Every time I share my home office, the same questions appear almost instantly. Where is your wallpaper from? Is it custom? Is it wildly expensive? Here’s the honest answer: landscape wallpaper murals for every budget absolutely exist and you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a magical space.

Whether you’re decorating a rental, refreshing a single wall, or investing in a forever home, I’ve rounded up scenic landscape wallpaper murals ideas that span multiple price points and installation styles. Actual pricing will depend on the size of your space, but if you’re considering adding a wallpaper mural to your home, this will help get you started.

Affordable Landscape Wallpaper Murals for Every Budget

Lark Manor – Toile Landscape Peel-and-Stick Mural

Shop Here

One of the most accessible entries into landscape wallpaper murals for every budget. Peel-and-stick, renter-friendly, and soft in tone, this toile-inspired mural brings instant charm with minimal commitment.

Best for: Rentals, bedrooms, guest rooms, or first-time wallpaper users.

Lark Manor – Serene Nature Landscape Mural

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Quiet, classic, and grounding. This mural looks almost like a custom painting! The scene feels calm and timeless, making it an easy choice if you want a scenic backdrop that won’t compete with furniture or art.

Best for: Traditional homes, transitional spaces, or peaceful offices.

Red Barrel Studio – Trees, Birds & Serene Landscape

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This mural adds a bit more narrative with birds, trees, and gentle movement that gives the room warmth and dimension. It feels cozy and welcoming without leaning overly traditional. I personally love the vintage look it has to it.

Best for: Bedrooms, powder rooms, or spaces you’re looking to add a vintage flair to

Red Barrel Studio – Woodland Path & Tree Canopy Landscape Mural

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This mural feels immersive in the best way: like stepping onto a shaded woodland path and looking up through a canopy of trees. The perspective creates depth and atmosphere, making smaller rooms feel larger and more layered. It’s scenic without being overly busy, striking a beautiful balance between drama and calm.

Best for: Home offices, bedrooms, or any space that wants a grounding, nature-forward moment without going dark or heavy.

Mid-Range Landscape Wallpaper Murals That Feel Custom

Etsy — Tree & Hill Rural Landscape Mural

Shop Herehttps://go.shopmy.us/p-39270211

I ordered a sample of this one and it’s truly beautiful. The texture is painterly and tactile, giving it an artisan quality that feels far more expensive than it is. Ultimately, it had a few too many pastels for my personal palette, but it’s a wonderful option if you love softer, romantic color stories.

Best for: Home offices, dining rooms, living rooms

Wayfair (Loon Peak) — Sepia Forest Whispers Mural

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Moody, tonal, and incredibly grounding, this mural leans into sepia hues and forest imagery that feels cinematic without being overpowering. It’s elevated, atmospheric, and perfect for those drawn to darker, more contemplative spaces.

Best for: Libraries, moody bedrooms, or offices that need depth and drama.

Milton & King — English Landscape Mural

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This mural captures the elegance of antique engravings with a restrained, architectural feel. The pastoral imagery feels timeless, especially in the black-and-white version, making it ideal for anyone craving old-world charm without visual overload.

I placed this wallpaper right in the middle as the pricing could go either way. There’s a traditional option that’s more price friendly, but there’s also a grass-cloth finish that’s very high end.

Best for: Home offices, dining rooms, or classic-meets-modern interiors.

Elevated & High-End Landscape Wallpaper Murals

Graham & Brown — “In Richmond Park, 1852” by William Bennett

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This mural is stunning. Reproduced from a 19th-century landscape painting, it feels romantic, atmospheric, and deeply artistic. The scale is dramatic, the tones are rich, and the result feels closer to a gallery wall than traditional wallpaper.

This is an excellent option if you want something museum-inspired without entering the fully custom realm.

Best for: Dining rooms, statement walls, and art-forward interiors.

Belarte Studio — Tapestry Landscape Wallpaper

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This is the wallpaper everyone asks me about and the one I ultimately chose for my home office.

The tapestry-style landscape wallpaper mural from Belarte Studio feels like a textile and a painting combined. The depth, warmth, and texture make it read as art rather than decor, and it instantly anchors the room with a sense of history.

It’s an investment, but one that feels intentional, timeless, and deeply personal.

Best for: Statement spaces, home offices, dining rooms, and forever homes.

Final Thoughts: Landscape Wallpaper Murals for Every Budget Truly Exist

A beautiful space isn’t about spending the most, it’s about choosing what creates the right feeling.

Shop the Home Office Here

From under-$300 peel-and-stick murals to elevated, art-inspired statement pieces, landscape wallpaper murals can bring depth, story, and atmosphere into your home.

If this helped you narrow your search, save this post for later. And if you know someone deep in wallpaper research right now, share it with them because beautiful spaces should feel inspiring and attainable.

Related Posts

Wallpaper Ideas I Considered for the Home Office

My Vintage Moody Traditional Inspired Home Office Reveal

Renter Friendly DIY Upgrades (from a landlord’s perspective)

Looking for more wallpaper ideas? Browse my top peel & stick options here!

If you’re searching for how to update your bathroom vanity on a budget, this step-by-step DIY tutorial will show you exactly how I transformed a black bathroom vanity into a warm walnut wood finish without sanding, stripping, or replacing the vanity.

This budget-friendly method uses liquid wood and gel stain to create a realistic wood look, making it ideal for homeowners who want a high-end result without the cost of a full renovation.

Why This Is One of the Best Ways to Update Your Bathroom Vanity on a Budget

During my bathroom renovation, a countertop installation mistake permanently damaged the finish on my black vanity. Rather than replacing it, I decided to explore how to update a bathroom vanity on a budget using a refinishing method that didn’t require sanding or harsh chemicals.

As the bathroom design evolved, a wood-tone vanity felt like a better fit than black. This approach allowed me to completely change the look of the vanity while staying within budget.

The bathroom vanity “before”

This Budget Bathroom Vanity Update Is Beginner-Friendly

This was not my first time using this technique. I previously used the same process to update a black dining table and achieved a light pecan wood finish. While I was initially nervous, once I got started I realized what a beginner friendly DIY this application really is.

A few more reasons why this method works so well for beginners:

• No professional tools required
• No stripping or heavy sanding
• Very forgiving application process
• Customizable wood tone

Not my first rodeo: read how I flipped my dining room table here

Supplies Needed to Update Your Bathroom Vanity on a Budget

To complete this budget bathroom vanity update, you’ll need:

• Liquid wood (light wood tone)
• Walnut gel stain
• Polyurethane top coat (satin recommended)
• Paintbrushes
• Clean rags and paper towels
• Drop cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Warm water and dish soap
• Medium-grit sandpaper (light scuff only)
• Tack cloth

These supplies cost significantly less than replacing a vanity and deliver a long-lasting result.

Step 1: Prep the Vanity

Remove all the doors, drawers, hinges, and hardware. Getting everything out of the way makes application smoother and helps you avoid drips. Next you’ll want to give everything a good cleaning:

• Dust the vanity with a microfiber cloth
• Wash using warm water and dish soap
• Avoid harsh cleaners or degreasers
• Allow the surface to dry completely

This ensures the new finish adheres properly.

Taking the time to properly prep will give you a professional finish

2. Lightly Sand (No Stripping Required!)

All you need is a quick scuff-sand to rough up the surface. This gives the Liquid Wood something to grip onto. No chemical strippers or heavy sanding needed. Use a medium-grit sandpaper and gently rough the surface (you don’t need to remove the finish). Wipe with a clean rag, and finish with a tack cloth.

3. Apply Liquid Wood to Create a New Base

This product is the game-changer. It’s made with real wood fibers, so once it’s dry, you’re staining actual wood.

• I applied 4 thin coats with a paint brush for full coverage (because my base color was black).
• If you’re working on a lighter vanity, 2–3 coats may be enough.
• Let each coat dry for about 6-8 hours

Apply enough coats of the liquid wood to get an even coverage like this

4. Apply the Stain of Your Choice

Once you have the coverage you need with the liquid wood it’s time for the stain! For my vanity I wanted something a little dark and with a warm undertone, so I chose this Varathane Gel Stain in Walnut.

How to apply:

• Brush on the gel stain and let sit for about 1 minute or more. The longer it sits, the more saturated the stain will be.
• Wipe off with a rag or paper towel
• For cabinet doors or detailed areas apply the gel with a rag to rub into crevices, then wipe back to control the color

The number of coats is a personal preference but my theory is it’s always easier to apply more, but it’s harder to go backwards once it’s on. That’s why I don’t let mine sit for very long before wiping and do multiple coats to control the color. For my vanity specifically I did two coats on the base and I needed to do 3 on the doors specifically in the crevices.

The vanity with one coat and two coats of gel stain (in walnut)

5. Seal the Vanity for Durability

Because bathroom vanities take a beating, I sealed everything with 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic in Satin. This finish adds durability and just the right amount of soft sheen.

You don’t have to, but I chose to give everything a light scuff in between coats with a 220-grit sandpaper. Definitely do not skip this step because it protects the finish and prevents staining or color transfer.

Final Result: A Budget-Friendly Bathroom Vanity Transformation

The finished vanity now has a warm walnut wood finish that complements the bathroom design and looks far more expensive than it actually was.

This project is proof that learning how to update your bathroom vanity on a budget can completely transform your space without replacing major fixtures.

If you’re planning a bathroom refresh and want a realistic, affordable solution, this method is one of the easiest ways to update your bathroom vanity on a budget.

Shop the DIY Bathroom Vanity Makeover

• Retique It Liquid Wood
• Varathane Gel Stain in Dark Walnut
• Minwax Polycrylic Satin Top Coat
• Handy Paint Pail Supplies
• Painter’s Tape
• Drop Cloths
• Sand paper
• Tack cloths
• Brass Knobs
• Brass Backplate
• Bathroom Vanity
• Faucets + handles
• Floor tile
• Mirrors
• Light Sconces
• Wall color
• Additional bathroom sources

Related

Primary Bathroom Reveal

Easy DIY Dining Room Table Flip

How to Remove Chalk Paint

Every New Year feels like a blank page. I love dreaming about what’s ahead: personal goals, home projects, new skills I want to learn. But just as much, I treasure the quiet ritual of looking back. Celebrating the small wins. Reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised me along the way. This 2025 home renovation project recap isn’t just about what I completed. It’s about what each project taught me. Skills I didn’t expect to learn and lessons I didn’t know I needed. And most importantly, the permission I gave myself to pivot when things didn’t go exactly as planned.

When I look at my original 2025 project list, no I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to do. But what I did finish mattered. And some of the most meaningful outcomes weren’t on the list at all.

Let’s get into it…

The Project I Didn’t Plan: The Primary Bathroom Renovation

The first and biggest project of 2025 wasn’t even on the list.

Shop the Primary Bathroom

I renovated my primary bathroom as part of the Spring One Room Challenge, fully believing I could tackle a massive space in eight weeks, working weekends only, while holding a full-time job. Spoiler: that was wildly optimistic.

The bathroom renovation stretched into five months, with my house partially torn apart and my patience tested daily. But I don’t regret a single minute of it.

Funny enough, this was actually the second time I renovated this bathroom. When I first bought the house, I immediately knocked down a wall to combine the bathroom and closet, one month into ownership. I followed trends instead of intuition and ended up with a stark white and black space that never felt like me.

The Evolution of the Primary Bathroom

As the rest of my home evolved, that bathroom felt colder and more disconnected, especially after finishing my primary bedroom, which felt cozy, romantic, and timeless. Walking from that sanctuary into a sterile bathroom became my breaking point.

This year, I finally gave myself permission to redo it.

What I Learned

• How to install wainscoting
• How to add crown molding (a skill I’ll now use throughout the house)
• How to flip a vanity, move an electrical outlet, and patch tile
• How to trust my instincts instead of trends

But the biggest lesson?
It’s okay to change your mind. You don’t need to feel guilty for fixing something that doesn’t make you happy, even if your younger self chose it.

Exterior Updates: Knowing When to Ask for Help

The next phase of my 2025 projects focused on the exterior of the house and this came in two parts.

The front exterior landscaping: absolutely transformative!

After painting the trim last year and swapping out my exterior lights for new copper lanterns this spring, I was eager to get into the next phase of the front exterior makeover: landscaping. I can do a lot of things, but landscaping and keeping up with plants has never been my strong suit. Trust me, I’m waiting for the day where I can say otherwise, but we’ve not reached that mile marker yet.

So what did I do? I hired the project out. And let me tell you what, that was a hard decision for me. Aren’t I a DIYer? I should be tackling this myself! This was a big decision for me. I debated saving plants, repurposing shrubs, and other ways I could save money. But in the end, I chose a fresh start and let the professionals come in and do what they do best.

Everything was removed in one day and replanted the next. The results speak for themselves and six months later, it still looks incredible, even in winter. This has been a long journey so lets take a stroll down memory lane at the evolution…

My only regret is not doing this sooner

The Lesson

It’s okay to know when to ask for help.
Hiring experts doesn’t mean you failed—it means you respected your time, energy, and limits.

The Backyard Reality Check: Pool Garden Beds

Then came the back pool garden beds… and this one I did DIY.

Dead pine trees. Weed-filled rock beds. A constant battle I could never win.

I excavated everything and installed artificial turf with pavers. It was the most labor-intensive project I’ve ever done. It’s not perfect—but it’s infinitely better, and now it’s low-maintenance.

The Honest Lesson

I still hate exterior projects.
And that’s okay.

Some things don’t have to become passions. They just need to be planned with extra time or budgeted out entirely.

It’s not perfect but it’s better than it was and it’s maintenance free!

The Home Office: Following the Nudge

I almost skipped the home office renovation this year, but something told me not to and I’m so glad I listened.

Shop the Home Office Here

What was once a white box is now a space that inspires my design work every single day. I added box trim and chair rail in one weekend—a huge improvement from the month it took me the first time I ever tried box molding in the dining room.

I also installed dentil crown molding, which was new and a bit tricky, but incredibly satisfying once it clicked.

Wallpapering (The Plot Twist)

You may be surprised to hear this, but I fully intended to hire out wallpaper installation. I’ve wallpapered both my powder room and my back entry, and both have glaring mistakes. I see them every time I pass through and I told myself: “you’re just not good at wallpapering.” But when I called my installer (back in October!) he was booked through January.

I didn’t want to wait, so it was time to get back in the saddle and figure this out once and for all. I took time watching some professional wallpaper channels, reading the tutorials on the manufacturers website (reading directions, I know – crazy right?) and vowed not to rush through it to meet some artificial deadline I set for myself.

What I expected to be stressful turned out to be… enjoyable. This is my third self-wallpapered room and the first with zero mistakes.

The evolution of the home office: bubblegum pink girls room, peel & stick banana leaf wallpaper, white box and finally a vintage moody traditional home office

The Lesson

Just because you weren’t good at something the first time (or two) doesn’t mean you should give up. Sometimes you just need another chance.

Cozy TV Room + Living Room Evolution

One of my softer goals for 2025 was curating the cozy TV room—being more intentional with collected pieces rather than rushing purchases.

That intention spread. I restyled the bookshelves, found a beautiful credenza on Facebook Marketplace, upgraded to a Frame TV, and unintentionally started reworking the living room too.

A striped sofa resurfaced—the one that got away a year and a half ago—and this time, I didn’t miss it. I rearranged the entire layout, swapped light fixtures, and layered in color and character.

The living room decked out for Christmas! Expect to see lots more of this room in 2026!

Now, both rooms feel collected, lived-in, and more personal.

And in 2026? We’re adding trim to the living room. And trust me – this is going to be my most detailed trim project to date.

Final Reflections: Why This Year Mattered

That’s a wrap on my 2025 home renovation project recap.

More than transformed rooms, I gained:

• New DIY skills
• Confidence in changing my mind
• Proof that learning doesn’t stop with age
• A deeper trust in my creative instincts

These projects reminded me that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. About trying again. About allowing yourself to evolve.

I’m still building my 2026 project list, but I already know it will come with new skills (and new lessons) along the way.

Here’s to another year of learning, pivoting, and creating spaces that truly feel like home.

Happy New Year 🤍

Every year, I add just a little more Christmas decor to my collection, and somehow that always means decorating at least one additional room. Over time, Christmas has slowly expanded throughout my home, and sharing this year’s Christmas decor around the house feels especially exciting.

Rather than having one overall Christmas theme, I like to decorate each room individually and let every space have its own personality. I always change things up just a smidge, and those small updates make all the difference.

This year’s Christmas decor around the house feels layered, intentional, and truly personal.

Styling the Entryway for Christmas

We’ll start in the entryway. This year, I decided to keep the staircase exclusively decorated with Norfolk pine garland. Last year, I used Cypress and Hemlock garland and loved the look, but switching to Norfolk pine this year created a fuller, more refined feel.

Norfolk Pine Garland | Bells | Burgundy Velvet Ribbon | Felt Garland Ties

One of the biggest changes this year was the ribbon. In the past, I used a skinnier burgundy velvet ribbon, but this year I chose a four-inch burgundy velvet ribbon and made larger bows, spacing them throughout the staircase banister.

Shop the Holiday Staircase Supplies

I reused the same bells at the base and added extra garland pieces at the bottom for a fuller look. Overall, I used two deluxe Norfolk pine garlands along the banister and four additional pieces at the base.

I also switched from plastic zip ties to felt garland ties this year. They hold the weight of the garland beautifully, are reusable, and are much safer for the banisters.

An Elegant & Timeless Christmas in the Dining Room

Norfolk Pine Wreath | Khaki Velvet Ribbon | Talia Chandelier | Wallpaper | Rug | Crystal Candle Holders | White Taper Candles | Marble Display Bowl | Draperies

Moving into the dining room, I kept things very classic and simple this year, similar to last year’s setup. I hung Norfolk pine wreaths in the windows using khaki velvet ribbon. Because I have wood window casing, I hammer a tiny nail directly into the trim so the wreaths stay securely in place. It’s a small detail, but it makes hanging and removing them so much easier.

On the dining table, I used simple crystal candlesticks with white taper candles on each side, and a large marble bowl as the centerpiece. On the buffet, I gathered Norfolk pine stems in a large fluted vase and styled them alongside homemade gingerbread houses we made over Thanksgiving break.

Fluted Vase | Norfolk Pine Stems | Wallpaper

This room feels timeless and understated, which I love as part of the overall Christmas decor around the house.

A Very Vintage Christmas in the Living Room

Flocked Tree | Mantel Artwork | Tiered Coffee Table | Marble Ribbon Bowl | Spice Candle Cloche | Match Striker | Blue Couch Pillows | Curtains | Chandelier

The living room is one of my favorite spaces this year and easily the most exciting. The theme in this room is Vintage Christmas! I added an eight foot flocked tree and decorated it exclusively with my vintage ornament collection. For anyone looking to do the same, I choose a tree which was a bit more sparse so I could really stuff it with a lot of ornaments.

