wallpaper vanity, mirror, sconce, shade, stool

I can’t even tell you how difficult it is to make a wallpaper decision. I’ve ordered countless samples, polled several opinions, and will be ordering something this week.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I’ll probably regret saying this, but how hard can it be to transform a small powder room. Next time, I’ll show you the room and what it looks like right now. Be sure to check in on all the other incredible One Room Challenge transformations.

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]]>Powder Room One Room Challenge - The PlanLinda WFri, 05 Apr 2024 06:04:41 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2024/how-i-took-high-quality-interior-photos564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:660f4757f502c731acc6ba08In my previous post, I shared the story of my One Room Challenge® living area renovation project. I didn't mention the photography, however, and that is a story in and of itself.

This renovation extended far beyond the room I transformed for the ORC and was years in the making. Including my own planning, working with an architect, the HOA approval, hiring a contractor, and two hurricanes, a lot of time and effort went into the project. The ORC project is an area of the house I'd mostly neglected, so it was basically like creating a room from scratch. You can read all the deets here. Now, I'll just say that I love my new room, I'm proud of my work, and I wanted high quality images for the One Room Challenge® that would reflect the room I worked to create. Having no photography experience or equipment, I had hired a photographer far in advance. After several weather related rescheduling issues, the photographer was no longer available.

UGH. After phone venting to friends, I was able to calmly reflect and strategize. No way was I going to allow the unreliable weather to prevent me from having the photos I imagined. Thankfully, I've got a couple of friends who have a little experience with interior photography. They assured me that with a little basic, beginner friendly equipment, I could do this myself. They recommended the products below which I promptly purchased. They also volunteered to do the photo editing. Whew!

The Canon EOS Rebel was recommended because it has the best balance between quality, beginner-friendliness, and cost. This camera was so easy to learn to operate and will be getting lots of use in the future.

This tether cable is so. cool. It creates a live connection between your camera and your computer, which allows you to see your photos as you take them. Without this thing, I would have been stuck taking the memory card out of the camera and putting it in my computer every few minutes to double check my angle/exposure/etc.. Seeing them nice and big on a screen as you go is truly a game changer.

You may need this USB-C to USB 3.1 adapter if you want to plug your camera into both your laptop and your desktop computers, or if you have a newer Macbook and your tether cable has a regular USB-C port.

To get sharp images a tripod is imperative. Because of the way exposure affects shutter speed, you will never get a nice image of a room shooting without one.

The tether cables are available with all different combinations of connectors, but this USB C to Mini USB Adapter came in handy when my camera turned out to have a different kind of port than I was expecting.

Don’t forget to get a memory card for your camera. You shouldn’t need one bigger than 32GB unless you’re planning to shoot a wedding (or something similar).

• Use a website that easily explains everything you need to know as a beginner photographer. I like Photography Life. They’re also on YouTube with short, easy to follow tutorials.

• If you have a friend who’s good at photo editing, hit them up. If not, all the freelance sites have skilled folks who will do a fantastic job for a reasonable price and a quick turnaround time.

• If you go the tethered route (which I highly recommend) you’ll need software that will upload and instantly display the photo you’re taking on your laptop screen. I used Canon EOS Utility.

• Now I have a camera, battery charger, memory cards, tether, cords, adapters, etc., I’m keeping them all corralled in this backpack so that I don’t have to hunt for equipment when I need it.

• If you’re interested in interior design, you likely have friends that are too. Email your images to them for feedback. It’s so easy to miss little details like an electrical cord that could be easily hidden for a cleaner photo. They might suggest a crop that creates a better composition, or a perspective you haven’t thought of. IMO, the more eyes the better.

I’m actually thankful now for the never-ending rain that put me in the position to learn that I’m able to take my own photos. I love knowing I have all the equipment I need right here at home ready to go. I’ll definitely be participating in the One Room Challenge® again, and will have plenty of opportunities to put my new skills to use. And, if I can do it, so can you! Check out a few of my photos below and go to the original post to see them all.

