Modern DIY Plywood Projects - 15 Ideas to Inspire You

Although I will always favor solid wood (I'm currently in my home office, admiring the DIY solid walnut desk), plywood has a special place in my heart.  It's affordable, versatile and comes in gorgeous veneers ranging from walnut to knotty pine.  If you're looking for inspiration, here's a list of 15 modern plywood DIY projects - including some of our favorite plywood projects, from the Dans le Lakehouse archives.

Easy DIY Plywood Counter Top

How gorgeous is this plywood counter top?  It's such a perfect choice for a laundry room, where not everyone can - or wants to - drop major coin on a solid surface counter.  It was made for under $100!  Seeing this project makes me really antsy to renovate our laundry room (not that hiding it with a curtain didn't do the trick for now!)  In the meantime, I did pick up a little inspiration from this boho laundry room and add a wicker laundry basket to mine. 

Quirky DIY Plywood Wall Art

This unusual wall art is the perfect way to put plywood scraps to good use!  The different shapes and stains add a lot of interest and warmth to an otherwise minimalist white wall.

Clever DIY Plywood Day Bed with Storage

How cute is this plywood day bed?  I love that it boasts hidden storage inside - that's so practical for smaller spaces and guest rooms. 

Our Gorgeous DIY Walnut Plywood Bed

You knew I'd include our recent DIY bed on this list!  Even though not everyone can whip up those welded legs (you can buy some that are kind of similar), the frame is SO easy.  Imagine it with mid-century modern legs...these sturdy hairpin legs might work.

Inexpensive DIY Plywood Credenza Top

Our plywood topped fauxdenza is still going strong even though the whole credenza was fairly inexpensive.  I would have loved to have splurged on a slab of live edge, exotic purpleheart wood that I spotted while we were shopping for supplies, but plywood fit into our budget so much easier!

Practical DIY Plywood Storage Bench

An unused wall was packed with function thanks to this DIY storage cubby meets bench.  What a great multi-function project.  

Turquoise Painted DIY Plywood Magazine Storage

A white wash finish really brought out the grain on our DIY magazine holders - but the turquoise interior is really what makes me smile!  This was such a practical project and they still have pride of place on my Expedit in the office.

Versatile DIY Plywood Desk on Hairpin Legs

This DIY plywood desk has a secret: it's transformable and can adapt to different tasks.  Such a great idea for a hardworking space.  Plus I'm drooling over the idea of mint hairpin legs!  Why do hairpin legs just look SO GOOD with plywood projects?

Handy DIY Walnut Plywood Storage Bins with Lid

I am still so smitten with these walnut plywood storage bins build we made - they are great for stashing stuff in our otherwise storage-less bedside tables.  Plus now they complement our walnut bed!  

Minimalist DIY Plywood Side Table

This plywood side table on - you guessed it: black hairpin legs - is such an easy beginner project.  It's simple and straightforward to make but looks so modern and chic.  I'm also loving those casual eucalyptus branches.  I tried to grow a eucalyptus plant inside during the fall, but it withered and died - dried eucalyptus might be more my speed.   

Mid Century Modern Inspired DIY Plywood Bench

Check out how slick this DIY plywood bench looks - but it's such a simple project as well.  The glam gold legs are the perfect finishing touch - these mini hairpin legs or these walnut ones would be cute too. 

DIY Plywood Outdoor Sofa

This plywood project takes the cake!  Hubby and I have wanted an outdoor sofa for the deck but outdoor furniture is pricey.  I don't know if we'll have time this summer, but I love the idea of just making something.  I already found the perfect turquoise sunbrella outdoor pillows, so I'm extra motivated!

 
Simple DIY Plywood Dog Bowl Stand

Both of Szuka's raised dog bowl stands were made with leftover plywood and hairpin legs.  Those hairpin legs make a simple design look so retro.

DIY Plywood Necklace Display

Another great beginner woodworking project - or the perfect way to use up scraps - this triangle jewelry stand beautifully displays necklaces.  Why not turn those pretty baubles into art?

DIY Plywood Peg Wall

The plywood peg wall featured below was shared on Apartment Therapy and it got me thinking that a plywood peg wall might be a fun project for the "fish room" (what I hope to turn into my craft room - see the house tour for photos).  Here's a great tutorial, if you're thinking you could use a pretty peg wall somewhere too.

