121 Home Projects

08/28/2026

After we tackled the new built-in cabinet/shelves, the homeowner wanted to set off the TV wall in a stone accent to complement their fireplace wall in the adjacent living room.

And so we did!

07/10/2026

Behold our latest entry in the "Dramatic Stair Rail Update" category!

Homeowners were eager to modernize the entire rail system, calling for square newell posts, sweet rectangular handrail, metal balusters with basket accents, and gorgeous black paint. The open treads and new entry floor tile (installed right after we finished) required special attention, in particular squaring off the lowest newell.

l'll be back soon to paint the front door to match. 😀👍

Please consider sharing or reposting! Thanks!



Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

06/18/2026

Trim repair/refresh? Inside or out, can do. 👍

I work on a lot of exterior trim repair & paint updates, especially at the bottom where water makes contact and caulk wears out: jambs, brick mould, casing, decorative elements, etc.


Latitude

06/12/2026

One of the joys of my work is following a homeowner to their new address with fresh ideas!

I designed this solution to honor the symmetry of the tall windows without crowding the TV opening, with a nod to several practical requests: bench seating, close stain match to the floor, new lighting to replace old surround sound speakers, and tall crown to complement the adjacent kitchen trim.

Props to (1) MZM Custom Doors who built my doors AND laid up the solid maple countertop and shelves, and (2) Sherwin Williams for stellar coverings once again (Emerald Urethane Enamel for the win!)

06/11/2026

No way I was gonna pass by this stand without supporting this young entrepreneur. She's on a side street off a side street, so not exactly a busy thoroughfare. Turns out, she lives across from a house getting a new roof today.

Smart girl.

Predictably, no one is drinking her lemonade for free on the hottest day of the season so far. I hope she needs a second mailbox.

06/06/2026

Homeowner recently had the kitchen cabinets and walls painted, and asked 121HP to complete the project with new custom subway tile.

Biggest challenge of this project involved demo down to the studs to remove thick, old tile before hanging new sheetrock and tile.

05/23/2026

Probably half of my work is straight up Handyman tasking: repair, replace, revise, restore. (Yep, I adore alliteration; and who can resist a good list?!)

So! Alongside the recent glamour shots of cool cabinet builds, here are a few random tasks that might not be overly complicated, but I've come to learn that doesn't necessarily mean they're easy.

Photos below: hot tub b-gone; replacement bathroom vent fan; updated OTR microwave; new door.

05/15/2026

Some days I just work on cool projects. Other days cool homeowners feed me great food.

This week I enjoyed both!

Taking five full, busy days from start to finish, this set of built-ins replaces a pair of nice but basic standalone shelf units, greatly improving display and storage space. The counter and shelves are solid maple, which beautifully complements other natural wood tones on display here in the dining room.

I am so blessed when folks invite me to eat with them in their home! This week I had fabulous homemade Italian wedding soup, a fresh fruit & veggie plate, cheeseburger sliders, and chocolate-chip-smore-marshmallow-graham-cracker-ridiculous-sweetness-wonder for dessert.

At least that's what I called it. (See pic below!)

** UPDATE! See final decorated pic in comments! **

03/24/2026

Hello, folks! I will get back to project posts next week; for now, here is an update on my son's journey fighting cancer. THANK YOU for the amazing support!

https://www.facebook.com/share/14Z14Xh8isC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/19/2026

Good evening, 121HP family, friends, and fans!

While this space usually features the latest project or task highlight, tonight I humbly ask for your help and support for one of my sons. Micah, a self-employed pro videographer & producer in Richmond, VA was diagnosed with cancer right before Christmas. And only a month later, they celebrated the birth of their second daughter! Life is good, but oh so unpredictable.

In light of the many obstacles and uncertainties ahead, we remain prayerful and determined to help in every way we can. Please consider joining us in bringing hope to Micah and his amazing wife and children.

Thank you!

Dean & Elizabeth Byler

Supporting Micah and His Family During Cancer Surgery Recover… Elizabeth Byler needs your support for Support Micah and His Family During Cancer Surgery Recovery