One Room Challenge- Final Reveal

Wow.... So the Fall 2018 One Room Challenge is officially over... Things are now back to a "controlled busy"... which I prefer :) I'm not going to lie... I contemplated becoming an ORC dropout for a brief second (during week 3 to be exact)...but who does that?!? If you haven't been following along feel free to catch up here----> (tarty to the party) or follow my Instagram.

I'm sorry... this might be a semi-long blog... I apologize ahead of time...

When I first started this project I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. It sounded simple enough... I mean this is what I do right?!? No one knows my style better than I do so it was going to be a simple, easy peasy "challenge". Ha!

My intention from the beginning was to create a comfortable, yet stylish sitting room. The ONLY thing I kept from my previous room was 1 lamp (an obligatory thing)... I knew that I wanted to mix metals and I knew that I wanted texture... I bought my "staple" pieces (the loveseats, chairs & art) but made sure that everything else could be "replaced" without upsetting the balance. With the pieces I chose, I could easily switch out side tables, throw pillows and decor.

I wanted to keep the room simple and easy. Clutter and unnecessary pieces BE GONE!  One thing I always tell my clients... (well there's 2 actually)

1. Just because there is space in a room does not mean something has to go there.
2. Please, don't line every piece of furniture up against a wall if you don't have to.

Ohhh... the art <3 ... The canvas I chose was from an incredible artist out of New Jersey. Her work is brilliant. You can follow her on instagram here. I was amazed by all the talent I found along this short 6 week journey.

Three things I made sure to do and remember throughout this challenge.

1. Always, always read reviews
2. Measure and mark... I used tape on the floor to measure the size of the loveseats, chairs, rugs... pretty much everything before I ordered it.
3. "Details are not the details, they make the design" -Charles Eames

I will be making an in depth post about the items I used in my room next week, but feel free to contact me with any questions!

Let's take a quick look at the "before"...

Sad, I know. Even the poor plant was depressed. I still love the sofa and chair, but it was time for a change. Anyway...

Here are the completed ORC photos <3  

 

My photographer is awesome. Not only was she understanding when I had to reschedule the 1st shoot (I was stuck waiting on a package), but she took these photos & edited them in time for this... Thank You Liz! You can check out her website here.

I love how this room turned out. It's much more open, therefore making it appear larger in size. The conversation area is clearly defined... and I stuck with the color blue which I love. Thank you to all who have followed along on this fun and exciting transformation. I appreciate you!

Chicly Yours,

Nikole

One Room Challenge- Week 5

So here it goes... I've decided to participate in something called the One Room Challenge . This is a national event, where designers and decorators transform a room in 6 (yes...SIX) weeks. Every participant has the option to work on a client's space or their own. I have decided to do this challenge with my own living room. It's really a sitting room, as I don't have a television in it, but it's one of the first rooms you see when walking into my home........ and it needs some LOVE. Every week I will be giving an update on what is happening through my blog and Instagram.  For six weeks I will be inviting you into my home, and what I'm sure will be a chaotic mess (packed full of bloopers and surprises) to see first hand what goes into a transformation. I will be getting new flooring, furniture and decor. (well, that's the plan anyway, ha!) The challenge starts October 4th, with the final "reveal day" on November 8th.

Bring on Nov. 8th!!!! It's hard to believe we are in the 5th week of the ORC. Things have been moving right along. Flooring is installed, artwork is hung, and now it's all about furniture placement and final touches... the "styling" portion of it all...

My goal with this room was to create a comfortable, yet stylish area. Mixing metals and finishes was always part of the plan. I also wanted to add depth by introducing different textures. Texture makes a room interesting. It appeals to both our visual and tactile senses. There are so many different ways to do this, but I chose layering as my primary method.

Here are a few updated photos...

I have photography scheduled for this coming Sunday (pushing it...I know), and I'm so excited to share the "final reveal" on the 8th. Maybe I'll follow up with a cocktail party?!?... that seems appropriate ha ha... Anyway, thank you for following along with me on this 6 week journey.

