Collage of outdoor and indoor decor: pool with wooden steps, giant Jenga game, dining table, desk with chair, kitchen view, string lights over patio, and home office with a jewelry organizer. Text: "Best of 2020" and website address.

Best of 2020 | Top 10 Posts

We only have one day left in 2020 and for many people, that is great news! The best of 2020 is not a phrase most people will use. This year will likely go down in history as the year that shall not be named and remembered by the massive shortage of toilet paper. Generations from now kids will ask their parents why people howl at 8pm and why deep freezers are all the rage. But despite all the downfalls of 2020, I have to say I am grateful. Yes, grateful. This year was definitely not short on challenges, but it also brought many opportunities to grow, learn and evolve. So let’s take a look back at the best of 2020 with my top 10 posts of the year. Collage showcasing the best of 2020 design posts, featuring a hot tub setup, giant Jenga game, stylish interiors with plants, a chic kitchen, organized closets, and a cozy outdoor patio with string lights. Text reads "Best of 2020" and website link provided.

Best of 2020 | Top 10 Posts

10. DIY Cable RailingThe modern interior showcases a wooden sideboard with white panel doors, perfectly blending style and function. Decor includes a potted plant, a wooden house ornament, and a metal bowl with pinecones. Beyond the reveal of the railing lies an elevated dining area with a circular table and chairs.

Coming in at number ten for the best of 2020 is my DIY Cable Railing which we just completed for the fall One Room Challenge. This project was a long time in the making and one Barry and I didn’t see eye to eye on. Well…..let’s just say that I won, and he finally realizes my idea was awesome! Full tutorial coming soon 😉 

9. Casual Modern Family Room Reveal

A modern family room with a vaulted ceiling features exposed beams, a ceiling fan, and a fireplace. The space includes a gray sectional sofa, coffee table, and large windows with curtains, revealing a bright and spacious atmosphere.

As crazy as it might seem to some, staying as busy as possible during 2020 was the best way for me to maintain my sanity! So jumping into the fall One Room Challenge for six weeks of DIY and design seemed appropriate. I always felt like our family room was just shy of where it could be, and sure enough, our new railing, fireplace, and wet bar pushed it over the edge! 

8. DIY Giant Block Tower Yard Game

A large DIY Jenga tower made of wooden blocks stands proudly on the grassy lawn, some pieces daringly pulled out. Its base is a rustic wooden crate, and vibrant autumn trees frame the scene, creating a perfect yard attraction.

At number eight, is my DIY Giant Block Tower Yard Game. I definitely miss the days of spending an afternoon on the patio of our favorite brewery playing giant Jenga, but when life hands you lemons, this girl adds some vodka! While we couldn’t enjoy traditional summer fun, we definitely played a few virtual games with friends this year. This simple DIY is one that anyone can do and provides hours of entertainment. 

7. How Our Dual IKEA Home Office Saved Us 

Modern home office featuring an IKEA white desk, swivel chair, and wall art above dual monitors. The room includes a yellow-patterned lamp, bookshelves with decor, and a floral rug on a dark floor. The walls are painted a soft gray, creating a stylish and functional workspace.

Even though we completed our home office several years ago, it is still a fan favorite. For me, this is one of my favorite projects we have done. Before we tackled this space, the door was often left closed because it was just that BAD. Our IKEA makeover completely transformed this room into a highly functioning dual home office that definitely made the 2020 WFH transition easier!

6. DIY Stock Tank Pool

In a backyard scene reminiscent of the best of the carefree summer days, a small above-ground pool with wooden steps invites relaxation. A colorful beach ball and pink inflatable ring float cheerfully in the water, as potted plants and a striped towel decorate the space. A wooden fence and lush trees frame this peaceful retreat.

Since vacations were not a thing in 2020, we brought our beach getaway to us and added a DIY stock tank pool 🙂 Just add margaritas! It’s the perfect way to stay cool in the heat of the summer but leaves us plenty of room to enjoy the rest of our backyard. Here is to hoping 2021 allows for a legit pool party! 

5. Ikea Mirror Hack | Hidden Jewelry Storage

A neatly organized jewelry closet featuring multiple necklaces hanging in rows by color and style, with a variety of beads, chains, and pendants. An IKEA mirror adds elegance, while shelves on the side showcase neatly arranged shoes.

One of my ongoing goals in life is to be more organized and my necklace situation was getting out of control. What can I say? I have never met a clearance rack of necklaces that I could successfully walk away from, haha! With limited space and not a lot of money, I came up with the perfect solution to keep things organized, untangled, and hidden.

4. Ikea Fniss Modern Planter Hack

A patio scene showcases the best of 2020 with vibrant green ferns in tall black planters. Outdoor furniture, including a white sofa with a patterned black and white pillow, rests on the brick patio. A wooden fence and lush green trees provide a serene backdrop.

In case you haven’t noticed by now, I kind of have a thing for IKEA! My modern planter hack came in at number four in 2020. These inexpensive trash cans were my budget friendly solution to a tall modern planter. They also earned me a spot on Apartment Therapy’s top Ikea Hacks!

3. DIY Hairpin Leg Bench

A wooden bench with sleek hairpin legs features a geometric-patterned cushion and a gray blanket. A woven planter holds green grass-like plants. Two decorative mirrors with black frames are mounted on the wall above the bench, complementing the dark wood flooring.

When I set out to find an affordable solution for new dining room seating I was blown away by how expensive chairs had become. Since our dining room is only used when we have friends and family over (which didn’t happen in 2020), I was not about to spend my life savings. So I DIYed a pair of hairpin leg benches for less than $100! Take that 2020! 

2. DIY Outdoor Dining Table Tutorial

A DIY outdoor table anchors the patio, surrounded by six black metal chairs. On its surface rest two potted plants, while overhead wireframe pendant lights cast a soft glow. In the background, a grassy yard beckons, bordered by a sturdy wooden fence.

When we made over our backyard for the One Room Challenge, we built all new patio furniture inspired by a high end set from Restoration Hardware, including this dining table. I received so many requests for a tutorial, I finally spilled the beans on the full build. Don’t worry. You can do it, I can help! 😉  

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 the third year in a row! I never imagined you would fall 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 2020! 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! You are the best part of my 2020! I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2021, hopefully free of quarantine!A couple wearing matching red and black plaid pajamas sits on a couch, smiling in their cozy 2020 holiday spirit. The man wears a "Papa Bear" shirt while the woman holds a small dog dressed in a sweater. A green plant adds a touch of nature to the glass table before them, celebrating their best moments together.

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An above-ground pool graces the backyard with a wooden deck, where black-and-white striped towels drape over a fence. A colorful beach ball and pink flamingo float in the pool, surrounded by potted plants and lanterns on the steps. Text reads "Best of 2020, www.GarrisonStreetDesignStudio.com".

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