Author: Kendrick Hulse

Do you fancy yourself an amateur (or not-so-amateur) birdwatcher? Have you suddenly found yourself spending more time in your home’s outdoor spaces? These are just some of the great reasons to add a birdhouse to your property.

You can set up a birdhouse for specific species, like bluebirds, purple martins, or chickadees. Or you can sit back and let nature determine who fills the vacancy.

The world is full of beautiful creatures. We just need to take the time to stop and notice them. If you’re not sure what types of birds visit your garden, this is an excellent way to find out!

Keep reading for some awesome birdhouse ideas that will turn your backyard into an avian paradise.

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1. Geode Birdhouse with Heart Windows

Create a captivating DIY birdhouse by incorporating a geode-inspired design with swirling purple and white patterns, which you can achieve with paint or resin art techniques.

Accent the birdhouse with heart-shaped cutouts to serve as inviting windows, and choose a contrasting color like white to make the design pop. To replicate the shimmering effect of a geode, use glitter or metallic elements that catch the light.

2. Rustic Cottage Birdhouse with Decorative Accents

If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to give your feathered friends a place to stay, why not build them their own cottage-inspired birdhouse? Construct a cozy cottage home for your feathered friends using recycled wooden items.

For a creative twist, add an inches-tall troll door so that fairies can come by too. This DIY project can offer hours of fun, help reduce waste in your home, and show off your unique style all at the same time. Building a birdhouse has never been more exciting and thoughtful!

3. Bird’s Entertainment House

Decorating your birdhouse has never been easier! With the use of mahjong blocks and abstract stencils, you can paint a beautiful mosaic that will have any birds fluttering over to take a closer inspection. Create massive colorful murals out of eight-sided pieces of wood or decorate each side to show the diversity and beauty of the species.

If you ever feel stuck in the process, remember: the more creativity you put in, the better your birdhouse will look!

4. Repurposed Teapot

Every bird deserves a home, and with repurposed teapot birdhouses, you can get creative in providing new birds with some shelter. A repurposed teapot not only gives you plenty of freedom to craft the perfect birdhouse for your backyard feathered friends but also repurposes an older item so it can be used once again.

5. Bird’s Gazebo

Add a personalized touch to your garden with a DIY birdhouse featuring delicate pyrography illustrations of birds and flora.

This simple, cube-shaped birdhouse is a beginner-friendly project, starting with a plain wooden structure that you can easily assemble. Using a wood-burning tool, you can etch your favorite bird species or nature scenes onto the sides, creating a bespoke and artistic abode for your feathered friends.

6. DIY Birdhouse with Thatched Roof and Wooden Shingles

For a DIY birdhouse like the one in the image below, you can use a sturdy cylindrical base such as a PVC pipe or cardboard tube, cover it with wooden shingles or popsicle sticks for rustic walls, and top it with a thatched roof made of straw or dried grass.

Cut out an entrance hole and attach a small dowel below it as a perch. All components can be assembled with non-toxic glue, and it’s important to sand down any rough edges to make it safe for birds.

7. Natural Log Birdhouse with Whimsical Toy Topper

Dive into a fun DIY project by creating a birdhouse from a hollow log, maintaining the natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the woodland environment. The rough, rustic texture of the log brings an organic charm, while a simple, flat wooden platform serves as a landing area for birds.

For a playful twist, top the birdhouse with a bright, eye-catching toy that adds a pop of color and whimsy to your garden.

8. Sunset-Inspired Birdhouse

To create this serene sunset-inspired birdhouse, begin with a basic wooden house and paint it in soft purple shades, reflecting the calm of dusk. Sketch a scene of rolling hills on the front, using wavy lines and sunset colors for a tranquil effect. Add a sturdy perch and a round entrance for birds, then hang the birdhouse from a tree branch to provide a secure nesting place.

9. Tiny House Replica

A birdhouse that is a replica of your main house can make for a fun and creative conversation starter. Not only will the birdhouse be an eye-catching piece to have around your garden, it will also offer a chance to show off your style and creativity, as you can customize it according to the materials that you have on hand. Plus, you’ll be providing shelter and a home for friendly feathered friends when they come over to take a break from the world outside.

10. On Post Birdhouse

Making a simple on-post birdhouse out of planks is an easy and creative way to give nature a home. Our feathered friends would be happy nestling in the cozy, rustic wooden structure while you sit on the porch and enjoy their company from afar.

11. Hanging Birdhouse

Nothing quite compares to the sight of a hanging birdhouse suspended by a metal pole, hook, and all. It carries with it a sense of whimsy, of something special that feels almost magical. It’s as if we’ve conjured a home for our feathered friends in the air itself, hanging them up like dainty Christmas tree ornaments.

