Faux Beam: home makeover progress!

It’s been a while since I shared an update of the progress going on at mom’s house. It’s still a work in progress but wait until you see how far along things are coming, especially since their current home sold in less than 24 hours of being on the market. TIME TO HUSTLE! Disclosure: We received product in exchange for this review. Take a look! 

Before: Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

The living room before was narrow with a outside concrete wall separating what may have been a sun porch. See the green wall above? That’s the living room area and where it ends. See the red room below? That’s the sun porch(?) on the other side…

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

and the fireplace wall before…

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

After…To make the living room space larger to accommodate our family gatherings, the concrete wall was removed. I love how the space is now flooded with light with the concrete wall gone, new drywall in place, a wood-planked ceiling in progress and the installation of sliding glass doors. 

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

But now there’s an eye sore on the ceiling. There’s no missing that big steel beam in the photos above.

And now there’s not…WOW!

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

…it’s a gorgeous rustic wood beam with iron accents. Right? 

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

That’d be quite labor intensive not to mention expensive. Want to know a secret?

We received this amazing product from AZ Faux Beams. It’s a faux beam! “Old Timber” in ‘walnut’ to be exact. It’s lightweight and fake but looks SO real! And it’s stunning! 

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

What it is: A hollow lightweight resin with a rustic wood look! What?! No way! Yes. It really is! 

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

What we did. And by we, I mean my mom and I did the measurements, design/color selection and ordering. Butch and my brother Christopher did the manual labor involved with installation. Oh, we supervised too. 

  1. Measurements. 
  2. Order.
  3. Cut to size, shave inside down if needed.
  4. Install.
  5. Secure.
  6. Caulk and add decorative trim. 

Isn’t it gorgeous? It draws your eye to their pretty planked ceiling and compliments the beautiful rustic ceiling fans. Check out AZ Faux Beams to see all of the options! Let’s take a look at repeat before and after shots: 

“Before” (two spaces separated by a concrete wall)

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

Same angle “After” (wall is gone and there is an addition of a half bathroom on the right…for guests and quick access once the swimming pool is installed outside those sliding glass doors).

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

before…

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

after (wall removed)

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

 before…looking from the kitchen

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

after, standing in that  widened doorway

Before and after home improvement project - ceiling with a gorgeous faux beam @diyshowoff

Crazy transformation, right? I promise it’s the same space! The story continues! 

Next up: Moving in is right around the corner. I can’t wait to show you the complete before and afters of the entire house from gut to renovation to reveal. 

 

How to Decorate with Air Plants – The Lunar Fae Way

How to Decorate with Air Plants – The Lunar Fae Way:

I’m so happy to introduce you to my talented & beautiful daughter, Evangeline from The Lunar Fae, sharing some tips on how to decorate with air plants. decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

“Have you heard of incredible wonder of nature that is the air plant yet?

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Meet Tillandsia. This little lady is easily becoming my favorite plant to decorate with, due to how very low maintenance she is! She doesn’t care for soil (score! neither do I, my cats dig it up), she only needs watering once a week and if you forget for a day or two, she probably won’t die either (double score! How can I be expected to hydrate the life of others on a regular basis when I’m just grasping how to hydrate mine!?)

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

My current obsession is mixing plants with my other obsession, crystals! There’s just something soooo pleasing about a plant emerging from crystal coated caverns or a chunky mineral.

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Have any geodes laying around? My lovely, add an air plant! You won’t be sorry and it’ll probably make you appreciate the geode more regularly too!

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Have any votive gemstone candle holders? Add an air plant! Most candles are full of toxins anyways.

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoffdecorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoffdecorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Have an empty jar, planter, or dying terrarium? Add some faux moss or river rocks, an air plant, and fill that shiz with shiny crystals!

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Seriously. There is no way to go wrong with this. In just a few easy steps you can have a beautiful, unique piece of art that also serves a larger purpose!

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Obsessed yet?

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

If you’re looking for some crystals or air plants, I’ve got both in my shop for the time being.

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Thanks for reading and considering adopting some Tillandsia into your boho home!“

Stunning! I received one of her gorgeous creations for Mother’s Day and I’m in love! (and it’s still alive – a big deal with me & plants!) I invite you to visit Evangeline at her blog, The Lunar Fae and The Lunar Fae shop to get more ideas and inspiration. Use code “DIYSHOWOFF” for 11% off order over $5! 

decorating with airplants #thelunarfae @diyshowoff

Spring Succulent Arrangement Ideas to Refresh Your Home Decor

Spring is right around the corner (so they say) and I couldn’t be cheering any louder! BRING IT ON! …with a spring succulents arrangement!

Spring always makes me want to open the windows, let in fresh air, and bring a bit of new life into every room, even the smallest corner. One simple way to add seasonal charm is with a spring succulent arrangement, like these tiny succulents tucked into hand-painted robin’s egg shells that feel playful and bright. Whether you’re crafting for your dining table, shelf, or entryway, this project adds a touch of greenery and personality without a lot of fuss. Let’s walk through how to make yours and get a fresh seasonal look started.

After the gloom of winter, I’m ready for happy spring buds and bouquets and freshening up each room with some happiness and color. How about you?

Okay, on to the spring succulents arrangement tutorial and pretty decorative accents, eh?

