Shiplap is one of my favorite ways to make a mudroom feel instantly cozy, clean, and intentional without losing that hardworking vibe. Two-Tone Shiplap Mudroom Wall Two-tone shiplap mudroom wall: dark boot-zone below, bright airy boards above—clean and cozy. I’m a big fan of two-tone shiplap, with a darker color on the lower section and a lighter tone above. In my own projects, that lower “boot zone” color hides grime way better while the top…
A great-looking bookshelf isn’t about cramming in more stuff—it’s about curation over utility and letting your favorites breathe. I’ve styled shelves in tiny apartments and big living rooms, and the secret is always the same: mix books, texture, greenery, and negative space like you’re building a little story. Color-Blocked Book Rainbow Color-blocked book rainbow on pale oak shelves—an instant pulled-together wall of art. When I need an instant “pulled-together” look, I sort spines into a…
A good guest room luggage rack is one of those little touches that makes people feel instantly taken care of. I’ve built and styled a bunch of them over the years, and these ideas keep suitcases off the bed while making the room look pulled together. Fold-Flat Rack Stored Under the Bed A fold-flat wooden luggage rack that glides under the bed—perfect for tiny guest rooms. For tiny guest rooms, I always suggest a folding…
A built-in kitchen hutch is my favorite way to get that cozy, furniture-style charm without sacrificing the clean, custom look of true cabinetry. If you’re craving more storage plus a spot to show off your prettiest pieces, these ideas are the kind I build (and re-build) for clients and in my own shop all the time. Appliance Garage Hidden in the Hutch A sleek built-in hutch hides small appliances behind pocket doors for a calm,…
Good party seating is really just good people-flow—spots to perch, places to linger, and a few cozy corners that make everyone stay longer. Floor Lounge With Layered Rugs Layered rugs + low wood lounge = the coziest, talk-all-night party seating vibe. When I want that intimate, talk-all-night vibe, I lay down layered rugs and add big floor cushions so everyone naturally settles in close. I’ve done this in my backyard and indoors, and it’s the…
A small entry table can do a lot of heavy lifting—holding your everyday essentials while making your entry feel put-together. Stack Books to Add Height Stack coffee table books to lift a candle or vase and add instant layered height. Two or three coffee table books on a small entry table work like a built-in riser for a candle or tiny vase. I’ve used this trick in so many makeovers because it adds “layering” fast,…
A hallway doesn’t have to be a pass-through you rush past—it can be the cozy “first hello” of your home. I’ve found that a few smart wood accents, better light, and clutter-taming tricks can make even a narrow hallway feel warm and intentional. Statement Art at the End of the Hall A single oversized print in a light oak frame creates a calm, bold focal point down the hall. A long hallway begs for a…
A girl dresser is basically the biggest “blank canvas” in a bedroom, and paint is the fastest way to make it feel personal. I’ve flipped a lot of wood dressers in my workshop, and these ideas are the ones that consistently turn an everyday piece into something totally lovable. Abstract Brushstroke Color Blocking Abstract brushstroke color blocking in peach, rose, and lavender for a modern girl dresser. A girl dresser with abstract shapes and loose…
A small apartment dining room can feel like a puzzle, but a few smart moves can make it look intentional and cozy. These ideas are the same tricks I use in my own projects when I’m carving out a real dining spot without giving up precious floor space. Corner Banquette to Max Out Seats Corner banquette seating turns wasted corners into a cozy dining spot—ideal for small apartments. A built-in corner banquette is pure magic…
A painted pie safe is one of those pieces that instantly makes a room feel collected and cozy, especially when those punched tin panels get to shine. I’ve refinished a bunch of them over the years, and these are my favorite paint directions—starting with the classics and ending with a few real head-turners. Two-Tone Doors With Unpainted Panels Two-tone pie safe doors: painted frames with raw tin panels to spotlight the ventilation pattern. One of…
