If you’ve been with me for longer than a few weeks, you know that I live in Las Vegas and have been battling with the awkward nooks and niches since moving in a few years ago. In most spaces I’ve removed them, but in my bedroom I have one nook left…and I came up with the perfect idea to work with it! I am about to show you progress on my master bedroom BUILT-IN desk nook with Lowe’s. The main element in this space is going to be some accent trim with a DIY wall, and of course a desk. Ready to see what I’ve been up to?
Here are all my favorite things that I am rounding up for you for the perfect Christmas gifts! I have home, beauty, general, and some favorite kid gifts. These are all items I personally own and love. Happy shopping!
It’s no secret that I live in Vegas…but I like to play a game where I try to make my house look as NON Vegas as possible. Today’s challenge, turning my fireplace area into a wintery cabin look. You ready to see what I used to pull it together?
One of my most asked questions is, “hey, what material did you use to build the….”. So today I am breaking down all the basics of MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard vs solid wood). I am going to go through each one, the benefits of each option, where it’s most often used, and which I’ve used in my projects. Ready to become material experts? Heck yes!
Solid Wood
About Wood: First, you can always build with solid wood. This is a good choice if it’s something you want to stain, or want the real wood look.
Solid wood can include knots and imperfections. The boards may not be perfectly straight and they can contract or warp a little overtime. It’s also more expensive.
*Fingerjoint pine is another form of wood I sometimes use that is wood pieces spliced together to form a longer piece.
*Plywood is another form and is made up of sheets of wood veneer glued together into one solid piece. It comes in different grades and can be stained, but the edges are unfinished and can easily splinter.
Fingerjoint pine for wall stripes, solid wood for floating shelves, MDF for baseboards and window trim
MDF or Medium-Density Fiberboard
MDF is made up of wood! It’s actually recycled wood so it is also beneficial for the environment. To make MDF, the manufacturers take the scraps of wood leftover from the production of wood boards and beams that might normally end up burned or in a landfill, and turn it into MDF by adding glue and heat/pressure. Here is some more information about MDF.
Benefits:
-The result is a board that is smooth throughout with no knots or imperfections to worry about.
-It’s great for painting since the boards are perfectly smooth.
-MDF is very consistent throughout, so cut edges appear smooth and you can use router to get decorative edges.
-MDF is less expensive than solid wood and plywood.
Where it’s used:
MDF is used in so many spaces in our homes. You can find it in cabinets, furniture, moulding/trim work, door parts, and store fixtures.
What projects have I used MDF?
Remember those primed and smooth shiplap boards I used in the fireplace area? I used MDF here because I wanted a smooth modern look with no knots, and they were more affordable than solid wood.
I am currently trimming out my stairs in MDF. I looked at some solid wood options, but there were imperfections and I needed my boards to be perfectly straight. Also my boards came with a slight rounded edge so I didn’t even need to buy a router.
My barn door is made of a 3/4 MDF sheet and topped with MDF boards. I wanted it perfectly smooth and didn’t want it to warp over time.
Build a Modern Barn Door
My window trim and baseboards are also MDF
*If you plan to use MDF in areas with moisture (like bathrooms or around sinks) you can source moisture-resistant MDF, but just make sure you prime and paint all edges so there is a barrier the water can’t get through.
I hope that was helpful! Now go build something! Tune into @angelarosehome for more tutorials and projects.
Is there anything more fun than an under the stairs closet? There is NOT! It’s pretty much all my kids’ (and my) dreams come true! Today I am going share some plans for the space, and some of my prep work I still need to do before transforming this space!
I hope you had fun following along with my 2 Day $200 transformation with Cynthia Harper. I decided to tackle a sad forgotten corner of my master bedroom, focusing on my IKEA Hemnes dresser. Are you ready to see this transformation and learn how you can modernize your furniture as well? (the answer is yes!)
Today I posted about my giant shower curtain wall art! And LET ME TELL YOU, I am in love…both with the way it turned out, and the cost. So get ready, because all you need to make this wall art is some wood and a shower curtain! I have all the videos saved in my story highlights on @angelarosehome as well.
Fall is officially here which in my mind equals cozy. I figured it was time to cozy-up our under the stairs closet playroom. Check out below to see how to add some cozy fall favorites, and the cool lights I added that change any space into magic!
In true Angela fashion, to purchase these cute fall pillows…I had to buy 30 to test out. And you know me, I buy 30 but only keep 5 (I need my options!) But I figured I would share all my finds with you…remember, I do all the work so you don’t have to right?
