A Creative Passion That Started at Home

Laken’s journey began with a love for DIY and a passion for creating. “In our previous homes, I completed some projects but never documented the full process,” she recalls. “When we moved into our current home, I decided to start sharing each step to teach and inspire others.”

As a stay-at-home mom, DIY became her creative outlet—a way to unwind and do something for herself. Most days, she works on projects during her kids’ nap times, often with her oldest lending a hand. “I love that my kids get to see their mom build and create things for our home,” she says. Through Laken Ashley Designs, she combines her passions for design, photography, and video editing, turning everyday projects into inspiring tutorials for her audience.

A Home Office Designed to Impress

When it came time to design her husband’s home office—the first room guests see when entering their home—Laken wanted the space to feel masculine, cozy, and refined. A floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelf became the centerpiece, providing storage, display space, and a striking backdrop for video calls. To complete the look, Laken turned to Ageless Iron Hardware, choosing the 6” Barn Angled Corner black cabinet handles to tie in with the room’s other dark accents.

“I love that Ageless Iron hardware feels both rustic and modern,” she explains. “The black finish complemented the lighting and instantly elevated the built-ins. It’s amazing how something as simple as hardware can make such a significant impact on a room.” Before the installation, the space had sat incomplete for months. Once the black cabinet pulls were added, the office finally felt finished—sleek, functional, and polished.

Blending Beauty and Function in Every Project

One of Laken’s design hallmarks is her commitment to creating storage that’s as beautiful as it is practical. From her custom pantry with wood shelving to her reimagined hall closet, she consistently transforms underutilized areas into organized, stylish spaces.

Her process always begins with detailed planning. Using Pinterest and Instagram for design inspiration, she then creates accurate mockups in Adobe Illustrator to visualize proportions and layout before picking up a single tool. Her go-to toolkit includes a power drill, miter saw, and tape measure—along with her dad’s timeless advice: “Measure twice, cut once.”

Much of Laken’s DIY confidence comes from her upbringing. Her parents were avid home improvers, finishing basements, building patios, and handling everything from electrical work to tile installation. “My dad is my first call when I need help with a new skill,” she says. “I love learning from him and spending that quality time together.”

Lessons in Design and DIY

After completing countless projects, Laken has learned one valuable lesson: don’t let fear stop you from starting. “If you have an idea, go for it,” she encourages. “You’ll make mistakes, but they’re fixable—and each one teaches you something new.”

That spirit of creativity and resilience shines through in her work. The home office transformation with Ageless Iron’s black hardware isn’t just a design success—it’s a reminder of how small details can bring warmth, style, and purpose to everyday spaces.