A great basement bar top does more than hold drinks—it sets the whole mood of your hangout space. I’ve built enough bar tops in my shop to know the best ones balance tough-as-nails durability with a finish you can’t stop staring at. Epoxy River Wood Bar Top Glossy smoky-epoxy river meets bold wood grain—an instant basement bar centerpiece. A river epoxy bar top brings that glossy depth that makes a basement bar feel like a…
A loveseat in the bedroom is one of my favorite ways to make the space feel like a real retreat instead of just a place you crash at night. Neutral Loveseat, Warm Wood Tones Neutral linen loveseat with warm oak tones—calm, cozy, and easy to restyle all season. I love pairing a light neutral loveseat with a wood bed frame so the room feels calm but still has warmth and grain. In my own bedroom…
A good entryway chest is the quickest way I know to make the front door area feel styled while still hiding the real-life mess. I’ve built, flipped, and fussed with enough chests to know the magic is in pairing smart storage with a few cozy layers on top. Slim Chest for a Narrow Hall Slim oak entryway chest with handcrafted joinery—perfect for narrow halls and clean styling. When the walkway is tight, I go for…
My favorite home upgrade is a single spot that does double duty: cozy coffee in the morning and easy cocktails at night. Secret Flip-Top Prep Counter A clean coffee station on top—lift the lid to reveal a hidden cocktail prep bar beneath. I once built a hinged top that lifts to reveal a hidden cocktail prep zone, while the closed surface stays clean for the daily coffee routine. That “surprise bar” moment never gets old,…
A painted buffet and hutch is one of my favorite makeover projects because the before-and-after can feel downright dramatic. Natural Wood Top, Painted Body Painted buffet + hutch with a natural wood top—warm contrast, grain detail, and cozy durability. Keeping a stained or raw wood surface on the buffet while painting the rest of the buffet and hutch gives you that cozy “woodshop-made” contrast. I’ve rescued beat-up tops this way, and the natural grain hides…
Wallpapered bookshelves are one of my favorite “big impact, small area” upgrades because they turn a plain storage piece into a real design moment. I’ve done this in more than one room, and it never fails to make the whole space feel more finished and personal. Crisp White Shelves With Bold Print Crisp white shelves + bold wallpaper backdrop—instant contrast that makes every vase pop. I love pairing bright white shelves with a punchy patterned…
A single front door can do so much heavy lifting for curb appeal when it’s treated like the star of the whole entry. Reclaimed Wood Plank Door Look Reclaimed wood plank front door—knots, saw marks, and warm dusk light for instant character. Cladding a single front door with reclaimed wood planks brings instant character, especially if you keep the knots and saw marks. I’ve done this with salvaged boards, and the texture looks incredible under…
A good wood bed frame can totally change the vibe of a bedroom—warm, grounded, and instantly more “put together.” I’ve built and rebuilt enough beds in my workshop to know the best designs are the ones that look beautiful and feel rock-solid every single night. Resin Inlay Headboard for a Bold Statement A minimalist oak bed frame with a bold resin “river” headboard—functional art in your bedroom. For something truly different, try a wood bed…
A painted console table is one of my favorite quick-win makeovers because it instantly changes how an entry or hallway feels. Sage Green for a Calm Entryway Sage green console table + stoneware vase—an effortless, calming entryway moment. When I paint a console table sage green, it instantly softens the whole space and plays nicely with wood floors. I usually finish the look with a stoneware vase and a few branches—simple, but it reads intentional.…
A game table in the living room is one of those upgrades that instantly makes your home feel more lived-in and connected. I’ve built and styled a bunch of these setups, and the trick is making it feel like real furniture—pretty enough to leave out, practical enough to use daily. Classic Card Table With Upholstered Chairs A walnut card table with comfy upholstered seating—simple, intentional, made for long games. My go-to game table in the…
