Wooden lamps are my go-to trick for making a room feel warmer, cozier, and a little more “you.” Slatted Louver Shade Lamp Slatted oak louver lamp casting bold striped shadows—minimal, warm, and beautifully crafted. A slatted wood shade is one of my favorites for drama, because it casts striped shadows that make the whole room feel designed. I’ve made mine from thin, identical strips and learned that tiny spacing tweaks totally change the glow. A…

Your wedding day goes by in a happy blur, and I love the idea of giving those little moments a home you can actually hold. A wedding keepsake box does that beautifully—part storage, part decor, and part time capsule for your love story. Slide-Top Keepsake Box for a Clean Look Minimal slide-top walnut keepsake box—clean lines and that satisfying smooth-open moment. A slide-top lid is perfect if you love minimal lines and don’t want hardware…

A good gift tray is really a whole little moment you can hand to someone—cozy, useful, and pretty all at once. I build mine around warm wood tones and a “full and abundant” look, usually in a basket or crate that becomes part of the gift. Cozy Blanket and Candle Crate Weathered wood crate with blanket, candle, fuzzy socks, and a sweet treat—pure comfort. This cozy gift tray is my “instant comfort” formula: a throw…

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 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 wooden spool has that perfect mix of rugged texture and cozy charm that just belongs at a wedding. I’ve dressed up a lot of these big old reels, and they’re basically the easiest way to create instant rustic wedding decor with real wow-factor. Rustic Cake or Dessert Table A sanded wooden spool cake table with linen and greenery—rustic, minimal, wedding-ready. My go-to move is turning a large wooden spool into a cake table with…

An indoor plant box is my favorite way to corral a bunch of plants into one clean, furniture-like statement. If you love wood grain and cozy vibes, these plant box ideas will give you tons of ways to add greenery without cluttering every surface with separate pots. Countertop Herb Plant Box A minimalist oak herb planter box with removable liner—pretty, practical, and spill-friendly. In my kitchen, I use a small indoor herb planter box to…

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…

When I need a space to feel calm fast, I reach for wooden storage boxes because they’re practical and they make clutter look intentional. Hinged-Lid Toy Chest Storage Box Hinged-lid toy chest with soft-close stay—minimal, boho-warm, and beautifully crafted. For big clutter zones, I build a hinged wooden storage chest with a lid stay, because slammed fingers are not the vibe. I made one for a playroom setup and it swallowed toys like a champ…