Clara specializes in mountain lodge aesthetics and bringing cozy, nature-inspired design to any home. She has designed retreats from Aspen to Vermont.
A minimalist mantel shouldn’t feel empty—it should feel intentional, like every piece earned its spot. I style mine with one strong focal point and a few warm, natural accents so the whole room feels calm instead of cluttered. Stick to a Warm Neutral Palette Warm neutrals + soft black: a minimalist mantel look that feels calm, crafted, and luxe. When I keep my neutral palette tight—creams, warm woods, soft black—it’s almost impossible to overdo the…
White walls are the perfect blank canvas, but colored trim is what makes a room feel intentional and custom. After painting and rebuilding more baseboards, door casings, and crown molding than I can count, these are the combos I reach for when I want big impact without busy walls. Deep Green Trim for a Moody Edge White walls meet deep green trim—moody, vintage-leaning millwork with modern craft. Pair white walls with deep green trim to…
A round wall shelf is one of my favorite ways to add storage without losing that airy, styled-wall look. The circle shape instantly feels intentional, and it’s a perfect little stage for plants, pottery, and meaningful bits you actually want to see every day. Light Wood Nursery Round Shelf With Sweet Compartments Sweet light-wood round nursery shelf with tiny compartments for books and keepsakes. A soft-toned round wall shelf with small compartments is adorable in…
A TV can be the heart of a living room, but that big black rectangle doesn’t have to be the only thing your eyes land on. With the right TV wall molding, you can make your screen look intentional—like it belongs in the architecture of the room. Crown Molding to “Cap” the TV Wall Crown molding “caps” the TV wall for a taller, architectural look with clean Scandinavian charm. Running crown molding across the TV…
A garage accent wall is my favorite way to make a hardworking space feel finished, cozy, and intentionally designed. With the right wood texture and a little planning, you can turn “storage zone” into a room you actually enjoy walking into. Backlit Slats for a Luxe Glow Backlit wood slats add a luxe showroom glow—simple, warm, and instantly custom. For a real wow moment, tuck lighting behind wood slats with backlighting so the accent wall…
A half wall fireplace is one of my favorite ways to make a room feel cozy while still keeping that open, airy flow. Think of it like a smart little divider that adds warmth, texture, and a big focal point without taking over the whole wall. Half Wall Fireplace With Hidden Wiring Niche Clean half-wall fireplace with a hidden wiring niche—cord-free calm, crafted in light oak. If you’re doing a TV setup, a half wall…
Those plain old closet doors can be way more than a dusty “before” photo waiting to happen. Folding Room Divider Screen Turn old louvered closet doors into a chic folding screen to hide clutter in minutes. I’ve hinged three old louvered closet doors together to make a room divider that folds up when you don’t need it. It’s my go-to move for hiding a messy corner or carving out a little work nook in a…
A cluttered workbench is a joy-stealer—I’ve absolutely burned an hour hunting for a tape measure that was sitting under a rag and a pile of offcuts. Bench-Side Storage Slots Bench-side storage slots keep flat tools upright, visible, and out of the shavings. Screwing a few simple holders to the side of the workbench gave me perfect vertical storage for speed squares, rulers, and sanding blocks. I did this after realizing those flat tools always end…
Modern farmhouse is that sweet spot where clean lines meet cozy wood warmth, and everything feels bright without feeling sterile. When I’m building or styling a space like this, I always chase natural wood + soft neutrals first, then layer in contrast and texture. Exposed Beams That Feel Clean Clean, squared reclaimed beams add modern farmhouse warmth without turning cabin‑rustic. Nothing says modern farmhouse like exposed wood beams, especially when the rest of the ceiling…
An electric fireplace can look surprisingly built-in and high-end when you give it a real wood mantel moment. These ideas are all about turning that sleek insert into the coziest focal point in the room—without losing your style. Picture-Frame Mantel That Looks Like Wall Art A moody picture-frame mantel makes your electric fireplace look like living wall art. For a real wow moment, I’ve built an electric fireplace mantel surround that mimics a giant picture…