Flocked Tree | Faux Fur Blanket | Drapes | Vintage Sideboard | Large Greek Key Mirror

I’ve been collecting vintage ornaments for a little over two years, and this year the tree holds roughly 650 vintage ornaments. For a full, collected look I layered the ornaments deeply throughout the tree. The plain (and more weathered ornaments) went towards the trunk, while the baubles and more unique ornaments were placed front and center. Last year I invested in new ornament storage boxes which came with dividers and it really made decorating so much easier this year. I highly recommend these if you have a lot of ornaments to sort through.

Wall Sconce | Burgundy Ribbon | Burgundy Ribbed Candle | Lucite Display Stand | Calcatta Viola Marble Lamp | Small Marble Jar | Small Marble Vase | Brown Gloss Vase | Coffee Table Books | Matching Brown Vase Set

I kept the mantel simple so it wouldn’t compete with the tree, using just one larger garland as a centerpiece. Throughout the room, I incorporated sentimental pieces, including vintage ceramic trees from my grandmother, a marble bowl of vintage ornaments on the coffee table and reindeer from my great-grandmother on the piano.

This room feels bright, cheerful, and incredibly meaningful.

Adding Ribbon Throughout the House

Wall Sconce | Burgundy Ribbed Candle | Velvet Burgundy Ribbon

This year, I added ribbon throughout the entire house. I used burgundy velvet bows anywhere they felt right, including candle sconces, picture frames, lamps, and bathroom lighting.

My philosophy is simple: if it’s available, put a bow on it. This detail helped tie all of the Christmas decor around the house together beautifully.

A Cozy Christmas in the Primary Bedroom

Wreath | Velvet Curtains | Linen Bed | Ivory Duvet | Faux Fur Blanket | Chandelier | Wall Color

The bedroom theme this year is Cozy Christmas. I kept the wreaths on the windows, just like last year, which I absolutely love waking up to each morning. This year, I doubled up the garland on the dresser for a fuller look. I used four total pre-lit Hemlock garlands draped across the top for added depth and warmth.

Prelit Hemlock Garland | Norfolk Pine Tree | 4″ Burgundy Ribbon | Frame TV

For the bedding, I added a faux fur ivory throw. I finished the space by tying burgundy ribbon onto both marble lamps.

The result feels soft, layered, and perfectly cozy.

Lenox Holiday Mug | Velvet Burgundy Ribbon | Ribbed Burgundy Candle | Marble Lamp (similar)

New this Year: Decorating the Primary Bathroom

Decorating the bathroom was new for me this year, and I was so excited to finally add Christmas touches after completing a renovation earlier on. To start, I draped garland over both the window frame and the toilet room doorframe. I drilled pilot holes into the wood trim and installed small cup hooks so the garland could rest securely in place. This made decorating easy and damage-free.

Cypress Garland | Burgundy Velvet Ribbon | Vanity Sconces | Mirrors | Faucets | Mini Christmas Tree | Vanity | Vanity Hardware | Chandelier (vintage but similar options) | Tile Flooring | Wallpaper

To round out the look, I added cedar stems on each end of the garland. A small Christmas tree on the sink, burgundy bows on the light sconces, and red plaid towels throughout the room has this space feeling subtly merry!

Cypress Garland | Block Print Stripe Wallpaper | Wall Color

A Kitschy Kitchen Christmas

Plaid Rug | Wreath | Khaki Ribbon | Pendant | Brass Lamp | Gingerbread Houses | Winter Artwork | Roman Shades | Chevron Butcher Block Island Top | Backsplash Wall Paneling

The theme in the kitchen this year is Kitschy Christmas. I’m not usually someone who enjoys clutter, but at Christmastime, I love it in this space.

I hung wreaths in the windows again this year using khaki velvet ribbon. I also treated myself to gingerbread houses I’ve wanted for the past two years and finally purchased on sale, and added a small piece of winter artwork behind them. A plaid runner rug in front of the sink, Lenox holiday plates that I happily leave out on the counter all month long, and oranges on the island have the main kitchen feeling festive, fun and lived in.

Gingerbread Cottage | Gingerbread Tall House | Winter Artwork

On the kitchenette table, I used a vintage tablecloth that belonged to my grandmother and added a poinsettia. The kitchen feels joyful, nostalgic, and full of charm.

A Ralph Lauren Christmas in the Cozy TV Room

Cedar Garland | Prelit Hemlock Garland | Christmas Tree | Red Ribbon Bows | White Ceramic Village | Gold Leaf Chandelier | Bookshelf Lamps

The cozy TV room leans into a traditional Ralph Lauren–inspired Christmas. This room saw some new additions this year which I’m really loving including the vintage buffet and a Frame TV, which was so fun to style with Christmas artwork.

Christmas Tree | Red Velvet Bows | Vintage Buffet | Frame TV | Burl Wood Frame | Santa TV Artwork | Juniper Candle | Brass Clawfoot Tray | Viola Marble Tray | Gold Leaf Chandelier | Coffee Table Books

On the mantel, I layered cedar garland as a base and topped it with pre-lit Hemlock garland. I removed everything from the bookcases and styled them with my white Christmas village, adding small tea lights so I can turn them on each night. I also updated the bookshelf lamps with red tartan lampshades, which I may end up keeping out all year long.

Red Bows | Cedar Garland | Prelit Hemlock Garland | Bookshelf Lamps | Tartan Lampshade | Candles

The tree in this room sticks to a red and gold color palette. I used red beaded garland, candles for the first time, nutcrackers, red bows, sentimental ornaments, and a gold vintage tree topper.

Wrapping Up This Year’s Christmas Decor Around the House

This year’s Christmas decor around the house feels thoughtful, layered, and deeply personal. Every room has its own personality while still feeling cohesive as a whole.

Next year, I plan to decorate my home office for Christmas and perhaps add a full sized tree in the primary bedroom! I hope this tour of our home inspires you to add just one more festive touch where it feels right.

We haven’t had snow this winter yet but hopefully we’ll get a dusting in the New Year!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

The home office renovation is officially humming along, and I’m thrilled with how the transformation is taking shape. The first half of this project focused on dialing in the architectural design, installing custom trim work, and prepping the room for a full spray-painted finish. In this back half of the project we’ll start to see the transformation take shape with paint, wallpaper and decor!

Lets quickly recap the journey to date and I’ll share some important progress updates and lessons from painting.

Designing Custom Trim for Home Office Renovation

I began the home office renovation by installing a chair rail one-third up the wall and sketching out the picture frame molding boxes. I always design molding based on the proportions of the room itself, and if you need help planning your layout, I have a full tutorial linked for you that breaks down measurements, spacing, and installation techniques.

Once the lower molding was complete, it was time to shift upward to the crown.

My Tips for Designing Trimwork

Adding Crown Molding to Boost Home Office Design

Even though this was my second time installing crown molding, it was my first time working with dentil molding. The general process felt familiar from my primary bathroom renovation, but dentil molding added a new layer of precision — especially making sure the decorative “teeth” aligned perfectly in the corners. It’s a small detail that significantly elevates the space and overall finish.

How to install crown molding

Don’t Skip the Finishing Work

Once all the trim was installed, I moved into the most meticulous phase: finishing work. This is the step that transforms a project from “DIY” to “professional.”

Here’s what that looked like:

• Filling all brad nail holes with wood filler (I like this kind)
• Filling joints in the picture frame molding with wood filler
• Caulking every seam along the inside and outside edges (this caulk + this tool = magic)
• Caulking the crown molding where it meets the wall and ceiling
• Sanding everything smooth and wiping clean with a crocodile wipe

It’s time-consuming, but it’s essential and it’s where any renovation starts to take on a polished, intentional look.

Spray Painting: A Major Leap in Home Office Renovation Progress

Because the trim details were so intricate, I opted to spray paint the office for the most even and elevated finish. Prep work took the entire day — taping the floors, laying brown paper, wrapping the windows in plastic, and sealing behind each door. If you’ve never used a sprayer, trust me: overspray is real, and prep is everything.

When I started spraying primer with my Graco Magnum X5, I quickly realized my nozzle was installed backwards, causing the primer to shoot out in a stream instead of a fine mist. This slowed down the home office renovation progress briefly, and I ended up hand-painting the dentil molding in one section to fix drips. It was an hours-long task I won’t forget anytime soon.

Spraying the walls and trim with my Graco Magnum X5 paint sprayer

After I corrected this mistake, spraying became effortless. I started with the crown molding to avoid scratching the walls with the hose and worked my way down to the chair rail and baseboards.

Choosing the Perfect Paint for Home Office

After considering multiple design options, I landed confidently on Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball in Flat Eggshell. It’s the perfect warm, creamy tone for the space.

Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball: the perfect warm saturated cream

I sprayed one coat of mid-tones primer, followed by two coats of Joa’s White in Flat Eggshell. Flat Eggshell is my ideal finish for trim-heavy spaces because it offers the durability of matte with just a subtle hint of sheen. The moment the color went up, I knew it was the perfect match and a huge step forward in the home office renovation progress.

Hand Painting Details to Finalize Home Office Renovation Progress

After putting the sprayer away, I transitioned into detailed hand painting. The window panes got taped off with Jasco and I painted both the casing and the windows themselves. I also painted the outside of the office door and the surrounding trim. I figured it would be open into the space most of the time, so I wanted it to match the rest of the room. It was definitely the right call!

Painting the Ceiling

For the ceiling, I applied one coat of Farrow & Ball’s White & Light Primer, and two coats of Farrow & Ball’s Dimity in Dead Flat. Rather than color-drenching the space or painting the ceiling white, I chose a tone one shade lighter than the walls. This creates a soft, subtle contrast that I love (a design choice I also used in my primary bathroom). The Dead Flat finish hides imperfections beautifully, especially helpful in a home that once had popcorn ceilings throughout.

Trim color: Joa’s White in Flat Eggshell | Ceiling Color: Dimity in Dead Flat

This tonal ceiling shift is one of my favorite outcomes in the entire home office renovation, and I can already see myself using this approach in every room of the house.

Also one callout I’ll note: if you find yourself painting a few different items all at once (maybe different colors like me, or even different finishes), do yourself a favor and invest in a couple painting tools from Handy Paint Pail. Since I’ve upgraded to the handy paint pail with both a liner AND a lid, it’s made both clean-up and jumping back into projects so much easier.

What’s Next in My Home Office Renovation Progress

With the painting complete, it’s officially wallpaper time! I’m installing the Vintage Tapestry Mural in Beige by Belarte Studio, and immediately after I hung the first panel I knew I had made the right decision. It’s already adding the most magical layer of warmth, texture, and character to the room.

The beginning stages of the wallpaper mural installation!

This is a traditional paste the wall paper (which I prefer) so it’s as simple as rolling paste on the wall with a paint roller (this is the only brand I’ll use) and then lining up the paper. Following this project I’ll make a more detailed post on the wallpaper installation process, but for now I’m focused on finishing the job. Stay tuned…the reveal is right around the corner!

Catch Up on the Home Office Renovation:

Picking a Paint Color for the Home Office

How to Measure, Cut & Install Crown Molding

How to Design Picture Frame Molding: Home Office Edition

Home Office Wallpaper Ideas

Home Office Makeover Plans & Inspiration

When it comes to picking a paint color for the home office, the decision carries more weight than you might think. This room isn’t just another space — it’s where ideas grow, projects come to life, and creativity needs the right environment to flourish. After weeks of designing and installing chair-rail and box trim, and adding dentil crown molding, the architectural foundation of the room is finally complete. Now it’s time for the most exciting part: choosing the paint.

Before settling on a color, I mocked up several wallpaper options and landed on a beautiful vintage tapestry mural. I’ve been wanting a mural in the house for ages, and the office felt like the most natural fit. The tones are muted, elegant, and filled with layered warmth, which inspired three color directions that each brought something different to the space.

Here’s a mock-up of the the home office with the new wallpaper mural! I’ll be painting first, but this gives us a base to start to visualize the colors.

Here are the three paint colors I seriously considered while picking a paint color for the home office, and why I ultimately chose the one I did.

Option 1: Treron by Farrow & Ball

I really love this design! I’m just worried it will be too relaxing for getting work done.

My first instinct was a deep green — specifically Treron by Farrow & Ball, a color I already used in my primary bedroom. When I held the wallpaper against it, the tones paired beautifully. Treron is rich, cozy, and wonderfully complex in north-facing light.

But that’s also where my hesitation began.

I associate Treron with rest, grounding, and unwinding — all perfect for a bedroom, not ideal for a workspace. While it technically works, it doesn’t evoke the energy I want to feel when I sit down to design or create. So even though it was a strong contender, Treron wasn’t the best choice when picking a paint color for the home office.

The Primary Bedroom color drenched in Treron by Farrow & Ball

Option 2: Farrow & Ball London Clay

London Clay by Farrow & Ball will forever be my favorite brown!

Next up was London Clay by Farrow & Ball, a color I’ve used throughout the home — including in the powder bathroom and on a high-gloss dresser makeover in the primary bedroom. It’s warm, earthy, and has a timeless depth that works beautifully with traditional details.

When paired with the wallpaper, London Clay came close, but the undertone felt slightly off. More importantly, it brought a richness and heaviness to the room that didn’t quite match the creative, energizing atmosphere I want for the office.

It’s a stunning color — just not the direction for the home office.

The powder room baseboards and door are painted London Clay by Farrow & Ball in Full Gloss.

Option 3: Farrow & Ball Joa’s White

A mock-up of Joa’s White in the home office design. I love how it compliments everything!

Although I do love a mood, I was noticing a trend that I wanted something lighter, but not necessarily white. I tested Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball, a warm near-neutral with a soft, sandy undertone. Immediately, it felt right. It complements the mural beautifully without competing with it, and it brightens the room in a way that still feels calm and grounded. And if we’re being totally honest, it has that Nancy Myers feeling to it.

The Paint Color I’m Picking for the Home Office

I’m sure you could sense where this was headed: I’m going with Joa’s White by Farrow & Ball for the home office design! I think it’s going to do all the heavy lifting with highlighting the trimwork and dentil molding I’ve worked so hard to install, but at the same time it’s not going to compete with anything else in the space. It feels balanced, calm and cohesive.

Ultimately, when picking a paint color for the home office, I wanted something that offered:

• Soft, inviting light without feeling stark
• Visual calm for focus and creativity
• Compatibility with the tones in the wallpaper
• Cohesion with the warm undertones I have throughout the house already
• Flexibility for future décor decisions

Joa’s White checks every box!

What’s Next in the Home Office Makeover

Now that the paint decision is made, the next steps are all about installing! I’ll be using my Graco X5 paint sprayer to apply most of the paint, as both the crown molding and the chair rail are quite detailed. I’ll hand paint the windows, doors and corresponding casing. For a finish, I’m choosing Farrow & Ball’s new finish, Flat Eggshell. I used it in the primary bathroom and I the subtle sheen is perfect for highlighting woodwork but is also incredible durable and easy to clean.

The next time you see this, it will be painted! Shop: Crown Molding | Chair Rail | Box Molding

I’m also going to use this opportunity to repaint the ceiling. Instead of color drenching, or going with a white, I’m going a couple hues lighter than Joa’s White and am using Dimity in Dead Flat. I did a similar pairing in the primary bathroom this summer by pairing Jitney on the walls and Stirabout on the ceiling, and it’s such a beautiful soft contrast.

After painting, it will be time to install the wallpaper mural! I anticipate at least two full days to do this, possibly three, but luckily it lines right up so I’m hopeful it will be straightforward. From there I’ll swap out the light fixture, add the furniture back in and then it will be time to style! My goal is to have everything completed by December.

Follow along to see the rest of the home office makeover come to life! And if you’re new here, you can catch up on the progress thus far below.

Catch Up on the Home Office Makeover:

How to Measure, Cut & Install Crown Molding

How to Design Picture Frame Molding: Home Office Edition

Home Office Wallpaper Ideas

Home Office Makeover Plans & Inspiration

This project is part of the Fall 2025 One Room Challenge! You can follow along with the challenge here.

We’re a few weeks into my home office renovation, and with all of the box molding, chair rail, and crown molding installed, it’s officially time to think about color. Which means one thing: wallpaper. While I still need to wood fill and caulk all of the trim, I’m finalizing the design plan and today I’m sharing the five home office wallpaper ideas I considered for this space.

If you’ve been here for a while, you know that I love a moody, traditional feel throughout my home. My goal for this office is to create a room that inspires me every day—especially when I’m working on design projects and connecting with this community. Every decision, from wallpaper to paint color, is being made with that intention in mind.

1. Pimpernel by Morris & Co. in Bay Leaf and Manila

The first of my home office wallpaper ideas is Pimpernel by William Morris — a true classic. The Bay Leaf and Manila colorway features a soft green background with warm rosy-taupe florals. The pattern feels timeless and layered, the perfect fit between the chair rail and crown molding.

For paint pairing, I’d lean into a warm taupe trim color to let the green shine. If you’re drawn to traditional and classic, this design checks all the boxes.

Wallpaper: Morris Pimpernel in Bayleaf / Manilla | Paint: London Stone

2. Pimpernel by Morris & Co. in Brick and Olive

Another home office wallpaper idea that completely shifts the mood is the same Pimpernel pattern in Brick and Olive. The deep red background feels bold and dramatic. I’ve been wanting to bring red into my house for a while, and this wallpaper could be the perfect opportunity.

To balance the warmth, I’d pair it with a contrasting blue green trim. The mix of red and blue would instantly make the space feel collected, intentional, and full of character — exactly what the home office should feel like.

Wallpaper: Morris Pimpernel in Brick / Olive | Paint: De Nimes

3. Brer Rabbit by Morris & Co. in Peacock and Gold

Next up on my list of home office wallpaper ideas is Brer Rabbit by William Morris in the Peacock and Gold colorway. It’s whimsical, traditional, and full of personality with its pattern of rabbits, birds, and vines.

The deep peacock background feels rich and layered, while the golden details add subtle movement. I’d likely pair this one with a warm brown trim to keep the look grounded. If you’re searching for home office wallpaper ideas that blend heritage charm with something unexpected, this one might be it.

Wallpaper: Morris Brer Rabbit in Peacock | Paint: London Clay

4. Strawberry Thief by Morris & Co. in Charcoal

Another favorite among my home office wallpaper ideas was Strawberry Thief in Charcoal. This paper has a moody charcoal background with copper-toned birds and leaves. It’s sophisticated and a little rebellious — perfect for an old-world feel with modern edge. I would lean into the moodiness and paint all the trim a dark charcoal like this one. Such a mood!

