Funny House Name Ideas: 100s Of Clever Home Names

Funny House Name Ideas: 100s Of Clever Home Names

There’s something deeply charming about a house with a sense of humour. Long before door numbers became the norm, homes were purely identified by names – and many of those names reflected personality, inside jokes, gentle irony, or a wink to the world outside the front gate. Today, funny house names feel like a small rebellion against sameness. They’re personal, memorable, and often surprisingly revealing.

Whether you live in a tiny seaside cottage, a grand countryside home, a modern apartment, or a log cabin tucked into the woods, a humorous house name can instantly make your place feel more you. It can be self-deprecating, whimsical, sarcastic, or proudly silly. And best of all, it doesn’t need permission.

This guide explores how to come up with funny house names, what makes them work, and offers hundreds of the funniest house name ideas across different home styles – from cottages and cabins to apartments, beach houses, and luxury homes that don’t take themselves too seriously.

Why Funny House Names Are So Appealing

A funny house name does a few lovely things all at once.

First, it breaks the ice. Visitors smile before they’ve even knocked. Delivery drivers remember you. Neighbours talk. There’s warmth and approachability built right into the sign on the gate.

Second, it adds character without costing much. You don’t need a renovation or a redesign – just a bit of imagination and a willingness to not take things too seriously.

Third, it anchors memories. Many people remember the name of a house long after they’ve forgotten the postcode. Funny names are sticky like that.

And finally, they’re often more honest than grand or aspirational names. A slightly scruffy cottage called Leaning Lodge or a beach hut named Sand in My Shoes feels more real than something overly polished.

How to Come Up With Funny Names To Call Your House

Before diving into perfect name ideas, it helps to understand where good funny house names come from. The best ones aren’t random – they usually connect to the house, the setting, or the people who live there.

Start With the Truth

Some of the funniest house names are based on mild exaggerations of reality.

Is your house always cold?
Is it permanently unfinished?
Does it lean slightly?
Is it smaller than expected?

Owning these truths with humour makes the name feel earned rather than forced.

Examples:

  • Still Fixing It
  • Drafty Corner
  • The Ongoing Project

Use Gentle Irony

Irony is a classic house-naming tool. Calling your dream house the opposite of what it is creates instant humour.

A tiny cottage called The Palace
A chaotic family home called Serenity
A remote cabin called Five Minutes Away

The contrast is where the joke lives.

Borrow From Everyday Phrases

Well-known sayings, clichés, or common complaints make excellent starting points.

Think about phrases you already use when talking about your sweet home or little cottage:

  • “We’ll fix it one day”
  • “It’s only small”
  • “You’ll find it eventually”

These translate beautifully into names.

Keep It Kind

The best funny house names feel warm, not mocking. If it makes you smile, that’s usually a good sign. If it feels try-hard or cringe-inducing, it probably is.

Funny Cottage Names

Cottages are made for humour. They’re often wonky, old, low-ceilinged, or impractical in ways that feel endearing rather than annoying.

What Works Well for Cottage Names

Cottage humour tends to be:

  • Self-aware
  • Gently old-fashioned
  • Slightly whimsical

Names that reference weather, age, size, or comfort levels work especially well.

Funny Cottage Name Ideas

Here are some memorable name ideas to consider for a cottage.

  • Crooked Chimney Cottage
  • Slightly Damp Cottage
  • Low Beam Lodge
  • Wonky Walls
  • The Cosy-ish Cottage
  • Nearly Level
  • The Old Draft
  • Roof Duck Cottage
  • Probably Haunted
  • The Lean-To
  • Thatched and Confused
  • No Phone Signal
  • Last One Standing
  • The Squeaky Door
  • Mind Your Head
  • The Snug Bug
  • Small but Ours
  • The Creaky Floor
  • Almost Straight
  • The Unexpected Step

Funny Apartment Names

Modern apartment names help create an identity

Apartments might not traditionally have names, but that’s part of what makes it fun. Naming a flat gives it personality – especially in modern buildings that otherwise feel anonymous.

Apartment Naming Tips

Apartment humour often works best when it leans into:

  • Size
  • Noise
  • Location
  • Everyday frustrations

Small jokes feel more authentic than big statements.

Funny Apartment Name Ideas

  • The Shoe Box
  • Lift Optional
  • Thin Walls
  • Above the Chippy
  • No Parking
  • The Top Floor (No Lift)
  • Warm in Winter
  • The Echo Chamber
  • Bin Day Central
  • The Panic Clean
  • Slightly Squint
  • The Morning Light
  • Balcony Envy
  • Too Many Plants
  • The Quiet One (Ironically)
  • The Rental
  • Don’t Drop Anything
  • Flat Out
  • The Late Checkout
  • Hallway Storage

Funny Names for Bungalows

Bungalows have a very particular charm. They’re practical, often deceptively spacious, and quietly confident in their single-storey simplicity. Funny bungalow names work best when they lean into that grounded, no-nonsense character, using gentle humour rather than anything showy or ironic.

Because bungalows are all about ease and accessibility, the most successful funny bungalow names reference flat living, short journeys, and a slower, more deliberate pace. These names tend to feel warm, welcoming, and slightly self-aware — perfect for homes that value comfort over drama.

