When Kara from Made 2 Create invited us to crash her Tulsa, Oklahoma house we decided that even though we couldn’t make the trek over there in person we needed to virtually cover her casa. Because it’s just that good. And to preface this amazing house tour we should mention that almost everything you’ll see in Kara’s gorgeous home came from a garage sale, Craigslist or she and her hubby Tim made it with their own four hands. Now let’s meet Kara the handy homeowner herself:
And now that we have the formalities out of the way, let’s poke around inside. Kara built a faux fireplace to create a focal point and put her favorite saying on the mantle (do what you love) along with bringing in a lot of spendy looking pieces that she hunted down on the cheap. She even made those billowy and dramatic curtains from affordable Lowe’s drop cloths.
But our hands down favorite part of the dining room is Kara’s homemade mason jar chandelier. Stunning, no?
There used to be two walls cutting the kitchen and the dining room off from the living room so Kara decided to get rid of both of them to open up the space and make for easy entertaining. She even built the media console from the old kitchen cabinets that were torn out during the big expansion. Gotta love that use-whatcha-got spirit.
Sadly Kara’s kitchen cabinets weren’t salvageable (although we love that some of them got a second life as the green media console), so she opted for assemble-it-yourself cabinetry to save money. You’d never guess that it’s not custom though, right? We love everything from the glass fronted cabinets that flank the window above the sink to the concrete countertops that she and Tim poured themselves. Kara even made the pot rack from her home’s own reclaimed copper plumbing. And she turned a garage sale table into an island.
Bear in mind when you look at this stunning guest bathroom that this space actually had wallpaper in the shower! Insane. But it was nothing that Kara couldn’t handle. She brought in beautiful hardwood floors (and put marine grade poly on them, so water won’t be a problem), added custom built-ins, and even turned an old desk into a vanity (again topping it with a chic DIY concrete counter). And of course we love that she and her hubby did all the work themselves to keep down the cost.
Again, in the interest of saving money (we love this girl), Kara repainted her original bedroom dresser with a flower motif that mimics the flower pattern in her curtains. She also gussied up her old headboard by tufting and upholstering it.
And one of the most major changes in the space was adding this gorgeous glass door in the place of an old window, which now leads to a lovely private outdoor area. Life is good when you’re Kara.
We also love that she was able to increase the square footage of her bathroom by about 25 feet, but she visually expanded it by a lot more when she got rid of an old bulky vanity, brought in reflective white tile and added a glass shower screen for that open and airy feeling.
Here’s Kara’s “reading room” where she went for an exotic and worldly feeling with a bed nook for enjoying a book (or a nap) and a formerly black dresser that she amped up with colorful paint (love that Moroccan feel).
Everything from the padded pouf to the map on the wall of the reading nook adds to the worldly and well traveled feel. Which is perfectly appropriate for Kara since she actually lived in Lithuania for a while. Yes, yet another reason to be green with envy.
Kara wanted the guest room to have a rustic-yet-glamorous effect. And the corrugated tin headboard is the perfect combo of those two elements (she was inspired to whip it up herself after a trip to Lowe’s!). Touches of metallics, pops of yellow, and tons of texture really add to the space. And Kara figured why stop at making that amazing headboard when you can make the overhead light as well? So she did. We love the giant glowing orb, especially when it’s paired with those warm pops of yellow and the rustic wood wall.