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]]>How To Take High Quality Interior PhotosLinda WFri, 08 Mar 2024 23:57:23 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-renovation-reality-gjsca564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:65dd4256512b4c41222c42e7Welcome back to the final installment of my sunroom. If you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & Lighting, Renovation Reality

It’s a stunningly beautiful day, the air is crisp, and the house is quiet. I feel at home in my newly updated sunroom, and I can’t wait to give you a tour. This room has been finished for a while, but the weather wasn’t allowing me to capture the gorgeous views through the incredible wall of windows.

I started this project with the goal of creating a cozy space filled with pieces that felt collected over time. I’m definitely not a minimalist but clutter makes me anxious, so finding that balance is an ongoing process. The statement piece, the vintage credenza from my in-laws home, grounds the room and draws you into the space. This gorgeous piece centered the wall perfectly, and I hope it continues to stay in the family for decades.

I didn’t want to pretend we don’t watch TV in this room. We’re obsessed with streaming, aren’t you? The television screen doesn’t bother me, but it’s not art and the wall needed beautiful art to balance the weight of TV. I was ecstatic when Virginia, at Wishbone Studio, sent me her ideas for custom paintings. In my wildest dreams, I would not have been able to imagine anything more beautiful for this space. I knew they were going to be pretty and when the original floral paintings arrived, my expectations were exceeded! The details are incredible with layers of soft blues on a crisp white background. The collection has received many compliments and it feels good to have original art.

Let’s talk about the happy accident, this blue sofa. I wasn’t planning on a blue, and if you remember, I purchased a pretty neutral shade that ended in disaster. The blue upholstery contributes to the relaxing happy vibe of the room and lowers my anxiety by not having to monitor pets and feet on a lighter shade of fabric.

How about some pillow talk? When the sofa was going to be neutral, the pillows needed to have a punch of color. Now that the sofa has more personality and color, the pillows need to compliment the setting without being too attention-seeking. I like having the option to shuffle the pillows around between the sofa and the chairs.

Without a doubt, the triangular PGT windows perfectly frame both the architecture of the room and the captivating sky view. Finding a light fixture that would compliment the windows without obstructing the view was challenging. I wanted something that felt organic and light, with enough weight and presence for the 13’ ceiling height. This one has been discontinued, but similar ones here.

I’ll never tire of this view! We’ve lived here for almost ten years and it feels incredibly reassuring to finally have a beautiful space wrapped in the protection of a new roof and hurricane grade windows. Thanks for following along. Next up - my powder room!

This room is part of the fall One Room Challenge®, be sure to check out all the final room reveals!

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida Sunroom - FinaleLinda WMon, 13 Nov 2023 04:30:15 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-renovation-reality564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:6551785a81373f5b83fb8152Welcome back to the evolution of my Florida home. If you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & lighting, Renovation Reality

Things aren’t going as planned and that’s the nature of renovations, design dilemmas, and supply-chain issues. Let’s discuss.

I’ve been through a few home renovations and troubleshooting issues is part of the process. When something goes off-course, I need to sit with the problem and give myself time to audition possible solutions. Ideally, the result is an unexpected happy accident, but rushing a decision is neither pleasant nor advisable.

One place things went awry with this project was the paint. Leading up to painting, I agonized over the perfect shade of white paint (don’t we all?). I wanted a neutral white that didn’t read warm or cold. I’ll spare you with all the trials I ran and cut to the chase, for me, it’s Sherwin Williams Pure White (Please note that paint colors look different in every home and it’s a good idea to do your own sampling). The rooms would be color drenched for a calm aesthetic that wouldn’t compete with the angles of the ceiling or furnishings. I explained to my painters multiple times that I wanted everything painted in one color, a flat finish for the walls and satin for the trim.

So, I was shocked when I walked in and saw the trim so obviously painted a different color than the walls and definitely more reflective than a satin finish.

I pointed out the obvious color mistake… only to have an entire painting team try and gaslight me by insisting that it was the same color with the sheen of the trim throwing the color reflection off. An optical illusion. It wasn’t until I painted a sample board and leaned it up against the trim, AND found this can under a pile of drop cloths, that I was able to have my contractor back me up.

The painters’ explanation quickly shifted to “this is a more expensive paint with no additional charge.” Yeah, sure. Ultimately, the team repainted all of the trim to match the walls, and it’s beautiful!

I hit another snag this week with the sofa. A delivery disaster might be turning into a happy accident, but I won’t know for sure until next week.