What Works Well for Funny Bungalow Names

  • Gentle humour rather than big jokes
  • References to one-level living or ease of movement
  • Names that feel calm and welcoming
  • Self-awareness without self-criticism
  • A sense of practicality and contentment
  • Nothing too flashy or aspirational

Funny Bungalow Name Ideas

  • All on One
  • No Stairs
  • Grounded
  • Easy Living
  • One Level
  • The Flat Bit
  • Step-Free
  • The Long Corridor
  • Everything Here
  • The Easy Way
  • Single Storey Story
  • The Straight Run
  • No Climbing
  • Level Best
  • The Simple Life
  • One Floor More
  • The Short Journey
  • Plain Sailing
  • Comfort First
  • The Calm Stretch

Funny Beach House Names

Quirky and funny beach house name ideas

Beach houses practically invite humour. Sand, wind, sunburn, and soggy towels are all part of the deal – and great naming material.

What Makes Beach House Names Funny

Beach humour often works best when it’s:

  • Casual
  • A little lazy
  • Slightly chaotic

Anything that references sand, wind, flip-flops, or salt works well.

Funny Beach House Name Ideas

If you’re trying to come with funny names for beach houses, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Sandy Bottom
  • The Wind Trap
  • No Shoes
  • Salty But Sweet
  • The Sunburnt
  • Tide Me Over
  • Beach, Please
  • The Drift
  • Still Finding Sand
  • The Last Towel
  • Sea You Later
  • The Flip-Flop
  • Wet Socks
  • High Tide Hideout
  • The Rinse Repeat
  • Sunscreen Required
  • Gone Coastal
  • The Lazy Wave
  • Shore Thing (Kind Of)
  • Sand Happens

Funny Cabin Names

Cabins already feel informal, which makes them perfect for relaxed, tongue-in-cheek naming. Whether it’s a woodland retreat or a garden cabin, humour helps keep things grounded.

Cabin Naming Themes That Work

The right name could include themes such as:

  • Nature mishaps
  • DIY struggles
  • Remote living jokes
  • Over-romanticising the outdoors

Funny Cabin Name Ideas

  • No Wi-Fi
  • Bear Aware
  • The Bug Motel
  • Camp-ish
  • Almost Insulated
  • Cabin Fever
  • Rustic-ish
  • Logs and Regret
  • The Damp Den
  • Squirrel Watch
  • Built Eventually
  • Splinter City
  • The Quiet Except Birds
  • Wood You Believe It
  • The Firewood Shortage
  • Escape-ish
  • Mud Room Deluxe
  • The Slightly Lost Lodge
  • Nature Did This
  • Treefall Terrace

Funny Luxury Home Names

Luxury modern house name ideas

Luxury homes with funny names are especially delightful because they defy expectation. A bit of humour stops things feeling stiff or self-important.

How to Do Humour Without Undermining Style

Luxury humour works best when it’s:

  • Dry
  • Understated
  • Slightly ironic

Avoid slapstick. Think raised eyebrow, not punchline.

Funny Luxury Home Name Ideas

  • Very Modest
  • The Upgrade
  • Downsizing
  • Just Enough
  • The Sensible Choice
  • Surprisingly Large
  • The Mortgage
  • Still Not Finished
  • Reasonable Expectations
  • Minimal Restraint
  • Practical Living
  • The Compromise
  • Calm on Paper
  • Tasteful Excess
  • The Long Way Round
  • Quietly Extra
  • The Second Look
  • Unassuming
  • The Before Photo
  • Slightly Formal

Funny Guest House Names

Guest houses sit in a unique space. They’re welcoming, semi-formal, and often trying to feel comfortable rather than flashy. A funny name can instantly put guests at ease and signal that staying there won’t feel stiff or overly precious.

The best funny guest house names feel inclusive rather than jokey. Think warmth, gentle irony, and a nod to the realities of hosting strangers — early breakfasts, creaky stairs, and the polite dance of shared spaces.

What Works Well for Guest House Names

  • Light self-awareness
  • Soft humour rather than sarcasm
  • References to comfort, sleep, or hospitality

Funny Guest House Name Ideas

If you want to come up with a unique identity for your guest house, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Come On In
  • Probably Full
  • Mind the Step
  • The Late Checkout
  • Beds & Biscuits
  • No Room at the Inn (Ironically)
  • The Spare Room
  • Just Stay Here
  • The Quiet Bit
  • Pillow Talk
  • Sleep Eventually
  • Breakfast Pending
  • The Polite Knock
  • The Night Light
  • Early Risers Only
  • The Back Bedroom
  • One More Night
  • The Welcome Mat
  • Tea at Seven
  • The Soft Landing

Funny Airbnb Names

Colourful terraced houses in Southwold, a popular seaside town in the UK

Airbnb names are a chance to show personality before someone even books. A funny name can stop endless scrolling and make your listing feel human rather than transactional.

Humour works especially well here because short-term stays already come with quirks — unfamiliar kitchens, confusing light switches, and guests wondering where on earth the bins are.