If you're going to try any of these DIY plywood projects, skip the home improvement stores.  I hate seeing a great DIY project marred by construction grade plywood.  Head to a local lumber yard instead, where you will find a bevy of gorgeous wood grains.  My local Windsor Plywood stocks so many gorgeous veneered plywood varieties, including teak, walnut, maple, oak, and cherry.  If you absolutely cannot find any locally, you can always order sheets of specialty plywoods like walnut online, which certainly adds to the price but sometimes it's the best option!  For the edges, I prefer to edge band my plywood with matching edge band but I think these examples demonstrate that it can look good raw, too.

Have I missed a favorite plywood project?  Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Check out my Pinterest board devoted to DIY furniture for more ideas and inspiration!

Guesthouse Progress: Inside a Scandinavian Inspired Bunkie on Lake Superior

You already saw me spruce up the exterior and today I'm sharing a look inside our guesthouse!  Here's a look at the "before" (pop over to this post for more photos):

When we bought the lakehouse we were pretty enamored with this guesthouse, which boasts a three piece bathroom, sauna, and small sleeping area.  At first I waffled on the use of this space: I wanted the Etsy shop out there, but heating in the winter proved cost prohibitive - which is why my second idea, a sewing studio, didn't pan out either.  Instead, we cluttered it up, storing boxes for other people along with some furniture we no longer needed.  We finally got the room cleared out this fall and decided to make it a lovely guest space.  The sauna floor needs to be repaired and we have to build new benches, the bathroom needs some cosmetic upgrades, and the roof shingles need to be replaced (hey, guess who's going to learn some roofing skills next year?) which leaves me with a decor budget of approximately $0.  Not a problem!  I shopped the house to create a cozy space where guests can crash and I'll be slowly tackling some more projects throughout the winter. 



When I shared my to paint or not to paint the pine paneling dilemma, so many of you were Team Pine and I'm so happy I kept it natural because it saved me a lot of time and money.  Thanks for the excellent advice!  Because this is an impossibly small space there's no fooling the eye into thinking it's spacious.  The pine works with the small size and plays up the cozy factor, instead of trying to fake spaciousness.  To break up the pine just a little, I replaced the small mirror that was hanging beside the bed with my large DIY black and white painting:

 
We set up the bed (and all white bedding) from the townhouse guestroom and it just fits.  Making the bed is an aerobic activity (no idea how folks with bunk beds do it) and guests will have to clamber in from the end, but I didn't want to have to subject guests to a double.  This works! 

My Mom gave me the maple dresser I had been borrowing (which I hope weathers the winter okay out there).  Mom and I were going to sew new pillows but then I remembered I have the Marimekko pillows that used to live in the living room; they match perfectly with the freshly painted turquoise door and exterior trim!

(Behind the open turquoise door is the doorway to the three piece bathroom - to the left is the sauna).

I'd love to replace the old curtain rods but for now I just painted them a creamy white because they were super rusty.  Mom sewed really pretty sheers to offer guests a little privacy, without obscuring the lake view.  I didn't want the sheers to touch to electric baseboard heaters and, more importantly, there is literally no room for them to drape between the bed and the wall (it's a tight squeeze) so we decided to keep them short, which is such a change for me because I always prefer floor length curtains but they're just more functional at this length. 

From the outside, the sheers look much, much (much!) better than the forest green towels that used to cover the windows.  Is it me, or does the guesthouse feel more welcoming from the outside with these gauzy window treatments (you can compare against these exterior photos)? 

To add a little visual - and literal! - warmth to the space (and cover up some of that faux wood laminate flooring), I ordered this beautiful braided, 100% wool rug from RugsUSA.  I considered a natural jute rug, like this one, but ultimately I loved the look and feel of this soft wool rug.  It's a creamy neutral, which will complement any bedding or pillows down the road, plus it's really thick and cushy, so I hope it adds a little warmth underfoot because although this building is heated, it's not insulated very well.  I ordered the biggest rug that would fit and it runs under the dresser and bed, hopefully adding a little insulation to the floor.

Look at that gorgeous texture!  I want to incorporate some more soft textures into the room, so I'm currently dreaming about making a huge chunky blanket or maybe even a woven wall hanging for one of the other walls.  

The guesthouse has two overhead lights and one of the light switches is in the bulkhead, toward the wall with the hooks.  You have to stand on the bed to reach it, it's hilarious!  There's quite obviously no room for side tables in here, so maybe some wall mounted sconces are in order.  To facilitate bedtime reading as best I can, I added a lamp to the dresser - it's the old one from my office.  I haven't needed it since we gave the office a makeover, so I'm happy I can make use of it in here.  

