Playbook Inspired Projects No. 1


Welcome to my first edition of Playbook Inspired Projects. Last year, I put out a request for some of the projects you, the DIY Playbook readers, have tackled, that were inspired by a room, DIY, or craft project that you’ve seen on the blog. I was blown away by the amazing submissions I received. It’s so cool to see some of these beginner home projects come to life in other spaces.

My Woodworking Projects

I have completed quite a few wood wall treatments over the years. From our guest room, to our condo hallway, to picture frame molding in Ellis’ nursery, and more!

This wood wall treatment is one of my favorite beginner home projects
Wood Wall in Our First-Floor Bathroom
Chair rail and picture frame molding is one of my favorite beginner home projects
Picture Frame Molding & Chair Rail in Rory’s Nursery

Woodworking projects like these are great beginner home projects that anyone can tackle. (Here’s a list of my favorite woodworking projects.) They’re cosmetic updates that don’t change the structure of your home and they often don’t cost too much money. Each woodworking project that I tackle improves my carpentry skills and I feel better equipped for the next project.

Your Woodworking Projects

Okay, we have a few woodworking projects to showcase and I’m excited!

Serena’s Board & Batten

Serena, one of my great friends from college, has tackled, not one, but two board and batten projects in her Chicago condo, following my tutorials. The first is showcased above, near their front door, with hooks for coats and bags. So genius!

board and batten hallway wall treatment

Serena and her husband then tackled their hallway to liven it up and add some interest to it. I adore this look with the frames over the wood.

Serena’s Bar Area

Before adding shiplap
Shiplap in a bar area

Serena wasn’t about to stop there! She and her husband decided to transform their downstairs bar area with some shiplap. It adds a lot of texture and depth to that large wall space.

painted tile floor is a good beginner home projects

To finish up the space, Serena painted the tile in front of the cabinets using my tutorial. I can’t get over how transformative it is to paint outdated tile. I’ve now done it in my own house three times and I’ve seen you guys share your own painted tile projects with me. Serena’s turned out beautifully.

Adina’s Board & Batten Project

Okay, I have one more woodworking project to share with you. This is another take on the hallway board and batten, but this time it creates an accent wall in Adina’s nursery. She said this was her first legit DIY project and she absolutely nailed it. And look at that little cutie in the crib smiling away!

Nicole’s Painted Vanity

Nicole and her mom decided to update their half bath by painting the old vanity to give it a facelift. It’s amazing what paint and new hardware can do for a space! And I love the other updates they made in the room! I’ve actually painted three vanities in our house now and found this step-by-step to be the best way to do it.

Built-In Projects

Playbook inspired projects recreating my office built-ins

Kristen was inspired by my office built-ins and she and her husband decided to tackle the project themselves, too. They added these built-ins to their kitchen and wow, look at all of that storage! I love seeing it with the pretty wood stain.

Sheera actually became a follower when she decided to update this bookcase that was left in the home she moved into. She was going to paint it a light color, but once she saw my dark built-ins she decided to go for a dark hue with her own. It took her 20 hours (thatta girl!) and she now loves it!

Moody Bedroom Inspiration

Moody bedroom design

Audra was inspired by my brother’s guest room, which has been a very popular makeover here on the blog! She went for the same nightstands that we used in my brother’s space, along with the dark walls, dark dresser, and a pretty mirror. Audra’s space turned out so well and it looks like the coziest place to sleep.

Special Doily Art

doily framed art is a sentimental way to display old doilies

Finally, we have Kaitlyn, who recreated Rory’s doily art as a shower gift for her sister’s first baby. The doily is from her great-great-grandma. She teamed up with her brother-in-law to match the background color to the baby’s nursery and I love the pink they chose. What a special gift.

Submit Your Projects!

Okay, this was so much fun. I absolutely loved seeing the projects you guys have done in your own homes and how you’ve put a spin on some of my ideas to make them work for you. If you have your own DIY Playbook-inspired project, I would love to see what you have been up to! Fill out this form to submit your ideas and I’ll include them in the next recap.

Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.