It can be hard to figure out how much yard waste you’ll need for a project, such as adding up sand or soil. Luckily, there’s an easy way to figure it out using only two measurements: the length and width of the project area.
Let’s say you’re planning to add up some mulch to your garden beds. The first step is measuring the length and width of each bed, then adding them together for the “total bed.”
The next step is to measure again, this time going around each bed in a circle from one end of your garden all the way around until you get back to where you started (or close enough).
Then add this number up as well; it will be your total square footage or total area needed for whatever material you’re trying to find out how much yard waste would cover up!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Effective yard drainage is essential for preventing water damage to your home and keeping your yard healthy. |
| There are many easy fixes you can try to improve yard drainage, such as installing a French drain or creating a rain garden. |
| Proper lawn care, including regular mowing and fertilizing, can help keep your yard healthy and attractive. |
| Use online calculators or consult with your supplier to calculate the amount of material you need for your landscaping projects. |
| Research the best plants for your region before creating a rain garden in your yard. |
1) Last-Minute Additions
Adding a mirror to a window, a piece of art to a blank wall or even an accent plant in the kitchen is quick and easy. In fact, it’s so fast that you can do it in less time than it takes to run out for coffee!
If you don’t have time for big projects but want some instant results, try these suggestions:
a) Add rugs to your living room and bedroom. Rugs are great because they give floors warmth as well as style but they also add dimension by breaking up all that empty space on the floor.
They’re also pretty easy to find at any big box store or online retailer (IKEA has inexpensive versions too). Finally, since rugs aren’t very expensive and versatile it’s worth having more than one!
If you’re looking to improve your yard’s drainage, consider adding a French drain. A French drain is an effective way to direct water away from your home and into the appropriate drainage system. Check out our guide on how to add backyard drainage for an easy fix that will help keep your yard dry.
2) Cover Blank Walls With Things You Already Have
Use a mirror. It’s the easiest wall art to hang and will give you the most bang for your buck! Mirrors make everything look bigger, so they’re great for small spaces like bathrooms or entryways.
Hang a poster. Posters are a great way to add color and pattern to a wall without having to go out of your way to find something in-person (i.e., at an art gallery). You can also buy themed collections of posters that allow you to create an entire gallery wall if you want!
Frame some artwork that has meaning for you or represents your style: paintings, drawings, prints whatever makes sense in the space where it’ll be hung up!
Just make sure it’s not too large so as not to overwhelm whatever room it ends up living in after all is said and done; smaller works tend toward being easier on the eyes than larger ones do anyway (in my personal experience).
Poor yard drainage can be a frustrating problem, but it’s also a common one. Fortunately, there are many easy fixes you can try to improve the situation. One effective way to improve your yard’s drainage is to create a rain garden. A rain garden is an area designed to catch and absorb stormwater runoff. Check out our guide on how to achieve better yard drainage for more tips and tricks that will help keep your yard dry.
3) Try a Tiered Tray
A tiered tray can be a great way to add decor to a room. Tiered trays come in many styles, including wood, metal, and plastic. You can also use them for serving food or as decor.
Metal: If you want something that is sturdy and durable, metal is the best choice for your tiered tray. This material will last longer because metal does not break easily like wood or plastic does when dropped on the ground.
Wood: Wooden tiered trays are another type of option for those who want an elegant look for their home or office space but don’t necessarily want something permanent such as metal items because they may not match with other furniture pieces being used within that space at any given time (i
4) Style Your Kitchen Shelves
Your kitchen shelves should be clean, clear, and clutter-free. Don’t forget to do a once over with the vacuum cleaner too, to keep crumbs and dust at bay.
If you’re planning on using wall-mounted cabinets or shelving units, make sure they are properly secured before hanging them up.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the surface you are mounting them onto is strong enough for the weight of your cabinet or shelving unit.
There are lots of different materials from which you can choose for your shelves such as wood, metal, and glass; use these in combination with baskets or containers to hold items like cookbooks, utensils, and food if required (rather than stacking everything on top of each other).
Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, not to mention a slip hazard. If you have standing water in your yard, you might be wondering how to get rid of it. One easy way to absorb standing water is to use a dry well. Check out our guide on how to absorb standing water in yard for more information on how dry wells work and how to install one in your yard.
5) Play Up Your Doorway
Use a mirror to make the room seem bigger.
Put a rug down in front of your door to define the space and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Add plants and flowers for instant color and freshness, but do not overdo it—keep them simple and low maintenance.
Add one or two smaller items like a table lamp, vase, or terrarium on top of your entryway console to complete the look.
6) Incorporate Plants Into Every Room
Plants are a great way to add color and texture to your space, as well as increase the amount of oxygen in your home.
They can be used in many ways, including as a table centerpiece, floor plant, or hanging plant. Plants can also soften the look of a room by adding natural elements that tie everything together.
If you’re dealing with excess water in your yard, you’re not alone. Excess water can cause all sorts of problems, from muddy spots to drowned plants. Fortunately, there are many easy fixes you can try to absorb excess water. One effective way to absorb excess water is to use a rain garden. Check out our guide on how to absorb excess water in yard for more tips and tricks that will help you keep your yard dry.
7) Add a Runner to a Hallway or Entry Way
A runner is a great way to add color and pattern to your entryway. You can use it in the hallway or entryway, or even in any room that needs some extra color.
Runners are also great if you have kids who want to play on your carpeting because they’re less likely to stain than other flooring options like area rugs or carpets.