I'm torn about decorating the dresser.  I want to add a tray and plants and make it homey, but there's SO little room in here that I think guests would just prefer a place to put their stuff because floor space is at a premium. 

I originally wanted a really spare, Scandinavian-inspired look with a black, white and pale wood color palette, but I deviated a little.  I couldn't help but add just a little turquoise ;)

I think it still has a Scandi cottage kind of vibe.  Although it's technically ready for guests, I want to tackle a few more projects over the winter so it feels even more inviting and cozy for next spring.  In addition to making a cozy throw for the bed and maybe some DIY sconces, my Mom had an idea for those hooks: add some kind of DIY felted wool pouches with long handles that people could use to stash a phone or book, in lieu of night stands.  Isn't that clever? 

Making some candles and stocking a drawer in the dresser with some essentials (snacks, some toiletries, flashlights, bear bangers, etc.) is on my to-do list too.  Some more art would enhance the coziness - or maybe some wall pockets with plants during the summer would be a nice touch.  Would I remember to go out there and water them, though?  There's also a boob light I cropped out of photos that needs a replacement.

But this room has come a looooong way from the pile of boxes and furniture - accented by forest green towels for curtains - we started with in the fall. 

I'd love to hear your ideas! 

I have to thank to RugsUSA for generously sending over the rug after I spotted it online and fell in love with the plush texture and Scandinavian vibe.  Right now it's kept securely in place by furniture, but on its own it would require a rug pad so RugsUSA sent along the perfect size comfort grip rug pad in case I decide to use this pretty handmade rug elsewhere:

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An Aqua and Wood Watch? Yes Please!

When JORD reached out and offered me a watch to review, I had spent the previous day alternating between obsessively sanding and gently stroking (only to check for rough spots!) our new DIY walnut waterfall desk.  My mood was: everything in my life now needs to be made from solid wood.  So I jumped at the chance to start sporting a gorgeous wood watch!

JORD suggested one of three popular styles - including the Frankie Series Plum and Purpleheart wood watch, which I really liked.  I knew exactly what "purpleheart" was because I had ogled a live edge slab of purpleheart wood at the lumber yard years ago and still pined for it (it was way to expensive to find a project for).  I would have happily sported that gorgeous plum-hued watch but a little voice in my head, that one obsessed with blues and aqua, asked if there was an aqua watch I could have instead...

I can't help it!  Aqua just makes me happier than other colors.  Really, most shades of green and blue do much to lift my mood, but aqua and turquoise just put a stupid grin on my face - and why wouldn't I want that?  The folks at JORD were amazing and happily offered up two different styles they thought I might like: a Mint and Sandalwood wood watch and a Zebrawood and Turquoise wood watch.  Both were gorgeous, but I loved the bright turquoise face of the Cora series watch because it felt so summery to me.

When my watch arrived in the mail - such a nice treat from the endless bills and flyers - it looked even more gorgeous in person and was beautifully packaged!

It has a self-winding, automatic movement and you can see the watch working from the back and also through a small window in the front, which I find mesmerizing.  The Swarovski crystal markers are a really pretty touch and make the watch feel even more luxe.   




I absolutely love wearing it because it's helping me hang onto summer!

I make a concerted effort to enjoy life year round, but I will admit that I am NOT a "fall person" - I don't spend my summer pining for pumpkin spice lattes, I prefer summer dresses to boots and, while I'll admit that the fall leaves are beautiful, they just remind me that soon I'll be logging more time with my snowblower than my spouse.  Sure, I make the best of fall and winter, but I love spring and summer with a fiery passion!  Summer is my absolute favorite season.

My new, bright turquoise watch perfectly captures summer vibes and sunny days.  I used to wear a lot of blacks, whites and greys (shocking, right?) but summertime always sees me sporting more colorful clothes.  This year, I'm adding more color to my winter wardrobe, too!

In my life, more aqua is always the answer to my woes.

Along with sending me a watch, JORD sent along an interesting opportunity for Dans le Lakehouse readers: there's a $70 USD giveaway going on for the next week - plus, anyone who enters the giveaway gets an automatic $20 discount.  Twenty bucks is twenty bucks, right?  Check out the giveaway right here!



This post is sponsored by JORD.  All thoughts, words, opinions, and aqua obsessions are my own.  

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Should Wood Beams be Painted or Left Natural?

