When Kara of Made 2 Create invited us to feature her Tulsa, Oklahoma home, we couldn’t resist—even if we had to do it virtually. Her house is a masterclass in smart, stylish DIY: most pieces were found at garage sales or Craigslist, repurposed from old materials, or built by Kara and her husband Tim. The result is a warm, lived-in home that looks far more expensive than it actually was. Meet Kara, the crafty homeowner:
Inside, Kara created a cozy focal point by building a faux fireplace and styling the mantle with her favorite mantra—do what you love. She mixes high-end looks with bargain finds and DIY touches, like dramatic, billowy curtains made from inexpensive Lowe’s drop cloths.
One standout in the dining room is Kara’s handmade mason jar chandelier—simple, clever, and stunning.
To open up the main living areas for easier entertaining, Kara removed two walls between the kitchen, dining room, and living room. She reused old kitchen cabinets to build the green media console—a great example of maximizing resources and reducing waste.
The kitchen had some challenges—original cabinets were beyond repair—so Kara chose budget-friendly, assemble-it-yourself cabinetry from Home Depot. The result looks custom, with glass-front cabinets flanking the sink, self-poured concrete countertops by Kara and Tim, a reclaimed copper pot rack, and an island repurposed from a garage-sale table.
The guest bathroom had its own makeover—Kara removed wallpaper that was even inside the shower, installed hardwood floors sealed with marine-grade poly to protect against moisture, added built-ins, and converted an old desk into a vanity topped with a DIY concrete counter. These solutions are practical, attractive, and budget-conscious.
In the master bedroom, Kara updated an original dresser with a painted floral motif to echo her curtain pattern and reupholstered the headboard for a fresh look—affordable updates that add big style.
A major transformation was replacing an old window with a beautiful glass door that opens to a private outdoor space—an inviting change that enhances indoor-outdoor flow.
Kara expanded the bathroom footprint by about 25 square feet and made it feel even larger by removing a bulky vanity, installing reflective white tile, and adding a glass shower screen for an open, airy atmosphere.
The reading room takes on an exotic, worldly vibe with a snug bed nook and a repainted dresser that channels a Moroccan flair. The space includes layered textures like a padded pouf and a decorative map—details that hint at travel and adventure.
Kara lived in Lithuania for a while, so the global accents and curated pieces feel authentic and meaningful. The reading nook reflects that sense of story and discovery.
The guest bedroom strikes a balance between rustic and glamorous. A corrugated tin headboard adds texture and edge, while metallic accents, warm yellow pops, and a rustic wood wall create a cozy, sophisticated mix. Kara even crafted the oversized glowing pendant to complete the look.
To help you replicate some of Kara’s ideas, here’s a concise sourcing summary for each main space (paints, furnishings, and notable DIYs):
Dining Room- paint: Earl Gray (Lowe’s); DIY chandelier; table, bench, reupholstered chairs: garage sale; cowhide rug: roadside find; curtains: Lowe’s drop cloths; faux fireplace: built by Tim; mirror: DIY frame; artwork: DIY (Kara sells Eye Charts). Living Room- paint: custom mix from leftovers; roman shades: Home Depot; curtains & armchairs: Target; media console: built from old kitchen cabinets; sofa table: vintage suitcases; coffee table/bench & sofa: garage sale finds. Kitchen- cabinets: self-assembled (Home Depot); beadboard color: Contemplation (Behr); island: garage sale; pot rack: reclaimed copper plumbing; desk: estate sale. Guest Bathroom- sconces: Habitat for Humanity ReStore; vanity: Craigslist desk; vessel sink: Craigslist; towels: Ross; shelving & caddy: IKEA. Reading Room- dresser: repainted Craigslist find; rug & valance: garage sale; pendant: Sam’s Club; pouf: Pier 1. Main Bedroom- paint: Glidden custom; curtains: Target; chandelier: Habitat Restore; nightstands: garage sales; concrete table: built by Tim. En-suite Bathroom- painted custom mix; vanities: Lowe’s (modified with glass inserts); shelving: Walmart; mirrors: Ross. Guest Bedroom- paint: Prussian Cadet (Valspar); DIY headboard; bedding: Target; side tables: natural stumps.
Kara’s home proves that thoughtful design, creativity, and elbow grease can transform a modest budget into a polished, unique space. It’s full of approachable DIY ideas that feel intentional rather than homemade. Thanks to Kara and Tim for sharing their home—and for inspiring practical, beautiful projects that anyone can try.
We’re always searching for homes with personality to feature. If you or someone you know has a standout house and photos to share, send them our way and we may feature it in a future tour.