A collage showcasing the best of trendy interior and exterior designs. Features include modern bedrooms, a living area with vaulted ceilings, a hot tub with balloons, a stairway adorned with sleek decor, and a cozy outdoor patio illuminated by string lights.
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Best of 2021 | Top 10

ByLisa

We only have one day left in 2021 and for many people, that is great news! We all had high hopes for 2021 and for some the reality fell a bit short. While I wouldn’t say we are back to normal, we have made progress. Like last year, this year was full of challenges but I love having the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. And let me tell you, this year I learned a lot especially when it comes to my building/construction skills! And I hope you have learned from me along the way!  So let’s take a look back at the best of 2021 with my top 10 posts of the year. Collage of interior and exterior design photos titled "Best of 2021" and "Top 10 posts." Features cozy rooms, stylish staircases, a modern kitchen, outdoor spaces with string lights, and home decor.

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Best of 2021 | Top 10

10. DIY Art Ledge

A modern living room features a gray sofa adorned with patterned cushions. A sleek, angular coffee table, worthy of a 2021 Best of design list, holds books, a tray, and a plant. Above, a shelf showcases framed artwork in various sizes and styles. A floor lamp stands to the side.

My DIY Art Ledge came in at number ten this year. This project was not only an easy one, but it made a HUGE impact to my family room design. I am constantly swapping out the art for the seasons and changing things up. If you are looking for an easy way to display art in your home at an affordable price, this one is a must try. Best of all, it came with free printables! 

9. IKEA Kallax Hack

A modern sideboard with wooden doors and black metal legs, part of the Best of 2021 collection. On top, there's a decorative plant in a gray pot with a wooden stand, a black vase, and framed artwork featuring a geometric star pattern. A textured wall panel serves as the backdrop.

You all know I love IKEA and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to transform a mainstream staple like the Kallax! I am obsessed with how this this piece turned out and  it was a fairly easy hack. Best of all, you love it as much as I do! Warning, if you try this you may become just as addicted to pole wrap as I am now, haha! Spoiler alert, you will definitely be seeing more of it in 2022 😉  

8. DIY Built In Bunk Beds

A modern, cozy bedroom showcasing the best of 2021 design with two white bunk beds against a dark green accent wall. Each bed is adorned with black and white bedding. The room includes sleek wooden furniture, a patterned rug, and a ceiling fan with elegant wooden blades.

Just over a month ago I finished my third One Room Challenge transforming our guest room into a modern boho bunk room! Building in bunk beds was definitely a new skill and it challenged me in so many ways. But in the end, I learned SO much and I couldn’t be happier with how these DIY built in bunk beds turned out! Full tutorial coming soon! 😉 

7. DIY Cable Railing Full Tutorial

A modern living room with a high ceiling and exposed beams, embodying the best of comfort in 2021. Features include a gray sectional sofa, a fireplace with a TV above, a coffee table, and decorative accents. Natural light filters through large windows, highlighting an inviting space.

In the Fall of 2020 I set out to makeover our family room for the One Room Challenge and high on the list of priorities was taking down this wall between the kitchen and family room. I am still amazed every day when I see what a huge difference this DIY Cable Railing has made to our main living space! I put together a full tutorial for you this year so you can turn your dated railing into this modern cable railing! 

6. DIY Modern Stair Treads & Risers

Voted "Best of 2021," this modern staircase boasts light wood steps against a pristine white wall, complemented by a sleek black handrail. Adjacent is a striking black front door with a vertical window. A potted plant on a step adds vitality to the elegant space.

Coming in at number six is definitely one of my favorites of 2021, our stair makeover! I desperately wanted square modern treads like this for YEARS! And I finally figured out how to do it! They add a modern updated feel and I am so glad I decided to keep them natural to layer in another wood element. I detailed the whole process in case you want to give it a try too. We will be addressing the other five stairs to our family room this year, so stay tuned for that 😉 

5. Linen Closet Organization with IKEA Trofast

A neatly organized closet, named Best of 2021, features black and white baskets on top shelves, white folded towels in the middle, and transparent storage bins with labels on the bottom. A potted plant sits next to the open door, revealing a dark interior.

