April 9, 2015 /

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE:: wk2

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Hello, my friends! Are you as excited about this season of the One Room Challenge (ORC) as I am? Watching the transformations unfold in the 20 official designer spaces is nothing short of exhilarating. Each week brings new surprises, and I’m completely captivated by the unexpected directions these rooms are taking. It’s inspiring to see such creativity and innovation on display.

For those unfamiliar with the format, Wednesdays are dedicated to updates from the 20 official designers, sharing their progress and plans for their spaces. But Thursdays? They’re open to anyone who wants to participate by linking up their own room transformation projects on Calling It Home. Last week, I jumped in as a linking participant with a client’s living room project that’s in dire need of a refresh. This space is brimming with potential, thanks to a stunning bow window that floods the room with natural light. Despite this, the family rarely uses it, which is a shame given its prime location and size.

This living room opens to a newly renovated kitchen, which flows into a sunroom—a favorite hangout spot for the family. The large living room, with its beautiful proportions, could be the perfect space for entertaining. However, the lack of seating and a defined conversation area makes it feel underutilized and uninviting. That’s where our redesign comes in.

Tackling the Seating Dilemma

First on the agenda was addressing the seating situation. My client, Linda, needed options that would suit the scale of the room while enhancing its functionality. After some research, I presented her with a curated selection of chairs from Boston Interiors. Not only were these options locally available, but they also came stocked in versatile neutral fabrics—a huge bonus for any project involving upholstered furniture.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Shopping locally for larger pieces like chairs and couches is always my preference. Being able to test the comfort and quality in person is invaluable, and it helps avoid the disappointment of a less-than-comfortable piece arriving at your doorstep.

Linda, being the dream client that she is, wasted no time. Motivated by an upcoming sale and a large party she’s hosting on May 2, she headed straight to the store over the weekend. Before I knew it, I received a text confirming her purchase: two Apollo Club Chairs in the stock fabric. These chairs are a personal favorite of mine I even have them in my own home—so I was thrilled with her choice. By the following Friday, they were delivered and looked absolutely stunning in the space. Not only are they gorgeous, but they’re also incredibly comfortable.

Adding Budget-Friendly Seating

In addition to the high-quality club chairs, we decided to incorporate a more affordable occasional chair to complete the seating arrangement. While we kept an eye on the inventory at HomeGoods and Marshalls Boutique, I also suggested some options from Pier 1:

Ultimately, Linda found “the one,” a charming piece that exceeded all our expectations. This occasional chair has a firm seat and is well-crafted, with linen fabric that looks far more upscale than its price tag would suggest. It’s a perfect example of how mixing high-quality investment pieces with more budget-friendly finds can create a balanced and stylish look. The lesson here? Not every item needs to be an investment piece. Thoughtful blending of high and low-cost items can elevate any space.

We also considered this Upholstered Tufted Slipper Chair from Target, which would have been another fantastic option for its design and affordability.

Bringing It All Together

Now that the seating is in place, we’re turning our attention to other aspects of the room. Lighting is a crucial component in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. For this living room, we’re planning to layer different types of lighting—from a stunning chandelier as the centerpiece to strategically placed floor lamps and table lamps. This combination will not only brighten the space but also create a cozy ambiance perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.

We’re also focusing on the color palette. To complement the neutral tones of the furniture, we’re introducing subtle pops of color through accent pillows, a statement area rug, and artwork. These elements will add personality and warmth to the room without overwhelming it. A cohesive palette ensures that every piece feels intentional and harmonious.

Another exciting update involves the walls. We’re considering adding wainscoting or a feature wall with textured wallpaper to elevate the room’s design. These details can transform the space from ordinary to extraordinary, providing a backdrop that ties all the elements together.

What’s Next?

While the seating and design plans are coming together beautifully, there’s still more to do. One of our next steps is incorporating functional yet stylish storage solutions. This family loves hosting gatherings, so having easily accessible storage for extra throws, pillows, and even board games is essential. We’re exploring options like a chic storage ottoman or a built-in cabinet to keep the room organized and clutter-free.

We’re also planning to address the large bow window. Adding layered window treatments, such as sheer curtains paired with heavier drapes, will not only enhance the aesthetic but also provide versatility for light control and privacy. This small change can make a big difference in how the room feels and functions.

Lastly, no living room is complete without finishing touches. From decorative trays and coffee table books to unique vases and candles, these accessories will bring the room to life. They’ll also reflect Linda’s personality and style, making the space feel truly hers.

Wrapping Up Week 2

The progress we’ve made so far in this ONE ROOM CHALLENGE:: wk2 has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see how thoughtful choices in furniture and design can begin to transform a space. I can’t wait to share more updates with you in the coming weeks as this living room continues to take shape.

If you’re looking for more inspiration or want to follow along with other room makeovers, be sure to visit Calling It Home. The creativity and ingenuity on display from the other ORC participants are truly inspiring and might spark some ideas for your own projects.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through the ONE ROOM CHALLENGE:: wk2. Let me know what you think of the progress so far and if you have any tips or favorite seating pieces to recommend. Together, we’ll create spaces that are not only beautiful but also inviting and functional!

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