Selecting a sofa was challenging. I wanted one delivered by Thanksgiving so it had to be in stock, and it had to be deemed ‘comfortable’ by my husband. After multiple trips to two different local stores that carry a rotating selection of one-of-a-kind gorgeous furniture pieces purchased right off the showroom floor, I made my decision. A lovely beige sofa arriving that same afternoon. To my horror, I watched the brand new sofa unload off the truck with matching stains on each arm. Sadly, the sofa was not wrapped properly and damaged in transport. I refused the delivery. Side note, my husband never thought it was comfortable but we already know that his vote is often overruled.

With my rug and pillow samples in hand, I went to one of the popular chain stores in hopes of finding my happy accident. The salespeople thought I was crazy hauling cushions to the front windows to see everything in natural light. After my delivery disaster, I was determined.

The best news of the week was the arrival of these gorgeous paintings! They’re designed and custom painted by the extremely talented Virginia Beshears. She’s incredible and was able to color match just by looking at the images of the rug long before it arrived. I had no idea what the collection would look like and was overjoyed by the beauty of each painting as I opened them up. Saying they bring me joy is an understatement. Chef’s kiss, Virginia!

This room is part of the fall One Room Challenge®, be sure to check out all the amazing transformations going on!

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida Sunroom - Renovation RealityLinda WMon, 30 Oct 2023 03:15:34 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-meets-florida-sunroom-design-changes564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:653f05a248caef2f055b3ac1Welcome back to the evolution of my Florida home. If you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & lighting, Renovation Reality

Well, it didn’t take long to realize my coveted vintage dhurrie rug won’t play nicely with the living room side of my open floor plan. Looks like my daughter’s (former) room will be getting a vintage rug and I’ve found a beautiful alternative. The change in rugs shifted the layering in the pillow plan along with a different jute rug. I ordered this custom colored rug pad—if you’ve ever had a natural fiber rug then you know how the pad can annoyingly show through the open weave.

I adore my gorgeous PGT windows and didn’t want to obstruct the view with a heavy light fixture. I went in search of an organic shaped fixture that felt ‘bird-like’ (or flying saucers).

The fixture’s perfect for this space and has a lovely glow at night. It’s been discontinued, but this one has a similar vibe.

I’ve been spending a lot of time figuring out some of the landscaping you see through the sliding doors. Everything’s a process around here that goes before the committee of one and she can’t make up her mind :). This next week is a big delivery week with lots of things arriving including my sideboard.

I’m once again hurrying to get this post up for the fall One Room Challenge®. Below is an updated plan for creating this room!

Updated plan for this room -

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida Sunroom - Design ChangesLinda WMon, 23 Oct 2023 04:10:38 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-florida-sunroom-custom-windows564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:6535a787d7141b420fce17feAll PGT windows in this project were purchased by me, with the exception of two custom triangular windows. For those, I worked in collaboration with PGT and wanted to share the process as well as my opinion.

Welcome back to the evolution of my Florida home. If you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & Lighting, Renovation Reality

When I was growing up in California, I never imagined I’d experience three hurricanes - Sandy (NJ), Irma (FL), and Ian (FL). Ian hit during our renovations, after our impact windows were ordered but long before they were installed. With months of planning and revisions behind us, the two largest investments of this project (windows/sliders and roofing) had been decided. My biggest takeaway from this saga has been to take your time and do your research on home improvements that last well into to the next owner, decades from now.

I wanted my home to look like it had always been here, one of the originals that was well loved and updated to withstand a category 5 hurricane (only partially joking).

I knew I wanted a metal roof for charm and durability, and I wanted to find impact windows that offered the same. My contractor recommended PGT windows because of their performance quality and company reputation. They’re based in Florida, have a reasonable order turnaround, and he’s installed them many times on previous projects. They’re also fully customizable. After visiting a showroom, I was sold.

I worked with an architect on some of the project and I liked his proportions on the window specs. It was his idea for aluminum casement windows with custom raised flat bar mullions applied. The structural engineer was not my friend most times. He interjected too often with his design opinions when all I wanted to know was if my ideas would withstand a natural disaster.

The upper dormer windows are stationary with a 1” flat bar mullion applied. The design resembles many of the windows found in the historic section of town with all the modern features you would want today.

