Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools

Timeless and tranquil interior design is my favorite and the primary focus of this blog, but it takes a whole lotta noise, labor, dust, and even chaos at times to arrive at those peaceful interiors that bring comfort to the everyday. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools is a look at some of the goodness in our toolbox.

Detail of white oak hardwood floor in farmhouse style master bedroom in Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper
Hello Lovely Studio – Master Bedroom. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

“Wish that sugarplum fairy would put more POWER TOOLS and tips for DUST BUSTING on her sweet little blog.”

– said no follower of Hello Lovely in the history of visually driven decor inspiration blogs.

Stories about hand sanders and grime removers are a tough sell ’round these parts.

But today’s post is grounded in reality, folks.

before of master bedroom in Hello Lovely Studio's fixer upper
Master bedroom in progress. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools

Renovation tools simply cannot usher us into more peaceful realms of grace the way a white wabi sabi tranquil salon in the English countryside can.

Peaceful white Scandinavian style room by Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote.
Design: Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote. Photo: The Beach Studios – see more HERE.

Or can they?

during installation of stikwood statement wall in master bedroom of Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper
Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

With a dash of creativity and a pretty little pivot, perhaps our divine imaginations may be provoked to see the lovely not merely beyond the noise, but within its music.

And should you be a new kid on the block here, questioning what sort of cuckoo site weaves spiritual metaphors into ‘tools you may need for renovation’ stories, may I just say: welcome, ma cherie.

YOU HAVE ARRIVED.

*giggle and peace fingers*

Welcome to ONE-OFF-WONDERLAND…sprinkled in renovation fairy dust and unexpected LOVELY.

Tools of the trade for this real life renovator? Well, there is one particular standout that gets plugged in but remains quiet.

I need it to shop, for inspiration, how-to’s, video tutorials, and everything Googlewonderful.

I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

HP Elitebook
My touchscreen, light as a feather laptop: HP Elitebook Folio G1

Of course we need a receptacle for tools. How about a new one that looks old…oui?

Old Fashioned 17" Tool Box
Old Fashioned Tool Box. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

Let’s explore a few hardworking renovator essentials, whether your poison is a power saw, paint roller, or something pink and pretty.

Pink and pretty? Hmmmm. I approve.

39 Piece General Household Hand Tool Kit
Pink Tool Kit. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

What’s in our toolbox?

1. The usual suspects.

In my own toolbox, you’ll find: a handsome vintage hammer with amazing patina worthy of a devoted blog post, finishing nails, paint color decks, trowels, paint brushes, tape measures, and emergency xanax. But my #1 favorite tool costs about $6 and helps me transform everything…

I LOVE THIS PAINT BRUSH and have been buying them for years. For me, it is inexpensive enough to use even for projects that wreck the bristles by the end. For example, I just painted old wood shutters last week – getting into the louvers and so many rough edges caused the paintbrush to take a beating. However, spray painting these just would not have delivered the look I wanted. You’ll see the painted shutters soon if ever I finish the guest bedrooms here!

French inspired courtyard by Hello Lovely Studio
Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

The heavy lifting and most demo is executed by my better half, whose imagination was ignited by our fixer upper which we began tackling in 2015.

Exterior of Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper
Hello Lovely Studio’s Fixer Upper. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.

2. DIY Home Essential.

If you need something portable and powerful for ripping and roaring into home improvement, this may cut the mustard.

Table Saw: FIND HERE.

3. Crew of Housekeepers.

With a whole house DIY renovation, there has been more clean up on aisle three than I can say. Dude. I can’t live without my Dyson and wet/dry vac.

Dyson Vacuum
Dyson Vacuum. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.
12 Gallon Wet/Dry Mini Vacuum
Wet Dry Vac: FIND HERE.

4. Because the right tools save time, sanity, and sore musucles.

The most important tool my husband has turned to  for our whole house DIY renovation? Well, a NAIL GUN is key. Here are some other essentials, and if you care to learn about renovation mistakes to avoid, see THIS.

Hand Sander: FIND HERE.
Cordless Rotary Tool: FIND HERE

5. Painting Supplies

A paint sprayer saved us so much time when we painted ceilings, garage doors, and a bunch of outdoor furniture. Canvas dropcloths have saved my floors from my clumsy DIY adventuring more times than I can count!

9 x 12 All Purpose Canvas Cotton Drop Cloth
Cotton Canvas Dropcloth, 9’x12′: FIND HERE.
Premium Paint Kit: FIND HERE.

Before & After

Have a look at what determination, labor, and  hardworking tools can bring back to life.

