When Kara of Made 2 Create invited us to feature her Tulsa, Oklahoma home, we couldn’t resist—even if the visit had to be virtual. Her house is a remarkable example of thoughtful design on a budget: nearly every piece was found at a garage sale or on Craigslist, or built by Kara and her husband Tim. The result is warm, stylish and full of personality. Here’s a closer look at their handiwork and smart design choices.
Kara created a cozy focal point in the living room with a faux fireplace and a simple mantle display that reflects her philosophy: “do what you love.” Many of the room’s most polished pieces were hunted down inexpensively, and Kara even sewed dramatic, billowy curtains from affordable drop cloths. The space feels curated and elegant without the high price tag.
One standout in the dining room is Kara’s homemade mason jar chandelier—an inventive DIY fixture that feels both rustic and refined. It’s a perfect example of how a single custom element can elevate an entire room.
To open up the home for better flow and entertaining, Kara removed two dividing walls between the kitchen, dining room and living room. From the old kitchen cabinets they salvaged, she built a media console—another clever reuse that keeps materials out of the landfill while adding character to the living space.
The kitchen itself required more extensive work after the original cabinets were deemed unsalvageable. To save money, Kara chose ready-to-assemble cabinetry, but the finish reads high-end: glass-front cabinets flank the sink, and the couple poured their own concrete countertops for a modern, durable look. Reclaimed copper plumbing became a custom pot rack, and a rescued garage-sale table was repurposed as the island. These thoughtful touches create a kitchen that feels unique and intentional.
The guest bathroom demonstrates Kara’s ability to transform a difficult starting point—this space once had wallpaper in the shower—into something beautiful and functional. They installed hardwood floors sealed with marine-grade polyurethane for water resistance, added built-in storage, and converted an old desk into a vanity topped with a sleek DIY concrete counter. Every choice reflects a balance of style, practicality and budget-conscious DIY.
In the primary bedroom, Kara updated an original dresser with painted floral details that echo her curtain fabric and reupholstered the headboard to create a cohesive, feminine look without buying new furniture. A major architectural change was swapping an old window for a glass door, which now opens to a private outdoor area—bringing light and a stronger connection to the outdoors.
The en-suite bathroom was expanded modestly in square footage, but the visual impact is much greater: a bulky vanity was removed, white reflective tile brightens the room, and a glass shower screen keeps the space feeling open and airy.
Kara’s “reading room” embraces an exotic, worldly vibe. A cozy bed nook invites reading or napping, and a once-black dresser was transformed with vibrant paint for an appealing Moroccan feel. Accessories like a padded pouf and a map on the wall enhance the travel-inspired atmosphere—appropriate, since Kara has lived abroad herself.
The guest bedroom balances rustic and glamorous elements. Kara crafted a corrugated tin headboard for a textured, industrial touch and paired it with metallic accents, warm yellow pops, and layered textures. She also made an oversized pendant light to complement the headboard and the reclaimed wood accent wall, reinforcing the room’s intentional mix of materials.
For readers who enjoy sources, here’s what Kara shared about where pieces came from and how they were finished:
Dining Room—paint: Earl Gray (Lowe’s); chandelier: DIY; table, bench & reupholstered chairs: garage sale; cowhide rug: roadside find; curtains: Lowe’s drop cloths; faux fireplace: built by Tim; mirror: DIY frame + old mirror; pillows: Target; artwork: DIY (she offers some for sale).
Living Room—paint: custom mix from leftover paint; roman shades: Home Depot; curtains: Target; armchairs: Target; media console: built from old kitchen cabinets; sofa table: repurposed suitcases; coffee table/bench & sofa: garage sale.
Kitchen—cabinets: ready-to-assemble from Home Depot; beadboard paint: Contemplation (Behr); island: garage sale; pot rack: made from reclaimed copper plumbing; desk by fridge: estate sale.
Guest Bathroom—sconces: Habitat for Humanity ReStore; rug: Target; vanity: Craigslist desk; vessel sink: Craigslist; towels: Ross; vanity shelf & bathtub caddy: IKEA.
Reading Room—repainted dresser: Craigslist; rug & valance: garage sale; pendant: Sam’s Club; pouf: Pier 1.
Main Bedroom—paint: Glidden custom; curtains: Target; chandelier: Habitat for Humanity Restore; nightstands: garage sale; concrete table: built by Tim. En-suite Bathroom—paint: custom mix; vanities: Lowe’s (refinished with painted fronts and glass inserts); glass shelves: Walmart; mirrors: Ross; vanity lights: Lowe’s.
Guest Bedroom—paint: Prussian Cadet (Valspar); headboard: DIY; bedding: Target; blanket: Walmart; stump side tables: natural wood finds.
Kara and Tim’s home proves that creativity, resourcefulness and hands-on work can produce a polished, cohesive result without breaking the bank. The house is full of practical DIY ideas that look intentional rather than “crafted,” and each room reflects a clear design vision. We’re grateful they shared their home—and we’re still debating whether the mason jar chandelier, the poured concrete counters, or the tin headboard is our favorite.
Psst—If you or someone you know has a home that’s ripe for a feature, send photos and a note. We’re always looking for inspiring, well-executed interiors to showcase.