Clara specializes in mountain lodge aesthetics and bringing cozy, nature-inspired design to any home. She has designed retreats from Aspen to Vermont.
Shiplap looks amazing on its own, but trim is what makes it feel finished and intentional instead of “project in progress.” I’ve tried a lot of edge treatments in my shop and in real homes, and these are my favorite shiplap trim ideas for clean transitions, tough corners, and that cozy farmhouse vibe. Picture Frame Trim Around an Accent Wall Picture-frame trim turns shiplap into a polished accent wall that looks custom and cozy. Framing…
Modern rustic fireplaces are my favorite kind of mix—natural texture and cozy vibes, but with clean lines that feel fresh. I’ve built and styled a bunch of these over the years, and the best ones always balance reclaimed wood warmth with a little modern restraint. Mixed Stone and Wood Paneling Stone center, oak slats on the sides—modern rustic contrast that feels custom and calm. Pairing natural stone with a clean run of wood paneling is…
Baseboard lighting is my favorite “big impact, small footprint” upgrade because it makes a room feel calm, modern, and a little magical at night. Hallway Night Path Lighting Dim baseboard glow turns a hallway into a calming night path—warm, minimal, intentional. In my own hallway, I keep the baseboard lights super dim so they act like a nightlight pathway without waking anyone up. The soft glow along the bottom of the wall makes the whole…
Rustic wedding centerpieces are all about warm textures, natural shapes, and that cozy glow that makes everyone linger at the table. In my workshop, I lean on real wood grain, simple florals, and a few clever DIY tricks to get that effortless, collected-over-time look. Stump Riser With Low Florals Sanded stump riser + wide low florals for a forest-inspired rustic centerpiece with warm glow. Use a small wood stump as a riser and top it…
If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, “I need this room to do more,” you’re my kind of person. Wall Bed With Built-In Shelving Space-saving wall bed in pale oak with cubby shelving—guest-ready, calm, and beautifully minimal. A wall bed with side shelving gives you a guest setup without sacrificing your whole room 24/7. I’ve helped build one with integrated cubbies for linens, and it felt like adding an entire extra room overnight.…
There’s something about barrel staves that just screams cozy character—the curve, the wear, and all that story baked into the grain. I’ve used them in my own shop for everything from quick weekend builds to show-stopping statement pieces, and they never fail to make a project feel special. Hanging Mug And Glass Rack Dark wine-barrel stave rack: mugs below, glasses above—minimal, warm, handmade charm. I love using barrel staves for a hanging rack where mugs…
A pie safe is one of those soulful wood pieces that looks even better when you style it like a little museum of everyday life. I’ve decorated a bunch of them over the years, and the trick is balancing practical storage with that cozy, collected charm. Freshen It for Spring Spring pie safe refresh: herbs in tiny jars and seed packets for a bright kitchen-garden look. When spring hits, I’ll put small jars of herbs…
A good kindling box keeps the fire-starting mess contained while still looking right at home by your hearth. I’ve built a bunch of them over the years, and these ideas range from simple, classic builds to a few that always get a “wait, that’s genius” reaction. Slatted-Side Airflow Kindling Box Slatted sides keep kindling dry and crisp—minimal, airy storage with handcrafted warmth. A slatted kindling box lets air move through so your kindling stays crisp…
A scroll saw is my favorite way to turn plain, flat wood into pieces that look way more detailed than they actually are to make. Scroll-Sawn Clock Face Scroll-sawn clock face with delicate cutwork—minimal, boho-leaning, and beautifully handmade. A scroll-sawn clock is such an easy way to make functional decor feel like art—think cutout numerals, botanical patterns, or a bold silhouette center. I’ve made one for my shop wall, and I still catch myself staring…
The pulpit is the visual anchor up front, so a little intentional decorating goes a long way. Soft White Memorial Spray Soft white blooms and eucalyptus on warm oak—minimal, calming pulpit memorial spray. For a service of remembrance, I keep the pulpit decor gentle with a white-and-green spray placed low on the front so it feels respectful and calm. I’ve found that using soft foliage like eucalyptus-style greenery helps the whole space breathe. A few…