Because I painted out the wood beam in the lakehouse living room, I've had a few readers ask me if I recommend painting wood beams out as a rule.  That's a good question!  For anyone who is on the fence about painting a wood beam - or keeping it natural - I rounded up a little inspiration, and share my two cents, below.

via My Domaine

When we moved into the lakehouse, it was very woodsy: wood ceiling beam, oak trim, oak cabinets, more oak cabinets, pine panels flanking the fireplace, and, oh hey, okay, more oak cabinets...

I am not opposed to wood tones and although I've long loved teak and walnut, I find myself appreciating wood grain more and more, thanks to the influence of my woodworker Father-in-law and grain-loving Hubby.  I was slow to make peace with the wood kitchen cabinets in the townhouse, but here in the lakehouse I've even added wood, like the walnut bathroom cabinetry, pine-topped Ikea fauxdenza hack, and DIY solid maple wood kitchen counters.

So, if I had to pick, I'd pick "team wood," but I think that - in the eye of the beholder -  there can be good wood and bad wood.  I appreciate the hardwood floors the former owner installed because the stain is beautiful and works so well with the teak and walnut I love.  That, in my books, is "good wood".  However, the skinny, cheap oak trim purchased at Home Depot in the late 1990s is "bad wood," in my purely personal assessment.  Painting the skinny trim was no question because I didn't want the eye drawn to it.  The 1990s oak cabinetry was similarly easy to paint (no regrets!).  Painting the sauna wood flanking the fireplace helped modernize the whole wall and I like the quiet texture the painted wood panels now add to the room without screaming, "I used to be a cottage".

Why I Painted the Wood Beam in the Living Room:

The wood ceiling beam made me pause, though.  I kind of liked it, but ultimately decided that it clashed with the flooring and all of our teak furniture.  For a few days, I actually did consider leaving it unpainted (true story!) but, in the end, white paint won out.  I have no regrets because painting the wood beam makes the 13 foot tall ceiling feel even taller, but doesn't draw the eye up toward our popcorn ceilings.  When the beam was natural, the ceiling felt a lot lower and the eye definitely traveled up there - even more once the walls and trim were white.

It wasn't a solid beam - it was just wood strips, laminated together - so it truly wasn't anything super special, although I'm sure it cost a pretty penny when the house was built.  As my Mom pointed out, if I ever have a strong desire for a wood beam, I can clad it in walnut veneer (drool), which I think is a genius, incredibly tempting suggestion!

The Case for Keeping Wood Beams Natural...

Architectural Digest

If it's solid wood and complements a home's aesthetic, then I'd be tempted to keep a wood beam natural.  Ultimately it's a matter of personal preference, but I think that wood beams work especially well if the decor has a mix of wood tones and lots of textures, so the beams don't stand out and draw attention away from other design elements. 

via My Domaine

via West Elm

via My Domaine

Design Files

Even if the decor doesn't boast a generous mix of wood tones, wood beams can work if the same tone is picked up elsewhere, like in this mid-century influenced home.  The wood beam looks great with the wood kitchen cabinetry and looks like a thoughtful detail.  That was the problem with my beam: I was slowly and purposely eradicating anything in that orange wood tone.

via Apartment Therapy

I can't even imagine this home - which boasts one of my favorite kitchens of all time - without wood beams because it just suits the rustic feel so well!

Style at Home

The Case for Painting Wood Beams...

White painted wood beams - along with white ceilings - do wonders for making a space seem brighter and airier.  Once painted, beams no longer draw the eye, which is perfect if you have other, more beautiful, elements to highlight in a room.  Paint can also help modernize a rustic-looking space, especially if the wood beams are weathered or worn and that doesn't complement the decor style.  If an airy vibe is what you're after, painting out wood does wonders, while still offering more visual interest than a plain ceiling:

via Better Homes & Gardens

via Apartment Therapy

via Plastolux

via Plastolux

via My Domaine

via Apartment Therapy

Ultimately, you can't loose!  After years of DIYers painting every piece of furniture they could get their hands on, wood is newly appreciated and natural wood is definitely on-trend again, but I am a firm believer in turning a blind eye to trends and following your gut to create a home you love.  Beams look gorgeous either way - painted out or left au naturel - and any homeowner or renter is lucky to have them.  There are even tons of DIY tutorials and products for adding faux wood ceiling beams to naked ceilings! 

If you're faced with this decision, the best thing to consider is whether the wood complements your design plans and whether it's irreplaceable (like a 200 year old solid piece of lumber).  It's far easier to paint later than strip primer and paint from a tall ceiling, so if you're on the fence at all - live with the wood for a bit!  

What are your thoughts on painted wood beams?

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