If you don’t want to go with an actual runner, using two or three smaller rugs will also work well for this purpose!
8) Fill Empty Corners With Artwork and Lighting
If you have empty corners in your yard, you can use them as a focal point by adding an artwork or lighting fixture.
A lighted sculpture or birdbath will add color and interest; a collection of books will make the corner look more inviting (and give you something to read!).
If you’re looking for ways to make your backyard more comfortable and enjoyable, adding shade is a great place to start. Shade can help reduce the temperature and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. One easy way to add shade to your backyard is to install a pergola. Check out our guide on how to add shade to backyard for more information on how to install a pergola and other shading options that will enhance your outdoor experience.
9) Ditch the Dining Room Table and Use a Bar Cart Instead
If you’re looking for another way to add up the yard and get rid of your dining room table, consider a bar cart.
Bar carts are great for storing extra dishes, glasses, and linens in the kitchen or living room (or anywhere else in your home!).
They also have become a popular choice for entertaining because they can be easily moved from room to room.
Another benefit of using a bar cart is that it allows you to keep your dining chairs out of storage. This means that you’ll always be able to convert them into extra seating when guests arrive unexpectedly!
Dining Room Table Alternative: Bar Cart
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile | Limited table space for larger meals |
| Mobile | Not ideal for formal dining |
| Stylish | Limited storage space |
| Offers multi-use | Smaller surface area |
| Easy to clean | Requires ongoing organization |
| Takes up less space | Not traditional |
10) Display Something Out of the Ordinary in an Empty Bookshelf
If you’ve cleared out all of the books from your shelves, but still have a few empty bookcases around, you can use these as display space for something other than books.
Instead of putting up family photos or art prints, why not consider using one of these empty spaces as a place to showcase something new?
If you’re looking for ideas on what to display, here are some suggestions:
Collectibles – If you have any collectibles that are taking up space in boxes or bags (like trading cards), it might be time to put them on display so they’ll get some appreciation (and maybe even sell).
You could also use this slot as a temporary home for items that need renovation before they can be safely displayed elsewhere.
Artwork – If there’s an artwork by one of your kids hanging around somewhere, consider moving it into this corner until it finds its way onto the fridge or wall somewhere else in the house.
Mementos & Photos – Do you have photos or mementos from previous vacations and trips stashed away somewhere? Consider finding a way to put these items on display instead.
11) Declutter Under Your Bathroom Sink and Style It Just Like Your Vanity
A great way to create a cohesive appearance is by styling the things that you’re putting out on display. This means keeping your bathroom sink as clean and organized as its countertop counterpart.
One of the easiest ways to keep everything in order? Utilize trays, baskets, caddies and bowls that serve double duty as storage and decoration!
A tray can hold all those travel-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner so they don’t take up valuable space on the countertop.
A basket can store various toiletries like lotion or body wash while adding a pop of color at the same time.
A caddy can be used for toothpaste, dental floss, and other similar items while making sure they are within easy reach when needed.
Lastly, a decorative bowl filled with cotton swabs will look good enough that it doesn’t even matter if anything actually goes inside it!
12) Change Up Your Coffee Table Vignette.
Turn your coffee table into a mini gallery by changing out the vignette every few months. Use trays of all different shapes and sizes to hold books, magazines, jewelry, plants, candles or family photos.
Coffee Table Vignette Ideas
| Items to Include | Tips |
|---|---|
| Trays | Use trays of all different shapes and sizes to create a cohesive look. |
| Books and Magazines | Choose books and magazines with beautiful covers or spines to add visual interest. Stack them in varying heights for dimension. |
| Decorative Objects | Add a few decorative objects such as geodes, sculptures, or vases to add texture and depth to your display. |
| Plants | Incorporate potted plants or small vases of fresh flowers for a natural touch. |
| Candles | Use candles in varying heights and sizes to create ambience and add warmth to your vignette. |
| Family Photos | Include a few framed family photos to add a personal touch to your display. |
| Rotating Display | Change out your vignette every few months to keep your display fresh and interesting. |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to get started with adding up the yard, this list is a great place to start.
We hope that it has inspired you to take a few minutes today and look around your home at all the things you have lying around there may be more than one thing that could be repurposed or used in a different way!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that may help you with your backyard drainage and lawn care:
DIY Yard Drainage Methods: This article provides step-by-step instructions for various yard drainage solutions, including French drains and dry wells.
Calculating Coverage per Yard: This blog post explains how to accurately calculate the amount of material you need for your landscaping projects.
8 Easy Ways to Improve Your Lawn: This article provides helpful tips for maintaining and improving the health and appearance of your lawn.
FAQs
How do I know if I have poor yard drainage?
Poor yard drainage can manifest in many ways, such as standing water, erosion, and water damage to your home’s foundation. If you notice any of these issues, you may have poor yard drainage.
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from an area. It’s a common solution for managing water in yards and basements.
How do I calculate the amount of material I need for my yard?
To accurately calculate the amount of material you need for your yard, measure the area you want to cover and determine the depth you need. Then, use an online calculator or consult with your supplier to determine the volume of material needed.
Can I install a rain garden myself?
Yes, installing a rain garden can be a DIY project with the appropriate guidance and resources. It’s important to research the best plants for your region and determine the appropriate location and size for your rain garden.
How often should I mow my lawn?
The frequency of lawn mowing depends on the growth rate of your grass, but as a general rule, it’s best to mow when your grass is 3-4 inches tall. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade’s length at a time to avoid stress on the grass.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