Before pic of courtyard in Hello Lovely Studio's fixer upper
BEFORE
Knotty alder front door (Pacific Entries) and country courtyard by Hello Lovely Studio
AFTER: We gutted the entire courtyard with the exception of the Burning Bush (right), brought in a few plants and pea gravel, and upgraded the front door with a knotty alder beauty RIGHT HERE. Find the French Tolix style metal bistro chair RIGHT HERE.
Rustic stone wall in French inspired courtyard by Hello Lovely Studio
Tools required: shovels, wheelbarrow, tamper, and muscles. Here is a garden bench similar to ours: RIGHT HERE.
BEFORE
Front entry with knotty alder door, vintage table, and vintage French prayer chair - Hello Lovely Studio
Tools required: drill, paintbrush, paint roller, carpet stretcher, and saw. Peaceful Interiors: DIY Essential Tools. Come take a peek at our fixer upper and discover a few of the renovation tools and home improvement supplies we rely upon to make things pretty and peaceful.
BEFORE. Nothing you see here stayed in the room, but every single item was re-used in the home, even the salvageable water damaged maple flooring.
Modern farmhouse kitchen with apron front farm sink and marble subway tile by Hello Lovely Studio
Exact Fireclay Sink: 30″ Similar Fireclay Farm Sink. Exact Kohler Parq Kitchen Faucet: FIND HERE.
before of catwalk at Hello Lovely Studio's fixer upper
Renovation Reality, Folks!
before of master bedroom in Hello Lovely Studio's fixer upper
Master Bedroom During Renovation
Master bedroom with Stikwood wood plank wall and knotty alder door in Hello Lovely Studio fixer upper
AFTER. Find knotty rustic alder interior door options RIGHT HERE.. The wall is covered with Stikwood (Hamptons) you can FIND HERE. Lamps: Paris Gate (RH).
Master bedroom with white oak flooring and knotty alder doors - Hello Lovely Studio
Hello Lovely Studio – Master Bedroom. Find knotty rustic alder interior door options RIGHT HERE..
Before pic of living room at fixer upper - Hello Lovely Studio
BEFORE: Living Room
Belgian style living room with linen upholstery, white oak flooring, and stone fireplace - Hello Lovely Studio
Hello Lovely Studio – Living Room. Find fireplace surround optons RIGHT HERE.
Demo of living room floor in fixer upper by Hello Lovely Studio
BEFORE: Living Room
AFTER
Living room and hallway to kitchen in fixer upper by Hello Lovely
AFTER

I love looking back at the “before” to remember how far we have come with this place!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
Antique Brass Floor Lamp
Helmsley Bronze Door Hardware
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Laurel Wreath Mirror
San Jose Handleset for Front Door
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Silver End Table
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Knotty Alder Interior Door
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Alabaster 30″ Lamp
Louis Ghost Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Linen Dining Chair
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
PARIS Framed Print
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
Tulip Style Modern Round Dining Table
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Holborn Lantern Pendant
Tray Side Table
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Bridge Kitchen Faucet (Stainless)
Jute Area Rug
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
Venetian Etched Mirror (24″ x 36″)
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Polished Carrara Subway Tile
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Antiqued Sunburst Mirror
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Round Marble Side Table
Linen Slipcover Dining Chair
Wicker Patio Chair
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing

HAVE A FAVORITE TOOL ESSENTIAL IN YOUR ARSENAL OF TRICKS??????

See more of our home right here.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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8 Comments

  1. Caroline McCleod
    October 22, 2018 / 8:05 am

    Hello Michele,

    We are in the final stages of our new build.
    I’ve learned so much from your Blog.
    I have especially enjoyed the techniques you passed on used by Brooke Giannetti.

    We took your suggestions of using Alder doors to add warmth and character to the interior.
    We copied a design from an Antique French Door and used them throughout. The result is stunning! Currently they are in an unfinished state. Could you suggest a finish to protect them without much change to their appearance?

    Thank you,
    Caroline McCleod

    • michele
      Author
      October 22, 2018 / 1:07 pm

      Wow! I am completely intrigued! How exciting to be building! I will have to check with my better half about the finish we used for our own alder doors. It was a painstaking process trying to choose, and I bought all sorts of products and experimented on natural alder wood pieces. What we wanted was to avoid the ambering which you get from any sort of finish. We used a clear, matte finish after deciding that bleaching/greying/whitewashing would be difficult and time consuming as we wanted them all to be uniform. The other factor was how they looked with the existing natural white oak hardwoods. One suggestion I found online but never did try was using a flat clear paint base to which pigments are added to. Apparently, a designer who used such a product was able to get the natural wood finish she desired without a darkened or ambered effect. I’ll circle back when I have the name of the product – but it was probably right off the shelf and a popular brand. 🙂

      • Joanna
        October 22, 2018 / 2:27 pm

        I would be interested n that product, as well.

        • michele
          Author
          October 22, 2018 / 6:13 pm

          Okay! 🙂

  2. October 22, 2018 / 12:53 pm

    Great advice Michele! You have created such a peaceful and inviting sanctuary in your home. Hats off to you!

    • michele
      Author
      October 22, 2018 / 1:00 pm

      Thanks so much, Holly. My husband should be taking the reins on posts like these, but I muddle through and try to share some practical info since it is all the stuff hidden under the pretty that demands so much work and thought! 🙂

  3. Elizabeth Kilmer
    October 24, 2018 / 1:13 pm

    Oh my gosh, THANK YOU for being a blogger with the guts to show the warts of a remodel/renovation. It’s a messy, unattractive, insane period of time. No one in “Blogland” every shows the glamour of doing the dishes in the bathroom sink for a week while the new kitchen goes in…Blessings to you for being authentic and brave!!!

    -Elizabeth

    • michele
      Author
      October 24, 2018 / 1:31 pm

      Ha! I don’t know if it’s brave or naive (both taking on a whole house DIY reno and blogging about it!). Thank you for this lovely encouragement – I so appreciate it. xox

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing