One Room Challenge No.1 // Spring 2015

Helloooooooo. So you will never guess who just decided yesterday to participate in the One Room Challenge™ as a linking participant this round? YES. Because I love that this challenge, albeit mighty stressful at times, forces me to finish a space -- a feat that might will otherwise take years to accomplish. Plus, there's truly nothing like the camaraderie of this challenge and those who participate. Who doesn't love decorating with cheerleaders?! So here I am, back for round three!

For those of you that might be new here, welcome! I am a two time participant in the ORC (my home office in spring 2014 and our master bedroom in fall 2014) and I've been blogging here at Because It's Awesome since January 2011. Initially about all things design and lifestyle, but over time, I have developed a devoted passion for interiors. I was honored to be tapped for a One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale back in March 2013, where I continue to sell unique vintage treasures, many of which are in everyone's favorite metal. Brass. If you take nothing else away from this visit, please remember the brass! I'm currently in the process of opening a shop of my very own (!), so stay tuned there.

Whew. On with the show.

I've chosen to focus on our kitchen and eat-in this time around. While there is nothing particularly wrong with these spaces, they are definitely lacking personality and style.

See what I mean? We inherited a beautiful remodel, but have dragged our feet putting the finishing touches in place. Oh, I'd love to be replacing countertops...ripping out the backsplash...swapping out for french doors...and -- for the love -- banishing that terrible fridge. But these big ticket items certainly aren't necessary changes, so I get no buy-in from the hubs. I am thrilled to have at least finally convinced him that the fan above the table must go (after only about 3 years of protest). We will replace that with a lovely pendant fixture. I also plan to freshen things up with new cabinet hardware, I'll give that fridge a bit of a makeover since we still have to look at it, add window treatments, do some general sprucing with decorative accessories, and solve for a few functionality challenges.

More specifics about the plan and my inspiration for the space next week, so stop back by!

As always, big thanks to Linda of Calling It Home for coordinating the One Room Challenge™. You can see what the official participants are tackling here, and check in with all of my fellow linking participants here. See you next week! ox