My hesitation is how it would pair with the existing furniture in the room, including my Maitland-Smith desk and Eastlake dresser. While I’m likely ruling it out for this space, Strawberry Thief remains high on my list of home office wallpaper ideas for future projects.

Wallpaper: Morris Strawberry Thief in Charcoal | Paint: F&B Tar

5. Tapestry Landscape by Belarte Studio in Beige

The last option on my home office wallpaper ideas list is Tapestry Landscape in Beige by Belarte Studio. This wallpaper instantly stole my heart. It features muted greens, browns, and beiges in a mural-style design that feels like art for the walls.

I love that it has the appearance of a tapestry texture to it, and I especially love the vintage feel it brings to the table. It comes in several different colorways, but this one spoke to me the most! I think it’s because the color palette organically ties into other rooms in my home like the primary bedroom.

Wallpaper: Belarte Studio Vintage Tapestry in Beige | Paint: Joa’s White

The Final Choice for my Vintage Inspired Home Office

After spending a few weeks with all the samples taped up, I decided that Tapestry Landscape in Beige is the winner. It feels like the perfect mix of everything I love—moody, timeless and inspiring, with a vintage flair.

This will be my first time installing a mural, and I can’t wait to see it come to life. Once the woodwork is filled and caulked, I’ll move on to painting the trim and then hanging the wallpaper. By the way, if you missed how I designed the picture frame molding in the home office you can catch up here!

A mock-up of the vintage inspired wallpaper tapestry (it’s reading a bit more blue here than it really is)

For trim color, I’m debating between three directions:

• A rich brown like London Clay (used in my powder room)
• A deep green like Treron (used in my primary bedroom)
• Or a soft cream to let the mural shine

Each of these options connects back to other rooms in my home, keeping the design cohesive while letting this wallpaper remain the focal point.

If you’re currently narrowing down your own home office wallpaper ideas, I hope this list sparks some inspiration and helps you find a pattern that speaks to your space and your style. If you’re still searching, take a look at this post which includes some additional colorways and murals to choose from!

Catch Up on the Home Office Makeover

My Plans for a Moody Traditional Home Office Transformation

How I’m Designing and Installing Custom Trim in the Home Office

This project is part of the Fall 2025 One Room Challenge! You can follow along with the challenge here.

After tackling three different types of wall molding projects in my home—each a little more advanced than the last— I’m excited to take on my home office. This is now my fourth time installing picture frame molding, and like all the others, I know it’s going to completely transform the space. However, I remember the first time I did this (in the dining room) I was lost at where to start. So today I want to share a few secrets I use that make how to design picture frame molding simple and less intimidating.

My three custom trim projects in order: the dining room, the bedroom, the primary bathroom

In my dining room, I installed picture frame boxes below an existing chair rail. In my primary bedroom, I tried stacked molding—smaller boxes on the bottom and larger ones on top. Then, in my primary bathroom renovation, I created a custom wainscoting design with multiple layers and trim types. For the home office, I’m installing a chair rail with picture frame boxes underneath, and next we’ll tackle crown molding.

Installing the Chair Rail: The Foundation of Picture Frame Molding

Before getting into how to design picture frame molding, I first needed to determine where my chair rail would sit. This room didn’t have any existing trim, so I started from scratch using one of my favorite design rules: the rule of thirds.

My ceilings are eight feet tall (96 inches), so I divided that by three to get 33 inches. Then, since I plan to add a chunky crown molding later, I decided to drop the chair rail one inch lower. That means the top of my chair rail sits at 32 inches from the floor, creating perfect visual balance for an 8-foot room while allowing the upper wall to have its own moment, especially since I plan to add wallpaper above the molding.

Once I had the height marked, I used my Bosch laser level to project a clean, continuous line around the room and attached the chair rail with my brad nailer and 2-inch brad nails. I chose this chair rail by Ornamental Mouldings and I’m in love with the detailing on it! I know it’s going to look amazing once I get everything painted. Now that the chair rail is installed, it’s time to move on to the real fun: designing the picture frame molding boxes.

Shop: chair rail

Designing Picture Frame Molding for Each Wall

When figuring out how to design picture frame molding, the first step is to map out the layout for each wall.

My number-one tip is to design for each wall individually, not the room as a whole. Very few rooms are perfect rectangles without windows, doors, or vents—and that’s what makes your space interesting. But it also means you’ll need to adjust your box layout wall by wall.

For example, in my home office:

• One wall has two doors
• Another has off-centered double windows

When designing picture frame molding, design for the wall not the room and work with existing features like windows and doors

That means symmetry across the entire room just isn’t possible. Instead, I focused on what made sense for each wall and how to best complement the existing architecture. I love to start with the wall that already has these existing features. For me, that’s always the easiest jumping-off point.

For example, in this room I started with the wall that had the double windows. I had two options: one long box beneath both windows or two long rectangular boxes. I chose two, which felt more balanced. On the shorter section of wall beside the window, I decided on one box instead of two.

That’s what I mean by designing for the wall. It’s about what looks right in that specific space, not what matches the others perfectly.

Visualizing the Layout Before You Cut

A key step in how to design picture frame molding is visualizing your layout before you make a single cut. I like to upload a photo of my wall into Canva and experiment with digital “boxes” until I find a layout that feels right.

You’ll see how I mocked up two options below – one with three boxes and one with four boxes. Some people prefer more square boxes; others like them long and rectangular. Personally, I lean toward groupings of three whenever I can. The “rule of thirds” is classic for a reason as it’s naturally pleasing to the eye.

For this room, I landed on three boxes on the wall behind my desk and three boxes on the wall across from it, which kept the layout feeling balanced.

You can also go old-school with painter’s tape, which I did in my first few projects. Tape out the boxes on your wall, step back, and adjust until you’re happy with the proportions. It’s a low-stress way to get confident before you start cutting your trim.

Spacing and Installation Tips

The most important tip when installing picture frame molding is when it comes to spacing, consistency is everything. You’ll want the spacing around each picture frame molding box—top, bottom, sides, and in-between—to be exactly the same.

Shop: chair rail | picture frame molding | laser level

For this project, I decided on a 2½-inch gap instead of my usual 3½-inch spacing since my ceiling height is lower. I used pieces of 2½-inch scrap wood pieces to use as spacers, which made lining everything up fast and easy.

After marking all the box outlines on the wall, I measured each section, cut my molding at 45-degree angles on my miter saw, and then dry-fitted the pieces to make sure everything aligned. Once I was happy with the fit, I double checked everything with my handheld laser level, and then installed each piece using my brad nailer and 2-inch nails. I’ll also note I find it easiest to start with the bottom piece first, then sides and then the top piece of molding. You work with gravity this way versus against it!

#1 tip: make sure all your spacing is the same around the picture frame boxes

For this project, I used picture frame molding from Ornamental Mouldings from Novo Building Products (it’s the same profile I used in my bathroom!). I love the subtle detail it adds without feeling too fussy.

Conclusion: How to Design Picture Frame Molding Like a Pro

Every time I tackle a wall molding project, I’m reminded why I love them so much: they add instant character, texture, and architectural interest without requiring a full renovation.

Learning how to design picture frame molding might feel intimidating at first, but once you understand a few basic principles—like the rule of thirds, consistent spacing, and designing for each wall individually—it becomes a creative, approachable DIY that looks completely custom.

Whether you’re working with a blank wall or incorporating existing windows and doors, the key is to visualize, plan, and take your time.

The Home Office Makeover: What’s next?

Now that I designed and installed the picture frame molding the next step is installing this dental crown molding! I’m so excited about the detailing and cannot wait to get crown molding into this room. Make sure you’re following along on socials to see the transformation take shape!

Supply List

• Bosch laser level
• Brad nailer
• 2″ brad nails
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Handheld Laser Level
• Scrap wood spacers (2½”)
• Picture Frame Molding by Ornamental Mouldings
• Chair rail molding by Ornamental Mouldings
• Painter’s tape (optional for mockup)

Related Posts:

Home Office Makeover Plans

How I Designed Picture Frame Molding in the Dining Room

Primary Bathroom Custom Wainscoting

Designing Stacked Picture Frame Trim in the Primary Bedroom

This project is part of the Fall 2025 One Room Challenge! You can follow along with the challenge here.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a tired space with your own two hands—especially when the “before” includes dying pine trees and a garden bed filled with dirty rocks and weeds. Earlier this summer, I had my front yard professionally landscaped, but the back pool area? Due to budget that’s been my DIY special. I wanted something beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance, something I could set and forget. That’s when I decided to take on a DIY paver and turf installation project.

Below you’ll find the full tutorial combining both parts of the process—from mockups to pavers to turf—plus every product I used so you can tackle your own backyard makeover.

Step 1: The Vision + Planning

Every good project starts with a plan, and mine began with a few layout mockups. I tested a couple of different designs using large square concrete pavers with strips of artificial turf in between.

I originally envisioned a diamond layout, but once I measured my garden beds, I realized it wouldn’t line up properly—so I pivoted to a clean, straight design that fit the space perfectly.

Two mock-ups (one with a row of 3 pavers, one with 2) and my initial install of a diamond pattern. I would end up changing this in the end!

Pro Tip: If your pavers don’t visually align in your mockup, it’s worth reworking the pattern before you start cutting turf later on.

Step 2: Clearing the Space

The next step in my DIY paver and turf installation was getting rid of the mess. I pulled weeds, rocks, and the remnants of some very sad pine trees. Then I worked on leveling the soil as best as possible—trust me, this step makes everything easier later on. You’ll need a pick axe, a heavy rake and a good shovel for this process. I also purchased a special shovel with blades on the side which helped cut through deep roots when removing the pine trees.

The before and after of the area. It felt so good to get everything cleared out!

Step 3: The Decomposed Granite Base

Once the area was clear, I had two tons of decomposed granite dropped in my driveway. (I about died when I saw how much that actually was.) Often referred to as “DC” this type of rock allows for the best drainage for a project like pavers. Luckily you can have it delivered!

Before hauling it over, I should’ve installed a garden edger to contain the material—but I learned that one the hard way. Another thing I didn’t do and should have was tamped down the soil before laying the decompossed granite. When you’re removing roots, the soil needs to settle. Helping it along with a tamp will take care of this for you and you’ll avoid things settling after the fact.

Anyhow, back to the process: Using buckets, I shoveled the granite over to the garden beds, spread it evenly, and raked it level with a heavy-duty rake. A good rule of thumb is about 2 inches of rock for drainage purposes.

Next I tamped everything down by hand to create a solid base for the pavers. You can also rent a tamper, however I didn’t have the ability to haul one myself so I did this by hand. Try to level the rock as much as you can, but don’t get terribly detailed with it, as we’ll do sand in the next step which will help fill in gaps.

Step 4: Sand Layer + Leveling

Next came sand. You’ll want to purchase “paver sand” which is used specifically for this purpose and you should plan on one to two inches total. Since my pavers are aesthetic and are not being walked or driven on, I went for one inch. If your pavers are going to be getting normal use and traffic, you’ll want two to three inches of sand.

The easiest method for installing the sand was dumping one bag at a time, leveling it with a rake, then again with a flat board (a process called screeding). Use a level to ensure everything is even and keep screeding until it is. This step creates an even foundation for your pavers to sit securely without wobbling, which is key to a polished finish.

Step 5: Laying the Pavers

Here’s where the DIY paver and turf installation really started to come to life. I began with my diamond pattern in the narrow bed but quickly realized it didn’t translate to the larger area. Half pavers and awkward cuts just weren’t the look I wanted, so I switched to a straight layout that felt cleaner and more intentional.

To keep spacing consistent, I cut seven-inch wooden blocks to use as spacers between each paver—this is key because it makes trimming and fitting the turf much easier later on.

These are the pavers I used (ps – they deliver!)

Each paver weighed about thirty-six pounds, and with sixty total, that’s over two thousand pounds I moved around… and yes, a few of them got set more than once. Once you have your pavers placed, tamp them down with a rubber mallet to help set them.

Step 6: Installing the Artificial Turf

With the pavers in place, it was time for the artificial turf. Using the same wood block spacer, I cut my turf to the width and length for the longer pieces first. I used scissors to do this, but would highly recommend a good utility knife like this one instead (I learned that towards the end). It’s so much faster!

An important step to note when you’re installing artificial turf is to make sure all of the blades are pointing in the same direction. Make sure to plan this during your cuts, otherwise you’ll end up with a lot of waste. Dry fit the turf in the spaces first (some pavers may need slightly shifted) and then follow these steps to lock it all in place:

• Join the pieces of turf together with seam tape. I used this kind and it’s EXTRA sticky, which gave me peace of mind. Place it on both pieces of turf you’re joining and then press down.
• Next using a hammer, you’ll want to hammer a staple over the seam. This is going to add extra reinforcement through weather. Brush over the blades with your hand to hide the staple after you’ve hammered it in place.
• Last is hammering 5 inch galvanized nails throughout. I really focused on doing this every foot along the perimeter of the garden beds, as well as where I saw the turf shifting near the pavers. A good test is to get your leaf blower out and see if any turf lifts when you blow over the area. If it does, drive a nail into that spot.

From top left to bottom: cutting the seam tape, installing the seam tape, installing the staples, adding the 5 inch nails throughout

The Final Reveal

The before-and-after speaks for itself. What was once a neglected corner of the yard is now a polished, functional extension of my outdoor living space. For some extra privacy from the neighbors, I also opted to add a faux boxwood privacy fence on one side. For the time being, this has been a fantastic solution.

This DIY paver and turf installation took some muscle and a few learning curves, but the result was absolutely worth it. It’s proof that with a little planning, persistence, and a few trips to Lowe’s, you can completely transform your outdoor space.

Shop the DIY paver and Turf Installation Project

You can shop every item from this project directly below and start your own backyard transformation.

• Level
• Bucket
• Shovel
• Speared shovel (for removing roots)
• Pick axe
• Heavy-duty rake
• Tamper
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Utility Knife (use this to cut your turf and your seam tape)
• Gloves
• Concrete pavers
• Artificial turf
• Decomposed granite
• Paver sand
• Seam tape
• Staples
• Galvanized Nails
• Garden edger
• Wheelbarrow
• Boxwood Privacy fence (I used 4 panels)

Related Posts:

My Front Yard Exterior Makeover

Budget Friendly Pool Patio Refresh

Updating My Exterior Trim Color

Installing New Copper Lanterns (and sizing tips!)

Fall is my favorite time of year to lean into moodier tones, layered textures, and cozy moments at home. Instead of going overboard with pumpkins, I love to take a thoughtful approach — small swaps and seasonal layers that create warmth without clutter. This year, I styled my spaces with moody fall home decor that feels elevated, timeless, and perfectly collected. Here are all the ways I’m decorating for and celebrating fall this year!

Moody Artwork & Seasonal Touches

One of the easiest ways to set the tone is through artwork. For my Frame TV, I swapped in a still life print of pears — the warm browns and shadows feel so quintessentially fall. The best part? I grabbed a package of 30 moody artwork prints for under $7, and they’re mine to keep forever. It’s such an affordable way to change the atmosphere of a room without investing in more decor.

Moody Frame TV Artwork | Frame TV | Charcoal Candle | Brass Tray | Nandina Leaf Stems | Terracotta Vase

In the kitchen, I added styled a set of faux artichokes in a darker serving bowl. Their muted greens and hints of purple add a sculptural element and tie right into my moody fall home decor palette.

Faux artichokes | Charcoal bowl

Small Swaps That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes the simplest changes have the biggest impact. I swapped my glass cloche for an orange one on the coffee table, instantly warming up the space. Layered books, a sculptural bowl, and warm-toned accents create depth and texture.

Orange Cloche | Crystal Candle Dish | Marble Match Holder | The Finer Things Coffee Table Book | The Well Loved House Coffee Table Book | Marble Handerchief Bowl

Throughout the house, I’ve tucked in my favorite fall stems — golden leaves, deep burgundy branches, and moody greenery. They bring movement and life into every corner while still keeping the overall vibe sophisticated and cozy. Ps – if you’re not sure how many stems to use in an arrangement, I created this guide last year that might be helpful!

Plum Stems | Ruffled Vase | Charcoal Candle | Brass Clawfoot Tray | Wallpaper

The Scents of Fall

Fall scents are non-negotiable when it comes to creating atmosphere. I rotate through a few favorites depending on my mood:

• Apotheke Charcoal (3-Wick) – A sexy, black-on-black candle that’s smoky, modern, and moody.
• Apotheke Cardamom Chestnut – Think roasted chestnuts and spice layered with a hint of sweetness, like a cozy Paris café in candle form.
• Votivo Spiced Chai – not into pumpkin but still feeling festive? This one’s for you! All the cozy feelings of fall but without the expected pumpkin.
• Apotheke Bitter Cherry – Tart and unexpected with a rich fruitiness that feels elevated and modern for fall.
• Anthropologie Pumpkin Clove – A classic blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla that will forever be the heart of autumn.

All of these scents instantly warm up the house and make my home smell as cozy as it looks.

Styling the Outside Entry

Fall starts at the front door, and I love creating a warm welcome. This year, I styled my entry with a mix of real and faux pumpkins for layered texture and longevity (no mid-October rotting). To finish it off, I swapped my front door wreath for a burgundy option that ties into the moody palette I’ve used inside. If you need tips for styling your front stairs with pumpkins, these tips help make things simple.

Cozying Up the Bedroom

The bedroom is where I embrace seasonal layering the most. I start with Boll & Branch sheets and the waffle blanket both in Juniper, add my cream signature duvet set, and bring in a lumbar pillow with fall tones of browns and reds. On top, I toss a big cream faux fur throw for texture and warmth. The result is a cocoon of moody fall home decor that feels just right as the nights get cooler.

Faux Fur Blanket | Cream Duvet Set | Juniper Sheets | Juniper Waffle Blanket | Rust Draperies | Wall Color | Chandelier

Fall Movie Nights

Once the house is styled and the candles are lit, the only thing left is a good fall movie lineup. My go-to favorites:

• You’ve Got Mail – the coziest depiction of New York in the fall
• Practical Magic – witchy, romantic, and moody
• When Harry Met Sally – timeless autumn in Central Park
• Dead Poets Society – nostalgic and inspiring
• Knives Out – quirky, mysterious, and full of fall vibes

And for movie night I highly recommend a Popsmith Popcorn maker. It’s nostalgic and makes the BEST popcorn! One of Oprah’s favorite things for a reason.

