Megan transforms spaces with creative DIY projects, focusing on sustainable wood crafts and upcycling. Her hands-on approach makes complex projects accessible.
A plain old pallet can turn into the kind of statement piece that makes your whole room (or porch) feel styled in one afternoon. Here are my favorite pallet paint ideas I keep coming back to in my workshop when I want big impact without fancy materials. Rustic Flag Stripes Rustic flag stripes on a scuffed pallet—minimal, timeless paint idea with handmade charm. Painting a pallet with classic stripes and a star block gives you…
A good gift tray is really a whole little moment you can hand to someone—cozy, useful, and pretty all at once. I build mine around warm wood tones and a “full and abundant” look, usually in a basket or crate that becomes part of the gift. Cozy Blanket and Candle Crate Weathered wood crate with blanket, candle, fuzzy socks, and a sweet treat—pure comfort. This cozy gift tray is my “instant comfort” formula: a throw…
A DIY fireplace wall is one of those projects that instantly makes a living room feel finished and intentional. I’ve built a few in my own spaces and for workshop clients, and the magic is always the same: add depth, add texture, and give the room a real focal point. Symmetrical Bookcase Built-Ins Symmetrical oak built-ins framing a minimalist fireplace—adjustable shelves for effortless styling. Full built-in bookshelves flanking the fireplace are classic for a reason—they…
A picture frame doesn’t have to be a plain border around a photo—it can be the whole moment. I’ve built and upcycled a lot of frames in my workshop, and these ideas are the ones that always make people stop and look twice. Chicken Wire Clip Frame A light-oak chicken wire clip frame—swap photos and notes anytime, beautifully and effortlessly. A big wooden frame with chicken wire lets you clip in photos, notes, and postcards,…
A great tabletop gets all the glory, but the right base is what makes a wood table feel rock-solid and look intentional. Farmhouse Trestle Base Chunky reclaimed-wood trestle base—farmhouse strength with a clean Scandinavian feel. A chunky trestle base is my go-to for long dining tables because it’s strong and still gives you decent legroom. I’ve built these from reclaimed beams, and the little dents and saw marks make the base feel like it has…
There’s something so calming about bringing tree branches indoors—instant texture, instant character, and it costs basically nothing if you’ve got a yard or a good walking route. Twinkle-Light Branch Arrangement Bare branches + warm twinkle lights in a tall vase for cozy, magical winter glow. Wrap twinkle lights around a few bare branches in a tall vase for soft, glowy evening light. I keep one near my workbench in winter, and it makes even sawdust…
Natural decor is my go-to when a room feels a little too “flat” and I want it to breathe again. Live-Edge Wood Coffee Table Moment A live-edge coffee table styled simply—ceramic bowl and greenery let the grain shine. Whenever I build or refinish a live-edge top, I keep the styling simple—just a ceramic bowl and a little greenery—so the grain can do the talking. Some handy options: Live Edge Coffee Table: Anchor your living space…
Earthy home decor is all about that grounded, exhale feeling—warm neutrals, natural textures, and a little “brought-the-outdoors-in” magic. I lean on wood, woven fibers, and imperfect handmade pieces in my own projects because they make a space feel calm and lived-in in the best way. Lean Into Soft Earth-Tone Pillows Soft sage, clay, and camel pillows make light oak furniture feel instantly earthy. I’ve gotten the best earthy look by sticking to sage green, clay,…
If your dining room feels a little flat, wainscoting is my favorite way to add instant architecture and that “finished” look. I’ve built it in everything from tiny nook-style dining spaces to formal rooms, and the right style can make your table and lighting feel like they truly belong. Natural Wood Wainscoting for Warmth Stained reclaimed wood wainscoting adds instant warmth and a crafted dining-room glow. If your dining room needs warmth, try stained wood…
A Christmas grazing table is basically a holiday centerpiece you can eat, and I love how it turns snacking into a whole vibe. I’m all about using wood boards, natural textures, and festive color to make the spread feel warm, abundant, and totally irresistible. Oversized Wood Plank Grazing Table Oversized reclaimed wood plank + simple Christmas bites = the easiest crowd-pleasing grazing table. If you’ve got a crowd, one long wood plank (or a few…
