Plank wood countertop in an updated kitchen design.

It’s taken interior design by storm and we know we’ve mentioned it over and over: butcher block countertops look great as kitchen islands, full kitchen countertops and bathroom accents.

But, those beautiful wood countertops can be so much more than just a chopping block for food preparation. There are plenty of other creative uses out there, whether you’re looking to upgrade your home with more work space or just want a fun DIY project. Let’s dive into some inspiration!

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A board with a 1 x 4” nominal size and a ¾ x 3.5” nominal size with both measurements shown. 

Ok. You have your project plans ready to go and are taking the next big step – buying the dimensional lumber. But then, confusion sets in when you realize the product you’re looking for has two different names. Oh no!

It’s important to know that when it comes to the size of finish grade lumber, there’s a difference between what the board is called (its nominal size) and its actual size.

This, of course, can be a little confusing for beginner DIY woodworking enthusiasts – but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a look at the difference so you can get accurate and precise results whenever you’re working with dimensional lumber.

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A man shopping for wood for a mantel.

Nothing ties a living space together like a fireplace mantel.

Using a real wood surround adds a unique focal point to your living room, but those handcrafted floating shelves can be showstoppers, too! (Live edge slabs are popular right now, but a box mantel – even with some corbel accents – is sure to stay on-trend for decades to come).

No matter what style you want, it all starts with picking the right wood and getting to work. Read more

A small living room incorporating several space-saving ideas like wall-mounted shelving-units.

Homes are getting smaller and smaller, because cost per square foot has been on the rise. That means that space-saving storage ideas are increasingly popular for interior design, and thanks to social media, more people are tackling DIY projects than before.

Whether you’re considering space-saving projects for a tiny house or want to renovate a big home full of family knickknacks and necessities, storage is important. After all, living spaces are for living – not for wading through a bunch of stuff bought off Amazon.

If you’re looking to clear up your home’s square footage and love a good DIY project, then these space-saving ideas are perfect for you.

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Interior of small lake house located in Baldwin, MI.

It’s no secret that it’s difficult to maximize the usable area of a small living space. Apartment sizes are shrinking and tiny homes are on the rise (especially with the increased cost of building and renovating).

If you live in a tiny space or have a small getaway property, it can feel like popular decorating ideas aren’t meant for you. But, even if your living area is on the smallest side of small, there are still plenty of ways to make the space feel big – AND save space, too.

Don’t believe us? Check out some of these great design ideas for properties with a tiny interior footprint. We guarantee they will change how your small space looks and feels!

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A remodeled mobile home that looks brand new.

The popularity of mobile home living is on the rise. Mobile homes – also known as manufactured homes – are often more affordable than site-built homes. They’re energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and can be a beautiful, custom home or getaway with the right touches.

If you’re looking for ideas when it comes to your mobile home remodel, these eight DIY projects can make your dream home a reality.

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Old home remodeled on Renovation Hunters near the Nebraska Sandhills.

In early 2022, Hal Shaffer and Chris Filardi gave general contractor Kevin Tarkovich a tour of a historic home in Hyannis, Nebraska. They intended to give new life to the property, as the first project on their new Outdoor Channel series, Renovation Hunters, but the term makeover was an understatement for this 19th-century home, to say the least.

Host Hal Shaffer reassured Kevin on the challenge of renovating the main street’s focal point saying, “You can take all the time you want, as long as it’s done in eight days!” So, they got to work on remodeling old homes for their show – starting in the Sandhills of Nebraska – with the help of numerous craftsmen and DIY-ers, along with some awesome brand partners (if we do say so ourselves).

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