12. ‘The Compound’ Birdhouse

Instead of just having one birdhouse in your garden, why not multiple tiny ones layered and beside each other? This tiers effect will have the birds flocking to multiple homes in no time, cheerily chirping away as they hop together along their multiple-roofed paradises.

13. Multi-Unit Birdhouse Condo

To achieve the multi-unit birdhouse condo design, select durable lumber and cut it to size for the back, sides, base, and a slanted roof. Drill evenly spaced circular entrances using a hole saw to create individual compartments for the birds. Stain or paint the wood for a sleek finish, and consider contrasting colors for visual impact. Add a singular faux window for charm and ensure proper ventilation and drainage for the bird’s comfort. Attach the structure to a post or tree, creating not just a bird-friendly habitat but also a striking garden feature.

14. Mossy Cottage House

What could be more mystical and rustic than a mossy cottage house for the birds? A birdhouse made with natural, weather-worn materials like moss and twigs gives backyard birds an inviting place to call home.

Best of all, these unique nests can be enjoyed by you too—just think of the charming addition that this mossy cottage house will make to your garden!

15. Cartoon-like Birdhouse

A cartoon-like birdhouse can be a really cute addition to your garden. With markers and some creativity, you can draw cartoon faces on it and give it its own unique personality.

Hang the birdhouse high up on a tree, or in a cozy corner of your patio; then watch as birds flutter around it and come to take refuge in it during stormy days.

16. Luxury Birdhouse

Take luxury to the skies with a luxury-inspired birdhouse! Perfect for pampered, discerning birds, this luxury birdhouse features custom paint jobs, each adorned with famous luxury brands. Choose from LVMH’s iconic Louis Vuitton pattern or his-and-hers Chanel prints.

17. Hand-Painted Floral Birdhouse

To craft this vibrant birdhouse, start with a pre-made or handcrafted wooden structure. Choose a deep blue as the background, reminiscent of a night sky, and paint elaborate, colorful flowers that command attention and add a sense of whimsy. Accentuate the edges with polka dots and complementary patterns for an extra layer of detail. The lively picket fence motif around the base injects a playful, storybook charm.

18. Repurposed Birdhouse

You can use repurposed materials like wood, metal, and stones to construct your unique house. The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding color and detailing!

Transform it with repurposed paint or repurposed glass gems for an added touch of sparkle. With a little creativity and repurposing, you can make your backyard scenery one-of-a-kind!

19. Simple Rustic Birdhouse

Transform your garden with a DIY rustic birdhouse that embodies the charm of upcycling. Begin with salvaged wood and repurposed tin to construct a durable shelter, ensuring each creation is unique with its own set of characterful imperfections. For a personalized touch, add hand-carved decorations—think nature-inspired motifs like flowers or birds.

20. Sculptural Birdhouse

A sculptural abstract birdhouse is so much more than just a home for your feathered friends. It can also be a work of art, made with beautiful ceramic and set to stand proudly in your garden.

In the same way that traditional sculptures are often considered masterpieces, this modern twist on avian architecture should also be recognized as a creative piece of artwork. Providing birds with a safe space to nest has never looked better!

There’s plenty of research to support keeping domestic cats indoors. Not only are house cats infamous for taking out native songbird populations, but roaming around outside can also be extremely dangerous for your feline companion.

Every cat owner wants to give their pet the best life possible, and a regular old cat tree doesn’t always cut it. If your cat longs to be outside and enjoy the fresh air, a catio might just be the perfect solution.

Keep reading for some of the best catio ideas that both you and your furry companion are guaranteed to love.

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1. Install A Large-Sized Enclosed Cat Enclosure

If you’re looking for a creative and fun way to let your cats do some outdoor exploration at the same time keeping them safe from the dangers of the outside world, consider building a large-sized cat enclosure or “catio”! This kind of large outdoor cat enclosure should have wire mesh walls on top and sides, as well as wood flooring.

Another great option could be an outdoor patio extension tailored to fit your kitty’s needs (for basking in the sunshine and stretching those paws). When planning, remember that it’s all about providing cats with an outdoor experience while protecting them too. A large-sized cat enclosure could be just what they need!

2. Get A Cage For Space Efficiency

Create your cat’s dream catio! Catios are enclosures that give cats safe access to the outdoors without risking their safety, and they come in a variety of sizes and designs based on your cat’s needs. If you need a more efficient option, you can opt for pre-fabricated cat cages.

