Far from boring, a neutral color palette can provide a beautiful backdrop for a rich and complex space, allowing more subtle design elements, such as pattern and texture, to edge out color and take center stage. But neutral colors don’t always have to fade into the background. When we think of neutrals, we tend to think in terms of white, gray, and beige, but neutrals can have a darker, more dramatic side....

Just remember to resurface or repair any cracks before painting your patio using concrete-friendly paint. And don’t forget to treat your DIY painted concrete masterpiece to a regular cleaning to maintain its good looks. Check out these painted concrete patio designs in a variety of styles—from bold stripes to eye-catching geometrics to faux cement-tile stenciled patterns—to inspire your outdoor space makeover. “One thing I must stress about anyone considering painting or stenciling their patio is that it is NOT a permanent solution and WILL require annual maintenance to keep it looking fresh,” Stuart writes on her blog in a follow-up post a year after she completed the makeover....

Cardinal Bird Trivia Physical Characteristics The red coloration of northern cardinals’ plumage results from carotenoids in their feather structure, and they ingest those carotenoids through their diet. On rare occasions, vibrant yellow northern cardinals may be seen; a genetic plumage variation called xanthochroism. These are dimorphic birds, and while the red males are instantly recognizable, the more camouflaged females are also lovely and elegant. Female cardinals are a soft, warm tan color with a bright orange bill and red edging to the wings and tail....

Though this lamp features a vertical trio of vintage cameras, you could also make something similar using a single antique accordion-style camera or crank-winding TLR at the base. This paint can chandelier shouldn’t cost much to make. You’ll have to buy the cord-and-socket sets, but one of your neighbors will probably pay you to haul his dried-up old paint cans away. The maker of these salvaged object lamps sells at interior-design-oriented Market Central in Midtown Memphis....

Check out these contemporary architect-built homes that include fresh takes on familiar forms; sustainably built structures that live in harmony with the surrounding landscape; and bold, unconventional silhouettes that expand the definition of what a home is supposed to look like. A monumental concrete wall topped with a three-dimensional zinc hemisphere “references an inverted roof or dome, further transforming architectural conventions into sculptural elements.” Windows aren’t visible from the street, but a fully glazed façade on the other side provides abundant natural light and views of the landscaped garden....

If you’re tired of the white kitchen trend, here are 25 kitchen ideas to inspire you to go green. This shade of green a bit understated and is a great choice if you want to create a more traditional green kitchen look that won’t feel dated in a few years. Want something a little more toned down? A green backsplash is also a great way to get that green kitchen look without painting your cabinets....

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of ponds and waterfalls with these 25 stunning designs.

However, wrenches come in many types that are made for use in a wide variety of situations. There are several common types, like pipe wrenches or socket wrenches, that are well known and easy to spot in a home renovation store, but there are also a large number of specialized wrenches that are intended for specific tasks, like pedal wrenches that are typically used to fix bicycles or pedal boats....

There’s an increasing amount of interest in heirloom tomatoes since they often have very unusual appearances and are sometimes more flavorful than hybrid tomatoes, which have been selectively bred to have a bright red color, a long shelf life, and a predictable taste. Many heirloom tomatoes produce fruits that are black, purple, brown, yellow, pink, or white, and some are even bicolored and striped. Consider heirlooms the party favors of the tomato world—once you’ve grown these festive fruits, your garden (and kitchen) will never be the same....

Building a birdhouse is a great beginner project but more details can make it a great project for a more advanced woodworker. Even children can handle a simple birdhouse plan with a little adult assistance. After you’ve built a birdhouse, consider building one of these DIY bird feeders. Choosing a Free Bird House Plan Before you choose a free DIY bird house plan you’ll want to decide where you’re going to put the finished house....

But both of these materials are a little boring. If you are tired of the usual fare when it comes to driveways, maybe it’s time to start thinking about using driveway pavers on your next project. All paver driveway installations begin with the installation of a good base, typically composed of compacted gravel and sand. But some people are surprised to learn that there are three distinctly different types of pavers, each with their own merits and drawbacks....

Get tropical and see fantastic birds in Florida! Enjoy heartland species when you find birds in Ohio! Get the best desert and mountain birds in Utah! No matter where you travel, there are always more stunning birds to see, and if you know which birds to watch for, you won’t be disappointed no matter where your avitourism takes you.

I’ve divided the baby shower games into categories so it will be easy to find the kind of games you’re looking for. You’ll find a good mix of popular, unique, and easy baby shower games that you can incorporate into any style of shower. I also have a huge list of free baby shower printable games that compliment the ideas below. With many of these, you can just print some games off and be ready to go....