Airbnb Naming Tips

  • Keep it short and readable
  • Let the name match the vibe of the stay
  • Avoid jokes that could confuse or worry guests

Funny Airbnb Name Ideas

If you’ve got a vacation rental property and a sense of humor, here are some funny name ideas for vacation homes: 

  • The Check-In
  • Home-ish
  • The Weekend
  • Unpack Later
  • The Spare Keys
  • The Temporary You
  • Lights Are Tricky
  • Sleeps Four (Cosily)
  • The Guest Mode
  • Where’s the Switch
  • Don’t Touch That
  • The Neutral Zone
  • One Night Stand (Very Carefully Used!)
  • The In-Between
  • Holiday Brain
  • The Luggage Drop
  • This One
  • The Almost Home
  • Short Stay Club
  • The Quick Escape

Funny Names for Student Houses

Student houses are absolute gold when it comes to funny naming. They’re chaotic, social, often badly maintained — and deeply loved by the people living in them.

Funny student house names tend to be bold, self-aware, and slightly unhinged. The messier the house, the better the name works.

What Makes Student House Names Funny

  • Shared suffering
  • Inside jokes
  • Mild exaggeration
  • Embracing the chaos

Funny Student House Name Ideas

Below are some ideas for entertaining student house names, funny college house names and funny frat house names:

  • The Chaos Club
  • The Laundry Pile
  • No Clean Cups
  • House of Regret
  • The Group Chat
  • Kitchen Closed
  • The Fridge of Mystery
  • 3am Snacks
  • The Crumb Zone
  • Bills Pending
  • The Noise Complaint
  • The Spare Mattress
  • Someone’s Turn
  • The Big Shop
  • Don’t Open That
  • The Recycling Myth
  • The Lost Sock
  • Wi-Fi Optional
  • The Overdraft
  • Semester Survived

Funny Names for Retirement Properties

Retirement homes and properties are a brilliant place for humour — especially gentle, knowing humour. These names often reflect freedom, slower living, and a sense of having earned the right not to rush anymore.

The key here is warmth. The best funny retirement property names feel contented, not cynical.

What Works Well for Retirement Home Names

  • Calm humour
  • References to time, rest, or choice
  • A sense of earned ease

Funny Retirement Property Name Ideas

  • No Alarm
  • The Slow Lane
  • Finally Ours
  • Not Rushing
  • The Afternoon Nap
  • Time Enough
  • The Long Breakfast
  • Optional Plans
  • The Quiet Hour
  • Second Cup
  • Nothing Urgent
  • The Easy Chair
  • Later Today
  • No Deadlines
  • The Back Burner
  • Just Passing Time
  • The Calm Bit
  • One Thing at a Time
  • The Open Diary
  • The Gentle Pace

Funny Ranch Names

Ranches are often named with pride — but adding humour makes them feel approachable rather than overly grand. Funny ranch names tend to blend rural reality with dry understatement.

They work particularly well when they acknowledge weather, animals, mud, or the sheer scale of work involved.

Ranch Naming Themes That Work

  • Weather extremes
  • Livestock antics
  • Over-romanticised rural life
  • Honest understatement

Funny Ranch Name Ideas

  • Mostly Cows
  • Still Raining
  • Fence Needs Fixing
  • The Long Walk
  • Mud Season
  • Probably Horses
  • The Back Forty (Again)
  • Windy Corner
  • The Early Mornings
  • Grass Happens
  • The Quiet Except Cows
  • No City Shoes
  • Haywire
  • The Last Gate
  • Open Range-ish
  • The Dust Bowl (Not That One)
  • Working On It
  • The Feed Run
  • Wide Open
  • The Long Driveway

Funny Lake House Names

Autumn trees add colour to this waterfront home

Lake houses sit somewhere between holiday escape and practical retreat. They’re relaxed, slightly chaotic, and shaped by weather, water levels, and how far you’re willing to carry paddleboards. Funny lake house names work best when they reflect that in-between feeling — not quite wild, not quite polished, and never entirely predictable.

The most successful names lean into lake life realities: muddy shoes, early mornings, calm evenings, unexpected splashes, and the quiet optimism that the weather will improve tomorrow.

What Works Well for Funny Lake House Names

  • References to water, weather, or changing lake levels
  • Gentle irony rather than big jokes
  • A relaxed, unpolished tone
  • Names that feel calm but slightly self-aware
  • Nods to boating, swimming, or doing very little
  • Humour that fits both peaceful days and soggy weekends

Funny Lake House Name Ideas

Here are some quirky name ideas you could consider for a lake house:

  • Still Water
  • The Slipway
  • Dock Holiday
  • The Calm Bit
  • Lake It Easy
  • Paddle Later
  • Wet Deck
  • The Early Morning
  • Just One More Swim
  • The Floating Schedule
  • Shore Enough
  • The Quiet Except Loons
  • Muddy Steps
  • The Long Sunset
  • Water You Waiting For
  • The Drift In
  • The Last Paddle
  • Damp Towels
  • The Slow Wake
  • Lake Expectations
  • Between Swims
  • The Rinse Station
  • Eventually Dry
  • The Weather Watch
  • No Wake Zone
  • The Gentle Splash
  • The Dockside Delay
  • Still Finding Oars
  • The Second Coffee
  • Calm Tomorrow

Funny Barn Conversion House Names

Barn conversions already come with built-in character, which makes them perfect candidates for humour. These homes sit at the crossroads of rural history and modern living, often retaining beams, uneven floors, cavernous ceilings, and the occasional reminder of their former life. Funny barn conversion house names work best when they acknowledge that past with warmth and a touch of irony, rather than trying to disguise it.

