Welcome back to my One Room Challenge journey, where I’m tackling the final stages of my family room redesign. If you’ve been following along, you know this is the moment where all the hard work comes together. Today, it’s all about tackling “The Last 20%,” which often feels like the most challenging part of any project.
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The family room has been a work in progress for over six months. It all started when Mark and I, in a moment of holiday-inspired ambition, decided to remodel our fireplace and built-ins. The One Room Challenge’s six-week commitment has been the perfect push to finally complete this space and enjoy it rather than endlessly dreaming about the possibilities.
Recap of Progress
Last week, I shared some exciting updates: new pillows, linen curtains borrowed from my living room windows, and an incredible rug deal (70% off and still on sale!). In case you missed it, here’s the tutorial for the painted pillow here.
Here’s a look at the design elements I’ve pulled together so far:
- Ikea Vigdis pillow covers
- Ikea Aina linen curtains (discontinued, but I found them on eBay!)
- RugsUSA Moroccan Trellis rug in “tan”
Reupholstering the Floral Club Chairs
Let’s dive into one of the more transformative projects of this redesign: the floral club chairs we brought from our last home. These chairs have been with us for a decade, and while the bold floral pattern was fun, it no longer fits the light and neutral palette of our family room. The cushions were also uncomfortable, so it was time for a refresh.
After reaching out to several upholsterers in the Boston area, I was quoted upwards of $1,000 per chair for labor alone—likely due to the intricate nailhead trim. Instead, I decided to try reupholstering them myself. Armed with blog tutorials, YouTube videos, and sheer determination, I began the process.
Here are the chairs that inspired my vision:
I chose Luxury Denton in Linen, an 80% cotton/20% rayon blend, as the fabric. This choice was based on its durability and the fact that I had already used a coordinating fabric from the same line (Zippy Cloud Denton) on my dining room chairs. The result? A hard-wearing, scrubbable material that can handle daily use.
Tackling the Nailhead Trim
While the reupholstery process was mostly smooth, reinstalling the nailhead trim has been a significant challenge. When dismantling the chairs, I discovered that the nailheads bent during removal, making it nearly impossible to reinstall them straight. With around 300 nailheads per chair, this became a tedious task.
To fix the bent tacks, I had to straighten each one using pliers—a process that was both time-consuming and frustrating. At one point, Mark stepped in to help, but even he admitted defeat. I’m now debating whether to attempt the nailhead trim again or explore other options, like welting to cover the edges.
Despite this setback, I’m thrilled with how the chairs look in their new neutral fabric. The transformation is incredible, and the lighter palette brings a sense of calm and cohesion to the room.
The Final Push: The Last 20%
With only two weeks left in the One Room Challenge, the pressure is on to complete the remaining tasks. Here’s my hit list for the final stretch:
- Finish reupholstering the chairs – Let’s pretend this one is crossed off, shall we?
- Add blue accents to the brown leather couch – I’ve already added pillows and a throw.
- Complete the art project for above the couch – Check out this post on an unexpected source for large-scale art.
- Decide on additional wall décor – This remains a work in progress.
- Build or buy doors for the lower shelves of the bookcases – Hidden storage is a must!
- Style the bookcases – This will tie everything together.
- Buy a new coffee table – The current one just isn’t cutting it.
- Finalize rug, pillows, and curtains – These finishing touches will bring everything together.
The Drama of DIY
Every DIY project comes with its share of drama, and this one is no exception. From fabric choices to nailhead frustrations, the process has been both rewarding and challenging. But seeing the transformation take shape makes it all worthwhile.
If you’re considering a similar project, my biggest advice is to go with what you love. Trends come and go, but a space that reflects your personal style will always feel like home. For instance, I’ve kept chevron fabric on my dining chairs despite its “out” status because it still brings me joy.
Join the Inspiration
The One Room Challenge is an incredible source of design ideas and motivation. Check out the 20 ORC designers every Wednesday at Calling It Home, and don’t miss the 200+ linking participants sharing their progress every Thursday. There’s no shortage of creativity and inspiration in the blogosphere right now!
Stay tuned for next week’s update as I tackle the final steps and reveal the finished space. The Last 20% may be daunting, but it’s also the most satisfying part of the journey. Let’s cross that finish line together!