More Ways to Embrace Moody Fall Home Decor

Here are a few more ways to lean in:

• Layered Textiles – Bring in velvet pillows, wool throws, and chunky knits.
• Ambient Lighting – Add candles, table lamps, and sconces for a warm glow.
• Fall Playlist – Fleetwood Mac, jazz standards, or even an acoustic mix set the mood (vinyl is best!)
• Pantry Staples – Stock chai, cider, and baking spices so you’re always ready for a cozy night in.

Shop the Cozy TV Room

Closing Thoughts

Leaning into fall doesn’t mean filling every corner with pumpkins. It’s about layering warmth, mood, and texture so your home feels like a retreat. From a $7 package of moody Frame TV art to cozy bedding swaps, from a bowl of faux artichokes to a perfectly spiced candle, these little changes add up to a home that feels deeply autumnal. If you’re craving inspiration for moody fall home decor, this is your sign to start layering.

Shop My Favorite Moody Fall Home Decor Staples

Brown Vase

Grape Ivy Stem

Artichokes

Pumpkin Ginger Candle

Nandina Stem

Ruffled Vase

Oval Framed Artwork

Plum Stems

Candle Snuffer

Brass Clawfoot Tray

Call It Home Coffee Table Book

Moody Fall Frame TV Artwork (set of 30)

Frame TV

I didn’t plan to renovate my primary bathroom in 2025, but sometimes the best projects aren’t on the list. For my second One Room Challenge, I kept coming back to this space. My bedroom had just been transformed into a warm, layered retreat, but every time I stepped into the bathroom, it felt disjointed, sterile, and like a daily reminder of past design mistakes. That’s when I decided it was time to tackle a primary bathroom renovation—and to finally create a space that felt cohesive with the rest of my home. Today I’m so excited to finally be able to share my primary bathroom renovation reveal with you! All the details, the decisions, the sources and more. Lets dive in!

Why I Took on a Primary Bathroom Renovation

Seven years ago I renovated my primary bathroom but without realizing it, I fell victim to the “everything white with black trim” trend. While fresh at first, the novelty faded quickly. The bathroom felt cold and wrong for me. Instead of a space where I could slow down and enjoy my routines, it was one I rushed through.

When I set out to renovate this bathroom, my goals were clear:

• Make it warm and inviting
• Add traditional trimwork for character
• Create a cohesive flow with my vintage-modern bedroom and the rest of the house
• Correct past mistakes (goodbye mismatched metals and improperly installed vanity top)

The Primary Bathroom 1.0: post expansion / renovation but mistakes were made.

The Design Vision: Traditional Meets Vintage with a Modern Touch

My style is all about blending traditional design with vintage character and a modern edge. For this bathroom renovation, that meant layering in wainscoting trim, incorporating timeless finishes, and using materials that would age gracefully. I started pulling some inspiration on Pinterest and put together an initial moodboard.

Some details I kept: the black-and-white checkerboard floor tile (a timeless choice I’m so grateful for) and the striped Farrow & Ball Block Print Stripe wallpaper in the toilet room. Both already leaned into a traditional-meets-vintage feel, so they became the foundation for the new design.

Trimwork and Millwork: The Foundation of the Primary Bathroom Renovation

Woodwork became the centerpiece of this renovation. I mapped out wainscoting with layers of poplar boards, chair rail, picture frame trim, crown molding, and new baseboards—all sourced from Novo Building Products and Ornamental Mouldings. Their profiles were exactly the classic, traditional detail I envisioned.

This layered trim transformed the sterile white box into an architectural, cozy, and intentional space. While crown molding tested my patience, it ended up being one of the most rewarding skills I’ve taught myself.

Choosing the Countertop and Finishes

The vanity countertop became a defining design choice. I selected a Calacatta Fiorto marble remnant slab with rich veining in deep green, plum, terracotta, and gold. This natural stone instantly warmed the room and inspired the rest of the palette.

To fix the mismatched metal issue, I committed to intentional mixing:

• Brass sconces in a traditional silhouette (Visual Comfort, sourced from Lighting Design Company)
• Polished nickel faucets from Kohler’s Artifacts collection (a vintage-inspired line with warmth and character) paired with cross bar handles
• Burnished brass knobs and backplates from San Diego Hardware for the vanity, deliberately different from the sconces to feel collected rather than forced

Kohler Artifacts Faucet | Kohler Artifacts Cross Handles

Crewe Knob | Backplate | Vanity Sconces

Vanity Transformation: From Black to Walnut Beauty

One of the happiest accidents of this project came when the countertop installers spilled chemicals on my black vanity, stripping its finish. While frustrating, it gave me the push to do what I’d always wanted: flip the vanity to a rich walnut finish.

Using Retique It Liquid Wood and a dark walnut gel stain, I transformed the vanity into the anchor of the bathroom. Paired with longer mirrors and the marble countertop, it now feels elevated and “grown up.”

I transformed the vanity from black to a rich walnut by using RetiqueIt Liquid Wood and a Dark Walnut Gel Stain

Paint Color Decisions

Picking the wall color was a saga. I tested samples for months, from Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back to AI mockups. In the end, I chose Farrow & Ball’s Jitney, a warm, earthy neutral that ties perfectly to the veining in the marble and the walnut vanity. The patience was worth it—Jitney is the soul of this primary bathroom renovation.

Splurge vs Save: Where the Budget Went

Like every DIY project, this renovation had moments of balancing investment and savings:

Splurges

• Marble countertop (professionally installed)
• Faucet fixtures and tub filler
• Professional plumbing and electrical work to fix past issues
• Upgraded light switches to a vintage inspired toggle switch plate

Consolidating this electrical and flipping it to a vintage toggle inspired light switch has been the best upgrade!

Saves

• Doing all trimwork, painting, and vanity refinishing myself
• Reusing existing tile flooring and wallpaper, as well a the vanity base

This balance allowed me to elevate the bathroom without breaking the budget.

Brass Toilet Paper Holder | Striped Wallpaper | Walnut Toilet Seat | Checkered Tile Flooring

Lessons from This Primary Bathroom Renovation

Every project teaches me something new, and this bathroom was no exception.

• Take your time with design decisions. Rushing to meet an artificial deadline isn’t worth sacrificing the right choice.
• You can always learn new skills no matter any age. During this project I learned how to cut and install crown molding, and how to not only change but move an electrical outlet!
• Sometimes mistakes (like a spilled chemical on your vanity) are really blessings in disguise.

Same vanity, new stain and new top.

My Favorite Details of the Primary Bathroom Renovation Reveal

Two features make me smile every time I step inside:

1. The vanity wall: cohesive, warm, and grown up. It’s now a space I linger in instead of rush through.
2. The vintage pendant above the tub: an antique store find from Pittsburgh that not only completes the bathroom but also holds sentimental value, reminding me of the last visit I had with my grandfather.

Walnut Mirrors | Vanity Sconces | Vanity Hardware | Hand Towel | Floor Tile | Brass Vintage Light Switches | Vanity | Vase

My Primary Bathroom Renovation Reveal: Closing Thoughts

This primary bathroom renovation was never part of my original plan, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever taken on. From fixing past mistakes to layering in timeless details, the bathroom now feels like a true extension of my home and my style: traditional, vintage, and just enough modern to keep it fresh.

I love how the color palette works together (bathroom: Jitney by F&B) (bedroom: Treron by F&B)

It’s not fully finished (a window treatment and shower makeover are still on the horizon), but for now, it feels like pure magic, and my primary suite finally feels complete. Just a reminder of where we started and where we ended…

Cast Iron Clawfoot Bathtub | Clawfoot Tub Faucet & Hand Shower | Ceiling Medallion

Shop The Primary Bathroom (finishes)

Paint Color: Jitney by Farrow & Ball

Toilet Room Striped Wallpaper

Brass toilet paper holder

Walnut Soft Close Elongated Toilet Seat

Kohler Artifacts Double Wall Hook in Polished Nickel

72 in Vintage Cast Iron Clawfoot Bathtub

Clawfoot Tub Faucet & Hand Shower

Walnut Mirrors

Vanity Sconces

Black & White Checkered Floor Tile

Crewe Cabinet Knob

Knob Backplates

Kohler Artifacts Faucet in Polished Nickel

Kohler Artifacts Handles in Polished Nickel

Brass Vintage Toggle Light Switches

72″ Vanity Base

Ceiling Medallion

Chandelier (vintage): similar option 1, option 2, option 3

Arched Armoire Storage Cabinet

Bath towels (in Oak)

Brown Vase

Shop The Primary Bathroom Wainscoting + Supplies

Ornamental Mouldings Colonial Backband Moulding

Ornamental Mouldings 3.5″ Poplar Hardwood Board

Ornamental Mouldings 2.5″ Poplar Hardwood Board

Ornamental Mouldings Charlotte Baseboards (5.5″)

Ornamental Mouldings Crown Molding

Ornamental Mouldings Picture Frame Molding

Ornamental Mouldings Chair Rail

Sashco Big Stretch Caulk

Bosch 12 in 15 amp dual bevel compound Miter Saw

Ryobi Brad Nail gun

2″ Brad Nails

Nail Punch Set

DeWalt Drill Set

DeWalt Orbital Sander

Franklin Sensors Laser Level

Kreg Crown Jig

Ladder

Mor-Flexx Grout

Handy Paint Pail Products

Miniwax wood filler

9″ Paint Pad

RetiqueIt Liquid Wood

Varathane Dark Walnut Gel Stain

Polyurethane (Satin)

When I started renovating my kitchen, one of the biggest pain points was the dark, speckled granite countertops. They felt dated, busy, and totally out of sync with the lighter, warmer aesthetic I wanted for my home. Real marble counters have always been on my dream list—but with my square footage I was looking at roughly $20,000, and that just wasn’t in the budget. So instead of waiting, I decided to work with what I had by using this DIY marble countertops kit.

For under $200, I completely transformed my kitchen counters into a bright, faux marble finish that looks high-end, feels durable, and has given me the freedom to love my kitchen right now while I save for the real thing someday. If you’ve been wondering how to paint granite countertops to look like marble, this guide is for you.

Before and After of my budget friendly kitchen renovation.

DIY Marble Countertops: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Prep and Protect

The Giani kit comes with everything you need, but prep work is key. I started by giving my counters a deep clean with dish soap and water, then wiped everything down with lacquer thinner for extra insurance against grease or residue.

Next, I taped off the backsplash, sink, appliances, and cabinets, then draped the provided plastic sheeting over everything. Don’t skip this part—the epoxy topcoat drips as it levels, so extra drop cloths on the floor will save you cleanup stress later.

Step 2: Prime the Counters

Since I was covering dark granite with a white marble kit, it took me Four coats of primer to get full coverage. Each coat dried in about two hours, and the process went quickly. Think of this stage like painting walls—primer sets the foundation for everything else.

Pro tip: don’t forget the underside edges of your counters if they’re visible from an adjacent room.

Step 3: Create the Marble Veining

This is the part that feels intimidating, but it’s also the most fun. The kit includes grey paint, a fine artist’s brush, a spray bottle, and a larger brush for blending.

To mimic real marble veins:

• Dip the artist brush in the grey paint (included in the kit)
• Lightly drag the brush across the surface while twisting it between your fingertips for natural movement.
• Mist with water to soften and feather the line.
• Tap gently with the larger brush to blend.
• Vary your vein shapes (long, crescent, or branching) to avoid repetition.

At first, I tried to replicate the exact slab of Carrara marble I’d been eyeing—and that made me overly critical. Once I let go of perfection and embraced the organic look, the process became easier and more enjoyable.

If you’re feeling extra nervous about this I can completely relate. The good news is that it’s not immediately permanent. If you hate your vein, you can spray water on it and wipe it right off (I did this a lot). And if you really hate what you did, you can re-prime over it and start over (I also did this!).

Step 4: Add Highlights

After the grey veining dried for a few hours, I used the sponge and white highlight paint included in the kit to add some dimension. Dab this sporadically over veins for added depth and dimension, which will make your DIY marble countertops look more realistic.

Step 5: Epoxy Topcoat

The epoxy is what seals the deal—literally. This clear, glossy topcoat gives the counters durability and a smooth stone-like feel.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Each can of epoxy covers 6 sq. ft., so measure ahead and plan your pours.
• Mix thoroughly with the activator before applying. The kit gives instructions for how long you need to stir the epoxy + activator. Set a timer and take it seriously.
• Pour in an S-shape, then guide the epoxy with the roller and brush.
• Continuously wipe drips along the edges for the first 1–2 hours (otherwise they’ll harden).
• Remove painter’s tape within 1–2 hours so it doesn’t get sealed in.

I let the epoxy cure for 24–48 hours before touching the surface and gave it a full week before setting appliances back in place. Keep in mind, anything the epoxy touches will turn rock hard. So paint brushes, rollers, etc will all get tossed. The kit comes with plenty of these so use what’s provided and nothing personal that you love.

The Final Results: Your New DIY Marble Countertops

The difference is dramatic. What once were dark, speckled granite counters now look like bright, timeless Carrara marble countertops—all for under $200. This budget-friendly kitchen renovation project proves you don’t need to wait for a dream budget to achieve a dream look.

There are a few small imperfections, but overall I’m thrilled. The counters complement my new cabinet color, backsplash, and brass hardware beautifully, and I love walking into a kitchen that feels completely refreshed.

Would I Recommend DIY Marble Countertops?

Yes, with a few caveats:

• Be patient with the veining—don’t rush.
• Wipe down your counters again before epoxy to prevent dust.
• Plan for a few days of kitchen downtime.

If you’re willing to put in the time, this is one of the most transformational DIY home projects you can do on a budget.

Brass barstools | Vintage Lenox Coffee & Tea Canisters | Artichokes | Black Serving Bowl

Brass Lamp | Vintage Lenox Spice Set | Artichokes | Black Bowl | Brass Outlet Cover | Cup Pulls | Paneled Backsplash

Large Piatto Pendant | Brass Task Lamp | Walnut Butcher Block Island Top | Linen Roman Shade

Shop the Project

Want to try this in your own home? Here’s the exact kit I used:

• Giani Carrara Marble Countertop Kit

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DIY Budget Friendly Kitchen Reveal

Installing Soft Close Drawer Slides

Easy Furniture Flip (no stripping or deep sanding)

The past couple weeks were big for the DIY primary bathroom renovation—equal parts progress and problem-solving. Here’s where things stand, what’s finished, and what’s coming next.

The Vanity: From Black to Walnut Beauty

Remember when the countertop installers dripped something down the front of the black vanity drawers? Total mess. But it turned out to be the push I didn’t know I needed. I used Retique It Liquid Wood and Varathane gel stain in Dark Walnut to completely flip the finish—and now I’m in love.

Here’s how I did it:

• Removed all doors, drawers, hardware, hinges, and sliders
• Lightly sanded everything (no stripping necessary—just enough to rough it up)
• Applied 4 coats of Liquid Wood for full coverage (you may need fewer coats if your piece starts lighter)
• Stained everything with Dark Walnut gel stain using a regular paint brush and wiped it back with a paper towel
• On the recessed drawer and door fronts, I needed 3 coats to even things out
• Finished it all with 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic in Satin for durability

Shop: RetiqueIt Liquid Wood | Varathane Gel Stain | Poly Top Coat | Handy Paint Pail Supplies

I’ve used this method before on my dining table, so I trusted the process—and it paid off again. The walnut tone completely transformed the space and adds warmth I didn’t realize was missing.

Other DIY Primary Bathroom Renovation Progress Highlights

Here’s everything else that happened in the bathroom this week:

Electrical + Drywall

• Had the chandelier socket over the tub moved to center it correctly
• Brought in a drywall pro to patch the ceiling and smooth everything out (because a lumpy ceiling is not the look)
• Moved the electrical outlet next to the vanity to sit under the counter—no more awkward wall plug floating mid-height

Feels so good to have a fresh ceiling!

Trim + Wall Boxes

• Finished installing the last piece of back band around the bathroom door
• Built out the wall boxes surrounding the doorway—only one left to go
• That last box? It’s going to require a precision cut around the detailed vanity trim. Still puzzling that out, but I’m close. I ordered this, and I think it’s going to help me fill gaps without requiring precise cutting. I’ll be sure to report back!

Small Repairs + Paint

• Repaired cracked grout on the shower bench with Mor-Flexx by Sashco in gray—simple fix, looks brand new
• Painted the bathroom ceiling in Farrow & Ball’s “Stirabout”
  • Used their light-toned primer first (highly recommend if you want their paints to perform well)
  • Followed with 2 coats of Stirabout for a clean, bright finish.
  • Some notes on painting supplies: I tried a new painting tool for the ceilings (this paint pad) and I’m officially hooked! It was faster, less messy and resulted in the smoothest finish! I’m buying refills and plan to use this for the walls. I also used this Handy Paint Pail Cup with a liner and a lid which was perfect for a job that has multiple coats. It made clean up a breeze and I was able to leave my paint in the cup overnight without worrying about it drying out. Highly recommend Handy Paint Pail products for any painting project you have lined up!
• I also painted my new ceiling medallion which will go above the bathtub. I think it’s going to add that extra special touch to the finished space!

Shop: Mor-Flexx Sealant | Ceiling Medallion

Filling the Gaps & Cracks

Perhaps one of the most unexciting parts of any custom millwork projects is filling the gaps, holes and whatnots. However taking time to do this part of the project the right way is what’s going to give you a seamless professional finish. Here’s what I did:

• All nail holes and miter joints (the inside corners of every single box) got filled with wood filler (I like this option) and then sanded. I also added wood filler where I butted up two pieces of trim on the outside corners. Given there were over 1500 nail holes, this was daunting!
• All seams got a fresh bead of caulk. I like Big Stretch for this, as it stretches as the house will expand and contract with temperatures, and it’s paintable.
  • Seams include the top and bottom of the crown molding, the top of the baseboards, and the top, sides and bottoms of all the poplar boards, picture frame molding and chair rail. I went through 9.5 bottles of Big Stretch for this!

Shop: Big Stretch Caulk

What’s Next for the DIY Primary Bathroom Renovation?

This coming week is all about details:

• Finish that final wall box next to the vanity
• Prime the walls and apply 2 coats of paint
• Install the vintage chandelier above the tub and wall sconces above the vanity
• Reinstall vanity drawers and doors, plus new hardware
• Schedule the plumber to reinstall the freestanding tub and switch out the faucet from oil-rubbed bronze to this vintage polished nickel version

The paint for the primary bathroom will be Farrow & Ball’s Jitney! I’m using a new finish: Flat Eggshell.

It sounds like a lot, but we’re solidly in the homestretch now. The transformation is starting to really take shape, and I can’t wait to share the final reveal.