The most successful names lean into the contrast between what the building was and what it is now. They nod to livestock, haylofts, draughts, and agricultural scale, while quietly acknowledging underfloor heating, glass walls, and very expensive renovations.

What Works Well for Funny Barn Conversion House Names

  • Gentle references to the building’s former use
  • Dry, understated humour rather than novelty jokes
  • A balance between rustic past and modern present
  • Names that feel confident rather than apologetic
  • Self-awareness about size, echoes, or ongoing maintenance
  • Nothing too forced or “theme-y”

Funny Barn Conversion House Name Ideas

Check out these creative and unique name ideas for a converted barn:

  • Still Moo
  • The Old Barn (Now With Heating)
  • Haywire
  • Formerly Livestock
  • The Long Room
  • Drafty Heritage
  • Once a Cow
  • The Echo Chamber
  • The Big Doors
  • Beam There
  • The Hay Loft
  • Agricultural Chic
  • The Original Use
  • Still Standing
  • Rural Upgrade
  • The Before Picture
  • The Open Plan (Formerly)
  • Old Bones
  • The Conversion
  • No More Animals
  • The Honest Barn
  • Field Adjacent
  • The Working Title
  • Past Life
  • The Wide Span

Funny House Names for a Second Home

Property in Calgary, Alberta with landscaped gardens

Second homes come with a particular kind of humour all of their own. They’re places you escape to rather than live in full time, which means expectations are looser, routines are softer, and time behaves slightly differently. Funny second-home names often acknowledge that contrast — between everyday life and the place you go to breathe out.

The best names lean into themes of temporary freedom, divided loyalties, and the gentle absurdity of owning a place you’re always arriving at or reluctantly leaving. They tend to feel knowing rather than flashy, and quietly amused by the idea of “getting away” without really going very far.

What Works Well for Funny Second-Home Names

  • Light irony about escape, return, or dual living
  • Names that suggest pause rather than permanence
  • Gentle humour about time, distance, or effort
  • Self-awareness rather than bragging
  • A relaxed, unpolished tone
  • Names that still feel welcoming when you arrive tired

Funny Second-Home Name Ideas

  • The Other Place
  • Not Home
  • Away From It
  • The Escape Clause
  • Weekend Only
  • Second Thoughts
  • The Long Way
  • Almost There
  • The Detour
  • Later Than Planned
  • The Quiet Option
  • Out of Office
  • Back Soon
  • The Breather
  • Temporary Freedom
  • Not the Main One
  • The Alternate
  • Leave Tomorrow
  • The Return Trip
  • The Pause Button
  • The Spare Life
  • Eventually Home
  • The Getaway (Kind Of)
  • Time Off
  • The In-Between

Rude-But-Polite Funny House Names (That Stay Family-Friendly)

Some of the funniest house names are the ones that sound perfectly civil on the surface, but carry a quiet wink underneath. These are names that rely on understatement, irony, and shared social truths rather than anything rude or explicit. They’re the kind that make adults pause and smile, while still being completely suitable for children, guests, neighbours, and sign makers.

Rude-but-polite house names work particularly well for lived-in homes, renovation projects, family houses, and places where real life happens. They acknowledge mess, compromise, imperfection, and personality without ever tipping into bad taste.

What Works Well for Rude-But-Polite House Names

  • Dry humour and understatement rather than obvious jokes
  • Everyday phrases that sound neutral but carry meaning
  • Gentle self-awareness rather than mockery
  • Politeness on the surface with honesty underneath
  • Names that feel natural spoken aloud
  • Nothing that needs explaining to feel funny

Rude-But-Polite Funny House Name Ideas

  • That’ll Do
  • Good Enough
  • As Expected
  • Fair Enough
  • Quite Alright
  • About Right
  • The Usual
  • Just Fine
  • Close Enough
  • Perfectly Acceptable
  • Probably Fine
  • We Tried
  • Still Standing
  • Managed Expectations
  • Nothing Fancy
  • Could Be Worse
  • At Least It’s Ours
  • As Promised
  • Not What It Looks Like
  • The Reality Check
  • Still Working On It
  • Almost Finished
  • Phase Two
  • The Ongoing Project
  • Eventually Sorted
  • The Before Photo
  • Lived In
  • As Is
  • No Pretending
  • The Real One
  • Not a Showhome
  • Everyday Living
  • Very Modest
  • Just Enough
  • Surprisingly Small
  • Reasonable Luxury
  • Carefully Chosen

Funny House Names Based on Life Stages

Sometimes the humour comes not from the building, but from where you are in life. 