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Succulent arrangements are a perfect spring decorating idea because they combine easy-to-style plant elements with seasonal color and texture. Unlike traditional spring flowers, succulents require minimal care and stay beautiful year-round with just bright light and light watering, making them ideal for apartment spaces, home offices, or gifts. Mixing succulents of different shapes, sizes, and tones can create a balanced and eye-catching display that fits anywhere from a dining table centerpiece to a cozy mantel vignette. That said, I opted for the no-maintenance faux succulents. 

spring succulents arrangement

(or succulent robin’s eggs and no, that’s not a recipe for breakfast)

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

What I used:

  • paper mache´eggs
  • acrylic craft paint (robin’s egg blue and something dark like espresso brown)
  • paint brushes (one with short bristles)
  • X-acto knife/utility knife
  • faux mini-succulents
  • optional: hot glue
  • decorative accessories: ceramic egg crate, pitcher/vase, your choice of gorgeous blooms from the floral dept.

What I did:

I ‘cracked’ my paper mache´ eggs using an X-acto knife, cutting them in half with a zigzag pattern. 

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

I pulled them apart. If the paper pulls away, great! If it stays attached, great! Go with the flow. Mine pulled off. I used the plastic layer instead.

Color the outside of the eggshells with paint and let dry. 

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

This next step is messy. Apply dark paint to a short bristled paint brush. Using your finger to fan the bristles, splatter dark paint onto the outside of the eggshells. My brush had longer bristles, so I got more of a 1980’s splattered paint look but it’s okay! And again, you’ll make a mess. Brown paint isn’t pretty under your fingernails either. But it does wash off. Let paint speckles/splatters dry.

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Then fill eggshells with succulents. Hot glue if desired. Place into the pretty ceramic egg crate or a nest. Tuck them in floral arrangements. Decorate for spring! So cute! 

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Awe, look…newly hatched spring succulents! So proud!

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Are you ready for spring? Time to freshen up your decor with spring florals and some new decorative accents! 

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmakerFreshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Looking for more inspiration? Visit Michaels’ new Floral Market! It has over 500 new blooms (FIVE HUNDRED!) and freshly picked projects make this the prettiest spring ever! Swap out a few decor pieces, add a lovely floral arrangement. Completely transform your home for the fresh, new season.

Freshen up your home with spring decor! DIY tutorial for spring succulents arrangement! #michaelsmaker

Bonus Tip: Where to Style Your Spring Succulents


These little arrangements are perfect for a spring tablescape, a kitchen windowsill, a guest bathroom shelf, or tucked into a tray vignette. Grouping three together at varying heights creates an effortless seasonal focal point.

Looking for more spring DIY inspiration? Check out this DIY Spring decor round up. 

Decorating with Natural Accents

Because of tight budgets and a desire to make a pretty home, I’m no stranger to using natural accents and being creative with plants and natural elements from our back yard by incorporating them into our decor from succulents in teacups to a nature-themed baby shower to my husband working on creating a log-handle for his beloved Big Green Egg as I’m typing up this blog post.

summer beach mantel @diyshowoff

There’s just something “real” about adding bits of nature to my decorating that make it feel alive.

rustic glam woodland centerpiece at diyshowoff.comDIY succulent planter tutorialtea cup succulent planters at diyshowoff.comspring twig centerpiece tutorial @diyshowoff

So I was so super excited when a) our sweet friend, Stacy from Not Just a Housewife, was publishing a book and b) when I found out it was all about bringing the outdoors in with natural accents! Beautiful, natural budget friendly decorating inspiration?! Yes, please! 

Natural Accents by Stacy Risenmay

My summer has been crazy but I finally had the time to enjoy flipping through the pages, losing myself in gorgeous staging and decorating and discovered so much inspiration.

diyshowoff

I loved that it’s more than a decorating book. It’s filled with beautiful photos, helpful tips, 35 tutorials and fresh new ideas. Natural elements can add texture to design and Stacy’s thoughts, memories and writing add an additional beautiful dimension to the pages of this helpful book. I love it! I think you’ll love it and want to add this book to your collection too!

I have my favorites DIY projects bookmarked and I’m already referring back to it for tips on keeping cut flowers and houseplants in tip top shape! 

You can get it here on Amazon (affiliate link) or here at Barnes & Noble or Books & Things. 

 

Industrial Milk Can turned Side Table

I’ve had old industrial milk can laying around, collecting dust (cobwebs too) just waiting for a fun DIY and repurposing it for a fun side table to add some charm to the patio seemed like just the right idea. 

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

Materials I used:

  • found industrial milk can
  • black paint + primer in one
  • FrogTape® MultiSurface
  • round wicker-like tray (also found…thrift store, I think) 

What I did: 

I like the distressed/dinged up paint finish but it needed a little pizazz. I gave it a good cleaning, then using FrogTape, I added some bold stripes. 

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

A spider crawled out of that hole too! Yikes! Once that was taken care of, using my thumbnail, I burnished the edges of the FrogTape to ensure crisp clean stripes.

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

I applied two coats of black paint. Paint. Dry. Paint. 

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

Right after I applied the second coat, while the paint was still wet, I carefully removed the FrogTape then let the paint dry. 

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

Secure a tray using whatever method you find best (glue and clamps, screws, etc.), (a round wooden table top or an old clock would be cool too) and ta-da! A fun side table for our patio: 

DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

I added in some coordinating accent pillows and I have a fun new look to a usually neutral area. The old industrial milk can is a great conversation starter too. DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio DIY industrial milkman side table @diyshowoff summer patio

LOVE IT! Have you added any fun elements to your outdoor areas this summer? 

*I received compensation to complete this project for using FrogTape® products. All opinions, projects and ideas are based on my own experience.

 FrogTape Blog Squad