And because we know you guys love a source list, here you go:
Dining Room- paint: Earl Gray (Lowe’s), chandelier: DIYed, table & bench & reupholstered chairs: garage sale, cowhide rug: side of the road stand, curtains: Lowe’s drop cloths, faux fireplace: built by Tim, mirror: DIYed frame + old bathroom mirror, purple pillows: Target, artwork: DIYed (she sells the Eye Charts). Living Room- paint: custom mix from leftover paint, roman shades: Home Depot, curtains: Target, armchairs: Target, media console: DIYed from old kitchen cabinets, sofa table: suitcases, coffee table/bench & sofa with slipcover: garage sale. Kitchen- cabinets: Home Depot’s self-assembled, beadboard color: Contemplation (Behr), kitchen island: garage sale, pot rack: made from copper plumbing (she also sells these), desk by the fridge: estate sale. Guest Bathroom- sconces: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, rug: Target, vanity: Craigslist desk, vessel sink: Craigslist, chevron towels: Ross, vanity shelf & bathtub caddy: IKEA. Reading Room- repainted dresser: Craigslist, rug & valance: garage sale, round pendant: Sam’s Club, red pouf: Pier 1. Main Bedroom- paint: Moonlite “something” (Glidden), flowery curtains: Target, yellow fabric: Walmart, chandelier: Habitat for Humanity Restore, nightstands: garage sales, concrete table: built by Tim. En-suite Bathroom- paint: “custom mix”, vanities: Lowe’s (painted & added glass inserts), glass shelves: Walmart, mirrors: Ross, vanity lights: Lowe’s. Guest Bedroom- paint: Prusian Cadet (Valspar), headboard: DIYed, bedding: Target, blanket: Walmart, stumps/side tables: mother nature.
So there you have Kara’s DIY palace. Doesn’t it look posh and expensive, even though it was anything but? We love that it’s full of doable DIY ideas that never look the least bit tacky or crafty. Thanks so much for inviting us into your lovely home Kara! And don’t forget to drop in on her blog for a lot more delectable DIY ideas. Now let’s play a little game we like to call what’s-your-favorite-thing? We’re totally torn between that amazing mason jar chandelier, the poured concrete counters or that brilliant tin headboard.
Psst- We’re always on the hunt for a mouthwatering house (or ten) to crash, so if you or anyone you know has a casa that’s feature-ready just shoot us an email along with some photos of the space and if we’re ever in the neighborhood we’ll be sure to drop in.
WOW! That house is so stunning! I agree, the mason jar chandeleir is incredible! I have seen similar things online but don’t want to ever pay the hefty price tag. I also love the thought of the drop-cloth curtains.
This home is such a great example of “eclectic” done right! Those bathrooms are gorgeous, but my favorite space is definitely the reading room. I’m sure I would always finish my book club books if I had that cool space to read in!
Holy Crap…this is the best house crash ever! I love everything and what I love most is that glam does not have to be expensive!
Oh my god…I’m in love with everything! Their home reflects such uniqueness and creativity and makes me hope that someday my home says as much about me as theirs does about them. Great house crash!
Sherry – Happy (belated) Mother’s Day to our favorite soon-to-be-mom/DIYer-extraordinaire!
I’m loving that guest bathroom! And envying the reading room. I can see my nieces loving a space like that for a sleepover!
omg–this is one of the best house crashes ever! My husband and I want to do a bathroom remodel and this master bath has the exact shower system i have been looking for, but only found in high-end design photos. Do you guys (or Kara, maybe this is for you)–know what that type of shower with glass wall is called–or even if there is a name for such a thing? Every bath shop I’ve asked seem to have no clue what I am talking about with a walk-in shower with glass wall. Also–WHERE does one get/order such a giant piece of glass?? Thanks soooo much in advance for your help. Your whole house is simply stunning!!
Great question Aimee. We’ve heard them referred to as frameless glass shower walls or doors, but here’s hoping Kara can drop in with more info about that (and where she got hers). Stay tuned…
xo,
s
I get the feeling that these people don’t sleep much. It’s like every object in every room is either a project or a find through hunting. Very cool house crash!
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/something-is-very-wrong/
I love how the mason jar light fixture makes those smokey reflections on the ceiling. My husband and I have the same sink as the one in her master bath except ours doesn’t have the glass panels…. I might have to figure out a way to switch our doors out like that.
Wow! What a beautiful home! It’s so hard to pick one, favorite thing, but if forced to choose, I’d have to say, that I NEED THAT MIRROR in the dining room!
Dear Kara,
You’re not far from my neck of the Kansas woods. Please, please feel free to come work your magic on my house ANY time you get bored. I pay in eternal gratitude, pizza, bear, and paper products (yes, dollars!)…seriously, I’d really love it if you wanted to!!!
This house is 100% amazing! Kara and her husband have done and excellent job! I love the great mix of modern and old world and country.
Wow! This woman is an artist, you can really see that throughout her entire house. My favorite (besides the entire dining room, rug to ceiling) is the stenciled bedroom dresser … or was that painted on free hand? So cool! How’d you do that Kara?
