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
5 Easy Living Room Layout Ideas That Actually Work
Let’s be honest—designing a living room layout can feel like one big puzzle. You want it to feel cozy, look pulled together, and still function for everything from movie nights to chatting with friends. But sometimes, no matter how many times we rearrange the...
7 Reasons Why Your Home Doesn’t Feel Cohesive and What to Do
Have you ever stepped into a room in your own home, taken a look around, and felt a nagging sense that something just wasn't right? You have all the right pieces—a comfy sofa, a stylish coffee table, those eye-catching throw pillows—but instead of everything coming...
4 Practical Kitchen Considerations for Your Renovation
Home renovations are always an exciting project to jump into. Allowing your creativity to run free as you create a space that is perfectly tailored to every need of your family is so much fun. If you’re looking into a potential kitchen renovation in the coming weeks,...
How to Decorate a Bookshelf Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Overwhelm and intimidation. These are the 2 emotions that often arise for people when they're attempting to decorate a bookshelf. Are you one of these people? All you can see are the empty shelves with no clear direction on how to fill them. While there is an art to...
The Perfect Curtain Length and Height for Every Room
Have you ever hung a pair of curtains, stepped back, and thought, Hmm... something feels off? Maybe they look too short, making your windows seem tiny. Or maybe they’re hung too low, making the whole room feel squatty and unbalanced. The truth is, finding the right...
9 Hotel Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Room Feel Like a Boutique
If you've ever stayed at a five-star hotel, you know how amazing their bedrooms are. The crisp white linens, plush pillows, and elegant decor create a space that exudes relaxation and comfort. But why limit yourself to experiencing this level of luxury only on...
9 Dining Room Design Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)
A well-designed dining room isn’t just about having a table and chairs—it’s about creating a space that feels inviting, functional, and visually balanced. However, some common design mistakes can make your dining room feel cramped, uninviting, or impractical for...
Easy How to Make a Modern DIY Planter Box
We love our neighbors, but also love to have some privacy when sitting out on our patio/pergola area. Last summer, I built an easy DIY planter box and filled it with the perfect plants to keep away mosquitos, while also adding some seclusion.... Buying a wooden or...
How to Care for Your Favorite Furniture
If your sofa could talk, it would probably beg you to stop dropping pizza crumbs between the cushions and to finally wash that throw blanket that’s been “decorative” since 2017. We tend to overlook our furniture’s feelings—yes, let’s pretend your beloved armchair has...
5 Essentials Every Entryway Needs for Function and Style
What is the first space your guests' enter when they walk through your front door? Whether you have a grand or small entryway, you only have one chance to make a great first impression. Entryways tend to be a magnet for clutter. But it doesn't have to be that way....