Blog
Hi! I'm Nicole
Interior Designer. Fearless DIYer. Sharing interior design tips and building project tutorials. Let’s design and build something beautiful together. For more design tips, projects and behind the scenes, follow me @designtobuild.nicole
More About Me
How to Have a Home That Works For the Whole Family
Having a home that works for the whole family is an easy — and often stylish — way to ensure that all family members feel comfortable and happy on an individual basis, while also supporting the family’s connection and bonding time. Putting together a family-friendly...
DIY Ideas To Transform Your Backyard for Summer Gatherings
Summer’s here, and that means backyard barbecues, casual hangouts, and nights filled with laughter. It’s the perfect season to enjoy your outdoor space, but if it’s looking a little tired or uninspired, don’t worry. A few clever upgrades can make a big difference....
How To Create a Thriving Backyard Garden Oasis
There’s something truly special about stepping into your backyard and being greeted by the sights, sounds, and scents of a flourishing garden. Creating a thriving backyard garden oasis blends nature’s beauty with your personal touch, offering a space to unwind,...
Ideas for How to Create a Comfortable Outdoor Living Space
Create a Comfortable Outdoor Space Creating a comfortable outdoor living space is a wonderful way to extend your home's living area. Whether you have a small balcony, a spacious patio, or a sprawling backyard, incorporating elements that promote relaxation and...
Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space: Extend your home
By creating an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home, you can increase both its coziness and value. Your personal style can shine through in any sized outdoor area with the right design choices for creating an inviting living space. With just...
How to Use Color Psychology to Transform Your Home Design
Color has a remarkable way of changing how a room feels and how people respond to it. From cozy and calming spaces to bold and energetic ones, the shades you choose can set the mood, influence your behavior, and even change how you feel at home. That’s why...
7 Ideas to Create a Stylish and Functional Home Office
Last year I took on the challenge of converting an old bedroom into a functional home office. Creating a work space that's both beautiful and practical can be a tough process. For a while now, my home office had been in a catch-all room. Fulfilling many functions,...
How to Use Awkward Spaces in Your Home and Make Them Stand Out
When you move into a home, you take the good with the quirky. And while you might not renovate every odd feature, you can find creative ways to make it work. Many homes--especially older ones, even after renovations--have odd little corners, tiny alcoves, or sloped...
5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Updating your home can ease tension, boost its value, and refresh the overall look—but without the right plan, it’s easy to run into costly mistakes and wasted time. 5 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid Let’s break down five renovation mistakes that sneak up on even the...
21 Inspiring Scandinavian Front Porch Ideas: Add Curb Appeal
Scandinavian Front Porch Ideas Old man winter is never kind to a home's exterior. Walking around my house at this time of year and seeing all the work that needs to be done, can be a bit daunting. But the very first task I always take on is my front porch. After all,...