With over 15 years in woodworking and interior design, Emma brings expertise in natural materials and rustic aesthetics to every project she touches.
Loft floors have to do double duty: they need to look beautiful up top while staying comfy, quiet, and stable over whatever’s happening below. I’ve finished a lot of lofts from “bare joists” to “favorite room in the house,” and the right flooring choice always makes the transformation feel real. Resin-Filled Cracks for a Wow Finish Turn knots into art: resin-filled cracks on reclaimed boards for a gallery-worthy loft floor. For a truly memorable loft…
A raised platform bed is my favorite small-room trick because it turns “dead space” into storage and makes the whole room feel intentional. If you’re short on square footage, building up with wood is one of the easiest ways to get a calmer, more functional layout. Storage Stairs Instead of a Ladder Box stairs with hidden drawers: safer than a ladder and packed with storage for small rooms. In a small room, I’d rather climb…
Modern farmhouse kitchens really shine when the countertops balance clean, modern surfaces with a little rustic soul. I’ve built and installed a lot of tops in my own shop, and these ideas are the ones that consistently make a kitchen feel warm, current, and lived-in. Live-Edge Wood Counter for a Rustic Twist Live-edge wood counter: rustic farmhouse character with a clean, modern Scandinavian look. A live-edge countertop is one of my favorite ways to bring…
A small storage bench in the bedroom is one of my favorite “work smarter, not harder” pieces of furniture. You get a comfy perch at the foot of the bed and a sneaky spot to hide the clutter that loves to multiply overnight. Lift-Top Bench With a Secret Jewelry Drawer A lift-top oak bench with a hidden jewelry drawer—minimal, boho-soft, and beautifully discreet. For a real “how is that even in there?” moment, I’ve built…
A good plate rack is one of those pieces that works hard and looks pretty at the same time. Plate Rack With Mug Hooks Underneath A plate rack with mug hooks—minimal wall storage that doubles as a cozy coffee station. I’ve added a bottom row of hooks to a plate rack and it instantly became a coffee-station hero for mugs and tea cups. You’ll like how it turns one wall into a full-on dish storage…
A great bathtub side table turns a regular soak into that little at-home spa moment where everything you need is right within reach. I’ve built and tested a bunch of these in real bathrooms, so here are my favorite ideas—from classic wood looks to the unexpected ones that make people do a double-take. Live-Edge Wood Accent Table Warm live-edge bathtub side table with sleek hairpin legs—minimal, boho, and water-sealed. If you want instant warmth, a…
A narrow hallway can feel like a forgotten pass-through, but a few smart decor moves can turn it into a space you actually enjoy walking through. Build a Slim Picture Ledge A slim wood picture ledge keeps hallway decor stylish without stealing precious space. A skinny picture ledge shelf is perfect decor for a narrow hallway because you can layer frames without them sticking out too far. I’ve made mine from scrap wood, and it’s…
A mezzanine railing has to do two jobs at once: keep things safe up top and look good doing it. Glass Panels With a Wood Handrail Floating glass mezzanine railing with a warm oak handrail—bright, clean, and airy. A mezzanine railing with glass panels and a wood handrail gives you that “floating” look while keeping the edge super clean. I helped install one in a bright, high-ceiling space, and the way it bounced light around…
A great water closet door gives you privacy without making that tiny toilet room feel like a dark little box. Arched Top for a Soft Look A gentle arched top turns a simple water closet door into a soft, custom statement. I added a gentle arch detail to a water closet door once, and it totally changed the vibe from boxy to custom. Even a faux-arch trim build-up can make a water closet feel more…
A headboard is the quickest way to make your bed feel styled on purpose instead of just… parked against a wall. Driftwood Cluster Headboard Sculptural driftwood cluster headboard—organic texture that turns your bed into art. A driftwood headboard made from vertical branches or beachy pieces gives you an organic, sculptural look that can’t be replicated. I’ve assembled these like a puzzle on the floor first, and once you find the rhythm of the shapes, it’s…
