Mason Clarke
Outdoor & Real Estate Writer
Mason Clarke is HomeStyle & Beyond's Outdoor & Real Estate Writer. Prior to joining the team, Mason worked as a real estate agent and property developer, giving him unique insight into the housing market. He also ran a successful landscaping business for several years, fostering his love for outdoor design. Mason is passionate about helping readers find their dream home and create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
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Latest Articles
Top 11 Porch and Patio Design Trends for Your Outdoor Oasis in 2026
Despite the allure of low-maintenance native plant gardens, many homeowners unknowingly set themselves up for thousands in future repairs by prioritizing only the cheapest upfront design options.
Jun 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Mexican families share life lessons during post-meal sobremesa chats
During a recent lunch with friends Erik and Jesica, I lingered at the table from 2 p.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Score Top Travel Items on Prime Day 2026
For as little as $5, travelers can snag essential gear like Apple AirTags or Samsonite bags during Amazon Prime Day.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Amazon Prime Day patio set deal slashed to $76
This Amazon patio set, usually $249.
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Top Low-Maintenance Native Plants for Eco-Friendly Backyards
Imagine a garden that resists freezing, drought, and disease, requiring less frequent watering, all while attracting local wildlife.
Jun 25, 2026 · 5 min read
How Do Professional Home Inspections Work in Real Estate?
A 2,000-square-foot single-family home typically requires just 2 to 3 hours of on-site assessment for a professional home inspection, yet this brief window can uncover issues saving buyers tens of tho
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
No-Mow Yards Aren't Just For Pollinators, They're Key To Sustainable Living
A 2018 study of suburban Massachusetts lawns found that simply mowing less increased the presence of flowers and bees, particularly in early spring, according to The Saturday Evening Post .
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Principles of Sustainable Gardening for Eco-Friendly Outdoor Spaces?
If all 30 million UK gardeners planted and nurtured a single tree to maturity, they would collectively store enough carbon to offset driving around the planet over 11 million times, according to the R
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 2 Smart Home Devices for Outdoor Use in 2026
The Ring Outdoor Stick Up Cam, rated 'Excellent' and a PCMag Editors' Choice award winner, signals a new era for outdoor smart tech.
Jun 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Ochre Yellow Kitchens Can Reduce Home Value by $6,630
Painting a kitchen ochre yellow alone can reduce a buyer's bid by $6,630.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
Find The Best Upholstery Cleaners for Sofas and Rugs
The Shark StainStriker machine eradicated stains other cleaners could not touch in recent tests, according to thespruce .
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
Bright Airy Kitchen Renovation Trends Elevate Home Value
Homes with white kitchens sell for an average of $4,650 more than expected, according to a Zillow study .
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
No-mow yards: Sustainable landscaping redefines property appeal
Year-round low-mowing and cultivating native plants can save substantial drinking water and drive significant ecological changes, according to conservation and horticulture groups.
Jun 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Top 4 Privacy Solutions for Your Backyard Oasis in 2025
Even Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis turned to mature-planting techniques for her backyard sanctuary, demonstrating a universal desire for immediate outdoor seclusion, according to Homes and Gardens .
Jun 22, 2026 · 6 min read
AI Transforms Backyard Design Trends in 2026
A new AI platform, 'GardenGPT,' generates complete 3D backyard designs in minutes for just $50.
Jun 22, 2026 · 4 min read
Why People Are Designing Outdoor Rooms Instead of Traditional Yards
Forget string lights: today's backyards are illuminated by outdoor chandeliers, rechargeable lamps, and dimmable lanterns, transforming simple patios into sophisticated evening retreats.
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 3 Beautiful Functional Backyard Design Principles for 2026
The American backyard remains the home's most underutilized space, with homeowners prioritizing interior investments, Forbes reports.
Jun 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Seller's vs Buyer's Market: Which Real Estate Strategy Wins Now?
In May, median list prices dropped 2.
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Timeless backyard design: Principles for lasting beauty
In 2001, Pamela Anderson's backyard featured a set of four green wire chairs and a table with a distinct curly cue design, a detail that subtly pioneered the trend of fusing indoor and outdoor living.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
IKEA BILLY hack creates cozy fireplace built-ins
For just $582.91, a homeowner transformed a basic living room fireplace into a custom-looking built-in feature using readily available IKEA furniture, according to Comestayawhile . This 2026 IKEA Bill
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read