Thanks for following along! More pretty details and finished shots coming soon. If you’re tackling your own vanity flip or bathroom renovation, drop your questions in the comments—I’m happy to share tips.

Catch Up on the Primary Bathroom Renovation Journey

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 1

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 2

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 3

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 4

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 5

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 6 & 7

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 8

My New Deadline for the Primary Bathroom Renovation

I know there’s great anticipation for the primary bathroom reveal, but I wouldn’t be a real DIYer if I wasn’t starting another project before finishing the current one, right? All jokes aside, the landscaping has been high on my to-do list for a long time now, so I’m excited to share the plans (or rough ideas) for phase two of the exterior makeover.

Recapping phase one of the exterior makeover

In case you missed it, last year I focused on the exterior paint color and went from a dated yellow cream, to this warm moody charcoal with a hint of brown (color is Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams). I painted the exterior doors Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams and added brand new gutters, also in black. The transformation was astounding!

Adding new copper lanterns was supposed to be on the list for last year too, but they were backordered by several months, so it wasn’t until this spring that I was finally able to have them installed. But needless to say, they were so worth the wait! If you’re curious about choosing exterior lighting for size and scale, I shared a little bit about my process here.

Shop: Copper Lanterns

What are the plans for phase two of the exterior makeover?

It’s time for curb appeal! When I bought my house in 2018, it came with a lot of mature landscaping: very tall trees in the back, tall holly bushes, large ewes and more. At first I was so excited about this because it was new for me and everything looked so pretty. However I soon realized that I wasn’t equipped to take care of everything and the previous owners hadn’t kept it up either. Everything is very leggy (that’s when you don’t trim back your bushes and you have more wood than leaves) and some things have died off during some harsh winters. 

When thinking about the landscape design for the front, I want something that compliments the style of my home (southern & traditional) but will also be easy to maintain for a gardening novice like myself. Also, I know I can always continue to build in years to come! With all that said, I uploaded a couple photos of my front landscaping to ChatGPT Sora and coached it on my vision. Lets look at the first option!

In real life I’ll have the hydrangeas span the entire garden bed length. I’m so excited about such a classic and streamlined design!

As you can see, the plans entail ripping most everything out and starting from scratch. The initial version I requested allows me to keep the two pink magnolia trees. I’ll share a photo of them in bloom below. While these are quite unruly at the moment, I’d like to do everything I can to keep them. When I purchased my house in 2018, they were in bloom the day I got the keys and it feels very special each spring when I see them bloom. I always take a minute to reflect on how far this house has come.

With all that said, some storms caused the left tree to lose a large limb, so they’re not quite symmetrical anymore. In case trimming them back proves to be unsightly, I also requested a mock-up without the magnolia trees and look at this! If I’m being honest with you, I like this version more! It’s something about the symmetry and balance of everything.

I would adjust the trees to not be directly in front of the windows, but otherwise I love this design!

To DIY or Hire?

I’m sure you’re wondering if I plan on tackling this by myself, and trust me, I thought about it. I even bought a pole saw in the hopes I could trim the magnolias back myself! However at the end of the day I decided maybe it might be best to call in an expert. These roots run deep – I know some of them have been here for decades – and my equipment is pretty limited at this stage.

After vetting a few companies I found one that I feel good about. Finding good contractors in the area has proven to be very difficult for me. Sometimes I know they’re marking up the price because they think I don’t know any better (that’s actually how my kitchen renovation was born – I was mad about being over-quoted for a drawer). Other times I don’t feel like they’re listening to me which is a HUGE problem! If something goes wrong we need to be able to discuss it. I had one company give me a bid on this job and I’m not hiring him for this exact reason.

Needless to say, I’m excited about the company I ultimately chose and we discussed the magnolia tree concerns. We’re going to start by trimming them back and shaping them, and from there we’ll stand back and decide if we should keep them or if they should go. Otherwise, you can expect some fresh holly bushes, some Arborvitaes, white hydrangeas and boxwoods. I plan to install a brick garden wall so to speak (just two or three layers of brick pavers like these) which I think will really tie in nicely with the house.

Timing for Phase two of the exterior Makeover

Since this isn’t a DIY project, expect this to happen a bit more quicker than usual! We’re scheduled to start next week, weather permitting (and as long as he’s not backed up from the previous bouts of rain we’ve had). I’m a little bit nervous but mostly excited for this project! After the landscape company is done, I’ll begin planning an exterior lighting scheme and am also going to tackle a small flower bed that’s off to the side as my own little gardening DIY. We all have to start somewhere right?!

Stay tuned for much more to come! I’m so excited to finally have the large white snowball hydrangeas I’ve always dreamt of!

The pink magnolias in full bloom this past spring!

Styling bookshelves is one of those home design tasks that looks simple… until you’re staring at a long, empty shelf and thinking, Now what? If you’ve ever felt stumped by the blank slate of built-ins—especially those longer shelves that seem to stretch on forever—you’re not alone. But with the right strategy, any bookshelf (big or small) can become a curated focal point full of warmth, personality, and story. Today, I’m sharing my go-to tips for how to style long bookshelves beautifully, using a mix of old and new, cozy and collected, and always personal. These are the exact techniques I used to style the built-ins in my own cozy tv room, and trust me—they make all the difference.

Whether you’re styling a single shelf or an entire wall, these styling tips will help you create shelves that feel intentional, balanced, and uniquely you.

1. Start With Coffee Table Books (Yes, Even on Shelves!)

If you’re styling long bookshelves, think of coffee table books as your secret weapon. Their generous size helps ground the shelf visually, especially when you’re working with deep, dark cabinetry like mine (painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lead Grey, if you’re wondering). Use them as a base to stack decorative items or to break up rows of vertical books.

Shop My Favorite Coffee Table Books

I like to keep a mix of topics—design, history, travel, art—and stack them horizontally to add height where needed. Bonus points if the spines bring in a pop of color or texture.

2. Alternate Book Orientation for Visual Movement

One of the easiest ways to avoid a monotonous look? Switch up how your books are placed. On my shelves, you’ll see some books standing upright and others laid flat in tidy stacks. This keeps your eye moving and adds visual rhythm to the overall design.

For longer shelves, I recommend using upright books toward one end and stacks at the other—or even centered—so you don’t fall into the trap of everything feeling too symmetrical or stiff.

Black marble vase | leather desk mat | vintage lamp (similar) | vintage onyx horse bookends (similar)

3. The Most Important Tip for How To Style Long Bookshelves: Change the Midline From Shelf to Shelf

Here’s a styling trick that makes a huge impact: vary the center of gravity (you can see how I did this in the above photo). Don’t center every shelf the same way. On one shelf, you might anchor with a larger item slightly left of center, and on the next, cluster things toward the right. This gives the whole unit a natural, collected feel—like it came together over time (even if it didn’t).

4. Group Items in Threes

The rule of threes is popular for a reason—it just works. Our brains are naturally drawn to odd numbers. Try pairing a small vase with a sculptural object and a stack of books for an effortless vignette. Or use three different candlesticks at varying heights to add a vertical element. I love these ones that are battery powered and flicker!

You don’t need to be rigid—just aim for asymmetry with balance.

black marble vase | candle cloche | brass art easel | leather desk mat

5. Mix Old and New for That “Collected Over Time” Look

This is so key to avoiding a showroom feel. I love mixing thrifted treasures, family heirlooms, and modern pieces for contrast and charm. A vintage lamp next to a deep rich leather desk mat. A modern marble vase next to a piece of thrifted artwork. It’s all about that tension between eras.

I love the contrast not only between old & new, but with textures as well. Mixing things up is key!

On my shelves, I’ve layered vintage ships, marble bookends, and newer sculptural pieces with antique finds. This mix brings soul and storytelling into every corner.

6. Layer Personal Items: Photos, Collectibles & Art

Bookshelves are one of the most underrated spots to tell your story. That framed black-and-white family photo? Put it front and center. A meaningful souvenir from your travels? Display it like art. A small painting or framed letter? Lean it behind a stack of books for depth.

This is how you make your shelves feel like your home—not a Pinterest replica. If you need some help getting started you can find some of my favorite decor pieces here.

These onyx horse bookends are one of my favorite vintage finds! They’re artwork in an of themselves. Shop similar ones here.

7. Play With Height, Shape & Texture

A truly beautiful shelf isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s also how you layer it. Use objects with different heights (tall candlesticks, low bowls), varied shapes (round vs angular), and contrasting textures (brass, wood, marble, linen).

In my shelves, you’ll notice how a spindly stem in a black vase softens the edges, while a glossy ceramic bowl catches the light. These moments of contrast help each item shine and prevent the shelves from feeling flat.

Bonus Tips From My Shelf to Yours:

• Use bookends strategically—not just to hold books, but to punctuate a section or bring in sculptural interest.
• Leave breathing room. Don’t overfill! Negative space is your friend.
• Add lighting. A bookshelf lamp or tucked-in puck lights can elevate your shelf styling (and your mood).

Shop the Cozy TV Room

Final Thoughts on How to Style Long Bookshelves

There’s no right or wrong way on how to style long bookshelves, and it isn’t about perfection. It’s about layering in meaning, beauty, and function until it feels just right. Trust your instincts. Edit as you go. And don’t be afraid to change it up with the seasons or your mood.

These are more than shelves—they’re your story on display.

If you loved these tips, be sure to pin this post or share it with a fellow design lover. And if you’re styling your own shelves, tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring your shelves to life!

Bookshelf lamp

Marble horse bookends

Brass art easel

Match striker

Cement white box

Black marble vase

Brass clawfoot dish (larger size)

Votivo tortoise candle

Brass candle snuffer

Marble canister

Glass candle cloche

French style lamp

Battery flicker candles

Brass candle wick trimmer

Brass hand

Burled wood boxes

When I decided to makeover my primary bedroom last summer, I knew I wanted to go green—but not just any green. I was looking for that perfect moody, soft-but-rich, earthy green that felt calm and cozy without turning too cold. I swatched no less than 12 different greens and finally narrowed it down to five green paint colors I felt excited about.

My bedroom is north-facing, which means the light in there leans cool and can make colors feel a little icy if you’re not careful. I wanted a green that could hold its own and still feel warm even when the sun wasn’t shining directly in.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect green for your bedroom, here are the top contenders I considered, complete with notes on undertones and which direction of light each one works best with. And spoiler alert: I have no regrets about the green I chose!

Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams

Undertones: Deep herbal green with gray and olive undertones
Best for: South- or west-facing rooms

Photo: Sherwin-Williams

Rosemary is such a beautiful, traditional green—think vintage botanical prints or the perfect English garden. It’s darker and more saturated than a typical sage and really comes to life in warm light. If your bedroom gets a lot of afternoon sun, this color will feel lush and dramatic without going too forest green. In cooler light, though, it can read a little muddy, so keep that in mind.

Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams

Undertones: Dusty green with sage and gray undertones
Best for: East-facing or balanced light

Photo: Sherwin-Williams

Dried Thyme is soft and serene, like a gentle sage with just enough depth to feel grown-up. It’s a great choice if you want something a little more subtle. Because of its slightly gray base, it adapts well to a variety of lighting conditions—but it really shines in morning light. In a north-facing room it can lean a bit too cool unless you bring in plenty of warm textures and lighting.

French Grey by Farrow & Ball

Undertones: Green-gray with a subtle warmth
Best for: East- or west-facing rooms

Photo: Farrow & Ball

Don’t let the name fool you—French Grey reads green, especially in natural light. It’s one of those beautifully nuanced colors that shifts throughout the day. It feels soft and airy in the morning and slightly moodier in the evening. If you’re working with a room that gets softer side-light (like east or west), French Grey will add a gentle, timeless elegance without overwhelming the space.

Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams

Undertones: Muted green with gray and a whisper of blue
Best for: South- or east-facing rooms

Photo: Sherwin-Williams

This was the 2022 Color of the Year for a reason. Evergreen Fog is that perfect blend of sage, gray, and a hint of blue. It feels modern but grounded. In warmer light, it reads as a soft green-gray. In cooler light (like a north-facing room), the blue undertones become more pronounced, which wasn’t quite the vibe I wanted—but it’s still a gorgeous option if you’re going for a calm, spa-like feel.

Treron by Farrow & Ball (the one I chose!)

Undertones: Green with brown-gray undertones
Best for: North-facing rooms

Shop the Primary Bedroom

Treron was the clear winner for me. It’s an earthy, muted olive that somehow manages to feel both classic and moody at the same time. What really sold me is how beautifully it plays with the cooler light in my north-facing bedroom. Where some greens start to feel sterile or flat in low light, Treron keeps its warmth thanks to its brown undertones. No matter what time of day you walk into the room, it feels soft, grounded, and rich—not too cool, not too yellow. Just right.

Final Thoughts on Green Paint Colors

If you’re trying to choose a green for your bedroom, my biggest advice is: test it in your own light and on multiple walls. What looks cozy and inviting on a paint chip or Pinterest board might feel totally different in your space depending on the direction of your windows, the time of day, and even what flooring and trim you have. Also I highly recommend the paint stickies by Samplize. They’re made with real paint and you can move them all over your room.

For me, Treron checked every box. It made my bedroom feel like a hug—warm, moody, and timeless. If you’re drawn to greens that feel earthy and elevated, I highly recommend giving it a swatch.

Let me know if you’ve used any of these in your own home—I love seeing how they show up in different spaces.

Related

Designing Custom Trim in the Bedroom

Primary Bedroom Design Plans

My Moody Color Drenched Bedroom

Shop the Primary Bedroom

Every summer, this Healthy Black Bean Couscous Salad makes its way onto my table—especially around the Fourth of July. It’s hearty enough to eat as a main dish but shines as a flavorful summer side. It’s light, fresh, packed with protein and fiber, and it only gets better after a night in the fridge (aka the perfect make-ahead dish).

This easy summer salad recipe is also super customizable. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free with a few simple swaps, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for all your summer gatherings—cookouts, potlucks, pool parties, or just a casual lunch on the porch.

Healthy Black Bean Couscous Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked pearl couscous (I like the one from Trader Joe’s)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 8 green onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice (if you don’t have a lemon juicer I love this gold one!), red wine vinegar, and cumin.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine green onions, red bell pepper, cilantro, corn, and black beans. Pour in the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
5. Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps, then add it to the salad. Mix well.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm or chilled. Top with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

The couscous will absorb the broth eventually and will look fluffy just like this. Keep stirring it so it doesn’t stick!

Pro Tips

• Make it vegan: Just skip the feta or swap it for a dairy-free alternative.
• Make it gluten-free: Use quinoa instead of couscous.
• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Black Bean Couscous Salad

• It’s packed with protein and fiber (thanks to the black beans).
• It travels well—no wilting greens here.
• It’s colorful, festive, and perfect for summer holidays.
• It’s endlessly adaptable based on what you have on hand.

Save + Share

A fresh, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for cookouts, BBQs, and backyard dinners this Healthy Black Bean Couscous Salad is always a hit. Don’t forget to pin it to have on hand for your next cookout or weeknight dinner!

Other Recipes

Healthy Corn, Avocado, Tomato Salad

No Bake Energy Ball Bites

How to Build a Charcuterie Board

Healthy Chili Recipe

White Velvet Soup (vegan, whole 30)

Here’s a little-known fact about me: for the past seven years, I’ve been a landlord. So while I spend most of my time inspiring women to take on DIY projects in their own homes, I also have a unique perspective from the other side of the lease. And I’m here to tell you—yes, there are renter friendly DIY upgrades you can make, without risking your security deposit (or your landlord’s goodwill).

Below are some of the most impactful and reversible renter-friendly upgrades—plus exactly what to do before you move out, so you stay in the clear.

1. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware

Changing cabinet knobs and pulls is one of the fastest ways to elevate a kitchen or bathroom. After all, cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the space, and something you use every day! Plus, think of this as an investment: you can take this with you when you move or buy your own place.

What to Do:

• Save the original hardware in a labeled bag.
• Reinstall it before move-out—super easy with a screwdriver.
• Use existing holes to avoid damage.

Pro Tip: Choose knobs or pulls in trending finishes like matte black or unlacquered brass.

Last year I updated my drawer pulls in the kitchen and it was an instant elevated upgrade!

Related: My Budget Friendly Kitchen Renovation – Installing Soft Close Drawer Slides

2. Upgrade Door Hardware

Swapping a dated doorknob for something more elevated can give your space a more curated feel. As long as your new door hardware is the same size, this is a relatively easy DIY you can do on your own without the need of a handyman. Trust me, I was intimidated by this for years and after I tried, I laughed at myself for being so scared! I’m excited to update all of my doorknobs in my own house.

What to Do:

• Keep the original hardware and screws.
• Make sure the replacement fits the same bore hole size.

3. Paint—With Permission

Some landlords are more flexible than others when it comes to paint. The key is to ask first and plan to share the color you want to use with your landlord. Keep in mind you’ll need to return it to the original color upon move out, or pay for the cost of having that room(s) repainted by a professional.

What to Do:

• Get written approval for any color changes.
• Save the original paint color (or color match it) so you can repaint before moving out.
• Stick to lighter hues if you want to minimize the repainting effort later.

Related:

• How To Paint A Wall
• How To Paint A Ceiling
• My Favorite Painting Supplies
• How To Get Crisp Paint Lines (every time!)
• Choosing The Right Paint Sheen
• How To Paint Trim

4. Swap the Light Fixtures

A dramatic pendant or sconce can completely transform a space—even in a rental. Plus this is another item you can take with you when you move out someday.

Never underestimate the power of a unique light fixture!

What to Do:

• Store the original fixture safely in a labeled box.
• Hire an electrician to make the swap, and make sure they’re licensed and insured (you don’t want to be responsible for a house fire)
• Swap it back before you leave, or offer the upgrade to your landlord—they may love it enough to let it stay!

Related: Using Light Fixtures As Artwork

5. Peel & Stick Wallpaper

There are tons of removable wallpaper options that are actually removable—no glue, no damage. Additionally, depending on your relationship with your landlord, and his/her personal taste, you might even get approval for real wallpaper. If someone had asked me to do this in my rental I definitely would have considered it, pending we could have agreed on the paper.

I’ve rounded up nearly 100 peel & stick wallpaper options (that look expensive!) right here.

Shop Wallpaper in my House: Back Entry Wallpaper | Powder Room Wallpaper | Dining Room Wallpaper

What to Do:

• Choose high-quality brands that are known for clean removal.
• Apply to smooth, primed walls (textured walls can reduce adhesion and removability).
• Remove slowly at a 45-degree angle to avoid damage.

