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Megan Oakly

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Megan Oakley, DIY & Crafts Editor
DIY & Crafts Editor

Megan Oakley

Megan transforms spaces with creative DIY projects, focusing on sustainable wood crafts and upcycling. Her hands-on approach makes complex projects accessible.

  • Wall Decor & Paneling
  • Rustic Accents
  • Fireplace & Mantel
  • Home Improvement
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Articles by Megan Oakley – Page 30

A modern corner fireplace can turn that “awkward” angle into the coziest spot in the whole house. I’ve found the secret is making it feel built-in on purpose—especially with warm wood accents and a clean, airy backdrop. Bold Tile Pop in a Clean Corner Frame Statement tile in a clean oak frame makes this modern corner fireplace the effortless wow moment. If you want the corner to be the focal point, I’ve had great luck…

A great sliding wall lets you reshape your home in seconds—open when you want airy, closed when you need privacy. I’ve built and installed a bunch of these over the years, and the right mix of track hardware, panel style, and finish can make it feel like a high-end custom feature. Frosted Glass Sliding Wall Divider Frosted glass + slim oak frame: a bright sliding divider that adds warmth and privacy. For bright, airy rooms,…

An indoor plant box is my favorite way to corral a bunch of plants into one clean, furniture-like statement. If you love wood grain and cozy vibes, these plant box ideas will give you tons of ways to add greenery without cluttering every surface with separate pots. Countertop Herb Plant Box A minimalist oak herb planter box with removable liner—pretty, practical, and spill-friendly. In my kitchen, I use a small indoor herb planter box to…

A raised fireplace with a no hearth design is one of my favorite ways to keep a room feeling open, modern, and easy to clean. Hang the Firebox Like Wall Art Floating firebox, zero hearth—mounted like wall art for a clean, modern raised fireplace. The boldest raised fireplace idea I’ve done was a wall-mounted unit with nothing touching the floor, so the no hearth look turned into a true floating sculpture moment. It instantly modernizes…

A great feature wall is that one spot your eyes land first, and it can totally change how a room feels without a full remodel. I lean on wood texture, simple trim, and a few “didn’t-see-that-coming” materials to make one wall do all the heavy lifting. Chevron Plank Feature Wall Bold chevron planks in warm oak and walnut turn a blank wall into the entryway’s main event. If you want movement, a chevron feature wall…

When the tree comes down, I always want my fireplace to still feel styled—but in a calmer, cozy way. These after Christmas winter mantel ideas keep that warm glow going with woodsy textures, soft neutrals, and just enough seasonal charm. Keep Mini Trees, Lose the Decorations Keep the mini trees, lose the ornaments—an easy winter mantel refresh after Christmas. I keep a trio of small, neutral mini trees on my winter mantel but strip them…

A corner stone fireplace turns that tricky, unused angle into the coziest focal point in the room. I’ve built and styled a bunch of these over the years, and the right mix of stone texture and wood details makes the whole space feel instantly more grounded. Wraparound Hearth for Conversation Seating A wraparound hearth turns a corner stone fireplace into the coziest conversation spot. A corner stone fireplace feels extra inviting with a wraparound hearth…

That door at the top of your basement stairs does a lot of heavy lifting—it sets the tone and hides the “utility” vibe in one swing. I’ve built and revamped a bunch of interior basement doors, and these ideas are the ones that make the transition feel intentional, cozy, and seriously good-looking. Dutch Door at the Stair Top A light oak Dutch door adds airflow up top while safely blocking the basement stairs. A Dutch…

Plinth blocks are that little detail at the bottom of your door casing that makes your trim look finished instead of fussy. I use them all the time to create a clean, intentional transition between baseboard molding and door casing—especially when the house is a little wonky. Stained Wood Plinth Blocks on Painted Trim Warm stained wood plinth block on crisp white trim—subtle contrast that ties in the floor. A stained wood plinth block against…

A kitchen can look “finished” fast when you add real texture instead of just more paint or tile. Paneling Behind Open Shelves Beadboard behind open shelves: a small paneling upgrade that makes dishes look styled. Adding kitchen wall paneling behind open shelves gives your dishes a textured backdrop that feels styled even on messy days. I’ve used beadboard and thin planks here, and it’s my favorite “small project, big payoff” trick. A few things you…