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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 8

A wood drop ceiling is my favorite way to warm up a room fast while still keeping easy access to wiring, pipes, and ductwork. Here are my go-to looks—starting with the classics and ending with a few “how is that even a drop ceiling?” ideas I’ve actually built in my own shop projects. Acoustic Felt Backing Behind Wood Slats Warm oak slats on black acoustic felt—sleek contrast that softens echo and elevates ceilings. For echo-prone…

Living room wall moulding is my favorite way to make plain drywall feel finished, cozy, and a little bit fancy without changing your whole house. With a few smart trim choices, you can add architectural detail that makes your art, sofa, and lighting look like they belong together. Tall Panels Behind the TV Wall Tall moulding panels frame the TV so it blends in—clean lines, warm wood, bold contrast. A TV looks way less “black…

Rustic design is my favorite kind of cozy because it lets real materials—especially wood—do all the talking. Stone Fireplace Focal Point A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace framed in chunky oak—rustic warmth with clean Nordic calm. A stone fireplace is the heart of a rustic living room, especially when the stone runs all the way to the ceiling. I’ve helped clients “frame” the fireplace with chunky wood elements, and it instantly turns the whole space into a…

A good art room door should feel like a little spark of creativity before you even turn the handle. Geometric Tape-to-Wood Blocks Crisp geometric tape shapes on oak, echoed with painted wood blocks for a modern art door. I love doing crisp geometric shapes across an art room door, then echoing the pattern with little painted wood blocks around the frame. I tried this on a client’s studio door, and the clean lines made all…

Knotty pine walls have that cozy, cabin-chic soul, but they can also feel a little heavy if you don’t balance them right. I’ve styled and built around knotty pine paneling for years, and these ideas will help you keep the warmth while making the room feel fresh and airy. Solid Upholstery to Calm the Busyness Solid linen sofa + one bold throw lets knotty pine paneling feel calm, clean, and cozy. I’ve styled rooms with…

Boho beach decor is that sweet spot where breezy coastal calm meets cozy, collected texture. I lean on light wood, woven layers, and a few ocean-inspired accents to make a space feel relaxed without looking themed. Linen Throws and Gauzy Curtains Off-white linen softens warm wood—an effortless boho beach touch for bright, airy rooms. I always add linen textiles because they move beautifully and soften hard lines, which screams boho beach to me. My favorite…

A good rustic spice rack is one of those small kitchen upgrades that makes everyday cooking feel calmer and more “put together.” I’ve built a lot of them in my workshop, and the best ones blend warm wood tones with smart storage that keeps every jar easy to grab. Spice Rack From an Old Drawer Turn a beat-up wooden drawer into a charming wall spice rack with built-in rustic character. One of my favorite upcycles…

Farmhouse toy storage is my favorite kind of practical—clean, bright, and still cozy enough to feel like home. White Cube Shelf With Woven Baskets White cube shelf + woven baskets: the easiest farmhouse way to hide toy clutter beautifully. In my own builds, a white-painted wood cube shelf with woven baskets is the fastest way to make toys look “styled” instead of scattered. I like keeping a couple cubes open for favorite toys and using…

A wedding photo display table is one of those sweet little touchpoints guests actually linger at, because it tells your story without you having to say a word. I’ve built a lot of these setups from reclaimed wood and thrifted finds, and the best ones always mix a little heart with a little height. Vintage Window Frame Photo Grid on the Table Turn a reclaimed window frame into a chic wedding photo grid—rustic charm, clean…

Coastal table decor is all about that relaxed, sun-bleached feeling—like you just opened the windows and let the sea air roll in. I lean on weathered wood, woven textures, and soft sea-glass colors to make a table look effortless but still really pulled together. Driftwood Place Card Holders A tiny driftwood notch turns place cards into coastal table decor—simple, handmade, and chic. I’ve sliced little notches into short driftwood bits to hold place cards, and…