For example: 

Family Homes

  • The Chaos Club
  • The Homework Zone
  • Bedtime Negotiations
  • The Snack Drawer

Renovation Projects

  • Phase Two
  • Almost There
  • The Dust Bowl
  • One More Trip

Empty Nest or Downsizing

  • Finally Quiet
  • The Echo
  • Spare Room Central
  • Peace at Last

Making Your Funny House Name Feel Right

Property in Denver

Once you’ve chosen a name for your new house, you need to let people know about it. One of the most important ways to share your new house name is by having a house name made to hang on the outside of your home, your gate, or your front door. When it comes to choosing a sign, presentation matters.

  • A simple wooden house name sign suits cottages and cabins.
  • Metal or slate works well for coastal or modern homes.
  • Painted lettering can add a personal touch by looking charmingly imperfect – which often suits funny names for a house perfectly.

Keep it readable, don’t over-explain the joke, and let it sit naturally with the house. The best names feel like they’ve always been there.

Final Thoughts: Let Your House Have a Personality

A funny house name isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about making yourself smile every time you come home. It’s a reminder that homes don’t have to be perfect to be loved – they just have to be lived in.

Whether you choose something gently ironic, quietly self-deprecating, or openly playful, a humorous house name gives your home a voice. And if that voice sounds a bit like you or your entire family, then you’ve got it exactly right and it’s a well-chosen name.

For more house name ideas, check out the other posts in our property naming series:

Apartment Names – 200 Best Cool and Creative Ideas

200 Creative Names for Villas

Beach House Name Ideas: 200+ Vacation Property Names

House Names: How To Name Your Home

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Inside the Modern Heirloom Apartment

Inside the Modern Heirloom Apartment

If you’ve ever wished your home could feel modern and full of history at the same time, you’re going to love this one. The Modern Heirloom Apartment (a design by Simple Interiors) is exactly that kind of space. It’s clean and curated, but still feels layered. Like every piece was chosen with intention, not just to look pretty, but to belong.

Right away, you notice the mood. There’s that rich burgundy moment, then the warmth comes in through the wood tones, soft upholstery, plus all those quiet, sculptural curves, and just when it could’ve felt too minimal, the brass details bring a subtle glow to elevate the interior- a perfect mix of old-soul character and fresh design.

Let’s take a deeper look inside.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where the Modern Heirloom Apartment really shows off its architecture. Everything feels truly intentional.

Curved and sculptural, the island becomes the star, rounding the layout to transform this utilitarian zone into a natural gathering point. The oak cabinetry keeps everything calm- full-height, seamless, and super tailored. No visual clutter. Just warm wood and clean lines doing the work.

And the best detail? That arched wood frame around the backsplash zone, a striking element that gives the kitchen wall an architectural feature (not just a place for cabinets).

Minimal, yes. But it still feels designed.

Bedroom

A private little world.

Walking in, the whole room feels calm on purpose… soft light, warm oak floors, and that quiet mix of modern lines with old-soul details.

The bed stays grounded with textured upholstery and rich bedding tones. Then there’s the wall behind it… and wow. The mural turns the headboard wall into a full scene, adding hand-drawn softness + depth, all without extra decor.

Small details finish it off: a slim brass reading sconce, the sculptural side table, and the arched built-in shelving.

Bathroom

A bathroom that feels like a suite, not a side room.

The ceiling is the first flex, that warm ochre tone, framed with dark trim. Totally graphic and soft.

Everything underneath stays crisp. Large wall panels keep the lines clean, and the brass fixtures add warmth. The floating vanity is another smart move that adds to the open, airy feel. For that “heirloom” richness, the designer has used warm wood grain. Even the drawer pulls feel like jewelry ✨

Next to it, the freestanding tub sits like a sculpture. Minimal shape, maximum impact. And that little brass martini table? Perfect. Candle, book, drink… done!

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This $230 DIY Project Worked in Every Room of My Home

This $230 DIY Project Worked in Every Room of My Home

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

When I pore over home decor images online, the most beautiful spaces, no matter their aesthetic, often have a finishing touch in common: an interesting door with great hardware.  

My husband and I have put a lot of time and energy into upgrading our beach town apartment. Everything from the kitchen counter to the bathroom mirrors were low-cost builder grade and lacked personality when we first moved in. At this point, we’re finished with all the big renovations (bathroom, kitchen, patio, and laundry room).

And seeing how nice those spaces are now, the cheap builder doors looked out of place and extra-dated. They were hollow core, plain white doors that were painted and repainted many times over. They were pretty thin and would rattle with the slightest breeze, and the noise really bothered me. Having just finished the kitchen renovation, I had some left over budget (and energy, surprisingly) to tackle replacing the interior doors. 

I did a fair bit of research on what style I wanted and how it would fit with the laid back vibe of the beach style we created through the rest of the spaces. I narrowed it down to a shaker style with its simple, yet classic design. 

Up next was working the replacement of six doors into the leftover budget. To plan this out, I had to decide what kind of replacing I could do. With interior doors, there are a couple options. 

There are pros and cons to both, but I ended up going with a slab replacement for budget reasons and because some of our door frames were really thin and cornered up next to each other. It would have ended up being a lot more work to get everything to fit just right in these types of corners. Buying a slab door was much cheaper than the pre-hung door, and I could comfortably fit the six doors in the budget — plus the unlacquered brass door handles I had my eyes on. 

Here’s how I upgraded my doors using the pre-existing frames:

First, I made sure I had the right materials. 

