Board and batten wainscoting is one of my favorite ways to make plain drywall look instantly intentional, without needing a full remodel. Here are my go-to ideas—from classic, clean looks to a few wild-card twists I’ve tried in my own builds. Extra-Tall Plate-Rail Height Extra-tall board & batten up to a plate rail for a taller, more finished look. For big impact, I take board and batten wainscoting up to plate-rail height so the lower…

When I want a room to feel instantly cozy, I reach for farmhouse wall paneling because it adds texture without adding clutter. Fireplace Wall in Shiplap Classic white shiplap fireplace wall with a chunky oak mantel—cozy farmhouse statement. A shiplap fireplace wall is classic farmhouse, and it frames the whole living area like a cozy backdrop. I’ve built it with a chunky mantel, and it instantly made the room feel like it had a story.…

A tongue and groove accent wall is my favorite way to make a room feel finished fast, because the boards lock together and look crisp even when you DIY it. I’ve built a lot of these in my shop, and the right layout and finish can swing the vibe from cozy farmhouse to bold and modern in a weekend. Two-Tone Top and Bottom Split Two-tone tongue & groove: dark lower panels with a light top…

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…

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 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,…

If your dining room feels a little flat, wainscoting is my favorite way to add instant architecture and that “finished” look. I’ve built it in everything from tiny nook-style dining spaces to formal rooms, and the right style can make your table and lighting feel like they truly belong. Natural Wood Wainscoting for Warmth Stained reclaimed wood wainscoting adds instant warmth and a crafted dining-room glow. If your dining room needs warmth, try stained wood…

Painting your interior doors and trim is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel instantly more finished without renovating a thing. If you’ve been staring at a sea of white doors, these color pairings will give you that “oh wow” contrast (or cozy softness) you’ve been craving. Crisp White Doors With Crisp White Trim Crisp white door + matching trim—change the sheen to make the profiles quietly shine. I still use white…

Paint can take wood paneling from “dated and dark” to “fresh and intentional” faster than almost any other DIY. Here are my favorite paneling paint ideas I’ve used (and re-used) in real rooms when I want that big before-and-after glow-up. Charcoal Gray for a Tailored Style Charcoal gray paneling: tailored drama that feels high-end, hides scuffs, and stays timeless. Charcoal gray paneling is my pick when you want “grown-up” drama without going full black, and…