There’s just something about black walnut—that deep chocolate heartwood next to creamy sapwood makes even simple builds look high-end. These project ideas are all about letting that natural contrast and grain do the heavy lifting without turning your weekend into a full-on cabinet build. Live Edge Walnut Coat Rack Live-edge black walnut coat rack—swirling grain and brass hooks for a calm, crafted entry. I’ve built a live edge black walnut coat rack for my entryway,…
A wide doorway can be the best kind of “divider” because it keeps your home feeling open while still giving each space its own identity. Double French-Style Glass Doors Double French-style glass doors: wide, airy separation that keeps your home office bright. If you want separation without losing light, double glass doors are my go-to for a wide doorway between a living space and office. I’ve installed pairs with simple muntin trim, and being able…
A garage door takes up a big chunk of your home’s exterior, so a few smart tweaks can totally change your curb appeal. I’ve done everything from quick paint refreshes to full-on wood overlays, and the before-and-after is always worth it. Faux Windows on the Top Panel Faux window insert with clean oak trim—an easy top-panel upgrade that adds instant charm. Those faux window inserts break up a big blank door and make it feel…
A reclaimed wood wall is my go-to move when a room feels a little flat and needs instant soul. Mixed-Tone Patchwork Wall A quilt-like reclaimed wood patchwork wall in gray, honey, and walnut—art all on its own. I love creating a mixed-tone reclaimed wood wall by blending gray, honey, and deeper brown boards like a quilt. The last one I made didn’t need a single piece of wall art because the wood itself was the…
A wood staircase can be way more than a path upstairs—it can be the coziest, most eye-catching feature in your whole home. I’ve built and refreshed a lot of stairs over the years, and the right mix of wood tones, texture, and details always makes the space feel instantly warmer. Curved Wood Staircase With a Statement Rail A curved oak staircase with a seamless statement rail—soft, sculptural, and timeless. A curved wood staircase is pure…
Loft access can be the make-or-break moment in a small space, especially when you want it to feel stylish and not like an afterthought. I’ve built a lot of stairs for loft setups in tight rooms, and these ideas balance space-saving practicality with woodsy charm. U-Shaped Loft Stairs for Tight Corners Compact U-shaped oak loft stairs with a sturdy landing—perfect for tight corners. If you’re trying to keep the stairs contained in one compact zone,…
A small wooden box is basically a blank little canvas that can turn into the cutest decor piece or keepsake with just a few simple touches. I’ve dressed up a lot of plain boxes in my workshop, and it still blows my mind how a tiny makeover can make them feel totally custom. Simple Stencil Pattern Pop Tone-on-tone botanical stenciling turns a simple wooden box into a clean, modern keepsake. A repeating stencil pattern (dots,…
A good wooden corner table turns that awkward “nothing fits here” spot into the coziest little landing zone for light, plants, and everyday stuff. Resin-Inlay River Corner Table A bold teal resin “river” turns this dark walnut corner table into a statement art piece. When I want a real wow moment, I’ll pour a slim resin inlay through a wooden corner table top, like a tiny “river” running from the point to the front edge.…
Baseboards are one of those little details that can make a room feel instantly finished—or instantly builder-basic. I’ve upgraded a lot of spaces with simple wood trim tweaks, and it still amazes me how big the payoff can be. Create Light-Washed Shadow Baseboards Light-washed shadow baseboards with hidden LEDs—soft glow, clean lines, boutique-hotel vibe. One of the coolest modern twists I’ve played with is a recessed or notched profile that lets hidden lighting create glowing…
A painted staircase is one of those projects that changes the whole vibe of a home without touching a single wall. Single-Color Staircase for a Sleek Block Monochrome-painted stairs create a sleek architectural block—simple lines, soft boho calm. Painting the entire staircase—treads, risers, and stringers—one color creates a modern, solid look that feels architectural. I tried this on a steep set of stairs, and it visually simplified all the lines in the best way. May…
