A good wood wall treatment can take a plain drywall moment and turn it into the coziest focal point in the whole house. Diagonal Plank Wall Diagonal oak planks add movement and make a small corner feel wider—clean, warm, and timeless. Running boards on a diagonal is a simple twist that makes the wall feel dynamic without extra decor. I tried a diagonal plank treatment in a small office corner, and it made the space…
A white wood plank ceiling is one of my favorite ways to brighten a room without losing that cozy wood texture we all love. I’ve used it in everything from tiny hallways to big vaulted living spaces, and it always adds instant character. Classic White Shiplap Ceiling Classic matte white shiplap ceiling for an instant lighter, taller-feeling farmhouse look. When I want that clean farmhouse look fast, I go straight to a white shiplap ceiling…
A pine ceiling is one of those upgrades that instantly makes a room feel warmer, cozier, and a little more “finished” without getting fussy. Wide-Plank Pine for a Modern Farmhouse Feel Wide-plank pine ceiling warmth—modern farmhouse calm with beautifully spaced knots. If you love a calmer, less “busy” look, a wide-plank pine ceiling is the move—I’ve installed wider boards in larger rooms and it reads more modern right away. I always sort boards on the…
There’s just something magical about a rustic winter wedding—all that natural wood, soft light, and snowy-season texture coming together. In my shop, I lean hard into warm grain, cozy layers, and winter greenery to make the whole space feel like a candlelit cabin dream. Whittled Branch Chandelier Whittled branch chandelier with warm lights—instant cozy winter-lodge magic for your head table. One of my favorite wow ideas for a rustic winter wedding is a DIY branch…
Basement walls can feel cold and unfinished, but the right basement wall paneling makes the whole space feel like an actual room you want to hang out in. Raised-Panel MDF Look Raised-panel MDF adds custom depth—clean rectangles, bold color, and crafted detail. For a more traditional basement finish, I’ve had great results creating a raised-panel look using sheet goods and trim for clean rectangles. In one basement TV room, that little bit of depth made…
A DIY fireplace wall is one of those projects that instantly makes a living room feel finished and intentional. I’ve built a few in my own spaces and for workshop clients, and the magic is always the same: add depth, add texture, and give the room a real focal point. Symmetrical Bookcase Built-Ins Symmetrical oak built-ins framing a minimalist fireplace—adjustable shelves for effortless styling. Full built-in bookshelves flanking the fireplace are classic for a reason—they…
A picture frame doesn’t have to be a plain border around a photo—it can be the whole moment. I’ve built and upcycled a lot of frames in my workshop, and these ideas are the ones that always make people stop and look twice. Chicken Wire Clip Frame A light-oak chicken wire clip frame—swap photos and notes anytime, beautifully and effortlessly. A big wooden frame with chicken wire lets you clip in photos, notes, and postcards,…
There’s something so calming about bringing tree branches indoors—instant texture, instant character, and it costs basically nothing if you’ve got a yard or a good walking route. Twinkle-Light Branch Arrangement Bare branches + warm twinkle lights in a tall vase for cozy, magical winter glow. Wrap twinkle lights around a few bare branches in a tall vase for soft, glowy evening light. I keep one near my workbench in winter, and it makes even sawdust…
Natural decor is my go-to when a room feels a little too “flat” and I want it to breathe again. Live-Edge Wood Coffee Table Moment A live-edge coffee table styled simply—ceramic bowl and greenery let the grain shine. Whenever I build or refinish a live-edge top, I keep the styling simple—just a ceramic bowl and a little greenery—so the grain can do the talking. Some handy options: Live Edge Coffee Table: Anchor your living space…
Earthy home decor is all about that grounded, exhale feeling—warm neutrals, natural textures, and a little “brought-the-outdoors-in” magic. I lean on wood, woven fibers, and imperfect handmade pieces in my own projects because they make a space feel calm and lived-in in the best way. Lean Into Soft Earth-Tone Pillows Soft sage, clay, and camel pillows make light oak furniture feel instantly earthy. I’ve gotten the best earthy look by sticking to sage green, clay,…
