I may have mentioned before that I find a lot of great decor inspiration in model homes. Even if you don’t live in an area where builders are opening their models for you to visit, there’s plenty of opportunities for taking virtual tours. For the last few years, Hiya Papaya has been posting gorgeous photos of the Utah Parade of Homes, and I love seeing the rooms in those houses so much that I’ve gone through the archives to feast on as much eye candy as possible! That’s where I came across this room Hiya Papaya photographed for designer Lindy Allen of Four Chairs Furniture. It’s a den/office that has some terrific details.
Texture takes a starring role in the pretty seating area of this office. Nubby grasscloth walls, smooth glass mirrors, soft couch cushions, and weathered wood side tables provide a variety of contrasting textures that add tons of visual interest to a fairly simple space. Very cool, right?
Some of the details that make this room beautiful are definitely DIY-able. I’ve found five good tutorials to share with you that will help you achieve a similar look for less.
1. Oversized Canvas Art
Love the look of wrapped canvas art pieces, but hate the price? Joyfolie offers a how-to for getting the same effect without spending a ton of money.
2. Grasscloth Walls
No need to hire a pricey professional–Our Fifth House applied grasscloth in the den and lived to tell the tale. Lots of tips and pictures, there.
3. Fabric Rosette Pillow
Fabric rosettes give pillows a little more dimension. Learn how to make a similar pillow at Trey and Lucy.
4. Weathered Wood Accent Tables
The talented Ana White comes through with plans and instructions for tables almost exactly like the ones pictured.
5. Tall Green Lamps
The pop of green from the two lamps in my inspiration photo really frames this seating area. A House in Holland achieved a similar look with lamps from Goodwill.
Doesn’t this look like a great place to curl up with a good book? Have you seen any good tutorials for other elements in this space, like the framed mirror? Share them with us in the comments!
Sign up for your FREE ebook here!

Enter your email address and learn how I built a 6-figure business with no one watching. And you can too!