interior design
One Room Challenge Week One :: The Plan!
The first time I participated in the One Room Challenge, I chose to revamp our dining room - a fairly easy task to ease myself into this six week makeover process. The second time I participated, I came in knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my attic dressing room, and had made all my major selections before the party even started! This time? Well, this time, I have to admit it you guys, things are getting REAL.
The title of this post is a bit deceiving for one huge reason: Up until last night, I literally had NO plan for this room. In fact, up until last night I wasn't even sure which room I was going to do! The good news is that there's nothing like a deadline to demand some decisions! So I started by pulling together some inspiration...
After debating between our living room and master bedroom, I decided it was time to tackle the space we'll be using the most in the coming months - the living room. There are a few elements I'm drawn to using, and worn woods is one of them. I love the way this styled buffet looks with plenty of vintage art and special collected pieces. Taking notes!
These three rooms have a few things in common - muted palettes, a mix of styles, strong art, and lots of linen and texture. They are timeless, but still personal and I love that. I'm going use them to guide some of my quick decisions as we plan this thing out in real time!
As for the current situation...
A little back story for those of you who are visiting for the first time (welcome!). Nearly two years ago I moved in with my boyfriend - now fiancé - into his 1920's home in Seattle. Any of you who have ever moved in with a spouse or partner know how hard it is to merge all of your stuff and personal style. I've been chipping away at things around here, but this room needs some major attention.
Now that our kitchen remodel is almost done, I really want the rest of the house to feel on par with what we've done in there. No more mishmash of leftover furnishings. It's time to whittle things down to what we love, and do away with the rest! As you can see, I've already started a list.
One challenge I have is the corners of the room on the TV side of things. I'm working on fixing that with some larger round tables, I think? The TV, unfortunately, is not going anywhere at the moment. Someday when we make our basement a little more cozy, that may change, but the reality is that this is the room we hang out in the most and therefore, the TV stays. The rug (mine) and the old sofa (his) will be leaving. The loveseat was a premature purchase when I first moved in. I still like it, but I'm not sure it'll end up working with what we have planned here. I still like the coffee table, but could also see it go. Mostly this room just needs to feel thoughtful!
I promise to take some more photos of the space, but for now... let's focus on where it's going!
velvet sofa | linen sofa | european console | orrick lamp | mariella lamp | low boookshelf storage | 'afterglow' art | brass sconce | metal table | velvet chair
So, I've started with the biggies here. The sofa is decision number one. Given the above inspiration photos, I'm kind of shocked that I'm even considering something other than a white linen sofa, but here we are. The gorgeous velvet sofa is a beautiful, warm chocolate tone and I'm kind of in love with it. What would you choose? What about both?
I'm bound and determined to fit some chartreuse green into this room, but it may not be that chair because it's special order and will take too long to get here, sooooo... I'm going to have to hunt. I like the idea of a big, cushy statement chair!
Storage will be key in this room. Right now we have two huge bookshelves, and at least one will be moving downstairs, so that long low shelf will be a good first step in accommodating those displaced books. I'm going to put it under one of our huge windows. Speaking of which... window treatments will also be a must!
I think our next post will break down more of the accessories and the layout of the space, but this is a good start! What do you think about the plan so far? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the sofa... and don't forget the best part of the ORC - seeing what all the other participants will be taking on! Here's the full list so you can click on through...
Jana Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | The Curated House
Driven by Décor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart
Hi Sugarplum | House of Jade | Hunted Interior | The Makerista | Making it Lovely
Marcus Design | Pencil & Paper Co. | Megan Pflug | Place of My Taste | Suburban B’s
Waiting on Martha Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH
I look forward to seeing you work your magic in your living room space-
xoxo-
Holly @ The English Room
That velvet sofa is dreamy ! It would sure be my choice ! Pair it maybe white white/pale cushion and throw to bring the whit back? But having a darker sofa in a living room you watch tv in (and will, if you’re like me, end up having some snap and wine on !) is I guess a safer choice spill wise!
Any choice you make, I sure will follow up ! I LOVE seeing a good living room makeover (and with a tv that is…. ’cause I might be doing my own and I’m maybe in need of a bit inspiration ahah!)
Cass! I’m already in love with your room based on this post because I know it’s going to be fabulous. xo
I looove your inspiration images! Excited to see your design come to life!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your choices for the new living room. I would mount the TV – that way you have the console free to decorate on top because the console is so cool, but right now the TV looks so heavy on top. I think mounting it would make a world of difference, and with it being drywall – super easy to bury cords and such. Good luck – can’t wait to see kitchen and living room!
I love the color of the velvet sofa! Also, what about doing chartreuse drapes? Can’t wait to follow along – great inspiration and direction!