Related: How to Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

6. Try FloorPops or Removable Tile

If your rental has a tiled area or concrete flooring, this could be a fun and easy upgrade. Peel-and-stick floor tiles or vinyl sheets can make a big impact. I actually installed these black and white checkered floor pops in my laundry room at my current house and I love them. They’re not meant to be permanent but they’re holding me over while I wait to redo the laundry room.

Shop: Black & White Checkered Floor Pops

What to Do:

• Avoid installing over carpet or hardwood flooring.
• Test one tile first to ensure clean removal before covering an entire area.
• Remove slowly and clean up any residue when moving out.

7. Hang Curtains with No-Drill Brackets

Curtains instantly make a room feel cozy and finished. Use no-drill curtain rod brackets or tension rods to skip the wall damage. Or if you want to hang curtain rods in the drywall, just be prepared to either leave the curtain rods behind or repair the drywall upon move out. Either way, draperies have a way of completely changing a space!

Swapping out my venetian blinds for proper window treatments completely changed my rooms. Shop: Dining Room Drapes | Velvet Rust Bedroom Drapes | Rolli Motorized Shades | Brass Curtain Rod | Brass Curtain Rod Rings

What to Do:

• If using screws or anchors, patch and paint holes upon move-out.
• Save all hardware for reinstalling or reusing in your next place.

Related:

• Choosing & Installing Custom Draperies
• Installing Motorized Shades in the Bedroom

8. The Easiest DIY Renter Friendly Upgrades: Add Flowers & Container Plants

One of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal? Flowers! Even in rentals, potted plants on patios, balconies, or front steps go a long way.

Flowers like Black Eyed Susans are easy to care for and come back annually

What to Do:

• Stick with movable planters or container gardens.
• Avoid planting anything permanent in the ground unless explicitly allowed.

9. Use Command Hooks & Picture Rails for Art

Rather than drilling into walls, try Command Strips, picture rails, or leaning art on shelves or furniture.

What to Do:

• Clean the wall surface before applying.
• Remove strips slowly and follow product instructions to prevent peeling paint.

I use Command Strips in my house especially when I’m not 100% sure on artwork placement. This little painting is being held up with a Command Hook!

10. Create “Built-In” Looks with Bookcases

Flank a window with two tall bookcases or place bookshelves around a bed to mimic built-ins—no drilling required.

Bonus Tip: Use wallpaper or fabric as a backdrop for even more visual interest.

These are NOT Renter Friendly DIY Upgrades

Even if it feels tempting, steer clear of these common renter DIY mistakes:

• Don’t remove or replace permanent fixtures without permission. That built-in vanity might not be your style, but it’s part of the lease.
• Avoid structural changes. That includes removing walls, widening doors, or adding built-ins.
• Skip the tilework. Even peel-and-stick tiles need to be chosen carefully—check if the adhesive is safe for your floor type.

Final Thoughts About Renter Friendly DIY Upgrades: Always Ask First

Even if a project feels harmless, always check in with your landlord or property manager before making changes. A quick email with your proposed plan can save you major headaches later—and most landlords appreciate tenants who care enough to improve the space. Also remember there may be some PTSD from the tenants before you, so if you get a “no”, don’t take it personal. Chances are, it’s not.

With the right approach (and a little creativity), you don’t have to wait until you own a home to love where you live.

Related:

Landscape Wallpaper Murals for Every Budget

How to Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

A round-up of nearly 100 peel & stick wallpaper options!

Choosing & Installing Custom Draperies

Installing Motorized Shades in the Bedroom

How To Paint A Wall

How To Paint A Ceiling

My Favorite Painting Supplies

How To Get Crisp Paint Lines (every time!)

Choosing The Right Paint Sheen

How To Paint Trim

Using Light Fixtures As Artwork

My Budget Friendly Kitchen Renovation – Installing Soft Close Drawer Slides

Let’s talk curb appeal. Or more specifically—copper curb appeal. I recently installed these oversized copper lanterns on the exterior of my 90s brick colonial, and I cannot stop staring at them. Truly, every time I pull into the driveway, I feel like my house has leveled up in the most timeless, charming way. If you’re hunting for elegant outdoor lighting that plays well with warm tones, traditional architecture, and moody trim, let me introduce you to my new favorite fixtures.

Why I Chose Copper Lanterns for My Exterior

These copper lanterns were love at first sight—but it wasn’t just a pretty face that sold me. I wanted something that would complement the darker, earthy brick of my colonial home, and these lights check all the boxes:

• Warm copper finish that patinas beautifully over time
• Classic silhouette with just the right amount of drama
• Open lantern design that mimics high-end historic homes
• Large scale for that designer-worthy “wow” moment

They also pair so beautifully with the Black Fox trim by Sherwin Williams that I painted last year. Black Fox is a dark, warm brownish-black that adds depth and contrast without going harsh. The copper against that dark trim? Pure magic. It creates a warm, moody palette that feels both elevated and cozy—basically everything I want my home to say.

Shop My New Copper Lanterns

Design Tip: Size Matters for Outdoor Fixtures

Here’s a little designer rule of thumb when it comes to selecting outdoor lighting: go bigger than you think you need. Most people undersize their lanterns, especially around the front door. But large-scale fixtures are what give that custom, high-end look.

A good guideline is:

• For one lantern: it should be about ⅓ the height of the door.
• For two lanterns flanking the door: aim for each to be ¼ the height of the door.

These Galena lanterns are generously sized, and that’s exactly what makes them look so intentional. They don’t just light the entrance—they frame it. It’s like giving your home its very own jewelry.

What a difference the right scale makes!

A Cohesive Exterior Color Palette

I’m always thinking about color harmony, and with this project, I wanted to stay true to my home’s naturally moody palette. The dark brick, deep Black Fox trim, and glowing copper lanterns all work together to create a layered, collected exterior that feels inviting and warm. This isn’t a bright-white-and-black farmhouse moment. This is a timeless colonial with charm.

My New Copper Lanterns – Final Thoughts

If you’re renovating or refreshing your exterior, don’t overlook the power of great lighting. The right fixture doesn’t just add function—it adds ambiance, contrast, and architectural character. These copper lanterns did all of that and more.

Whether you’re updating a traditional colonial like mine or just craving a little glow-up (literally), consider going bold with oversized copper lighting. And always remember—when in doubt, size up!

Shop the Look

Lanterns: Galena Lanterns in Copper Finish + the sealant I used to protect them
Trim Paint: Sherwin-Williams Black Fox
Wreath: similar

Related Posts

My New Moody Exterior

Picking a Paint Color for the Exterior Trim

How To Clean & Seal Copper

The bathroom renovation hummed along this week and and I’m getting one step closer to finishing the custom wainscoting. This week it was all about the crown molding, as well as deciding on some of the remaining box sizes. I also dabbled in a little bit of electrical, which I’m quite proud of. Lets dive into the primary bathroom renovation week 8!

I’ve always been fascinated with crown molding and love the rich, traditional look of it, especially in houses with higher ceilings. My house has always perplexed me, as there’s crown molding in some of the rooms but not all of them (the entire second floor is missing it!). So this is a DIY skill I definitely wanted to learn, as I hope to make the house uniform eventually.

The Crown Molding

Eventually I plan to write a complete tutorial on how to install crown molding, but to keep it from taking over this entire blog post I’ll share the highlights. You need to measure crown molding upside down and backwards, and unless you’ve done it before be prepared to mess up a little bit before you get the hang of it.

Two things helped me keep my sanity and eventually perfect my cuts. First off was a cheat sheet that I carried with me from measuring my pieces in the bathroom to cutting in the garage on the saw. I’m dropping a photo of it here, but essentially there are four different kind of cuts. You need to identify your cut and then adjust the saw accordingly.

Do yourself a favor and print a couple copies of this crown molding cheat sheet!

The second little helper was this crown molding Kreg Jig. I’ll be honest, I bought a cheaper version from another brand and I immediately regretted it. Spend the $45 on this jig if you’re doing crown molding. It will save you in the materials in the long run. It allows you to hold your crown molding at the right angle while you make your cuts, which allows things to fit more precisely. If you’d like to see everything in action I’ve put together a short YouTube video linked below which walks you through it.

This Kreg Crown Molding Jig is worth the $45 spend. It allows you to hold your crown at the right angle for the cut and even comes with a little cheat sticker. This job would have been impossible without it. Shop here!

The Big Boxes

I had a couple larger decisions to make (pun intended) and those were how many boxes to make on my two large walls. For the bathtub wall I decided three boxes was the perfect amount. Four would have been too narrow and two would have been too large.

I also switched directions on the vanity wall and instead of two boxes I opted for one larger box. After having the new countertop installed, I decided I everything that happens on this wall needs to compliment it, not compete with it. After seeing the single large box, I think I made the right decision. I’m really loving how all of the woodwork is looking and am so proud of it! If you like this design, I’ve saved all the wood and profiles I’m using here.

Moving A Light Switch

The second DIY I ever taught myself how to do was changing out a light fixture. It was in 2012 and I was so proud of it. However, there’s something about light switches and outlets that have completely scared me, and I’ve never messed with them. This past week push came to shove because my electrician suddenly retired (after rescheduling three different times) so I decided I was going to finally teach myself how to do this job.

Turns out, there was nothing to be afraid of. I needed to move the light switch to allow room for the rest of the wainscoting on the wall adjacent to the door. Luckily, I knew this light switch had the wiring coming from the ceiling vs the floor, which meant I would have enough slack to move it up. That’s an important thing to note if you’re thinking about doing this. Keep in mind you may be beholden to how much wire you have to work with.

After pulling the light switch out and disconnecting everything, I used my oscillating tool to cut a new hole in the dry wall. I fed the wires back through and hooked up my new light switch, which was as simple as matching the wires to the corresponding screws and making sure everything was tight. It was so much easier than I thought and I’ll never hire out for this job again! I used another switch from Buster + Punch and they do not disappoint. There is something about flipping that toggle!

Getting Realistic About Timelines

To start, I’ll preface that I’m clearly not going to finish the One Room Challenge this week (which is reveal week). At first I was a little disappointed with myself for missing the deadline, but I also need to be honest with myself. I’m one person and I don’t know how to do most of what this bathroom project required. So I’m going a bit slower, but I’m enjoying learning new skills. And I’m definitely enjoying seeing my vision come to life! All that to say, we will finish when we finish, and in the meantime, I’ll keep pumping out updates for you to enjoy!

What’s Next?

With that said, this week the new faucets are getting installed! This is not something I’m ready to DIY yet, so my plumber is coming to hook these up for me. I decided to go with the Kohler Artifacts Collection in polished nickel and I could not be more excited about these. This faucet with these knobs are going to be incredible in the space! They were a bit more than I wanted to spend, but since I’m saving so much money by doing the work in this space myself, I decided to go ahead and splurge on the jewelry for my vanity. If these catch your eye but miss your budget, I’ve rounded up some similar looks at all price points here.

I have a small amount of trim work to complete and then we’ll be done with woodworking! In addition to the fancy crown molding return, I need to figure out a solution for the backband trim next to the countertop. Lastly, and I promise I’m serious this time, I WILL PICK A PAINT COLOR! I shared last week that I ordered some more paint samples but this time from Samplize. They’re peel and stick, and are made with real paint. They just arrived and I’m excited to show you the colors and then get to sticking them on the walls. I’m looking forward to continuing the progress on the primary bathroom and truly appreciate you following along with me as I navigate this renovation. Stay tuned, as there’s lots more to come!

Visit the One Room Challenge page to follow along with our DIY and designer community! You’ll find everything from small to large projects, at all skill levels.

Catch Up On the Spring One Room Challenge:

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 1

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 2

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 3

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 4

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 5

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 6 & 7

Related: 

Fall 2024 One Room Challenge – Kitchen Reveal

Primary Bedroom Reveal

My Initial Primary Bathroom Renovation

I think there are two types of people when it comes to design: those that have a design in their head and those that need to sketch everything out in advance. I’m of the former type, not the latter. In fact the main reason I create mood boards is to showcase my vision to all of you! With all that said, there is always part of me that’s a little nervous about tackling a new room and then there’s a moment of relief when I see it start to take shape in real life. It’s this moment where I think “okay the reality is matching the vision.” That moment for the primary bathroom renovation was these past two weeks, because I finally started to create the boxes on my custom wainscoting project. Plus my new marble countertop was installed!

Building the Actual Boxes For My Custom Wainscoting 

I plan to create a dedicated blog post with the measurements, plans and materials for my wainscoting design in the future, but for now, I want to go ahead and share the progress. Last week I started to place the 3.5″ horizontal boards, which means this week it was time to install the 2.5″ vertical boards (and make the actual boxes!).

Since there was plenty of math already happening with the horizontal board placement, I decided to keep things simple for myself and start my vertical boards on walls where I didn’t need to make any decisions about the number of boxes. A small space = one box. This gave me a little bit of momentum, because I was able to see the boxes come to life and I was eager to keep going.

The tricky part was when I got to the corners of my walls. Ideally you’d bevel your boards (just like you do for baseboards, crown molding, chair rail, etc) but I don’t have a table saw and I also don’t have the budget to buy one right now. So instead, I chose to butt my boards up against one another. For inside corners I extended each board about 0.75” from the corner until they were just barely touching. For outside corners I extended one of the boards 0.75” so it was flush with the adjacent board. It’s hard to explain but hopefully these pictures help a little. I’ll caulk the seams and you’ll never know the difference!

After I had some boxes, I installed picture frame molding on the inside of each box. This is now my third time working with picture frame molding, so I felt confident with this part of the job and really hummed along!

Another big decision was the wall next to the shower. I had to decide if I wanted to keep the tile border, or if I wanted to risk removing it (and finding a surprise!) in hopes of making a cohesive look. I’ll always roll the dice when good design is on the line, so I got to chiseling and luckily there were no surprises. The finished look is to die for!

The New Marble Countertops

The most exciting update to share is the installation of my new Calacatta Fiorto marble countertops. I’m in love with the veining, the colors and how much personality it’s bringing to the room already.

I was waiting for the countertop to be installed before doing any custom trim on the walls near the vanity, so now that we’re past that, I’ll get to work designing, cutting and installing. 

The Vanity + Original Quartz Countertop

Still to Come

Don’t worry, there is plenty more in store for this bathroom makeover. I’ll be installing the crown molding which will really finish off the custom trim. I also need to figure out how many boxes to make on the wall behind the bathtub. Either 3 or 4, I’m not sure yet. 

Something I’m dying to figure out is the paint color for the room. While my initial choice was Mouse’s Back by Farrow & Ball, I’m a little worried it will end up being too dark. I’ve ordered several more samples from Samplize (including some F&B archive colors!) and can’t wait to add them into the mix. If you’ve never heard of Samplize before they’re giant paint swatches made with real paint, and stick right to the wall so you can envision the paint in different light (without painting!). Check them out here (ps – ALLISON10 gets you 10% off!)

Still mulling over these 4 paint samples…but maybe the “one” isn’t one of these?

Lastly I need to pick a faucet out. I’ve never mixed metals before but am ready to take the plunge for this design. I already have some brass incorporated throughout the design (the light fixtures, the knobs and the toggle light switches) so I feel like a polished nickel would look best. Again, I may wait until the counters are here before I click add to cart, but so far, these are my contenders.

Visit the One Room Challenge page to follow along with our DIY and designer community! You’ll find everything from small to large projects, at all skill levels.

Catch Up On the Spring One Room Challenge:

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 1

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 2

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 3

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 4

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 5

Related: 

Fall 2024 One Room Challenge – Kitchen Reveal

Primary Bedroom Reveal

My Initial Primary Bathroom Renovation

Technically, from a calendar perspective, this is the bathroom renovation halfway point. But from an actual implementation standpoint maybe not so much. However, progress is progress, so I’m happy to share what I accomplished over this past week, as well as what I learned. I taught myself a crash course in how to skim coat walls, received some exciting deliveries and started mapping out the wainscoting for the walls.

I shared last week about doing some drywall patching on the main wall above the vanity, and it was wash, rinse and repeat after getting all the electrical switches consolidated. Here’s another look at that new brass toggle switch plate in case you missed it.

The next thing I wanted to tackle was smoothing out some of the bumps and lumps on my other walls that the orbital sander couldn’t take care of. These were due to a combination of some bad tape jobs as well as spackle that was not previously sanded down before being painted over. I had never skim coated an entire wall before, so this was a first, and there was a learning curve.

Bathroom Renovation Week 4: Skim Coating Walls

When getting ready to skim coat, the first thing you want to do is to tape off all your floors and any other big objects you’ll be working around. The joint compound will go everywhere! Next you’ll want to get your joint compound mixed up. I chose this joint compound and scooped out several scoops into a bucket, and then using my drill and a mixing wand, I added water and mixed just like you’d mix cake batter. You want the consistency to look like yogurt in the end, so just add a little bit of water at a time until it looks like yogurt.

Next is applying the compound to the walls. Similar to painting walls, you’ll use a paint roller and paint skin with a 3/8″ nap to apply the joint compound. I added this grid to my bucket, which ensured I didn’t have too much on my roller, and then rolled it onto the wall. What’s different about this vs painting is you can go any direction you need to: vertical, horizontal, diagonal – you just want a thick and even coverage.

Note that this phase is going to make you question what you’re doing because it looks like you’re adding texture to your walls, not removing it! Work in small sections because you don’t want the joint compound to dry before you get a chance to smooth it out.

After it’s applied, you’ll use the blade of your choice (usually either a 12-inch blade or smaller) and gently glide it across the wall, leaving a smooth finish. You’ll likely have some small lines, but don’t obsess over these. They can be smoothed out during sanding and if you try to smooth them out during this phase of the process you’ll make things worse not better. I found that going horizontally was easier for some reason than vertically, but again, this was my first time doing this so I’m sure it gets easier with more practice.

Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours and then you’ll be ready to sand. I used a piece of sand paper vs my orbital sander, because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t taking too much off, especially with this being my first time doing this.

A change of plans

I’ll be honest, I did not like skim coating at all, and I think this was largely due to the fact that the two walls I skim coated were uneven in the first place. I figured this out after the fact of course. While these two walls were in rough shape, the process made me step back and assess if I really needed to do every single wall in the bathroom and the answer is NO.

Instead, I went through and spackled holes and cracks where necessary and I think the primer will help to smooth out any smaller discrepancies with texture. While the ceiling could definitely use a skim coat, I’m going to save this for when I do the next phase of the bathroom (involving the shower, as I’ll need to make some changes to lighting and this will be most efficient to do all at once.

Special delivery!

