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
Travelers Risk Health Hazards by Placing Suitcases on Hotel Beds
A recent study reveals the average suitcase harbors more bacteria than a public toilet seat, making its common placement on hotel beds a significant health risk, according to Travelmath .
Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read
1970s camper renovation gets bright revamp for modern travel
A 1978 Shasta Compact, bought for $1,500, recently sold for $35,000 after a six-month DIY renovation, according to Vintage Camper Magazine .
Jun 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Native Plants Boost Urban Wildlife Beyond Expectations, Outperforming Non-Natives
In an average backyard, native plants can support 15 times more native caterpillar species than non-native alternatives, a critical food source for birds.
Jun 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 5 Heat-Tolerant Plants for Sunny Pool Areas
Despite summer sun pushing temperatures past 90 degrees, a Hardy Hibiscus can burst with vibrant blooms right next to your pool, demanding almost no attention.
Jun 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Michigan waterfront home construction costs surge due to climate change
A single permit for a new seawall on Lake Michigan now costs upwards of $150,000, a figure unheard of five years ago.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Individual Le Creuset Mini Cocottes on Sale
Le Creuset Mini Stoneware Cocottes, a premium item, are just $22 at Williams Sonoma.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Kitchen Lighting Trends: Embracing Decorative Fixtures
In their Manhattan apartment, Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott conspicuously opted out of ubiquitous recessed lighting.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
What are the benefits of layered lighting in outdoor spaces?
Over-illuminating a property, a common mistake, actually results in a harsh and uninviting atmosphere, defeating the purpose of enhancing outdoor living.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Create a Mini Garden in Small Urban Spaces
Even if your 'yard' is just a sliver of concrete or a small balcony, you can still harvest continuous crops of alpine strawberries and compact zucchini right outside your door.
Jun 9, 2026 · 5 min read
How Do Property Appraisals Affect Home Value and What Causes Bias?
Homes in predominantly White neighborhoods are appraised as worth $371,000 more than comparable homes in communities of color, according to National Fair Housing Alliance data.
Jun 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Gravel gardens gain popularity for water-saving landscaping
In drought-stricken Las Vegas, one homeowner cut their monthly water bill by 60% after replacing their entire front lawn with a gravel garden.
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
AI enhances home inspections, but human expertise remains critical
A home inspection that once took three hours now takes 30 minutes with AI, yet the question of who is liable for a missed structural flaw remains stubbornly human.
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Families Invest More in Outdoor Living Areas For Dining and Entertaining
Well-built patios alone often recover up to 95% of their cost, making outdoor living spaces one of the most reliable renovation investments a homeowner can make.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
IKEA unveils vibrant new WFH color collection
IKEA's new LILLESÄTER Sectional, a 5-seat sofa, is now available in a striking Gunnared bright green-yellow for $1,499.
Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read
IKEA's KUDDLAVA Origami Lamp Now Available for Under $18
For just $17.99, IKEA is now selling the KUDDLAVA table lamp, an origami-inspired design crafted from at least 50% recycled plastic. This launch reinforces IKEA's commitment to accessible, modern, and
Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Why Native Plants Are Becoming the New Standard for Sustainable Landscapes
For the 2026 Beautification Awards, the City of Alexandria has introduced a new category: 'Best Patriotic Native Plantings,' signaling a surprising mainstream embrace of ecological design.
Jun 7, 2026 · 4 min read
AI's Impact on Home Inspections and Their Limitations
An AI now generates professional home inspection comments in roughly 7 seconds, drastically speeding up a process traditionally reliant on extensive manual observation and writing.
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Homeowners Embrace Kitchen Redo With Paint
In Victoria Paris's apartment, kitchen cabinets are now swathed in Backdrop's "Pretty Ugly" hue, signaling a new era where a single paint color can redefine a space.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Edible landscaping boosts community health and local economies.
Three hours of moderate gardening can equal a one-hour gym session, directly challenging the widespread perception of gardening as a gentle, low-impact activity.
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Longevity Habits Fueling Wellness Hubs Over Retirement Villages
In Scottsdale, Arizona, a new 'longevity village' featuring on-site doctors, organic farms, and biometric tracking commands a starting price of $1.
Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read