One Room Challenge No. 1 // Fall 2015

October 7, 2015

Hello! I am ecstatic to be here today to kick off the Fall 2015 One Room Challenge hosted by the very fabulous Linda of Calling It Home! (Cue unnecessary exclams!!!) This is my fourth time participating in the challenge, and I have to admit that I'm as nervous and excited today as I was writing the very first post of the very first challenge. It's such a tremendous compliment to be asked to participate because there are always so. many. talented designers that take this thing on. If you've done it, you know that making over a room in 6 weeks (with an audience, mind you) is no cake walk. Especially for anyone as indecisive and hot-messish as myself.

I'm a total sucker for the sheer excitement this semi-annual event draws. Everyone is ridiculously supportive of each other during this whole thing (as necessary as wine between meltdowns) and, outside of the initial 20 bloggers that do the official challenge, it's so great to see 100+ fabulously talented bloggers and designers participate in the link up on Thursdays. Not to mention the fact that it actually forces me to finish a space. Something that apparently requires external motivation and hot deadlines. I first thought this would be the perfect opportunity to tackle our original 1967 guest bathroom. And then I remembered that I'm pregnant with a toddler, and I desperately need my husband to stick around. Which seemed unlikely if attempting a gut job with such a tight deadline...

So I've opted for another space that's been begging for a makeover for some time now. Not because it isn't a great space. But because we need it to function differently now that our family is growing. Ad because my taste changes constantly and I'm just ready to stare at another color on the walls.

It's a bit strange to be showing before shots that I'm not wildly embarrassed by for once! Here's the room I'll be making over in its current state:





Photos by Jane Kortright
Lovely, yes. (At least, I like to hope so!) But it never felt finished to me (notice that there's a whole side of the room you don't see in these shots...that's because I never did anything with it) and, after almost three years this way, I'm about ready for a do-over. We're also losing an office -- coincidentally my first One Room Challenge! -- to a nursery.

** YAY! **

Which means that all of my shop-related things have been orphaned, and need a new home. Since formal dining rooms seem to get the least amount of actual use, assigning this room dual functions seems like the best choice.

Things I'm hoping to accomplish in here:
  • Comfortable, casual vibe. I love me some bold spaces, but I've learned that I don't love to live in them.
  • Kid-friendly finishes, fabric and function (aka accommodates messy fingers, crayons, and takes a good beating).
  • Suits six comfortably, ten in a pinch, and one when I can sneak a few minutes to myself.
  • Functions as an office without looking like an office. Plenty of hidden storage for business thangs, table pretties, and - because they straight up can't be contained - toys and such.
  • After almost four years, a space that finally gets used more than twice a year. I've already planned my first dinner party so the pressure is on!
We'll talk about how I'm going to make all of the things happen next Wednesday. Of course, you can always follow along on Instagram for real-time updates. Now let's go see what other amazing projects we'll be following for the next 6 weeks. I don't know about you guys, but it's dumb how excited I am!



29 comments:

SHERRY HART said...

I mean really..... I do understand but what a great space! Seems a shame to change but I get the whole not finish and then change your mind gig:)

Unknown said...

OH my goodness! You have just solved my life long struggle. I love bold spaces but I don't like to live in them!!!! I've never put the two together until reading your post. Thank you for clearing my head! And good luck with the dual purpose room; we had to do that when our second arrived. Look forward to following along!

Lydia said...

I'm so excited to find all new Interior Design blogs from all of you guys participating in this challenge. I love your style! I can't wait to see how you transform the opposite side of the room!

Carrie said...

Congrats on the new baby! I'm excited to see what you do here! Such a truly beautiful before picture!

Rachel Bauer said...

It's a beautiful space already! Can't wait to see what you do to it!

Courtney {a thoughtful place} said...

Ok. So can you just warp this space up and send it my way. Holy cow it's so stunning. But so excited to see what you do. Love your style.

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

This room is already stunning, so I can only imagine how good it's going to get! You're so talented...can't wait to follow along!!

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

I think I missed the baby news? Congratulations! We don't have a dining room in our new house....just a bar :). Can't wait to see this new room, although the current one is amazing.

