DIY & Interior Design
Hi, I’m Joanna
I am an interior designer and the creator behind Painting by the Penny, a DIY and home design platform where I share creative ideas to help everyday homeowners design spaces that feel thoughtful, functional, and personal. What started as small DIY projects in my own home has grown into a space where I share design inspiration, home projects, and practical ideas for creating a home that feels beautiful without requiring a huge budget. Today I am also building my interior design studio where I work with homeowners to create spaces that feel comfortable, intentional, and reflective of the people who live in them.
Where It All Started
In 2012, after the purchase of our first home, I went searching for a TV stand with no luck. I wanted something that was sturdy, made of solid wood, and affordable, but nothing I found felt quite right.
Then I came across a Pinterest post where someone had converted a dresser into a TV stand.
That idea changed everything.
I found a dresser on Craigslist for twenty five dollars, painted it, stained the top, and turned it into exactly what I had been searching for.
That first project sparked a love for DIY and design that quickly grew into something much bigger.
Over time I began refinishing furniture, tackling larger home projects, and learning everything I could about how thoughtful design can completely transform a space.
I established Painting by the Penny in 2016 from that curiosity and creativity.
A Chapter That Shaped Me
While building Painting by the Penny I was also working full time as a NICU nurse.
For fifteen years I had the privilege of caring for some of the smallest and most fragile patients alongside incredible families. Working in healthcare taught me resilience, compassion, and how to stay calm and focused in high pressure situations.
Those experiences shaped the way I approach both life and business today.
Over the years my creative work continued to grow and what began as a creative outlet slowly evolved into a career in interior design.
Today I am transitioning from healthcare into a full time career designing spaces and helping homeowners create homes that truly work for their everyday lives.
Interior Design Today
My love for DIY naturally evolved into a deeper passion for interior design.
Through my design studio I work with homeowners to design spaces that are functional, beautiful, and tailored to the way they live.
My design philosophy is simple.
Good design should be accessible.
Homes should feel welcoming, personal, and thoughtfully designed for real life rather than just looking perfect in photos.
Whether I am sharing a DIY tutorial on the blog or designing a space for a client, the goal is always the same. Creating homes that feel meaningful, comfortable, and lived in.
What you will find here
On Painting by the Penny you will find
DIY home projects that walk you step by step through creative updates you can tackle in your own home
Practical design tips that help you make confident decisions when decorating or renovating a space
Curated home finds that I personally use and recommend
Behind the scenes looks at the projects and ideas I am working on in my own home
The Face Behind The Name
So who is Penny?
Penny is our family dog and the inspiration behind the name Painting by the Penny.
She is a border collie and cocker spaniel mix that we adopted when she was just three months old. She has been by my side ever since and is usually somewhere nearby whenever I am working on a project.
If you follow along on social media you will probably spot her making appearances in the background.
Work With Me
Painting by the Penny has grown into a platform where I share DIY projects, design ideas, and thoughtful home solutions with a growing audience of homeowners and design enthusiasts.
I collaborate with brands whose products align with my approach to practical and creative home design.
Opportunities may include sponsored content, product features, and brand collaborations.
If you are interested in working together you can reach me at
paintingbythepenny@gmail.com
Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for being here and following along on this journey.
You can follow along for projects, home ideas, and behind the scenes updates on Instagram.