It always helps to balance out the not so fun parts with some deliveries, so I was excited to receive my new light fixtures this week! I’ve been a long-time fan of Visual Comfort (that’s the brand that did my bubble chandelier in the dining room) so I was excited to find a way to incorporate them into the bathroom. These double brass sconces are the perfect warm brass and I love the little X detail on the posts. Topped with frosted glass shades I think these are going to add so much warmth to my vanity area. I cannot wait to get them up!

Shop: Vanity Sconces

The final measurements for the new marble countertops also took place and installation should be in the next two to three weeks, which will be right on time! I’m starting to explore what I want for a faucet and I’m leaning towards this pretty one as my front runner.

Also arriving this week was 594 pounds of woodwork!!! I’m partnering with Novo Building Products for this project and they’ve generously supplied everything I need for my custom wainscoting. I’ll be adding crown molding, new baseboards, a chair rail, wainscoting and then picture frame molding inside the wainscoting for an elevated look.

What’s Next?

You probably got the hint from the above, but the next step will be adding the wainscoting to the walls! I’m really excited for this, because we’ll finally start to see the transformation take shape. While I’ve added custom trim in both the dining room and primary bedroom so far, this design will be a little bit different. I’m excited to push my DIY skills and have a finished result that adds so much dimension to the space.

Stay tuned on socials over the next week to see the entire process unfold. I’ll also be sharing my vision for phase 2 of the primary bathroom renovation, as it will impact the trim design and installation. I’m excited to share more with you soon! And if you haven’t already, make sure to visit the One Room Challenge page where you can follow along with dozens of talented designers that span across every type of project and style you could imagine.

Catch Up On the Spring One Room Challenge:

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 1

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 2

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 3

Related: 

Fall 2024 One Room Challenge – Kitchen Reveal

Primary Bedroom Reveal

My Initial Primary Bathroom Renovation

The primary bathroom renovation is officially underway! There’s a phase in every renovation where things look really ugly and you make a substantial mess of your space. You might even wonder what you were thinking in the first place. This was that moment for me, but I was truly so excited to finally get started on this project that I embraced the chaos. Here’s what went down.

Primary Bathroom Renovation: Prepping the Walls

A big part of the primary bathroom renovation is adding a lot of custom trim, and I seriously cannot wait. But before we get to that part, the walls need to be properly prepped. Similar to what I did in the first few weeks of my kitchen renovation last year, I needed to wash everything down, dry it off and then sand. While this is never the fun part, your painting job is only as good as your prep job. Remember that! So, it’s a necessary evil.

Drywall Repairs

As suspected, no amount of sanding was going to fix my first ever drywall job which is smack dab in the middle of the vanity wall. But really, I was ready for my moment of redemption. I used my oscillating tool to cut out the existing drywall and it gave me the perfect even cuts. This was my second time using this tool, but my first time using it for drywall (you can read about how I used it to remove my glass tile backsplash in the kitchen here).

After the drywall was cut out, I was ready to patch. I was lucky enough to have a stud on one side of each hole I created, so to make sure the new patches were properly secured, I drilled a piece of scrap wood on the backside of the hole by drilling through the front of the existing drywall. This gave me a proper anchor on both sides to drill the drywall patch into. From there it was taping, mudding, sanding, mudding and more sanding. The end result is super smooth and I’m honestly relieved I made it better and not worse!

I gave the rest of the walls a good sanding with my orbital sander, using a 120-grit paper, and was able to get most of the bumps smoothed out. The bathroom used to have wallpaper, but the previous owners decided to paint over it. Because of this, you can see wallpaper seams. I’m going to try my hand at skim coating all the walls and the ceiling in hopes that I finally get the smooth finish I’m aiming for. Look out for more of that in next week’s post!

Consolidating Electrical

Something that has bothered me for years is this eyesore of an electrical job on my vanity wall. It’s felt like a hostile takeover of plastic covers, with one of the switches going to a jacuzzi garden tub that doesn’t even exist anymore!

Shop: Brass Toggle Light Switches

While this was a spend, I hired an electrician to remove the defunct wiring, and consolidate everything else into a four gang plate. I centered everything in the wall to account for the new wainscoting I’ll be adding, and ordered a beautiful new switch plate from Buster & Punch. This was a bit expensive, but it’s something I have to see and touch every day (multiple times a day) so to me, it’s worth it. 

My New Calacatta Fiorito Marble Countertop

In last week’s post I shared the mood board and my vision for the primary bathroom renovation. I want it to feel warm and inviting, and like an actual room you want to spend time in. Part of my design includes updating the countertops and as I was ordering paint samples, I realized that the countertops are going to really dictate what paint color I ultimately pick out. That, along with the pending tariffs, ignited some urgency to start hunting for a new countertop, so after a little bit of online digging, I headed to a local fabricator here in Nashville and asked if I could see the remnant yard.

In all honesty I really had my heart set on finding Calacatta Viola Marble, but with a pleasant surprise, I stumbled upon a piece of Calacatta Fiorito Marble that was the perfect size for my vanity. It has all kinds of subtle tones in the marbling: some reds, greens, beiges / gold and charcoal, with a warm white base. I am in love.

If you’re updating a smaller space like a bathroom vanity, a laundry room counter, or even want something different for a kitchen island, looking in the remnant yard is a great way to save on budget. For comparison, you can expect a slab of Calacatta Fiorito Marble  to range between $10k-$15k and that’s for the material alone. By utilizing a remnant piece, my quote is coming in at $2800 and that includes the material itself, two sinks, removal of my existing countertop, a six inch backsplash, a three inch miter on the front and sides (this will make it look thicker), as well as installation.

I’ll be sure to share the templating and installation process, but similar to shopping at estate sales and online retail consignment stores, shopping used (or in this case discarded) really allows you to level up your design.

What’s next for the Primary Bathroom Renovation?

Expect this next week to be a busy one! I have more drywalling to do (around where the old light switches were) and then it will be time to skim coat and prime the entire room. I decided to invest in a wall sander (I ordered this one) so I’m excited and hopeful it will make the job a little easier and maybe less messy. I’ll report back on both.

The woodwork will arrive this week, so I plan on drawing out a more detailed version of the mock-up I created in canva (below). I think the custom wainscoting is going to look so rich in this space! I’m really excited to get started! 

I have lots more exciting shipments coming in this week including lighting, hardware and mirrors, and the paint samples have also arrived! Keep an eye on stories to see all the fun un-boxings (it’s one of my favorite things to do!). 

Stay tuned for much more over the next 6 weeks! And make sure to visit the One Room Challenge page where you can follow along with dozens of talented designers that span across every type of project and style you could imagine. This community we’ve fostered is what the One Room Challenge is all about!

Catch Up On the Spring One Room Challenge:

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 1

Spring 2025 One Room Challenge Week 2

Related: 

Fall 2024 One Room Challenge – Kitchen Reveal

Primary Bedroom Reveal

My Initial Primary Bathroom Renovation

It’s week two of the Spring One Room Challenge and I can say without a doubt, this is my favorite week other than the reveal week! Why? Because it’s design week! I’m so excited to share the primary bathroom design plans with you today.

Someone commented last week that the primary bathroom has “great bones.” I smiled and thought to myself “yes it does, because I’ve already renovated it once.” If you need a refresher, you can catch up on what the bathroom looked like when I bought the house in 2018 here, and you can read more about why I’m giving it a second go here. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff…

the primary bathroom design plans

What’s Staying

This is phase one of two for this renovation, and I’m happy to share many elements are staying intact. I’ll be keeping the black and white checkered floors, as well as the striped wallpaper in the toilet room. I’ll also be keeping the black vanity, although TBD if it stays black, or if I flip it to a wood tone like I did with my dining room table a couple years ago. For now, the tub is staying where it is, but that will change in phase two of this renovation.

The striped wallpaper in the toilet room will be staying. It’s one of my favorite features!

What’s Leaving

The sconce lights, mirrors, vanity hardware, faucets, counters, baseboards, venetian blinds and black trim will all be finding new homes. I’ll also be cleaning up the outdated electrical switches (one light switch goes to a garden tub that doesn’t exist anymore!) and replacing everything with a four gang customized version of this. If I must have everything in the center of a wall, it’s at least going to be pretty!

Most everything except the vanity itself will be getting swapped out during phase one of the primary bathroom renovation.

What’s Coming

Wall treatments

I teased last week that I’d be adding lots of wall moldings in this room, and I wasn’t kidding. I’m no stranger to picture frame molding – I’ve done it twice now (dining room + bedroom) – but I knew I wanted the primary bathroom to have its own special flair.

After pinning lots of inspiration photos on Pinterest, I found exactly what I was looking for and I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since! What you’re looking at is full height wainscoting, with a chair rail, crown molding and baseboards on top. This creates an extra level of dimension and depth, and I know it’s going to make the bathroom feel incredibly elevated.

Vanity Glow up

The vanity will be the main focal point of this project, and I’m really excited with how it’s shaping up. These pretty sconces by Visual Comfort will add a touch of elegance and charm to the space (I just love the shades!) and I’ll make the wall more functional by adding taller mirrors. I was looking at this one by McGee & Co but couldn’t stomach the price point. I found this one from Birch Lane that is nearly identical, and I think will work perfect!

One thing I’ll be tackling this week is researching costs for a new countertop. Recently I ordered this pretty little tray in Calcutta Viola Marble and it’s so beautiful I can’t stop looking at it. Shortly thereafter I ordered a lamp for my kitchen in Calcutta Viola Marble, and I guess we have a bit of an obsession on our hands, because this is what I want for my countertops! I’ll be visiting a few different spots around Nashville I’ve been researching and am hoping I’ll be able to find what I want.

Inspiration for the new bathroom countertops: Calcutta viola marble! Shop: Amore Tray | Athena Lamp

The hardware on the vanity will also be getting swapped out. I found these beautiful knobs and matching backplates from San Diego Hardware Company, and I’m so excited to get everything updated. They’re going to add such a level of sophistication to the space!

the primary bathroom design plans – to be determined

A few things on the mood board are still a bit up in the air, and I think all of this will depend on what the counters end up looking like. The first is a wall color. I’m leaning towards a warm brown or taupe for this space, but I don’t want to go too dark. I ordered four samples from Farrow & Ball: Jitney, Mouse’s Back, Charleston Gray and Light Gray. I also ordered a pot of Preference Red to test out on the toilet room trim.

A big thing I’m struggling with is the faucet finishes. I think mixing brass from too many sources starts to get a bit tricky and I already have three different ones (sconces, light switches and vanity hardware). I’m partially tempted to mix metal finishes and go with a polished nickel for the faucets but I’m not quite there yet. In the meantime, I’ve been having heart eyes for these ones from the Kohler Artifacts Collection. If you have an opinion on mixing metals, I’d love to hear it!

And finally will be the window treatments. I think either a roman shade or café curtains could both work in this space, but this will likely be the very last design decision I’ll make and I’ll go with whatever will compliment the other bigger elements I decide on.  

Shop the Primary Bathroom Design Plans

the primary bathroom design plans – what’s next?

Now the work begins! As I wait for my lumber to arrive there are a few things I can work on. First I’ll start smoothing out some of the bumps in the walls with some drywall patching, mudding and a lot of sanding.

I’ll also draw out the dimensions for my wall moldings. I have a rough sketch of this, but I’d like to get everything dialed in more precisely. The sketches will also include plans for phase two of this renovation which includes the shower area. Maybe just for fun I’ll give you a little peak of what I’m thinking next week!

Lastly, I’ll be heading to Lowe’s to purchase a new miter saw. I already own one, but with the crown molding and thicker baseboards, I’ll need one that is a sliding compound miter saw (meaning I can slide the saw out and in for deeper cuts). The goal is to be ready to go when the lumber arrives so I can maximize my weekend days!

Stay tuned for much more over the next 7 weeks! And make sure to visit the One Room Challenge page where you can follow along with dozens of talented designers that span across every type of project and style you could imagine. The creativity and ambition are contagious!

Related: 

Adding Picture Frame Molding in the Dining Room

Designing Custom Trim in the Primary Bedroom

Original Primary Bathroom Renovation

Primary Bedroom Reveal

Fall 2024 One Room Challenge – Kitchen Reveal

As the seasons change, there’s nothing quite like the fresh start that spring brings. It’s the perfect time for a spring home refresh by decluttering, deep cleaning, organizing, and updating your decor. If you’re ready to embrace a lighter, brighter space, here’s how I’m preparing my home for the season—along with some easy ways you can do the same!

Spring Home Decor Refresh

A seasonal refresh doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. Thoughtful touches like fresh florals, scented candles, and updated bedding can transform your space and bring in the essence of spring.

1. Spring Florals: A Simple Yet Stunning Update

Nothing says spring like beautiful blooms! While I love fresh flowers, I also like to sprinkle faux florals throughout my home to keep things looking lively year-round. Two of my absolute favorites are my white gardenias displayed in a vintage champagne bucket and my limelight hydrangeas arranged in a vintage urn I found at an estate sale. These pieces add a timeless, romantic touch to my decor while requiring zero maintenance.

Whether you opt for fresh or faux, placing florals in unexpected spots—like the bathroom vanity, bedside table, or kitchen island—can instantly brighten a space and bring a hint of spring indoors.

White Gardenias | Limelight Hydrangeas | Shop Living Room | Shop Kitchen

2. Candles with a Spring Scent

Scent plays a huge role in setting the mood of a home, and spring calls for fresh, airy fragrances. My go-to candles for the season are from Votivo—specifically Honeysuckle and White Tea & Bergamot. These scents strike the perfect balance of floral and citrusy freshness, creating a light and inviting atmosphere. Whether you place them in your entryway, living room, or bedroom, they provide an instant seasonal uplift.

Spring Candles | Brass Candle Tray | Match Striker | Marble Fluted Bowl | Call It Home Book | Coffee Table

3. Fresh Bedding for a Crisp New Start

One of the easiest ways to refresh your bedroom is by updating your bedding. I recently swapped mine out for Boll & Branch’s Dream Blanket in White and the Signature Hemmed Sheet Set in White Textured Stripe—both of which feel as luxurious as they look. The breathable, organic cotton keeps things cool and comfortable, making it perfect for the warmer months ahead. Plus, there’s nothing better than slipping into crisp, fresh sheets at the end of the day! Ps – you can always use my Boll & Branch code: ALLISONSKIFF for 15% off your entire order!

Boll & Branch Bedding | Lumbar Tapestry Pillow | Bed

4. Spring Home Refresh by Simplifying

Sometimes you don’t even need to add anything new, but rather you can just take some things away for a new look. For right now, I’m going for a lighter look in the dining room and to be quite honest, it feels light and refreshing!

Wallpaper | Bubble Chandelier | Draperies | Marble Display Bowl | Lamp (similar) | Rug | Opal Shell Jar

Other Ways I’m Resetting My House for Spring

A clean home is a happy home, and spring is the perfect time for a deep clean. If you need inspiration, check out my previous blog post on cute cleaning supplies as well as my favorite home organizers. All of these make my home more functional and enjoyable.

Lastly, spend some time decluttering, donating and even reselling. I love to list clothing on Poshmark, or if it’s a bigger brand I’ll cosign with ThredUp or TheRealReal. Facebook MarketPlace is my go-to for selling furniture and home décor. It’s a little extra work but it’s usually worth it especially when you’re trying to stretch your budget.

ThredUp will send you a “clean out kit” and do all the work for you! Get started here!

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Spring is all about fresh starts, and by decluttering, organizing, and incorporating a few seasonal updates, you can create a home that feels renewed and inviting. Whether you’re adding florals, swapping out your bedding, or deep-cleaning your space, these small changes can make a big impact.

Are you refreshing your home for spring? Let me know your favorite seasonal swaps in the comments below!

This may come as no surprise to you, but I’m one of those people that finds complete joy in organizing and tidying up my spaces. I feel like when my home is clutter free, my mind is clutter free too. Can you relate? These cold winter months are my favorite time of year to declutter, reorganize and revamp my systems. Today I wanted to share a few tried and true home organizing mvp’s that have truly improved my home and how I live in it. My hope is that one of them might help you too!

Kitchen Organizers

Water bottle holder

This may look unnecessary but I promise it’s a game changer. Rather than moving your bottles all around to get to one in the back, they’re now easily accessible at once. You can customize this water bottle organizer based on your cabinet / shelf size. For my needs, I used two of these water bottle organizers stacked on top of one another and left room on the side for bottles like my Stanley mugs that have handles. This is smart organization at it’s finest!

Shop Water Bottle Organizer

Spice jars & tiered rack

I use a lot of spices when I cook, and up until recently I had a spice carousel. It worked great, but from a storage perspective it wasn’t the best option for my kitchen. I recently bought these spice jars and have them organized in a drawer for much easier access. This tiered shelf keeps things visible and tidy, and the spice jars come with different labels to choose from depending on your aesthetic. If you have a drawer available and you use a lot of spices, I highly recommend making the switch!

Spice Jars with Labels | Tiered Spice Rack for Drawers

Plastic baggie holders

There’s a lot of different versions of baggie holders on the market, but I opted for these ones because they stack individually. My drawers are a bit more narrow, so this option worked perfect for the 4 types of bags I always have on hand.  Additionally, they fit my reusable food bags, which I’ve been loving lately as I try to transition away from traditional plastic.

Shop Plastic Bag Organizer

Green Marble Tray (sink area organizer)

I always say design is in the details. I loved adding this green marble tray to my kitchen sink area to corral my soap, lotion and cute dish scrubber. I store a more unsightly yellow scrub brush on the side wall of my sink with this metal caddy that has suction cups. That way the pretty stuff is on the display and the other stuff not so much (but is still accessible).

Shop Green Marble Tray

Magnetic Banana Hook

Is this an organizer? Technically no, but it makes my kitchen more functional and makes my bananas last longer so I’m including it here for you! This brass banana hook has an adhesive strip that allows you to adhere it to underneath your cabinets. When not in use, there’s a magnet so it easily flips up and is out of sight when you don’t have bananas. Since using this, my bananas have lasted longer and have stayed fresher!

Shop Magnetic Banana Hook

Drawer organizer

Whether it’s for serving spoons or every day cutlery, drawer organizers in the kitchen are a must. I have this one for my every day silverware, and then this larger one for special cake servers, gadgets like can openers, etc. I’m never rooting around the drawers when I need something, and they adjust to fit your drawer size.

Pull out Drawer for Cabinets

If you have deep cabinets, especially ones where you’re storing lots of pots and pans, this one’s for you. Invest in a pull out drawer for yourself so you can easily pull everything out at once instead of “pulling everything out at once.” These come in all different widths and depths and are soft close!

