Megan transforms spaces with creative DIY projects, focusing on sustainable wood crafts and upcycling. Her hands-on approach makes complex projects accessible.
Boho mantel styling is my favorite kind of “collected over time” decorating—warm, a little imperfect, and packed with texture. Layered Frames and Leaning Art Layered leaning wood frames create an easy, lived-in boho mantel focal point. When I style a boho mantel, I start by leaning 2–3 wood frames in overlapping layers so it looks easy and lived-in instead of stiff. I’ve learned that mixing one larger print with a smaller sketch keeps it casual…
Your end table Christmas decor can do a lot of heavy lifting in the living room, even if you’re working with a tiny surface. Lantern Glow With Pinecones Lantern glow, pinecones, and warm string lights—simple end table Christmas charm. A lantern on the end table with string lights and a handful of pinecones is my go-to when I want cozy without clutter. I usually slide a thin wood slice under the lantern so it feels…
A great farmhouse wet bar feels like a cozy little “mini kitchen” where warm wood and clean cabinets get to shine. Hidden Wet Bar Behind Beadboard Doors A beadboard door swings open to reveal a hidden farmhouse wet bar—simple, sleek, party-ready. For a real wow moment, I’ve helped create a farmhouse wet bar that disappears behind tall beadboard doors, with the sink and shelves living inside like a mini speakeasy. It’s such a fun build…
Board and batten wainscoting is one of my favorite ways to make plain drywall look instantly intentional, without needing a full remodel. Here are my go-to ideas—from classic, clean looks to a few wild-card twists I’ve tried in my own builds. Extra-Tall Plate-Rail Height Extra-tall board & batten up to a plate rail for a taller, more finished look. For big impact, I take board and batten wainscoting up to plate-rail height so the lower…
A staircase can be gorgeous, but the side profile is what really makes it feel finished, and that’s where the stair stringer gets to shine. Exposed Sawtooth Stringer Exposed sawtooth stringer—clean Scandinavian lines with bold plywood layers on display. Showing the “teeth” of an open stringer gives a modern, airy vibe, and I’ve used a clear finish to let the plywood layers or wood grain do the talking. It’s such a bold look that even…
Distressed furniture is my favorite way to make a plain old piece feel like it has a story and a little soul. When I’m in my workshop working on a makeover, I’m always chasing that perfect mix of aged patina and “still practical for real life.” Textured Paint That Chips Like Old Farm Pieces Chippy, textured paint that sands back like a true barn-found cabinet—simple, warm, and timeless. If you want true chippy paint, I…
Your wedding day goes by in a happy blur, and I love the idea of giving those little moments a home you can actually hold. A wedding keepsake box does that beautifully—part storage, part decor, and part time capsule for your love story. Slide-Top Keepsake Box for a Clean Look Minimal slide-top walnut keepsake box—clean lines and that satisfying smooth-open moment. A slide-top lid is perfect if you love minimal lines and don’t want hardware…
A great safe room door has to do two jobs at once: feel seriously strong and still fit your home’s style. I’ve built and installed a bunch of these over the years, and the best designs balance heavy-duty security with clever, calm-looking finishes. Vault-Style Door With Timber Frame Vault-style steel door framed in reclaimed timber—bold security with warm, rustic charm. I’ve framed a vault-style steel door with chunky reclaimed beams, and it instantly felt like…
Barn beams have this magic way of making a room feel instantly warmer, like it’s been loved for decades. Vaulted Ceiling Ridge Beam Accent A single reclaimed ridge barn beam turns a vaulted ceiling into a warm, finished focal point. If you’ve got a vaulted ceiling, I love running one strong ridge barn beam down the peak to draw your eye up. I’ve done this in a bedroom makeover, and it instantly made the room…
When I want a room to feel instantly cozy, I reach for farmhouse wall paneling because it adds texture without adding clutter. Fireplace Wall in Shiplap Classic white shiplap fireplace wall with a chunky oak mantel—cozy farmhouse statement. A shiplap fireplace wall is classic farmhouse, and it frames the whole living area like a cozy backdrop. I’ve built it with a chunky mantel, and it instantly made the room feel like it had a story.…