I had to make sure all of my materials were the right size and came in on time. When researching how to replace doors, I landed on a super helpful YouTube video that took me specifically through replacing slab doors. It involved trimming down the door with a circular saw, routing the spaces for the hinges, and drilling the holes for the handles. I already had a circular saw, a router, and a set of drill bits.

Once everything was installed, it was time to paint. Since the new slab doors came primed already, I didn’t have to do that part, and I just chose the color I painted my walls, Valspar’s Swiss Coffee white in eggshell. I used almost exactly 1 gallon at $75. After two coats of paint, everything was done! 

All in all, this project took me about one full weekend and cost $2,114. Although it was a bit of a shock to look at the price tag all together, it came out to about $230 per room and boosted the style of every room. Not to mention, they’re much sturdier than the old doors. The unlacquered brass door knobs tie in with the brass I used in the laundry and kitchen renovations as well. 

I’m a fairly skilled DIYer (see: my kitchen renovation, laundry renovation, and back patio), and my project took one day for the total install and one day for painting. But this is also a project that you could outsource.

Personally, I plan on holding onto our townhouse and not selling, so it was easy to make the upgrade choice based on my personal preference, but replacing your doors is also something you might consider if you’re selling. 

Doors are so noticeable because it’s the first thing a visitor (or buyer) will see walking down a hallway or up to a room. Solid wood doors are something you can also immediately feel when you open them. It is an upgrade that could make a big impact in the sellability of your home. It sounds so simple, but installing new doors gave a new and fresh look to the whole inside. 

Home Help: Projects That Require An Expert Touch

Home Help: Projects That Require An Expert Touch

As a homeowner, it’s only natural to want to improve, update, and personalise your space. From small fixes to bigger upgrades, there’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in. But not every project is suited to a DIY approach – and knowing when to call in an expert can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

While there are plenty of home jobs you can confidently tackle yourself, some improvements require specialist skills, experience, and an understanding of safety regulations. In the sections below, we’ll look at the types of home projects that are best left to professionals, and why getting expert help is often the smartest decision you can make.

Pest Control

How to get rid of pests in your home, like ants

When it comes to keeping human intruders at bay, you are more than capable of completing a simple CCTV installation. When critters infest the property, though, expert pest control services are the answer. Aside from getting rid of the pests themselves, they will identify the source of entry. This allows this to block off access points to reduce the risk of repeat episodes. Their work also includes removing droppings and fur, which is vital.

You could try the DIY approach, but it’s better to know that all pests have been successfully eradicated and normality has been restored.

Significant Backyard Upgrades

Beautifying the backyard with a little gardening is well within your remit. However, backyard luxuries often demand professional support. Swimming pool installations and garden room erections are key examples. It’s not just about the quality of work that’s required, either.

If you take on the job yourself, you may overlook aspects of compliance. With this in mind, it is essential that you work with an expert. Besides, an inferior result could lead to a very expensive repair or replacement job.

Plumbing Upgrades

A new boiler is a large, but necessary, purchase for your home
Credit: https://depositphotos.com/

OK, so you are capable of fixing a dripping tap. However, the installation of new plumbing lines is best left to a pro. More importantly, boiler upgrade installations must be handled by certified experts. It’s a matter of safety as much as it is one of compliance and demanding better outcomes. If yours is outdated, it is essential that you take charge of the situation ASAP. It’ll remove safety issues and boost efficiency.

Only small plumbing issues like clogged toilets should be handled by you.

External Repairs

Keeping the building in great health is a priority for all homeowners. Not least because structural elements protect everything inside the home too. The roof, walls, windows, and foundation are too important to ignore. A professional roofer can assess the roof to determine the best course of action while also completing it to the highest standards.

A DIY approach is never wise, especially if you are short of time. The last thing you need is to be left with a half finished job that leaves your home exposed.

Extensions & Conversions

installing metal beam during house extension

If you want to repurpose a room, you are more than  capable of decorating. However, extensions and significant conversions need an expert. Planning permission may be needed for the former while it also takes on major structural changes. Attic, garage, and basement conversions can require a lot of work too.

While not as problematic as extensions, it’s best to call a pro unless you want to face a potential headache. They can help build the vision before bringing it to life.

Electrical Work

Changing a light fitting or replacing a socket faceplate can often be handled safely by a confident homeowner. Anything beyond that, however, should be left to a qualified electrician. Rewiring, installing new circuits, upgrading consumer units, or adding outdoor electrics all carry serious safety risks if done incorrectly. Poor electrical work doesn’t just lead to nuisance faults – it can increase the risk of fire or electric shock.

A professional electrician will also ensure all work complies with current regulations and is properly certified. This is particularly important if you plan to sell your home in the future, as uncertified electrical work can cause delays or even derail a sale entirely.

Structural Changes and Load-Bearing Walls

Knocking through rooms to create open-plan living spaces is hugely popular, but this is one area where DIY enthusiasm can quickly turn dangerous. Removing or altering load-bearing walls without proper assessment can compromise the structural integrity of your home. What looks like a simple wall could be supporting floors, ceilings, or even the roof above.