Chicly Yours,

Nikole

One Room Challenge- Week 4

So here it goes... I've decided to participate in something called the One Room Challenge . This is a national event, where designers and decorators transform a room in 6 (yes...SIX) weeks. Every participant has the option to work on a client's space or their own. I have decided to do this challenge with my own living room. It's really a sitting room, as I don't have a television in it, but it's one of the first rooms you see when walking into my home........ and it needs some LOVE. Every week I will be giving an update on what is happening through my blog and Instagram.  For six weeks I will be inviting you into my home, and what I'm sure will be a chaotic mess (packed full of bloopers and surprises) to see first hand what goes into a transformation. I will be getting new flooring, furniture and decor. (well, that's the plan anyway, ha!) The challenge starts October 4th, with the final "reveal day" on November 8th.

Week 4!! Wow. Chic's getting real around here. The flooring in the sitting room has been replaced, as well as the upstairs office/loft area. My main office is at home, so I have been displaced all week. If youv'e seen me "camped out" with my computer at area establishments, this is why. It's been a little nightmare"ish" to say the least, but oh so worth it. 💕

   

It's been a busy week for product deliveries and I can finally see the room shaping up. It's amazing when all the elements come together. Remember, this was the original "mood board" I created when starting this challenge. A few things have changed along the way, so comparing this to the final photos will be fun.

So this is the side table I decided on. I have 2 en route and should be delivered tomorrow (fingers crossed)... The actual color is slightly darker, with a more bronzed finish. It's a solid, sturdy table, smaller in size, and in my opinion just perfect for the space!

The most exciting package I received contained my artwork. I went back and forth with a few different pieces (which were all equally beautiful), but ultimately decided on this. This came from an artist located in New Jersey. All of her work is gorgeous and inspiring, but I kept revisiting this particular canvas. Watch out for an instagram post with her information!

The throw pillows... My Favorite. 

 Oh... and I almost forgot about rugs! Well, I have 2 to choose from. One is "safe" and the other is "wild". I'll let that be a surprise.... While sourcing these, I "bumped" into a beautiful, natural fiber rug. It accidentally ended up in my "shopping cart", and ultimately in my dining room. 

So what's next? 

1. Fix the wall 

2. Hang artwork

3. Put it all together!

4. Photography

Well that's it for week 4!!! Have a great weekend!

Chicly Yours,

Nikole

One Room Challenge- Week 3

So in case you have not been following along and are wondering what the heck is going on... here is a little recap. (or read week 1 here)

So here it goes... I've decided to participate in something called the One Room Challenge . This is a national event, where designers and decorators transform a room in 6 (yes...SIX) weeks. Every participant has the option to work on a client's space or their own. I have decided to do this challenge with my own living room. It's really a sitting room, as I don't have a television in it, but it's one of the first rooms you see when walking into my home........ and it needs some LOVE. Every week I will be giving an update on what is happening through my blog and Instagram.  For six weeks I will be inviting you into my home, and what I'm sure will be a chaotic mess (packed full of bloopers and surprises) to see first hand what goes into a transformation. I will be getting new flooring, furniture and decor. (well, that's the plan anyway, ha!) The challenge starts October 4th, with the final "reveal day" on November 8th.

I can't believe we are at the 3 week mark for this challenge! This is what's happened since last Thursday.....


 All the large items from the room were removed in preparation for the flooring that is scheduled early next week. (yay!!!) I will feel so much better after this is complete!

 

The wingback chairs arrived and I couldn't be happier with them. I know they look a little boring right now, but it's amazing what throw pillows can do. (I have a online "cart" full of fabric for them right now lol) I went with a higher quality chair that I plan to keep for a long time. They are neutral in color, and easy to change seasonally with pillows & throws. 

Art!!!I love abstract art. I was overwhelmed by all the incredibly talented artists I found from all over the world. I have been focusing on three different pieces... I have a huge (bare) wall so the painting needs to be substantial in size. I definitely want it to make a statement... but not sure how much of one.

(The wall)

These are the 3 pieces I am choosing from. 

So the plan for next week is to repair this wall. There was a little accident while measuring :/

So...