Shop Soft Close Cabinet Drawer

Closet Organizers

Sheet + Blanket organizer

I’ll admit, I still cannot fold a fitted sheet, and at this point, I don’t know if I’ll ever learn. These sheet organizers keep things looking polished by keeping your sheet sets tightly zipped inside these beautiful linen organizers. They have pretty leather handles which make them look extra elevated, and you can either stack them on top of each other or line them up vertically. They also have windows so you can see your sheets, or if you like, you can also use the included label to personalize each one.

Shop Sheet + Blanket Organizers

Sweater Organizers

A few years ago I went to grab my first sweater for the fall season, only to find it had been shredded by moths. Ever since then, I box my sweaters up each spring until I’m ready to wear them again. This year I’m investing in these new fabric boxes. I toss in a few rosemary moth repellant pods and voila!

Shop Sweater Storage Organizers

Clear Shelf Dividers

Not just for purses, these plastic shelf dividers keep your piles and purses tidy and upright. They fit most standard shelves, and since they’re clear, you won’t even notice them working in the background.

Shop Clear Shelf Dividers

Belt Valet Caddy

Keep your belts and scarves tidy with this little belt caddy that valets in/out. I have mine on the side of my closet cabinet and I love that it allows my belts to hang straight so they don’t become all curled. It’s easy to install and will make your closet feel fancier!

Shop similar belt valet caddy

Additional Home Organizing MVPs

Battery organizer

Are you guilty of having all your batteries in one drawer, loose and rolling around? I used to corral mine in a little clay jar, but I never knew how many of each kind I had, or if I was out of a certain type. This battery organizer keeps batteries tidy and allows you to see everything you have on hand. Bonus points for the built in charger that comes with it.

Shop Battery Organizer

Christmas Ornament Boxes

Over the past year I’ve been collecting a lot of vintage ornaments (you can see last year’s tree here), but they were all in a giant plastic bin. I know, shame on me! This year, after a lot of research, I decided to order two of these ornament storage boxes and was so impressed with them! They have individual boxes with handles, so you can easily pull out (and put away) ornaments in a more simplified way. These made taking my tree down a breeze this year, and I’m pretty excited that I’ll be able to see my entire collection later this year when it comes time to put the tree up again.

Shop Christmas Ornament Storage

Make-up bins

I think everyone has their own system when it comes to make-up, but for me, I like to have everything in a drawer vs on the counter. I’ve found these clear stackable bins help organize my make-up by type, and I can change my system up as I need to. Again, I can always find what I’m looking for thanks to these little helpers.

Shop Plastic Stackable Drawer Bins

Related:

Spring Cleaning Supplies (that are aesthetically pleasing!)

Color drenching has been making waves in the interior design world, and for good reason. This bold, immersive technique—where walls, ceilings, trim, and even furniture are painted in the same hue—creates a cohesive, dramatic, and deeply atmospheric look. But despite its growing popularity, many people hesitate to try it, often due to common misconceptions.  

Let’s set the record straight by debunking some myths about color drenching and I’ll share some expert tips to help you pull it off beautifully in your own home.  

Myth #1: Color Drenching Makes a Space Feel Smaller 

Reality: While it’s true that darker colors can absorb light, making a room feel more intimate, this doesn’t mean it will feel cramped. In fact, color drenching blurs the visual boundaries of a room, making walls and ceilings blend seamlessly. This trick eliminates harsh contrasts and creates the illusion of depth, often making a space feel larger and more expansive.  

Tip: If you’re worried about the room feeling too enclosed, opt for a mid-tone or earthy shade rather than an ultra-dark hue. Soft greens, warm taupes, or dusky blues can add depth while still feeling airy.  

The Primary Bedroom Before & After Color Drenching

Myth #2: You Can Only Use Dark Colors 

Reality: While deep, moody shades are often associated with color drenching, this technique works just as well with lighter colors. In fact, you’ve probably already done it…do you have an all white space? I’m sharing my entry way as an example below. If you’re ready to take the next step, muted pastels, soft creams, and warm neutrals can create a serene, enveloping effect without feeling heavy. The key is to choose a color with enough depth to create impact.  

Tip: If you love neutrals but want a sophisticated, layered look, try a warm beige, greige, or muted blush. Painting walls, trim, and even built-ins in the same tone can create a rich and elegant space without overpowering it.  

Related: designing the staircase

Myth #3: Color Drenching Only Works in Large Rooms

Reality: This technique is actually a secret weapon for smaller spaces! When a single color is used throughout, it eliminates visual breaks, making the room feel more cohesive and expansive. Color drenching can be especially effective in awkwardly shaped rooms or spaces with low ceilings because it minimizes visual contrast, reducing the emphasis on irregularities.  

Tip: If you’re working with a small space, choose a color with a slight sheen for added light reflection. Satin or eggshell finishes can help bounce light around, keeping the space from feeling too heavy.  

Myth #4: Everything Has to Be the Exact Same Shade

Reality: While the idea of color drenching is to create an immersive effect, that doesn’t mean every surface needs to be identical in tone. Playing with different finishes—like a matte wall and a satin trim—adds subtle contrast while maintaining a cohesive feel. You can also layer slightly varied shades of the same color for added depth and interest.  

Tip: If you’re hesitant about committing to full color drenching, start with the walls and trim in the same color but in different sheens. Or try painting built-ins and doors to match the walls, leaving the ceiling neutral for balance. Not sure which sheen to use? Check out my guide on paint sheens here. 

A satin finish for the trim and matte finish for the walls gives everything dimension

Myth #5: Color Drenching Is Too Bold for Classic or Traditional Homes  

Reality: While color drenching can feel modern, it works beautifully in classic and traditional interiors, too. In historic homes, painting walls, trim, and moldings in one cohesive color can highlight architectural details rather than break them up. It also brings a fresh, updated feel while maintaining a sense of timelessness.  

Tip: If you have a traditional home, lean into deep, rich hues like moss green, oxblood, or deep navy to enhance classic details. For a softer approach, warm neutrals or muted pastels can achieve a more understated elegance.  

The Cozy TV Room in Lead Grey by Benjamin Moore (the most traditional room in my colonial home)

Shop the Cozy TV Room

Final Thoughts 

Color drenching is an incredible way to transform a space, whether you’re going for moody drama or soft sophistication. By understanding the technique—and embracing a little bravery—you can create a space that feels layered, intentional, and beautifully cohesive.  

Thinking about trying it in your own home? Start with a small space, like a powder room or an entryway, and see how the magic unfolds. You might just fall in love with the immersive power of color!  

Would you ever try color drenching in your home? Let me know in the comments, and if you need help choosing the perfect shade, I’m here to help! Have your shade already but new to painting? Check out my favorite painting supplies here!

Related

How To Paint Ceilings

How to Paint Walls

How To Paint Trim

Choosing the Right Paint Sheen

How to get Crisp Paint Lines

Primary Bedroom Reveal

Color Drenching the Cozy TV Room

Have you ever seen the movie The Holiday? It’s that one where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz switch houses over the holidays, trying to escape from the reality of their love lives falling apart. There’s this one moment in the movie where Kate Winslet enters Cameron Diaz’s bedroom for the first time, and she notices a button on the side of the nightstand. She presses it and the shades automatically glide down in synchronized motion. I remember the first time I saw this and how I thought it was the coolest thing ever. And of course, I automatically dreamed one day I could have the same thing. Well fast forward to the present day and the dream is becoming reality. Recently, thanks to Rolli Shades, I installed my own set of motorized shades in the bedroom and I’m just as giddy as the first time I watched The Holiday. And today, I’m going to tell you all about them!

Picking a Shade Type & Color

The first step in the process was deciding on a shade type and color. Rolli Shades offers two options: black out (suggested for sleeping) or light filtering (for privacy). Since these were going in my bedroom, this was an easy decision, and I chose the blackout.

The second step was choosing a shade color, and this was a bit more difficult for me. Recently I color drenched my primary bedroom in a dark green that reads warm and I also installed these camel colored velvet drapes on the windows. The drapes are staying put – I just won’t have to open and close them each day now. So, I wanted to pick a color that would work with the drapes, the wall color and read warm.

I ordered a bunch of samples from Rolli and narrowed it down to four choices: Truffle, Slate, Baltic and Pepper. While Slate was the closest match to the walls themselves, I was worried it was reading a little cool, so I opted for Truffle.

Measure twice, order once

The next step was measuring my windows for my custom shades. Just like anything you measure, it’s best to measure more than once to ensure you get the most accurate numbers. Last year I invested in this tape measure that has the fractions listed out, which in my opinion, makes measuring a bit easier.

First was the inside of my windows, measuring from inside the casing, side to side. The second was measuring from top to bottom. I decided to measure both windows just to be safe, as my house is 37 years old, and I didn’t want to assume everything is equal.

Production & Installation

After I sent my measurements into Rolli, the turn-around time was surprisingly quick. I had my custom shades inside of a week, which I was super impressed with! The shades arrived with everything I needed to install and included my coveted remote (I could not wait to press the button!).

So, here’s the best part of this entire process: installing these rolling shades went faster than installing my draperies. Seriously it was so easy. Rolli included a link to the installation instructions (there’s also a video if you’d rather go that route) and it couldn’t have been easier. The instructions walk you through pairing your shades with the remote, then you install the brackets on your window casing, and then you set the shade start and stop points. Literally I was done inside of 30 minutes and without any hiccups!

Using My New Motorized Shades in the Bedroom

I can’t explain how excited I was to press the down button on these motorized shades for the first time. I felt like a kid at Christmas and the entire experience gave me all The Holiday vibes. After sleeping with these shades for several weeks now, I can share that it’s a true blackout experience just like my drapes were. And waking up in the morning has never been so exciting! I roll over, press the button and watch my new motorized shades roll up in sync!

If you’re thinking about installing motorized shades I couldn’t recommend Rolli Shades enough. You can learn more about them here, and you can also use the code ALLISONSKIFF to get 5% off your entire order. Let me know if you have any questions!

Related:

Shop My Primary Bedroom Here

The Primary Bedroom Reveal

Designing Custom Trim in the Primary Bedroom

The Primary Bedroom Design

Who says toilets can’t be pretty? The truth is, I’ve always hated the toilets in my home. I think there’s something about knowing they were here long before me, and no matter how much I cleaned, I couldn’t shake that. However, I’m not one to go ripping toilets out just to rip toilets out. So when the toilet in my powder room started acting up, I took that as an excuse to finally get a new toilet. But I didn’t want just any toilet, I wanted a pretty toilet. Such a thing exists right? (Spoiler it does) In case you find yourself in a similar position, today I’m rounding up six pretty toilets for you to consider, including the one I picked for my powder room. Form, meet function.

Six Pretty Toilets

Benbrook Two Piece Skirted Elongated Toilet

I think it’s the sleek clean base for me on the Benbrook that catches my eye. If you’ve ever cleaned your bathroom you know how annoying it is to wipe down all the nooks and crevices. This toilet looks sleek but not too modern. Bonus points for the pretty gold handle! Shop the Benbrook here.

KOHLER Kathryn Toilet

Kohler really gets it right with their toilets and the Kathryn toilet is one of the prettiest ones to choose from. I love the more boxy style and can we talk about that handle? It comes in a few different finishes as well. This one is a bit pricier, but ideally you’re not out buying toilets every day, so consider it an investment! Shop the Kathryn here.

Miseno High-Efficiency Toilet

You can see a theme for me right? Rectangular top and cute handle? The Miseno has all of this, but it also has a much friendlier price point. It’s high efficiency, ADA-height and comes with everything you need for install. Shop the Miseno High Efficiency Toilet here.

American Standard Town Square Toilet

I love how the base of this one is blocky and goes almost straight back to the wall. Again, easy cleaning, a streamlined look, but the pretty trimming on the top lid and the front base keeps things feeling classic and not like a spaceship!  We do not want to lift off while using the toilet, am I right?! Shop the American Standard Town Square Toilet here.

Signature Hardware Key West Toilet

Definitely on the pricier side but there’s a reason for that – the Key West Toilet uses 20% less water than standard toilets. It’s also has a skirted bowl with a concealed trap way and comes with a slow-closing seat that keeps things quiet (ahem, fellas, I’m looking at you). What caught my eye initially with this toilet is the rounded tank lid. It has a vintage feel to me that I haven’t seen with most other toilets. Shop the Key West Toilet here.

KOHLER Memoirs White Toilet

Saving the best for last, and the toilet I eventually chose: the Kohler Memoirs Toilet. It’s all about the trim for me. The framing at the base of this toilet mirrored with the same exact design on the rectangular lid on the top. There was no question this was the toilet I needed to have! Elongated and chair height, this is where form meets function.

Shop: Powder Room | Memoirs Toilet

The Memoirs toilet comes with a plain white soft close lid, but I swapped mine out for this soft close one in Walnut (less than $50!).

A Note About Newer Toilets

As I was combing through reviews on every single toilet, I noticed many of them sharing that some of the tanks were tilted after install. Honestly, this almost deterred me from ordering the toilet I ordered, however there’s an easy fix. You can adjust the bolts between the tank and seat to shift the tank back slightly. I spoke with my plumber about it, and he confirmed most new toilets are like this for some reason.

So as you’re reviewing whichever toilet you’re considering, just know this is a common thing (I don’t know why) but with a little patience it’s also fixable.

This has been spinning in my head for months, but I’ve finally taken the time to put pen to paper, and think about my 2025 project list. I also went back and reviewed my 2024 project list, did an assessment of dreaming vs reality, and publicly checked myself with my 2024 project recap. There’s nothing like the internet to keep you honest, right? 

With all that said, I’m deciding to break my 2025 project list into “big priorities” and “nice to have’s.” Will I do more than two projects this year? I would like to think so! But organizing everything this way will help me stay focused on what’s going to make me happiest to look back on when the end of the year rolls around. 

My Big Priorities For The 2025 Project List

Exterior Makeover Phase 2:

Last year one of my larger projects was updating the exterior trim and door color to my colonial brick house as well as installing a new garage door. I’ve always been drawn to brick houses with darker trim colors…something about them always has me do a double take. So I was really excited to finally work up the nerve to do this to my own house! I shared all about that process here, and also revealed this was phase one of a multi-phase exterior upgrade I’d be making.

With that said, this year I’m tackling phase 2 of the exterior upgrade, and I must say I’m quite excited about it! This will include new copper lanterns flanking the front door, as well as the side man door. They arrived in December and spoiler alert: they are SO beautiful. I’m using this protective coating to make sure they’re sealed and don’t oxidize (and turn green!), then I’ll have them installed. So hopefully I’ll have something to share with you in February!

The other big update for the exterior will be new landscaping. While there’s a lot of things about my current landscaping I like, one of the things I don’t like is how unmanageable it is to maintain. Some of the bushes have died off, and others haven’t been cared for properly and are too leggy. I plan to keep some things intact (like the pink magnolia trees) but for the most part I’m planning for a fresh start. There will be a lot more to come on this, and I’ll be sharing updates along the way!

The Laundry Room:

Alright I’m literally airing my dirty laundry here. This is my most embarrassing room in the house. It was the last popcorn ceiling I scraped off, and I left the ceiling raw. Not that you asked for my excuses, but really it was because I didn’t know whether to prime it light or dark because I didn’t know what the overall room design was going to be. At one point I decided to put lipstick on a pig and laid these black & white peel & stick checkered tiles down over the existing linoleum. I will say I really like them, but they were never intended to be a forever decision.

The big update with the laundry room is that it’s going to be a utility room. Its function has always been more than just laundry, so I want to design it in a functional way. This is the part that I want to really spend time with and map out, and to be honest, I’m still catching my breath from last year’s kitchen renovation. When I get my excitement back, this project will be so fun to design, but it may be one for later in the spring or even in the fall. But it’s happening.

The Projects Next in Line

Primary Closet:

Did this surprise you? Technically I’ve considered the primary closet to be a finished space, but after the primary bedroom transformation last year, I’ve changed my tune a bit. I’ve been imagining a color drenched space, with high gloss paint. Wallpapering on the ceiling? I think this would be the room for that.

I’m dreaming up taking the existing built-in’s to the ceiling and adding crown molding to them (think of little boxes or cupboards on top). And the library ladder in my kitchen has me wanting more…how amazing would a rolling ladder be in this room?!?

There’s a lot more to flush out, but I can’t think of a more fun space in the house to daydream about.

Home Office:

Ah the home office. This room is the smallest room in the entire house but it has my favorite view. It sits high up on the backside of the house and overlooks the entire backyard, which includes the pool, and at certain times in the year I can also see the giant meadow that sits beyond my property.

At one point, I decided it would be fun to have an accent wall, so I installed peel & stick wallpaper to the wall behind my desk. I’m so thankful it was peel & stick because I quickly lost interest in the design (and the concept of an accent wall). Right now, I’m trying to decide if I want to install a mural in my house because if I do, this would be the room for it. Otherwise, I’ll repaint everything and add some fun vintage pieces to warm it up.

This is a space that doesn’t necessarily need to be done this year, but I think I would flourish more creatively if it was finished. No matter what way the design ends up leaning, I know I want swap out my existing white desk for a vintage wood one. I’m hunting for something specific and lately I’ve been on marketplace daily hoping to find the perfect desk. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on socials once I find the one!

Pantry:

If we’re being honest, I’m dying to do the pantry yesterday. I don’t have a walk-in pantry, but I do have a nice size wall pantry that’s more than enough on top of the kitchen storage I have. Unfortunately, it’s been a casualty of the kitchen renovation, especially when I was moving everything out of the kitchen. And it’s never quite bounced back. I’m of the mindset of if I’m pulling everything out to reorganize it, I at least want to make it prettier. 

Everything is painted a basic cream and I think this could be a really beautiful and functional space. I’m currently trying to decide if I want to paint everything the same color, or paint the shelves and wall brackets one color and wallpaper behind them. I also think I’ll switch up my storage with more glass containers (like these) and perhaps some baskets (I’m liking these ones). 

Cozy TV Room:

Don’t worry! I’m not renovating the cozy tv room but I am prioritizing it from a decor standpoint. I’d like to be more intentional about my bookshelf styling this year, and given how much fun I’ve been having at estate sales over the past year, I think this could be a fun project to start collecting for. I ordered a Ralph Lauren coffee table book over the holidays and am using it for inspiration as I build my wish list for estate sale hunting. I think something like this will be a nice reprieve from some of the projects that are going to require a bit more labor.

Shop the Cozy TV Room

Stay tuned throughout the year and follow along on socials to see all the action unfold. And if you’re not already, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter for more sneak peeks, behind the scenes and candid thoughts. I fell a bit off schedule with the newsletter during the fall one room challenge, but plan to get things back on track in the coming month.