A structural engineer or experienced builder will calculate what’s needed and specify appropriate supports, such as steel beams. It’s not just about safety on day one – it’s about ensuring your home remains sound for decades to come.

Asbestos Removal

In older homes, asbestos can still be present in areas such as ceilings, insulation, floor tiles, or garage roofs. While it may not always be dangerous if left undisturbed, removing or damaging asbestos without specialist training can release harmful fibres into the air.

This is one task that should never be tackled as a DIY project. Licensed professionals have the equipment, training, and disposal methods needed to handle asbestos safely and legally, protecting both your household and the wider environment.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Beyond boilers, whole-home heating and cooling systems – such as underfloor heating or air conditioning – require specialist design and installation. These systems need to be carefully planned to work efficiently with your home’s layout and insulation levels.

A professional installer can ensure the system performs as intended, runs efficiently, and doesn’t cause future maintenance headaches.

The Final Word

Row of houses seen from the outside

Calling in a professional can feel like a big step, especially when you’re trying to keep costs under control. But in many cases, it’s a sensible investment rather than an unnecessary expense. Expert workmanship reduces the risk of mistakes, ensures your home meets safety and legal standards, and often delivers a better, longer-lasting result.

More importantly, taking on a project that’s beyond your skill level can quickly drain the enjoyment from your home. Instead of feeling proud of the space you’re creating, you may find yourself stressed, overwhelmed, or facing costly fixes later on. Knowing when to step back and ask for help is part of being a confident homeowner – and it protects your time, your budget, and your peace of mind.

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Gorgeous Entryway: First Impression Pieces Under $100

Gorgeous Entryway: First Impression Pieces Under $100

Your entryway is the first impression your home makes. It deserves to be a moment, one that feels totally like you, right? The good thing is, you don’t need a full makeover to get that “designer entry” look. Just a couple of well-chosen pieces will do.

Here are our favorite first impression pieces under $100 that are just as pretty as they are practical 🤍

Coat Rack Wall Mount Entryway Organizer

coat rack wall mount

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The kind of piece that makes your entryway 10x more functional. It gives you a dedicated spot for coats, bags, and daily grab-and-go items, so nothing ends up on chairs or piled on the floor. The clean wood look keeps things minimal, but still adds warmth to the wall.

Valet Tray Key Holder Bowl

valet tray key holder bowl

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If your keys, rings, lip balm, and earbuds constantly disappear, this is the fix. A valet tray is one of those tiny upgrades that make your home feel expensive. It creates a “home base” for the little things that usually cause chaos. And since it’s a 2-pack, you can place one in the entryway and keep the second on your nightstand or dresser.

Gold Clothing Rack

gold clothing rack

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This is your instant “boutique entryway” moment. A gold clothing rack makes even a small space look elevated, and it’s perfect if you don’t have a coat closet. It’s also great for styling because it lets you hang a few everyday essentials without making the area feel messy.

“It Feels So Good to Be Home” Wall Art (Black Frame)

black framed wall art

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Our personal favorite, and such a sweet finishing touch. The postcard-style design creates an intentional feel, like something you’d see in a designer hallway setup. Plus, it adds so much personality, without being too loud.

You see? These cute first impression pieces under $100 proved our point: you don’t need a big budget for a gorgeous entryway 😉

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I Tried 6 Methods for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors, and the Winner Surprised Me

I Tried 6 Methods for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors, and the Winner Surprised Me

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

Like many people, I use a daily shower cleaner after every shower to keep my glass doors free of soap scum and hard water buildup. I also take the extra step of using a squeegee to prevent excess stains. While I thought this homemade daily cleaner of dish soap, vinegar, and water was working fine, I was starting to notice cloudiness on my doors and figured it might be time for a deeper cleaning. 

I wanted to find out the best shower glass cleaner, so I decided to try out six cleaning methods to see which one got them the most sparkly clean. I discovered that not only was my homemade cleaner not working as well as I thought, but the winning method was also a product I was solely using to clean my floors.

I tested three methods on the doors in my main bathroom shower (two on different parts of one door and one on the other), and three methods on each door of my guest bathroom shower. Before testing, I did not use my homemade cleaner or squeegee on either shower for one week so I could more accurately see the results of each method.

The ratings: I used a rating scale of 1 to 5, with one being the least effective and 5 the most effective. I determined each rating based on overall effectiveness, convenience, and time spent implementing the method. 

Method 1: Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Water

Method: I mixed 1/4 cup of dish soap, one cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of lavender essential oil into a spray bottle. I generously sprayed this solution onto one door and let it sit for half an hour. Afterward, I used a scrubbing brush and rinsed everything off with the showerhead. 

How it went: This is the cleaning solution I use as a daily cleaner so my hopes weren’t too high. After rinsing the door, it looked clean, but I was suspicious. I exhaled hot breath onto the door (to mimic the steam of a normal shower) and could see a layer of hard water stains. 

Method: I used a Bounce Dryer Sheet to gently rub the hard water stains on the door and around the hardware to try to get rid of any grime and buildup. 

How it went: I admit that I was impressed that a dryer sheet was able to mostly get rid of these stains. However, the sheet would either slip out of my hand or it would grip onto the glass and my hand would slip over it, making this method quite inconvenient and not worth the time to clean up several stains.