These consist of basic platforms with adjustable cat gates, ideal for keeping all kinds of pets inside your catio, including birds and lizards. Those who don’t have the time or money to build their own cat cages can also look into custom-built catios, which offer an extra layer of protection while also providing valuable space.

Whether big or small or custom-built, catios are an amazing way to keep your cat safe while also giving them plenty of room to explore the great outdoors!

3. Opt For A Cage On Wheels

4. Get Your Cat A House

One fun catio idea is to create a cat house that looks exactly like a real human house. Start with a bungalow roof and add a shiplap on the walls – this will give the cat house a cozy, cottage feel. Add some cat-friendly plants and flowers around the cat house for your cat’s entertainment.

And don’t forget those cute window boxes so your cat can look out at the world from inside their safe haven. With the right supplies, you can easily turn any old catio into a beautiful miniature home for your precious feline friend!

5. DIY Your Own Catio With Wire Mesh

A DIY catio is a simple but creative project that provides captivating views of birds, bugs, and nature. You can make one yourself by attaching wire mesh or poles around an outdoor space to create a secure outdoor enclosure.

It’s an innovative way to ensure your pet is safe while still enjoying the great outdoors! With just a few items you can make your own DIY catio in no time, leaving your feline friend with plenty of space to explore, exercise and play.

6. Decorate The Catio With Potted Catnip

An exciting way to decorate your catio is with potted catnip plants. Not only does it add some greenery, but it also gives the kitty a special treat as an added bonus!

You can even combine the decor with ornamental grasses and other foraged materials for a truly unique habitat. Your cats will love having their own outdoor space to explore and enjoy in safety, just make sure it provides enough sunshine and you can customize your catio any way you’d like!

7. Tiered Cages For Multiple Cats

Catios offer endless opportunities for creative enrichment and playtime with your fur babies. From hand-crafted tiered cages to modular habitats, the options are seemingly endless! Creating tiered cages is a great way to make sure multiple cats get an equal share of fun time without disruption.

By attaching multiple cages side-by-side or stacking them on top of one another, you can keep cats off each other’s backs while still giving each one their own safe environment to explore and have fun.

And let’s not forget about the things in your catio that keep it looking nice; use colorful rugs, plants, climbing structures, toys, and other accessories for an inviting space for your cats!

8. Experiment With Vertical Spaces

Catios are the perfect way to provide your feline friend with the outdoor access they crave while keeping them safe from predators. When considering ideas for your catio, wall ramps are an easy addition that will give them a fun way to jump up and down; while providing them with vertical lounge space can really help make it something special.

You could also add some plants to give them areas to explore, and clear roofing so they can still bask in some much-needed sun. With just a little bit of creativity, you can easily craft the perfect outdoor oasis for your fur baby.

9. Match The Cage With Nature

Painting the cage in a green or natural tone will help it seamlessly blend with its surroundings. Place plants around the cage and include bird feeders to offer visual stimulation as well as calming sounds of birds chirping.

Tire swings or scratching posts inside the cage are fun additions that enrich your cat’s life and encourage mental exploration of the outdoors. With a bit of creativity, you can create an enjoyable haven for your pet while promoting environmental sustainability.

10. Build A Durable Catio With Metal Frames

Creating a durable and comfortable catio for your feline friend is easy when you start with quality materials. Metal frames are an excellent choice because they’re strong, durable, and can withstand all sorts of weather conditions.

When you add on durable netting or PVC panels to keep your cat safe, you’ll have the perfect outdoor space that provides much-needed stimulation and fresh air. Then all that’s left to do is to accessorize with a few toys, scratching posts, and even some plants for added environmental enrichment.

With these ideas in mind, you’ll be sure to craft the perfect secure oasis for your beloved feline in no time!

11. Screen Your Porch

Catios, or cat patios, are a great way to co-habitat with your pet and provide them with fresh air. If you’re looking for creative patio ideas, using a porch with a screen is an ideal option. This allows your cat to relax and breathe in the fresh air without being exposed to any of nature’s potential risks!

You can also use this porch to lounge with your kitty and spend some quality time outdoors while enjoying their company in the comfort of your own home. Not only will you be able to make outdoor memories together, but you’ll also be providing a safe environment where your pet can enjoy the best of both worlds – indoors and outdoors!

12. DIY Walkway Ramps

DIY walkway ramps coupled with reclaimed wood and scratch boards are all you need to give your feline friend their own private outdoor retreat.

Designing DIY walkways from one level of the catio to another can both provide a sense of exploration and exercise in your cats’ life while also making sure they stay safely inside their catio environment.

Meanwhile perches made with reclaimed wood and enough room for scratching posts can make sure your kitty has plenty of activities right outside your door.

