Clara specializes in mountain lodge aesthetics and bringing cozy, nature-inspired design to any home. She has designed retreats from Aspen to Vermont.
Some days you just want a fresh list of things to build that feel doable and look amazing in your home. These are wood-first projects I’ve built (and rebuilt) over the years, and they all look even better with reclaimed wood and a cozy farmhouse finish. Raised Garden Bed A simple cedar raised garden bed—clean lines, sturdy braces, and ready for seasons of growth. Whenever I’m craving an outdoor project, I build a raised garden…
A farmhouse pantry door is one of my favorite ways to add instant warmth and character to a kitchen without touching the cabinets. Vintage Screen Door Pantry Style Vintage screen door turned pantry door—airy mesh, warm wood, and modern farmhouse charm. I’ve repurposed an old screen door as a pantry door, and it’s such a charming throwback with a real farmhouse feel. Swapping in sturdier mesh (and tightening the frame) made it practical while keeping…
A good wall laminate moment can turn a flat, boring wall into the cozy anchor your room’s been missing. Herringbone Laminate Feature Wall Light oak herringbone laminate adds quiet movement and a touchable, crafted statement wall. If you want “wow” without going loud, a herringbone wall laminate pattern is my go-to, because it adds movement while staying classy. I’ve built a few of these feature walls, and every single time people walk in and immediately…
An indoor railing can be the quiet safety feature you never notice—or the detail that makes your whole stairway feel custom. Pony Wall With a Wood Cap Rail Pony wall privacy with a thick oak cap rail—clean Scandinavian lines and warm, natural texture. A half wall topped with a thick wood cap rail is a classic I’ve used when people want more privacy on the stairs. You can still add a shorter open section at…
A raised panel wall is one of those woodworking details that instantly makes a room feel finished and intentional. I love how the crisp shadow lines add depth to plain drywall without needing a ton of decor. Raised Panel Entryway Statement Wall Extra-wide raised panels turn a simple entry into a custom, high-end statement wall. In an entry, a raised panel feature wall instantly sets the tone and makes a simple console table look styled.…
A small mantel can look incredibly styled without feeling stuffed—you just need the right mix of height, texture, and breathing room. Mix Wood, Ceramic, and Metal Small mantel, big texture: rough oak, smooth ceramic, and a whisper of brass shine. Texture does the heavy lifting on a small mantel, so I mix wood and ceramic with one small metal accent for shine. I’ve paired a rough-sawn wood candle block with a smooth vase, and the…
Basement walls can be tricky because concrete and humidity don’t play nice with standard finishes. Reclaimed Wood Feature Wall Reclaimed wood feature wall: instant basement warmth with rustic texture and modern calm. A reclaimed wood accent is my go-to move when a basement needs instant warmth, especially on the wall behind a sofa or bar. I’ve used mixed-width salvaged boards, and the little dents and saw marks made the whole basement wall feel intentionally rustic.…
A fresh coat of paint can turn tired stairs and landing into the kind of statement feature that makes the whole entry feel intentional. I’ve redone enough staircases to know the magic is in smart contrast, a little creativity, and finishes that can actually handle real life. One Color, Different Sheens One color, two sheens—matte risers and glossy treads for crisp, monochrome stair style. Use the same color on your stairs and landing, but switch…
If you’ve been staring at your scrap pile and thinking, “I should make something useful,” you’re in the right headspace. These woodshop project ideas are my go-to builds when I want that satisfying mix of quick wins, everyday function, and cozy wood-grain style. Desktop Organizer Caddy A simple scrap-wood desktop caddy that corrals pens, scissors, and tiny tools beautifully. Whenever my workspace gets chaotic, I make a desktop organizer with a few skinny dividers and…
Crown molding is one of those finishing touches that instantly makes a room feel taller, cleaner, and more “done.” I’ve added it in everything from tiny hallways to big living rooms, and it never fails to give that satisfying, polished edge where wall meets ceiling. Monochrome Crown That Blends In Monochrome crown moulding blends in beautifully—its profile shows up as soft, modern shadow. Painting crown molding the same color as the wall or ceiling gives…