The Pink Pagoda said...

It's amazing already, but I'm with you on not loving the bold to live with. I'm DYING over that fixture!! Can't wait to see the direction -- I know it's going to be incredible : )

Clara said...

What a beautiful setting! I'm a new reader and hopeless at looking through archives... would you mind sharing where you found those GORGEOUS chairs?

Unknown said...

Wait?!?!?! A new baby!?!?! CONGRATS!!!! Oh my goodness...so exciting!

As for the room, it's so damn pretty already but I know I'll love what you do with it too and I totally get the wanting a change thing. I'm a serial changer:)))

Can't wait to follow along!

Vanessa@Decor Happy said...

Congrats on the new baby! Such a pretty room but I hear you on wanting a change - happens all the time over here! Can't wait to follow along!

Holly Phillips @ The English Room said...

This room is already good. It is going to be great! I love the chairs and the Michelle Armas!

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

What, you cray! I love this room. That being said I totally get wanting better function and more use. If this is the base, I know if can only get more awesome from here.

Melissa @ Polished Habitat said...

Love a great dual purpose space & I'm secretly hoping you design around that killer chandelier! Love it! And you are so right about the encouragement and wine. Both are huge parts of the glory of the ORC!

Michelle said...

I love rooms that do many things! Have you seen Emily Clark's old dining room/office?

Unknown said...

When I first saw your images I thought, This looks like the after photos, but I totally get shifting & making room for new additions - Congratulations!!! Looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve! P.S. those dining chairs are so so good! Hollie

Proper Hunt said...

Holy heck how did I miss that you're expecting! Congrats mama!! So exciting! And I completely echo the commenters ahead of me, the space looks amazing but I totally get wanting to have it feel "finished". I cannot wait to see what magic you work on in there ;)

Arielle said...

Oooh I love this room but excited to see what you do with it! And if you ever need a new home for those chairs...

Tobe | BIA said...

Thanks for your great comments, all! I know I'm borderline crazy for even touching this room. Here's hoping the new space is equally adored! (I know it will be by us.)

Arielle, you should check out www.lynngoodevintage.com! They just posted a very similar set of 8 chairs! ox

Megan // Honey We're Home said...

I agree with the others- this space is amazing as-is, but of course you need to make it right for you! You'll be a pro at this challenge with 3 other times under your belt! I can't wait to see the transformation!

Mary @ I Like it Lovely said...

Can't wait to see how you change this space!

Unknown said...

First of all, I didn't realise you were expecting again! Eeek! Congrats!!

As for this room, I admit it breaks my heart a little because it's simply gorgeous and I actually painted my own dining room blue after seeing yours ;) That said, I'm actually looking to redo my own in a more restrained colour palette so perhaps your thoughts on living in bold rooms is applicable here as well (although I do like a BIT of bold so there's that) ;)

I can't wait to see what you do - I adore your style and have no doubt I'll love the finished space as much as this one. Good luck!! xxx

jojotastic said...

i will GLADLY take those chairs off of your hands ;)

Unknown said...

I too love the look of a bold room, but tend to reserve them for smaller spaces because I can be a bit design fickle that way. I LOVE your taste and style so much so I know whatever you do will be amazing and the idea of a room with multi uses will be incredibly practical and inspiring! Congrats on BABY! XXX
Sue

Unknown said...

Well, I just love this space. But I understand the not living with bold spaces. I love them too for sure, but a calmer space is just that, calm. A more quiet space is what we all seem to be longing for and there's a lot to be said for that. I can not wait to see your new space and how you, I'm sure, can make a multifunctional space beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Uh... this room is awesome as is. However, I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Unknown said...

I love your current room! Totally the way I'd love my dining room. Mine is a similar blue but a bit brighter. I love the wall art you have over the beautiful mid-century modern buffet. Where did you find it? I'm looking for something like that for my dining room. Good luck with the challenge and with the new bundle of joy!
Heather

jana bek design said...

Obviously I'm playing major catch up, can't wait to see how you transition this space! We never use our dining room so I feel you!!

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