hot, humid climates. Early American porches were often wooden structures with columns, railings, and roof overhangs and were characterized by their symmetry and restrained ornamentation.

Evolving Purpose…

Before air-conditioning or electric fans, "sleeping porches"—screened-in spaces allowing cool nighttime breezes—became popular in many Victorian-era and early-20th-century American residences. People also saw using these spaces, usually on the second floor, next to bedrooms, as a way to avoid one of the leading causes of death at the time: tuberculosis. (Before antibiotics, the standard treatment for the disease was extended fresh-air exposure.) Meanwhile, at its peak popularity, the front porch served as a prominent open-air parlor for socializing in American households. In some communities, the porch carried an even deeper cultural significance: As Black Americans faced discrimination in public spaces, porches became places where families and friends could safely congregate and build community.

…and Expanding Aesthetic

As the American porch endured as a staple residential feature and site for socializing, it became embedded in diverse architectural styles across the growing country. Porch designs became more elaborate and distinctive, largely reflecting vernacular styles of their regions. The Victorian era saw the introduction of intricate wraparound porches adorned with delicate spindle work, which was often painted in vibrant colors, reflecting the era’s penchant for excess. The Craftsman style, emerging in the early 20th century, favored sturdy, exposed beams, unpainted wood, and deep eaves. The front porches of New Orleans shotgun houses were often extensions of the living rooms inside.

The 1930s Decline

The interwar era saw the slow decline of porches in newly built American homes, a shift driven by changing housing policy and technological advancements. The Federal Housing Administration, a U.S. government agency founded in 1934 that created our current financial mortgaging system, issued stricter house-building guidelines, leading many developers to favor streamlined designs. At the same time, the street itself was changing. Increased car traffic brought noise and air pollution, making front yards and porches less desirable spaces for relaxation and play. As car culture expanded, suburban developments shifted toward backyard-centric designs. Time once spent on the porch now moved behind the home. The widespread introduction of air-conditioning and television also contributed to the American porch party’s effective end.

Making a Comeback

The American porch seems to be experiencing something of a revival. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the number of new, single-family U.S. homes built with porches climbed from 42 percent in 1994 to 52 percent in 2004 and 66.4 percent in 2022. Porches played a crucial role in facilitating safe socializing during the height of the Covid pandemic; the New Urbanism movement, which arose in the late ’80s and early ’90s to suggest "human-scale" alternatives to the sprawl of post-WWII development, has championed porches as key features of walkable communities. The spirit of this renewed appreciation is captured in the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale’s PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity (on view through November 23). The exhibition explores the porch’s role as a fixture of American architecture—and character.

Read more at Dwell

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4 Things You Should Always Do to Secure Your Home Before You Go on Vacation

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Summer is here, which means the vacation season is officially in full force. Whether you’re planning to jet off overseas, take a road trip, or even head to your local beach for a few days, many of us have travel plans that we’re excited about. But unfortunately, your time away from home also makes your house more vulnerable to burglary.

However, that doesn’t mean you should go away and be worried. Rather, the contrary. Consider this the perfect opportunity to finally get proactive about securing your home. Here are four things you should always do before you go on vacation.

Automate Your Lights With Smart Lighting

Jim Nye, Vivint CPO, recommends automating your lights with smart bulbs. “A property that remains dark all night might signal to potential thieves that the house is unoccupied. Automated smart lighting inside and out can be very effective in deterring burglars.”

Vivint offers a smart lighting system that allows you to create custom schedules on an easy-to-use app. However, if you are on a budget or rent your home, there are plenty of smart bulbs on the market that are compatible with systems you may already have, such as Alexa or Google Home.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to buy smart bulbs for every room. Start with just the rooms that have windows facing the street.

Secure All Doors and Windows With Sensors

Before you head out for an extended time away, make sure all the windows and doors are closed and locked. Don’t forget to take one last look before you hit the road. Nye tells me it can be easy to miss that basement window or that back door you rarely use. “By installing smart sensors throughout your home ahead of time, you’ll be able to easily see which doors and windows are still open via a central app and secure them accordingly before you go.”

Swap Out Your Spare Keys for Smart Locks

Professional thieves know what to look for and this includes the spare key that many of us keep hidden under a rock or planter on the front porch. Smart locks are a far better solution to this problem. “Smart locks can be controlled remotely and allow you to give a friend an access code, so they can watch your house while you’re away. You can also stay notified of their activity the whole time,” says Nye.

No time to install a smart lock before you go? Make plans to give anyone planning to come by a key in person, instead of potentially setting yourself up for trouble.

Plan for Package Deliveries

Did you order sunscreen and it didn’t arrive in time? What about that monthly box subscription scheduled to arrive the day after you leave? Nye advises planning for package deliveries and using a doorbell camera (they're often part of wireless doorbell systems). “Unattended packages on your porch are a clear sign that no one is home—and they also present a prime opportunity for porch piracy.”

He recommends protecting your home by placing orders that will be delivered before or after your vacation. “If packages must arrive while you’re away, you can use a doorbell camera to deter porch pirates and receive alerts about those deliveries.”

You also ask a neighbor to come by and take your packages inside while you're away. Then return the favor by doing the same for them while they’re on vacation.

Lastly, you may be able to ask your local post office, or couriers like FedEx and UPS, to hold your boxes or reschedule delivery dates. If you have items on Amazon subscribe and save—be sure to change those dates or pause the month if need be.

Read more at Real Simple

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