With over 15 years in woodworking and interior design, Emma brings expertise in natural materials and rustic aesthetics to every project she touches.
A round entryway table is one of my favorite ways to give your foyer an instant “put-together” feeling without blocking the flow. I love how a round shape softens hard angles and creates a natural landing spot for keys, bags, and a little everyday beauty. Round Table With a Sculptural Base You Built A round entryway table with a sculptural geometric wood base—handbuilt and unforgettable. My most complimented entry setup was a round entryway table…
Your wedding table is basically the stage where the whole celebration gets its vibe. I’ve built and styled enough wooden setups to know the magic happens when the table, textures, and lighting all feel like they belong together. Bud Vase Grid Down the Center A grid of tiny bud vases down the center keeps the table airy, modern, and romantic. A line (or grid) of tiny bud vases keeps the wedding table feeling airy and…
A white dining table is basically the perfect blank canvas—it makes everything look brighter and a little more special. I style mine by mixing crisp whites with warm wood tones and natural textures so it never feels cold or flat. Coastal Driftwood and Shell Neutrals Coastal driftwood centerpiece with shells—an airy, neutral accent for a white dining table. A piece of driftwood with soft neutral accents (like stones or simple shells) makes a white table…
A good ceiling shelf is like finding bonus square footage you didn’t know you had. I lean on overhead storage all the time in my own projects because it clears the visual clutter without giving up the things I actually use. Pulley Lift Ceiling Shelf Pulley-lift ceiling shelf in warm oak—an overhead storage “elevator” with Scandinavian calm. For a true wow factor, build a ceiling shelf that raises and lowers on a simple pulley system…
Minimalist console table decor is all about balance without clutter—the kind of setup that feels calm the second you walk by. One Handmade Object With a Story One handmade wooden piece—quiet, minimal, and full of story—perfect console table styling. My favorite unexpected minimalist console table decor is a single handmade wood object—like a tiny turned vessel, a carved block, or a simple dowel sculpture. I keep it alone on the surface because in my experience,…
A well-styled tray is my favorite way to make a dining table look finished without feeling fussy. Glass Hurricane Over Natural Filler Clear glass hurricane on a wood tray with pebbles and beans—simple, high-end texture. I’ve done a glass hurricane on a dining table tray with a base of pebbles or dried beans, and it looks high-end with almost no effort. If you try it, go for a clear container so the layered textures become…
Barndominium exteriors live or die by the siding—those big, clean wall planes need texture, warmth, and a little contrast. Here are my favorite barndominium siding ideas, starting with the classics and drifting into some seriously fun, unexpected looks I’ve tried (or helped clients pull off) in my own shop projects. Classic Vertical Metal Panels Classic vertical metal panels: crisp lines, modern-rustic charm, and low-fuss durability. I’ve used vertical metal siding on more barndo-style projects than…
An antique bathroom vanity is my favorite way to make a bathroom feel collected, cozy, and a little bit storybook. Add a Marble-Look Slab on Top Protect vintage wood with a bright marble-look slab—clean, timeless contrast for any vanity. When I’m worried about water, I top an antique bathroom vanity with a stone-style countertop so the vintage wood stays protected. I’ve done this on ornate pieces, and that clean, bright top makes the carved base…
If your home feels like it’s shrinking, it’s usually not a space problem—it’s a height problem. Floor-to-Ceiling Built-In Bookcase Wall A sleek floor-to-ceiling plywood bookcase that turns one wall into beautiful vertical storage. I once built a floor-to-ceiling bookcase from plywood and a simple face frame, and it instantly made the whole wall work harder. If you do this, you’ll feel like you added a closet—because you basically did, just vertically. Useful items to consider:…
A small kitchen table can totally change how your kitchen feels—suddenly you’ve got a spot for coffee, homework, and quick meals without clogging up the walkway. Here are my favorite space-saving table ideas I’ve built (and rebuilt) over the years when every inch matters. Drop-Leaf Table for Flexible Seating A tiny drop-leaf table that opens up fast—perfect for narrow kitchens and surprise guests. I love a classic drop-leaf table because you can keep it tiny…
