As someone who has spent years designing spaces for clients with diverse needs, I’ve seen firsthand how the environment we inhabit profoundly impacts our mental health. A well-designed room can act as a balm for the mind, offering visual rest and emotional comfort. In this guide, we will delve into the principles of room design that prioritize mental clarity and relaxation. From color psychology to spatial organization, every element plays a role in crafting spaces…

ELIN JAKOBSEN
Whether it’s a windowsill herb garden or a weekend planter build, Elin’s here to make outdoor DIY feel down-to-earth and doable.
- Home & Garden DIY
- Garage & Workshop
- Garden
- Patio
Articles by ELIN JAKOBSEN – Page 57
The pandemic transformed millions of kitchen tables into temporary desks, but as remote work becomes a permanent fixture in our lives, it’s time to move beyond these makeshift solutions. Creating a dedicated workspace that enhances productivity while complementing your home requires thoughtful planning and intentional design. Having designed countless home offices over the years, I’ve witnessed how transformative a well-conceived workspace can be for both professional success and personal wellbeing. Evaluating Your Needs: Beyond the…
Creating functional outdoor furniture doesn’t require extensive woodworking skills or expensive materials. This simple yet elegant side table combines the timeless appeal of terra cotta with the natural beauty of wood, resulting in a piece that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Why This Design Works The combination of terra cotta and wood offers durability and aesthetic appeal. Terra cotta pots have been used in garden settings for centuries, and their natural porosity and earthy texture…
Popcorn ceilings—those bumpy, textured surfaces that were once the height of residential fashion—now often top the “must-remove” list for many homeowners. But what if removal isn’t an option? Whether due to asbestos concerns, rental restrictions, budget limitations, or simply time constraints, many Americans find themselves staring up at a ceiling they didn’t choose and cannot change. Having worked with countless clients facing this exact dilemma, I’ve discovered that making peace with popcorn ceilings isn’t just…
Creating a meaningful message display can transform an ordinary wall into an uplifting focal point that celebrates hope, dreams, and cherished memories. A Wall of Wishes offers families an interactive way to share daily affirmations, gratitude notes, and encouraging words while adding sophisticated visual interest to their living space. Understanding the Wall of Wishes Concept Families engage with the wall of wishes by adding personal notes and affirmations on vibrant envelopes. The Wall of Wishes…
Creating a personal mini sculpture is one of interior design’s most rewarding endeavors, bridging the gap between functional decor and meaningful artistic expression. These small-scale works offer an intimate way to bring three-dimensional beauty into our daily living spaces while developing hands-on creative skills. Understanding Mini Sculptures in Home Design Mini sculptures represent a perfect intersection of art and interior styling, typically measuring between 4-12 inches in height. These compact artworks serve multiple purposes: they…
Transforming everyday discoveries into meaningful displays creates an intimate connection between nature, memory, and home—one that extends far beyond traditional wall art. The Art of Storytelling Through Objects Framing found objects like driftwood and leaves preserves moments and enhances your daily visual landscape. Found objects carry stories that speak to our deepest connections with place and time. As designers, we understand that the most compelling interiors emerge when personal narrative intersects with thoughtful presentation. When…
Radiators and HVAC systems present unique design challenges that can make or break a space’s aesthetic appeal. In my years working with historic buildings and modern homes across America, I’ve discovered that these functional necessities don’t have to be eyesores – they can become integral design elements or discreetly blend into your carefully curated interior. Understanding Your Heating and Cooling Systems Before implementing design solutions, it’s crucial to understand what you’re working with: System Type…
In today’s ever-evolving world, our living spaces must keep pace with our changing lives. Adaptive furniture—pieces designed to transform, adjust, and evolve alongside us—offers an elegant solution to this perpetual challenge. As someone who has designed hundreds of living spaces over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right adaptive pieces can revolutionize a home’s functionality while preserving its aesthetic integrity for years to come. Understanding Adaptive Furniture Adaptive furniture is designed to adjust and…
