Building your kids a backyard fort that isn't an eyesore

If your kids have been hounding you to make some kind of playhouse or fort in the backyard but you're just not sure how it will fit in with the rest of your decorating, don't worry.

There's a way to give your kids what they want and keep your outside domain looking sharp.

The best way to do this is to make it your own personal garden DIY project, in addition to a helpful favor to your kids. By investing time and energy into it, you may see that you take extra pride in building the fort or treehouse, and the results will be that much more aesthetically pleasing.

To start, be sure to use rich wood that has been sanded and will take a stain nicely. This will help you match the playhouse to any decking or fences you already have set up in your backyard. Be sure to use the right electric tools, too, so the end result isn't shoddy.

Once it's built, you can even hang potted plants from the structure, or decorate it with outdoor lighting - anything that will help it blend in better with the rest of the scenery.