This house is SO adorable and chic. I love that its eclectic without being messy or cluttered. Great pick to house crash! You now have me hooked on another blog!
http://www.thesouthernnest.blogspot.com
I love that readnig room! I want one of my own!
Woweeee! Do I love this house crash…
I especially love Kara’s amazing use of color throughout their home. It’s just perfect. Bravo!
I love everything about this house. And it’s positively inspirational that they did so much of it themselves- so many clever things! Looks great!
I love Kara’s blog!! Congrats girl!
Ah-mazing! Kara has a gorgeous home. I love the fun decorating style that is both creative and beautiful while still feeliing cozy and lived-in.
That is one of the most beautiful eclectic-style homes I’ve ever seen! I feel like I would have to go to design school for a few years to pull any of that off!
SWOON ~ Wow….just so creative. I’d really enjoy learning how to make the jar light fixture…any chance you could post a DIY link or tips on how to?
Thanks a ton….and what a gorgeous space you have created!
I love the seriously creative streak in this house – it’s not an As Seen In type design, yet it’s every bit as lovely.
ok I LOVE the corrugated tin headboard! Genious!! The master bath is amazing as well! Great job!!
I am officially drooling at everything from that gorgeous dresser redo to the headboard made of galvanized metal. Seriously, this is what my dream home would look like. Everything in Kara’s home is so….me! And would you believe I JUST had a poster printed with that exact same quote for my office nook (Do what you love what you do)? Awesome!
AWESOME house crash! They are so creative. Their house is stunning!
I am in love with the mason jar light fixture! My partner, however, is skeptical. She wonders what it looks like with the lights turned off. I know that would probably be a photography nightmare, but if there is a way to get a picture, that would be awesome!
I love the picture and the round mirrors or medallions hung in front of the dining room curtains and window. And I love the big painting with the twigs leaning against it on the bedroom console. And how how HOW did she do that wooden bedroom wall?? Also, are the edges of that corrugated metal headboard sharp, or did she smooth them down somehow?
Beautiful! Especially love the chandelier and bathrooms!
I have no words for how wonderful this is. I will have to spend some serious time tonight checking this out from home!
Love this house. Love it. It is the look I’m aspiring to in my new house. My favorite is the Mason jar lighting…I saw something similar in Ready Made magazine and my boyfriend is planning to make some for us when we get to the kitchen remodel.
Gorgeous!
I love Kara’s blog. I’ve been following it for awhile and LOVE what she comes up with. I’m bummed you guys didn’t mention the awesome “inlaid wood” rug in her entry way she cut herself out of a faux wood linoleum piece I think. Of course, you can only cover so much in a post right? But everyone should seriously check out her blog. She’s super creative all over the place.
Her reading room is amazing! I just want to pick it up & put it in my house, well done!!
Oh, the link for her head board how-to gave me an error..
Hey Amanda,
Ack! Kara just moved her blog, so some of our links are now broken. Kara if you stop in, feel free to comment with the new urls so people can follow them over to see specific projects!
xo,
s
hi there!! Incredible house crash.. great pick guys!! What a truly unigue and gorgeous home!! I was trying to email them but there contact button isnt letting me? Any idea what their email is (if they would like to share)? Thnaks
I am speechless. This home is fantastic and so creative! Kara, you are awesome! Youngsters – Thanks for sharing such an inspiring home.
Holy gorgeous bathroom, Kara! Gorgeous!!! I’m heading over to the blog now to check out how you pulled that rabbit outta yer hat!
xoxo,
Lindsay
Wow – super creative! It’s amazing that virtually all of their house was DIYed and fixed up stuff. It’s looks straight out of a catalog!
On a completely unrelated topic – when you painted your bathrooms, did you use Kilz primer to fend off mold and mildew on the walls? Our apt has a tiny poorly ventilated bathroom and we are repainting it. We’re hoping after the repaint the mold won’t come back. Thanks for any help!