Gorgeous design board! Can’t wait to see what you decide to go with! Either is going to be amazing!
Although the velvet sofa is really pretty, I’d caution against it. I have a tufted velvet sofa and the tufts gather so much lint, etc. It drives me nuts. I’d go with the other but consider a gray color since white is hard to keep clean. Love the look of you picks!
YES YES YES!!! Can’t hardly wait!! So excited to be doing this with you again! Let’s celebrate in Provence when we finish! 😉 xo
GIRL, YES please.
So exciting! Cannot wait to participate with you and see your finished result. I know you’ll knock it out of the park!
I’m so glad to see that you’re participating as a FEATURED designer!! Loved your previous two ORC makeovers and really looking forward to seeing your living room come together. xo
Please tell me you chose the dark velvet sofa? Can’t wait to see more girl!
I’d skip the white sofa – you’ll live on the velvet one, and won’t have to worry about it! You might also think about the velvet in a gray instead of a brown, to set off the chartreuse? A lot of what Lauren Liess and others you’ve named do so well is balance the warm/cool tones in a space and there’s a lot of warmth in your mood board (wood pieces, brass, chartreuse, couch etc.). If it were me, I’d look at a grey to work with the blacks and balance out the warmer tones.
I just bought a white linen slipcovered sectional! It won’t arrive until November, but I’m thinking it’s going to be beautiful and super functional. My vote is the white one 😉 xo
Love!! Can’t wait to see the process and finished room 🙂
I am leaning towards the white sofa … if this is where you spend most of your time, it looks the most comfortable to cuddle up in! I would just make sure the scale of it is appropriate for the room, you don’t want it to feel too big/bulky for the space. I do love the color of the velvet sofa though, but am thinking maybe you can bring that color in with an accent chair or rug. And the chartreuse green you can totally bring in through accessories and plants … you can easily change these items out if you want to change up the color … doing a major piece of furniture in that color is a lot more permanent.
I love the elements you’ve chosen thus far and I know this space will turn out beautifully! Good luck!
Yay! Exciting. I like your inspiration. If you need some pillows or fabric send me an email! I’d love to help.
This is going to be GORgeous! Love all the furnishings. I’m so excited/intimidated to be part of this amazing group! x
I really like the chocolate velvet sofa. I just don’t like white couches. They’re just all over the place!
The console table is really pretty and I like the long and low bookcase. I’m interested in seeing what you decide on with the sofas.
[…] two of my favorite bloggers are featured designers in the ORC this fall. Check out coco kelley and Chris Loves Julia for what are sure to be great transformations! I’m also really excited […]
So excited to be joining such great talent as a guest participant and to follow everyone’s transformations! I don’t know how I’ll get anything done today – all I want to do is read through everyone’s ORC!!
Your space has so much potential, I can’t wait to see what you do with it and the creative solutions you come up with! I’m also transforming our living room, so I’ll be paying special attention to you! 😉 Dying over that velvet sofa! XO
I like both sofas but the linen seems too deep for the space. I love where you are heading and looking forward to next week!
Loving this palette you’ve chosen– it feels very PNW but fresh. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together!
I definitely vote for the brown velvet couch…it is gorgeous and I love velvet. The white couch seems a little too basic. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
I love this! I am dying for swivel chairs in my living area. Did you really just whip this up. It’s good!
I love your style so I know this room will be spectacular!
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated HouseDriven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry HartHi […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
I’ll be super interested to see what you do with those corners – I have no idea what to do with the corners of our living room either side of the tv. I’ll be taking notes!
They’re such a challenge, right? I’m loving some of the ideas people have offered up so far!!
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
Ooh that’s a tough one as both sofas are amazing. It seems if this is a comfy living room that you spend a lot of time in, the white one just makes you want to jump right in. Oh but that velvet! Can’t wait to see what you end up choosing!
Love the chocolate velvet sofa….also, if the TV is an issue, just open the wall and frame the studs like you would a window so you can sink the TV in and cover it with some artwork. The cords can be run through the wall to the basement. The chair is excellent too, can’t wait to see the reveal!
[…] in with all my fellow design bloggers! Jana Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
[…] welcome to Week 4! If you’re just jumping on the ORC bandwagon, you can read our other posts here, here and here to catch […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated HouseDriven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry HartHi […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated HouseDriven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry HartHi […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated HouseDriven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry HartHi […]
[…] dive into the massive amounts of photos below (sorry, not sorry), you may want to hop over to our very first post to see how far we came from the before to the after. In fact, when I went back to that first post, […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]
[…] Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House Driven by Decor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart […]