Author: DesignMyDwell

A beauty salon doesn’t just start at the front desk, it begins the moment someone walks up to the door. The exterior sets the tone, hinting at the style, atmosphere, and care waiting inside. A well-designed outdoor space can turn a salon from simply functional into a destination, making clients feel welcomed, inspired, and ready to indulge before they’ve even stepped inside. Think inviting seating areas shaded by greenery, statement signage framed by flowers, or modern planters that give the entryway a polished look. Lighting plays its part too, soft glows that make the space warm at night or bold…

Barns have always been about function, sturdy, practical spaces that serve a clear purpose. But today, more and more homeowners are reimagining barns as places for creativity, gathering, and even living. And with the right addition, a barn can shift from purely utilitarian to something extraordinary, combining rustic character with fresh, modern design. An addition might mean extending the footprint with new storage or workspace, or it could be something more unexpected: a glass-walled sunroom, a loft-style living area, or a porch that turns the barn into a true centerpiece of the property. Materials matter too, wood and stone for…

Split-level homes carry a certain retro charm, but let’s be honest, not every exterior has aged gracefully. What once felt fresh in the mid-century era can now look dated, leaving homeowners wondering how to give their place a modern edge without losing its character. The good news? With the right updates, a split-level can go from overlooked to eye-catching. Sometimes it’s as simple as paint, crisp, contemporary colors that highlight the architecture instead of hiding it. Other times it’s about rethinking materials: sleek siding, wood accents, or stonework that adds texture and depth. Even small details like updated railings, modern…

You step outside with coffee and the ground steals the show, for the wrong reasons. Hairline cracks zigzag like a map. Puddles camp at the low spots. The patio reads “patch job,” the path stops short, and the driveway is a gray sheet that makes everything else work harder. You wanted a welcome. You got a worksheet. It’s not you. Pavement is where function and design wrestle. Too smooth, it glares. Too busy, it buzzes. Wrong color, your facade looks tired. Bad drainage, and every storm writes a reminder. Most surfaces fail because they were treated like background, not the…

It’s the first thing you see when you pull up and the last thing you think about: that skinny park strip between sidewalk and street. In May it’s patchy. In August it’s crispy. Sprinklers overshoot onto asphalt. Dogs love it; snowplows don’t. You mow it out of obligation, not joy, and by midweek the weeds have opinions. It’s not you; it’s the site. Shallow, compacted soil. Heat bouncing off pavement. Salt, foot traffic, utility lids, and a hose you’re tired of dragging. Traditional turf is fighting a losing battle there, which is why it reads tired no matter how often…

You step outside and the front yard looks fine… until your eye hits the driveway. Big, blank, bossy. A slab that says “parking,” not “welcome.” The edges bleed into lawn. The mailbox floats. After rain, there’s a shallow lake by the curb. In winter, salt scuffs the finish. By summer, the tires leave a story you didn’t ask for. It’s not you, it’s scale and defaults. The driveway is the largest surface in the front yard, but it’s usually treated like an afterthought. One color. One texture. No frame. No rhythm. Cars need function; your facade needs finesse. The good…

Morning light hits the garden and the ground glows back, soft cream, cool gray, a hint of fossil if you look closely. You take that first barefoot test step and remember why limestone tempts you: it’s calm. It’s elegant without trying. It turns a simple walk from gate to door into a little scene. Then reality chimes in. Will it stain? Get slick in shade? Handle winter’s freeze and the wheelbarrow’s rattle? Limestone is a natural beauty with quirks, more porous than granite, sensitive to acids, happier with good drainage and a finish that fits your climate. Choose right, and…

Brick pavers are a timeless choice for driveways, patios, and garden paths, offering durability and endless design possibilities. The right pattern can turn a simple paved area into a standout feature, adding texture, rhythm, and visual interest. From classic herringbone and basketweave layouts to modern geometric or diagonal designs, brick paver patterns can suit a wide range of home styles. Mixing colors or incorporating accents further elevates the look without complicating maintenance. In this post, you’ll find 21+ stunning brick paver pattern ideas. These examples will inspire you to experiment with layouts, textures, and colors to create paved spaces that…

A well-designed house pathway does more than connect spaces it shapes the first impression of your home. The right path guides visitors, enhances landscaping, and adds personality, making even a simple yard feel curated and inviting. Materials, patterns, and layouts all play a role. From winding stone paths and crisp geometric designs to mixed-material walkways with greenery, there are endless ways to make a pathway both practical and visually engaging. In this post, you’ll find 20+ inspiring house pathway ideas. These examples will help you explore shapes, materials, and design touches that transform ordinary walkways into stylish, welcoming features. 1.…

You pull in after a long day and your driveway feels…unfinished. The edges blur into lawn. The house number hides in the shadows. At night, the turn-in is a guess. By morning, the delivery driver has “invented” a shortcut across the mulch. You don’t want gates and grandeur. You want presence. A clear hello. Driveway pillars do quiet magic. They frame the entry. Set the scale. Hold a light where you need it. Give your address a real home. They also coach behavior, cars slow a touch, feet follow the path, packages land where they should. And they don’t have…