Tis the season to organize! And that is exactly what I did with our out of control linen closet during 2021. One of my ongoing goals in life is to be more organized because messes stress me out. It should come as no surprise I turned to my favorite Swedish retailer to corral all the products and linens this closet houses. I also labeled everything which means even Barry can find what he is looking for in here, haha! So if organization is on your to do list, you need to check this one out 😉 

4. Stock Tank Pool Deck Tutorial

Wooden steps lead to an inflatable pool adorned with two unicorn floaties, earning it a spot in the "Best of 2021" backyard designs. A gravel path surrounds the area, bordered by a wooden fence and lush greenery. Potted plants with colorful flowers enhance the vibrant outdoor setting.

You asked and I delivered! Our stock tank pool deck tutorial was definitely a fan favorite in 2021. When we decided to add this mini pool, building a deck around it was definitely a must for us. It is perfect for lounging in the summer and getting your tan on. This year I broke down all the details on how we built it in my full tutorial. Start planning now and have your stock tank pool deck ready to go for summer! 

3. Modern Hallway Design

A modern hallway, reminiscent of 2021's best designs, features white wainscoting with black upper walls adorned with framed photos. A sleek black door stands at the end, accented by a geometric-patterned runner. A potted plant near the door adds a refreshing touch of greenery.

I am not only amazed by how much I love our upstairs hallway, but I am amazed by how many of you love it too! Last year on Instagram when I revealed the paint color, I had a lot of objections and naysayers but I stuck with my gut and went for it! And you know what, it is even better than I thought it would be! Dark colors can be risky, but I always know I can repaint if I am wrong. Spoiler alert, no repainting will be happening in here 🙂  

2. DIY Stock Tank Pool Setup

A small above-ground pool with clear water and flamingo floats is surrounded by a wooden deck, reminiscent of 2021 summer vibes. Striped towels hang on a fence, while potted plants and balloons add charm to this "Best of" backyard retreat. Wooden steps gracefully lead up to the inviting deck.

After we put in the stock tank pool last year, I received so many questions and requests for more info on how to set up a stock tank pool. You ask and you shall receive! I spilled the beans on the full setup in 2021 giving you everything you need to know on setting up your own stock tank pool. Now you can have your own stock tank pool and build a deck around it! Just make sure you have a cocktail for me while you enjoy it 😉    

1. DIY Outdoor Sofa Tutorial

A cozy backyard patio setting at night features a wooden sofa with white cushions, a patterned rug, and small coffee tables. String lights hang above, illuminating the space. Trees and a garden shed are visible in the background.

The full tutorial on how to build our outdoor sofas has been my most popular post for several years now! I never imagined you would fall so in love with these when I decided to build them for our patio makeover! They are relatively easy to build and I have received so MANY tags and DMs with all of your builds. I absolutely love seeing them, so keep them coming! If you build them, use the hashtag #garrisonstreetsofas on Instagram 😉 

Thank you all so much for your amazing support in 2021! I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you follow along on my DIY home design journey. I literally could not do this without you! Inspiring you to make a home you love is the best part of all of this! I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2021. And stay tuned, because I have some big things in store for 2022, and Marvin thinks he is going to help, haha! 

A smiling couple sits on a couch in a stylish living room, holding the best of 2021—a small brown dog. The room features modern art on the walls, patterned throw pillows, and a vase with greenery on the coffee table.

If you enjoyed today’s Best of 2021 Top 10 Posts, please share it on Facebook or hover over an image and save to Pinterest! And if you don’t already follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, I would love for us to be friends!

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Modern bedroom with a bunk bed featuring dark green accent walls, wooden detailing, and white bedding. A ceiling fan and stylish decorations enhance the cozy, contemporary look. Text overlay reads "Best of 2021" at www.GarrisonStreetDesignStudio.com.

This post, Best of 2021 Top 10 Posts appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

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