Method: I used a brand-new Magic Eraser, soaked it with water, and wrung out the excess. I cleaned the door using circular motions and added a bit more water whenever I felt it was dried out.

How it went: Although this did require a bit more elbow grease in comparison to other methods, it did an excellent job at removing hard water stains. While I wouldn’t recommend this as the main form of cleaning glass shower doors, it’s an efficient method for quick cleanups in between deeper cleanings.

Method 4: Bar Keepers Friend

Method: I poured about a tablespoon of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser onto a slightly damp sponge, scrubbed the door in a circular motion, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. I then rinsed it off with the showerhead and removed the excess with a damp microfiber cloth. 

How it went: Despite removing most of the hard water stains and other residue, this method was the most inconvenient. Not only was the scent overwhelming (especially if you’re using this after a steamy shower in a windowless bathroom), but the abrasive and grainy texture of the product was also a nightmare to feel and clean from the bathtub. 

Method 5: Pine-Sol and Soft Cloth

Method: Because I only wanted to test this method before making a big batch, I did not follow Pine-Sol’s dilution directions. Instead, I poured about 2 tablespoons onto a clean, damp microfiber cloth. I then wiped the door in a circular motion. 

How it went: Although it’s a multi-surface cleaner, I have always associated Pine-Sol with floor cleaning (perhaps because of its woodsy pine scent), so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This method was overall the most effective and convenient; it effortlessly wiped away hard water stains and soap scum, and left behind a fresh scent. Because this method was such a success, I will be diluting it in a spray bottle and spraying it directly onto the doors instead of pouring the concentrate directly onto the cloth.

Method 6: Lime-a-way Spray

Method: Using gloves as instructed by the label, I sprayed Lime-a-way onto a section of the door, let it sit for a minute, wiped it with a damp microfiber cloth, rinsed it with water, and used a squeegee to remove excess droplets.

How it went: When I first sprayed this product onto my door, I was overcome with its strong chemical scent — in fact, I immediately started coughing! I covered my face with my T-shirt as I wiped it away with a microfiber cloth. As effective as this spray was, I couldn’t comfortably clean the rest of my shower doors in my small, windowless guest bathroom.

I learned how to clean glass shower doors by testing out six different methods and discovering that one method reigned supreme. While the winning method was clear (literally!), every method could be useful in some way depending on your preference and lifestyle factors. For example, if you have a guest bathroom that doesn’t get used often, wiping off a couple of droplets with a dryer sheet could be a quick fix.

Additionally, a daily cleaner (whether it’s homemade or not) and a squeegee can still be beneficial for the overall maintenance of glass shower doors. If you’re looking for a thorough, deep clean, however, you can’t go wrong with Pine-Sol and a soft cloth.

These “Splatter” Plates Are a Steal Compared to High-End Sets (Starting at Just $4)

These “Splatter” Plates Are a Steal Compared to High-End Sets (Starting at Just $4)

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

If I ever won the lottery, there would be signs. For one thing, my kitchen cabinets would be stacked full of fancy, handmade dishes in artsy glazes and designs (they make everyday meals look like a culinary triumph!). But until I hit the dinnerware jackpot I’ll be sticking to budget-friendly alternatives, like these Stoneware Splatter Plates from Target. I’d actually argue that they’re the furthest thing from second-best — they look like the high-end enamelware plates that have lived on my Pinterest board for years (and cost half the price). 

It was only a matter of time before the plates were all over TikTok. Now it seems like every other post on my feed is a call to snatch them up before they sell out. Here’s why I’d do exactly that. 

Adorned in a statement-making blue splatter design, the stoneware plates give you all the style and charm of a pricey enamelware piece — without the splurge. Featuring a chunky round rim, the plates have a funky, sculptural look that brings a stylish flourish to mealtimes and hosting. While I’ll obviously be going for the blue splatter colorway, the plates also come in solid blue, butter yellow, and classic white options, giving you plenty of room to mix and match pieces for a tablescape that’s all your own. Select pieces, like the Stoneware Mug and Snack Bowl, even come in a yellow splatter design. 

The plates are also far less precious than fancier pieces. The durable stoneware material can withstand minor bumps and scratches, and it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe (which makes reheating meals so easy!). Enamelware can’t go in the microwave, for what it’s worth. 

Target’s Room Essentials line is known for its affordable prices, but I was floored by how inexpensive these plates are. Those high-end brands on my Pinterest board would normally charge well over $60 for a set of four dinner plates, but you can buy four of these equally stylish plates for only $24. So if you’re looking to overhaul your dinnerware without spending a ton, these plates stack way above the rest. 

Buy: Room Essentials 8.5″ Stoneware Round Rim Salad Plate, $4
Buy: Room Essentials 10.5″ Stoneware Round Rim Dinner Plate, $6  

Authentic vs Replica Hans Wegner Chairs: What Buyers Need to Know

If you are hoping to add a Hans Wegner–style chair to your home, the decision can feel more layered than it first appears. Authentic originals offer history, craftsmanship, and quiet prestige, while replicas present the same iconic form at a gentler price point. When those differences aren’t immediately clear, hesitation can set in thus leaving […]

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