Clara specializes in mountain lodge aesthetics and bringing cozy, nature-inspired design to any home. She has designed retreats from Aspen to Vermont.
Exterior wood cladding can totally change a home’s vibe—from sleek and modern to warm and inviting—without messing with the whole structure. I’ve tried a lot of siding layouts in my own projects, and these ideas are the ones that consistently make people stop and stare at the curb. Warm Natural Wood With Clear Finish Clear-finished natural wood cladding that lets the grain shine—warm, modern, and timeless. A simple clear coat over natural wood cladding lets…
A great wood front door isn’t just a slab on hinges—it’s the anchor for your whole entry’s vibe. Double Wood Front Doors for Big Curb Appeal Double oak front doors with sleek black hardware—big curb appeal, timeless and handcrafted. Double wood front doors are pure drama in the best way, especially with symmetrical planters and lighting. I helped a friend upgrade to doubles, and suddenly the porch looked like it belonged on a magazine cover.…
A good carport wall gives you just enough privacy and weather protection without turning the space into a dark box. Half Wall with Slats Above Half wall + airy slats: protect from splash while keeping your carport light and breezy. For the best of both worlds, I like a solid half-height wall with slats above, because it blocks road spray at the bottom and still keeps things breezy up top. Check these products out: Horizontal…
Big doors change the whole vibe of a home—suddenly the entry feels intentional, light-filled, and a little bit grand. I’ve built and installed a bunch of oversized doors in my workshop, and the right details (wood grain, hardware, and scale) make all the difference. Oversized Double Entry Doors Extra-wide oak double entry doors—balanced, welcoming, and precision-aligned for a grand front. A pair of extra-wide double doors is classic and friendly, especially when you want a…
Outdoor plant stands are my go-to trick for making a patio or porch feel lush without eating up precious floor space. A-Frame Tiered Plant Stand A simple cedar A-frame tiered plant stand—sunlit, sturdy, and made for growing collections. When I’m dealing with a serious plant collection, I reach for an A-frame plant stand with multiple shelves so everything gets light. In my builds, a cross-brace and exterior screws make the whole thing feel rock-solid outdoors.…
Nature-themed spaces have this magic way of making a room feel calmer, cozier, and more curious—all at once. Driftwood Mobile With Hanging Leaves Dreamy driftwood mobile with hanging linen leaves and pinecones—Scandi calm with boho warmth. A driftwood mobile with fabric leaves, pinecones, and little wooden shapes feels like a gentle indoor tree canopy. I’ve balanced mobiles on fishing line before, and once you get the weight right, it adds that dreamy nature themed movement…
An open carport is great on a sunny day, but it can feel pretty helpless when wind-driven rain and sideways dust roll in. I’ve enclosed a few carports over the years, and the right mix of wood, panels, and doors can turn that “parking pad with a roof” into a space you actually love using. Partial Enclosure on Two or Three Sides A slatted wood side panel blocks wind and rain—while keeping your carport open…
A wedding wishing well can be practical and still feel like a little piece of decor you’re proud to show off. Toolbox-Inspired Wishing Well Toolbox-inspired wooden wishing well with divider—Scandi minimal, boho warm, beautifully made. A toolbox wishing well is such a fun nod to hands-on couples, and I’ve built one with a top slot and little side handles that make it easy to move. I like adding a removable divider inside so cards stay…
Modern exterior window trim is one of those small upgrades that instantly makes a house look sharper and more intentional. I’ve built and installed a lot of trim, and these ideas are the ones that consistently deliver that clean, current curb-appeal glow-up. Butt Joints With Reveal Line Butt-joint window trim with a slim reveal line for a crisp, floating modern edge. A simple butt-joint frame looks extra modern when you add a tiny reveal gap…
Outdoor stairs are one of those projects that can be purely practical—or they can totally transform how your yard feels from top to bottom. Open Riser Outdoor Stairs Airy open-riser outdoor stairs that let light and greenery flow through your small yard. When I want an airy look, I build open riser stairs so light and greenery can peek through. I’ve used this style to keep small yards from feeling boxed in by a big…
