Adam Rothwell

If you’ve got one of those steep backyards where the kids look like they’re about to rappel down the hillside just to reach the trampoline… trust me, you’re not alone. A sloped garden can feel a bit intimidating (and a tiny bit dangerous on a wet day), but with a few clever design tweaks, it […]

If you’re anything like me, you want a yard that looks put-together… without spending every weekend pulling weeds, repairing edges, or wondering why the path suddenly grew a patch of moss that looks like it’s plotting something. A simple paver walkway can genuinely change the whole feel of your garden. It tidies everything up, adds

If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest patio photos thinking, “Wow… that must have cost a fortune,” don’t worry — you’re absolutely not alone. Most of us want a beautiful outdoor space, but not the kind that eats the entire family budget. The good news? You can make a patio look modern, cozy, and almost annoyingly

If your front yard and backyard feel like two totally different worlds, you’re not alone. Most family homes end up with a gorgeous backyard the kids love… and then a front entrance that feels a bit forgotten. A simple walkway between the two can honestly change everything. It makes outdoor play easier, gives kids a

A long driveway can be one of the most memorable parts of a home. It’s the very first thing guests see, the path your kids run down to meet the school bus, and the stretch you drive every day when you’re coming back to your family. But designing a long driveway that’s both beautiful and practical can feel like

A pondless waterfall is such a gift for a busy family garden — all the beauty and sound of flowing water with almost none of the work. No deep pond to worry about, no complicated fish care, and no constant skimming leaves. Just a peaceful, trickling space that fits beautifully into a modern backyard. Below

If you’ve ever wished for “just one more room” when family visits, or you’ve found yourself turning the living room into a last-minute sleepover zone, a guest-ready shed house might be the little slice of magic your backyard is missing. These compact, beautifully designed outdoor rooms give guests their own quiet retreat while keeping your

If you live in Florida, you already know the sun doesn’t just “shine”—it shows up with attitude. And if you’re a parent trying to grow anything out there, you’ve probably experienced the heartbreak of planting something beautiful… only to watch it melt into sadness three weeks later. Florida sun just doesn’t play. But here’s the good

There’s something magical about adding a small waterfall to your backyard — the sound, the movement, the way it instantly makes the garden feel calmer and more alive. And the best part? You don’t need a massive yard or a huge budget to build one. These mini backyard waterfall ideas are perfect for families who

There’s something about the New Year that makes all of us suddenly want to refresh every inch of our home—usually while standing outside with a mug of coffee thinking, “Hmm… this driveway has definitely seen better days.” And honestly? A long front entrance can be both a blessing and a bit of a project. It’s the first

If you want your home to feel instantly welcoming the moment someone arrives, a boxwood-and-rose driveway border is one of the easiest ways to make it happen. It’s clean, classic, and works beautifully with almost every style of home—from modern cottages to family suburban homes. Even better, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance once you get the layout

If your family is anything like mine, gardening somehow turns into a full-body sport. One minute you’re planting tomatoes, the next you’re knee-deep in mud wondering why your toddler has watered the dog instead of the basil. And honestly? It’s kind of lovely. Messy, yes, but lovely. Still—there’s that moment right before everyone comes inside

If you have a wide driveway or a looped entrance, you’re sitting on a little design gem you might not even realise you have. A center island is one of those upgrades that looks incredibly fancy from the street, but secretly… it’s one of the easiest things to look after. And honestly, as a busy

A Florida patio is the perfect place to play with color — bright blooms, glossy foliage, and warm sunshine that most plants can only dream of. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a breezy lanai, or a full backyard patio, tropical plants can instantly make your outdoor space feel vibrant, lush, and full of life.

If you’ve ever looked at your sloped backyard and thought, “Well… this is definitely not the relaxing garden Pinterest promised me,” you’re not alone. Slopes can feel awkward, messy, and honestly a bit bossy — they sort of take over the whole yard whether we like it or not. But here’s the fun twist: a slope is

If your home feels like it’s shrinking a little every year (same!), a backyard storage shed with a patio might be the most underrated family upgrade ever. It solves two problems at once: you finally get a place to stash the scooters, seasonal décor, and random “we’ll use this someday” tools… and you gain a cozy outdoor

There’s something about the New Year that makes you want to tidy up your life, your routines, and—if you’re anything like me—your garden. A little refresh feels good, especially when it turns a small backyard into a calm, pretty space your whole family can enjoy. And honestly, adding or updating a pond doesn’t need to

There’s something about Christmas lighting that makes a home feel instantly softer… calmer… almost like everything slows down a little. And honestly, if you’re a busy family juggling kids, pets, school runs, and holiday to-dos, that soft glow becomes its own kind of magic. You don’t need a designer budget or complicated displays either—just a

If you’ve ever decorated the house for Christmas and then watched your kids immediately turn the tree skirt into a superhero cape or start hiding toys in your garland, you already know the truth: children will always find the play in everything. And honestly… why fight it? This year, instead of creating a “look but don’t touch”