If you’re a homeowner who’s about to embark on a home improvement project, looking to redecorate, or would like to add or replace furniture, but you’re finding it difficult to choose the specific products or materials, then hopefully this post will help spark some creativity. There are a variety of popular woodworking projects or items that just might fit the bill.

Something a lot of people think of when renovating a kitchen or bathroom, but rarely think of elsewhere in the house, are cabinets. But elegant cabinetry, whether built-in or free-standing, can completely change the look of your living space, dining room, or even bedroom. As a matter of fact, it can give your house that regal touch.

While old standards like oak, maple, or birch are often chosen to make wooden cabinets, due to their strength and durability, there are more and more artisans choosing less common materials like hickory or cherry, looking for more unique woodgrain, color, or texture. There are even more exotic choices of wood like teak or bamboo, for those who really want to stray from the rest of the pack.

The thing to really think about when choosing your materials is what traits are most important to you? Some woods, like Maple, are more impact-resistant than others. Some, like cumaru, are less apt to scorch than others, when you place a hot pan or pot on them. Some, like oak, can be drastically heavier than others; something that’s important if what you’re building is stand-alone and might be moved often. Woods like teak wood can be more water-resistant than others. Some have a tight, straight grain, while others have a wider or wavy grain, while still others have knots that can add their own appeal, depending upon your tastes. Of course, something that’s always a concern is budget. Some materials are quite affordable, while many imported woods can be downright expensive. Only you can truly determine what features and benefits of each material are significant to you.

Of course, I’ve been talking about cabinetry, but that’s only one possibility among many. In a dining room or breakfast nook, a table and chairs might make an interesting and possibly challenging project. The possibilities there alone are varied, from elegant to rustic to quaint. In a dining area, a handcrafted sideboard could be not only functional but also exhibit artistic brilliance. In a kitchen, a butcher block island is a popular choice. In the bedroom, an armoire, wardrobe, dresser, or dressing bench could set a relaxed ambiance. Throughout the house, something as simple as curtain rods can be a quick and easy project, but accent the overall look of a room quite well. Throughout the house, doors and doorways can add flair, be they antique, ornate, etc. Some true craftsmen even create pieces that are purely aesthetic, like wooden sculptures, statues, figurines, etc. On the porch outside or in the yard, projects like a picnic table, a bench, or a swing could let you enjoy some outdoor time. Speaking of outside, a wooden deck can be something small that you could knock out in a day, or a huge endeavor that could take you and some buddies a couple weekends.

The possibilities are almost endless. I realize I haven’t given you any specific details in this article, but that wasn’t my intention anyway. Hopefully I’ve at least given you some ideas, and caused you to brainstorm some ideas of your own. Later I’ll post additional, more specific ideas. Until then, happy woodworking!