Hey Christin,
We actually have an overhead fan in our bathroom which is the key to keeping mold and mildew at bay (ventilation is so important!). We never use Kilz in the bathroom (and are unsure if that would even effect the mold/mildew situation) and just rely on semi-gloss paint which is more tolerant than flat paint when it comes to a wet environment. As for your walls, if you have mold on them already, you have to effectively get rid of it completely before painting (or even priming) because it’ll just come back through if you don’t. Good luck!
xo,
s
what color is the guest bathroom?? i LOVE it!
This house is amazing. Now, I am inspired to DIY somethings in my house too!
I LOVE Kara’s descriptions in the source list. Moonlite something sounds like a lovely paint color!
Actually, I noticed that most of the walls are painted grey, which really helps everything else take center stage.
Not everything is for me, but I can appreciate when people put their own stamp on things!
Hey Everyone!!! Thanks so much for your kind words, they really make a girl feel good! Just yesterday I switched from Made2Create to karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com so please go to the new address to check out more of my work. Below are some answers to all your questions!
Aimee,
The “glass wall” in the shower is called a “shower screen.” You can call a local glass company to get a quote (search glass company at yellowbook.com). Adding a door drives the cost way up so that’s why we opted for the screen.
Liz,
It is true, our vanities were nothing special, bought very cheaply from Lowes, but we made them look custom my removing the center of the doors and replacing them with glass we also bought from Lowes (they cut it to the size we needed right in the store. Then we added the “frosting” (which is leftover energy film we had, also from Lowes).
Patti,
To create the flower on the dresser I: painted the front of the dresser yellow and let it dry, covered the front of the dresser in painter’s tape, drew the shape of the flower (freehand) on top of the tape, used an exacto knife tracing the lines I had just made which allowed me to remove the extra tape but leave the flower graphic. Then I painted the entire dresser the gray color. Last I removed the tape to reveal the yellow flower.
Stacy Jean,
Here is the link for a DIY on the mason jar chandelier. But I caution it is quite the project.
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/diy-mason-jar-chandelier.html
I also sell the chandeliers if you’re interested.
Celestia,
The chandelier is not quite as pretty with the lights off, but it is still very stylish in my opinion. I will try to post a pic of it later.
Christine,
The wood covered wall in the guest bedroom was created with reclaimed wooden fence pickets. Tim and I simply used finish nails to attach them to the wall. Then I painted some white.
If anyone is interested in the inlaid wood rug Tara was talking about, here is the link:
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-impressions.html
For the tufted headboard, here is the link:
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/12/tufted-headboard-how-ton.html
and continued here:
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/12/tufted-headboard-how-to-continued.html
For the kitchen island redo:
http://karapaslaydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/04/kitchen-island-total-transformation.html
And if you have any more questions shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]
Thanks so much for stopping in with that info for everyone Kara!
xoxo,
s
LOVE IT!! Especially the kitchen island and the silver headboard! I’d love to know how the headboard was made… :) Great job Kara!!
Ooh – Love the curtains! And the self-poured countertops. Would love some how-to on both of those…
HOLY S***. I’m stunned! The master bedroom and the bathroom are my favorites!
I love the mason jars chandelier!
I love that light fixture in their dining room, definitely the “show stopper.” The shower looks great too! So spa-like!
Oh my gosh!!!!!! I want to rip off her whole house! I’m totally doing that mason jar chandelier and the concrete countertops and…the list goes on. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
I loved loved this house. MY favorite things would be the door she added in the bedroom (I’ve been trying to figure out a way to do that to a window in my house), the bathroom is GORGEOUS and everything is fabulous! Couldn’t even tell these things were DIY. Great Great Great.
I LOVE the mason jar chandelier! Since we live on a farm and do a lot of canning, it would be so perfect for our dining room! I’ve never heard of making such a thing, so will definitely check out Kara’s blog!
Oh my word! What a fabulous house. I’m blown away by all of their DIY projects. Thanks for sharing!
I love how her place is so boldly individual, interesting and unusual without being over the top (moss-covered walls, anybody)? I would love to have this kind of unapologetic vision for my own place – but in the meantime I’m grateful to you and Kara for sharing it with us here!
Just read the how-to for the curtains using the iron-on hem tape, and I was wondering if the hem tape is strong enough for heavier fabrics like the drop cloth Kara used?
The heavy duty stuff should work if you follow the package directions to the letter. Good luck!
xo,
s