1. Repair wall
2. Find 2 side tables (I am mixing metals & finishes so I want something fun)
3. I need a round rug.... the original rectangle rug absolutely will not work. There are too many angles in this room so round is definitely the best option. It will go in the middle of the room and under the coffee table... the star of the show lol


Here's a little reminder of what it looks like :)

I will be posting throughout the week on different rug options!! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Chicly Yours,

Nikole

One Room Challenge- Week 2

So in case you have not been following along and are wondering what the heck is going on... here is a little recap. (or read week 1 here)

So here it goes... I've decided to participate in something called the One Room Challenge . This is a national event, where designers and decorators transform a room in 6 (yes...SIX) weeks. Every participant has the option to work on a client's space or their own. I have decided to do this challenge with my own living room. It's really a sitting room, as I don't have a television in it, but it's one of the first rooms you see when walking into my home........ and it needs some LOVE. Every week I will be giving an update on what is happening through my blog and Instagram.  For six weeks I will be inviting you into my home, and what I'm sure will be a chaotic mess (packed full of bloopers and surprises) to see first hand what goes into a transformation. I will be getting new flooring, furniture and decor. (well, that's the plan anyway, ha!) The challenge starts October 4th, with the final "reveal day" on November 8th.

This is the inspiration board I created, with the products I wanted.... Unfortunately A few things have since changed.

On a positive note this gorgeous coffee table arrived, and it's even more beautiful in person. This is absolutely going to be the star of the show.

The end tables I chose were simple in style. They were unfinished, so I would have the option to leave them "as is" (which was beautiful) or stain them. I ordered 2,  opened the first one and was immediately impressed. The second table... not so great. It arrived damaged. No big deal, right? I ordered a replacement because I understand things happen in transit. It was defective as well. There's obviously a quality issue with this particular table... so I'm now on the hunt for a similar style table. I'm trying hard to stay "on budget" for this project, so I loved the price tag these offered. They gave me the look I wanted AND an unbelievable price. Ha! I knew better. You honestly do get what you pay for. Anyway... 

On a positive note, the marble side table was delivered and it's a beauty... simple elegance. The stools arrived as well, and they will really help to complete the fireplace space.

I have been notified of a "small delay" for the loveseats... uh oh

Make sure you check in next week for:

1. Choosing artwork... I will be posting options throughout the week. I need you your help deciding!!! It's all abstract... I would love to find a local artist so send me links if you know of any!!! 

2. Pillows... I have found my own fabric, so I need to get these rolling!!

3. Oh, and just how long is that "small  delay"?

Chicly Yours,

Nikole

One Room Challenge- Week 1

So here it goes... I've decided to participate in something called the One Room Challenge . This is a national event, where designers and decorators transform a room in 6 (yes...SIX) weeks. Every participant has the option to work on a client's space or their own. I have decided to do this challenge with my own living room. It's really a sitting room, as I don't have a television in it, but it's one of the first rooms you see when walking into my home........ and it needs some LOVE. Every week I will be giving an update on what is happening through my blog and Instagram.  For six weeks I will be inviting you into my home, and what I'm sure will be a chaotic mess (packed full of bloopers and surprises) to see first hand what goes into a transformation. I will be getting new flooring, furniture and decor. (well, that's the plan anyway, ha!) The challenge starts October 4th, with the final "reveal day" on November 8th.

Week 1-

So, I think it's pretty safe to say, I've been my most difficult client to date. I have measured the area, marked it with tape... and....... This room is so odd, right down to the shape of it. There are 2 focal points... the fireplace and the view... so the idea is to situate the furniture to where both can be "enjoyed", if you will. There were 2 items that were completed prior to the start date. I had two speakers that were in the wall. They were not centered properly, and were a complete eyesore. Needless to say, they were removed, and the room was then painted in Espresso Martini...

First things first, I have to decide on fabric. I am custom ordering 2 love seats. Custom orders can take a MINIMUM of 6 weeks... so this is my first priority. There are so many beautiful colors to choose from, but I always gravitate toward blue.

So I've been creating my "mood board". This is an idea of what I have in mind for the space. The professional software I use will not load properly, so I've been forced to use this random "free version", but it always helps to see everything put together. This will be the layout of the room. The love seats will be blue, but not this exact color.   

This has to be my favorite coffee table! I am so excited to order this and see it in person!! 

Flooring... I decided to stick with carpet instead of continuing the wood floor from the kitchen/dining area. It's really just a personal preference. There are so many options to choose from it's unbelievable! Flooring is expensive so make sure you observe it in both natural and artificial light before making a final decision. It's amazing what the difference can be. The 2 carpets below look similar in artificial light, but in natural light they are completely different.

So this concludes the 1st week of the the One Room Challenge!!! By next week I will have the list of everything I need to order, and hopefully get this carpet ripped out!