13. Set Up A Window Catio Extension

Catios are a great way to give your feline friend some much-deserved outdoor time without worrying about them wandering off. Instead of building a completely new addition to your home, why not consider window extensions?

These window extensions are essentially window-sized balconies and come with screens so that no pests or predators can get in! This practical catio idea is an inexpensive and easy way to provide your kitty with all the sun, breeze, and view they need while remaining secure.

There’s no shame in boosting your home’s available storage. There is, however, in letting your shed detract from your property as a whole. One easy way to elevate your shed’s exterior to match the rest of your landscape is by updating the front door.

Whether you’re building a new storage shed from the ground up or renovating an existing structure, no detail is too small. Check out these shed door ideas to learn how to easily transform your shed’s look just by adding a new door!

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1. Transform Your Shed Door with Vibrant Paint Ideas

Most shed exteriors fall somewhere in the neutral color family. While this aesthetic isn’t to every owner’s liking, painting your shed is almost always a viable option.

Even if you don’t want to paint your entire shed’s exterior, adding a coat of paint to the door could make a world of difference. This new color can be as subtle or as vibrant as you like.

Take advantage of architectural elements like your shed door’s trim piece to add contrast. Using contrasting paint colors will make your shed door really pop, especially if you go with a bright, unexpected shade.

2. Maximizing Space with Double Shed Doors

Double doors provide a bigger entryway for lawn care tools. You can also open up a set of double doors to let in more sunshine and fresh air if your shed serves as a workshop or private fitness studio.

Symmetry is key when adding double doors to your shed plans. It’s common for just one door to feature a knob or handle, but consider installing identical hardware on each double door for added flexibility.

A curved entryway can help maximize accessibility if your shed has a slanted roof. It can also bring a touch of rustic charm to your shed’s exterior.

3. Solving Shed Door Headaches with Roll-Up Doors

There are likely to be times when dealing with a traditional shed door is a major headache. This is especially true if you store a large riding lawnmower or ATV in your shed. Roll-up doors are incredibly convenient and can be scaled to fit almost any size shed.

A roll-up shed door can also come in handy if you want to open up the space for some fresh air and natural light. If you keep your home gym or workshop in a separate shed, consider investing in a roll-up garage door.

Remember that you don’t need to choose between hinged doors and a roll-up one. If space and budget allow, include both styles in your shed plans.

4. Choosing the Right Size Single Door for Your Shed

A single shed door will meet most owners’ needs just fine. And you’ll easily find a door that perfectly matches or contrasts with your shed’s siding.

While a double shed door will provide tons of elbow room, you can still go big with a single door. Be sure to support your extra-large door idea with a diagonal brace. Or install a Dutch door for versatility that won’t put too much weight on the door hinge.

If you want to finish your shed idea off with a traditional front door, make sure the doorway is built properly. As long as it’s fully framed, you can install almost any exterior home door for a quick and easy design solution.

5. Modernizing Your Shed with Stylish Sliding Door

Sliding shed doors often bring to mind a rustic barn door aesthetic. While it’s true that this style of door draws tons of inspiration from traditional barn construction, the results are extremely varied.

For a contemporary twist, skip the barn door hardware and instead choose materials and colors that are bold and modern. To do away with the barn door track entirely, opt for a set of sliding doors that roll into the shed walls.

If you want to maximize the natural light in your shed, consider installing some regular sliding glass doors. Bi-fold doors are also a popular option, especially if your shed isn’t wide enough for large sliding barn doors.

6. Stylish DIY Barn Door in Your Shed Design

Building a shed on your property doesn’t need to mean embracing the rustic aesthetic. There are plenty of shed plans out there boasting contemporary architecture and materials. Of course, there’s also nothing wrong with including a stylish DIY barn door in your shed design.

Choose a glass door for a trendy look that also provides lots of natural light. If your shed will serve as a work or living space, even part-time, add a screen door as well.

Installing an old door is actually a great way to complement an otherwise modern shed design. Repurposing vintage door hardware is another great option if you feel like your shed’s exterior is lacking personality.

7. Incorporating Wooden Shed Doors for a Timeless Touch

You can incorporate a wooden door into almost any shed. While wood is most popular in barn doors and similar styles, it also pairs well with more contemporary design.

If your shed features wood siding, you’ll want a door that matches. You can add dimension to your shed door with cut-out windows and unique hardware.

Repurposed wood can be used to create dramatic double barn doors or a simple hinged version. Weathered wood offers a lovely contrast to clean vinyl or metal siding. But you can also pair this barn door idea with a more rustic shed design.

8. More Shed Door Ideas