I never imagined building furniture and DIY projects would be such an incremental part of my life. Following my husband’s wakeboarding accident, Pinterest was just hitting the stage. With lots of hours spent in therapy waiting rooms, I had a lot of time on my hands.
Rather than dwell on our current stage of life, I would peruse Pinterest. It always amazed me how many girls were tackling big building projects. I would be in awe over what they were able to accomplish.
Until one day, I thought, wait! I can do that too! And so I did.
My first project was removing all of the carpet from my staircase and creating a beautiful wooden stairway. It was scary and it was nerve-racking. But once I pulled that carpet back, I knew I was all in. That’s all it took and I was hooked.
I found my new therapy. While my husband was healing from his traumatic brain injury (you can read more about that, here), I was healing emotionally through a new found love. Pinterest and DIY became my therapy.
I have learned so much over the last several years of this journey. And I love it so much that I get to share it with you!
2023 brought some incredibly fun projects. Here are 8 of them that really stand out…
My Top 8 Building Projects of 2023
Easy How to Build a DIY Home Theater Riser
Towards the end of 2022, I transformed my older boys unused bedroom into a theater room. They’re in their 20’s now and have moved out, so this room was just sitting there, with so much potential.
My family loves our new theater room. It is by far the best room in the house! Definitely the most coveted.
One of my biggest must-have’s was a LOT of seating! I added this theater riser to prop the sofa in the back up to allow for better viewing. It works great and looks like it was always a part of the room.
Media Console Table and Bookshelves
Building this media console table and these floor to ceiling bookshelves provided storage for the theater room and something beautiful to look at. I wanted it to look like both pieces were built in to the space.
Painting them black helped accomplish the seamless, monochromatic look I was going for.
Now if I could just get my younger kids to put away the remotes and their game systems every time, that would make me happy. :)
3 Easy Steps to Picture Frame Moulding
Picture frame moulding is such an elegant, timeless look. An easy DIY that you won’t be wanting to tear down in 5 years. I love how subtle this millwork is on my all-black walls. It’s so good!
How to Build DIY Arched Bookshelves
My daughter had been asking me for a while to build her a bookshelf for her room. 2023 was finally the year for it. Haha!
My first time trying my hand at cutting out an arch. It actually went pretty well. I learned a few things along the way, but overall I love how the arched bookshelf turned out!
How to Build a Stylish Interior Door DIY: Cheap & Easy
Of course, one change led to another in my daughter’s room. As most projects often go. :)
Changing up her closet doors was a great move! I love how easy it was to make these simple closet doors look like they were custom made. I show you how, in this easy DIY tutorial.
Front Porch Painted Black
Painting my front porch black was my favorite outdoor DIY project in 2023. This simple change did wonders for our curb appeal. I love how it adds depth and makes the front porch pop!
Look for another big change in this space coming in May of 2024! I can’t wait! It’s going to be so good!
Step by Step Guide to Painting Eaves for Instant Curb Appeal
And once again, one project led into another. Painting my front porch, made me want to paint my eaves and gutters black too. I think I could literally paint everything black. Haha!
But this paint job is something I’ve had my eye on since I’ve fallen in love with all of the black houses trending on Pinterest right now. Gorgeous!
I have to admit, this DIY intimidated me a bit. It felt like a huge undertaking. But, I have to say, it went very fast. Once I figured out my system for doing it, I knocked it out in no time. Sharing that system with you in this post. :)
Building Your Own Furniture: An Easy Step-By-Step Guide
Unsure how to tackle this whole DIY thing and where to even begin? This is the perfect post to get you started. Everything you need to know before tackling any DIY project.
Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help
If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.
If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.
Explore Interior Design Services
Planning a kitchen, living room, or full home project? Start with a quick discovery call to see if we’re a good fit.
Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
More DIY Projects:
Easy How to Makeover Your Garage Door to a DIY Carriage Door
7 Easy Steps and Ideas for How to Make a Cozy Bed
Easy How to Build a DIY Fireplace with an Electric Insert
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