Once the ceiling was raised and the window opening was framed, a PGT representative came to measure for the custom windows. There’s no room for error on this step. The PGT sliders are twelve feet wide by eight feet tall with the middle section stationary and both, right and left, sides open. Finished ceiling height is over thirteen feet!

I was a bit worried about matching the specs on the other windows while incorporating a triangular shape that didn’t feel too modern for our home. The rooms are open and you can see all the windows together so it had to feel cohesive.

When the windows arrived, I was very nervous about the install. Florida homes are concrete block and you can’t easily make adjustments to window openings.

The scaffolding is braced on boards cantilevered over the open trench for pool plumbing. I don’t think I could have been more worried.

And then came time for the second window and an additional helper. They were heavy!

This shot reveals the perfectly measured windows installed with expert craftsmanship. I’m feeling relieved and happy.

And here’s where we’ve left off from last week.

Thanks for checking in on my room transformation progress. Impact windows and other smart home investments can sometimes be confusing so I hope I’ve been able to provide some helpful information. The improvements I’ve made on this home reduced the cost of my hurricane and homeowners insurance, so for us it was a great investment.

I love my PGT windows and can’t say enough nice things about them or the team behind the brand. I’m so appreciative PGT wanted to collaborate on the custom window portion of my project!

Be sure to come back next week when I hope to show some progress…the time is flying by. You can see all the other incredible projects of the fall One Room Challenge® here.

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida Sunroom - Custom Windows with PGTLinda WMon, 16 Oct 2023 12:33:18 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-florida-sunroom-h4rte564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:652c8f95dbc2ad06c251bcd5Welcome back to the evolution of my Florida home, if you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & Lighting, Renovation Reality

We’ve moved quite a few times resulting in a collection of furniture pieces (more like odds and ends) that don’t really fit this house. I’ve spent years trying to convince myself that each piece was special enough to overcome the awkward disruption of harmony throughout the open living space. I felt justified with this theory when I heard Nora Ephron say - “the bag was a color that went with nothing and therefore went with everything” in, I Feel Bad About My Neck. During the renovation I’ve re-examined and modified my theory in light of new evidence, my house feels cluttered and incohesive.

I know this isn’t a traditional conservatory or sunroom, but these windows are stunning (more on that next week) and the space is filled with natural light. It wants to be a garden inspired room and who am I to disagree.

Feeling overwhelmed after a long renovation that seems never-ending and second guessing my choices, I reached out to my design-savvy friend, Jennifer, to help me define a plan. I love this look and fingers crossed I can finish by the end of the ORC.

Some of the new-to-me pieces are vintage and came from my in-laws home when they downsized. The vintage Dhurrie rug (similar) has been waiting for it’s next chapter since it arrived from Boston. I’m planning on layering it on top of a handmade Rush House woven rug. The tessellated bone sideboard resembles one currently in Palm Beach and I’m hoping to find a way move it across Alligator Alley (if you know, you know).

I’m excited for this room to come together and thankful my husband has given up hope on having a vote in the process. Working better under self-imposed press, I’m once again hurrying to get this post up for the fall One Room Challenge®. Here’s some of the plan for creating this look.

How I plan to put this room together -

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida Sunroom - The PlanLinda WMon, 09 Oct 2023 03:52:28 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/2023/10/english-conservatory-florida-sunroom564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:65233b2e23f7446b660e1640This project has been eight years, two hurricanes, and a lot of patience in the making. I’m rounding the corner on a ten-month structural renovation that’s been in the planning phase for the last several years. The majority of the budget was focused on replacing, upgrading, and transforming the areas that made the most sense while walls were open and permits were circulating like confetti on New Year’s Eve. I’m finding myself in the oddly familiar place I was in over a decade ago which resulted in me starting this blog.

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Linda, a design-obsessed homeowner currently living in Florida. Eight years ago we bought a tired older home in a great neighborhood full of potential along with some undiscovered problems.

if you’ve missed any of this One Room Challenge series you can find weekly updates here: Intro, The Plan, Custom Windows, Design Changes & Lighting, Renovation Reality

We knew the roof was on its last leg, the skylight was not hurricane rated, and the windows were original. All things that could eventually be upgraded over time - a naive statement from a newly transplanted resident confident that the lack of snow and ice dams (commonly found in the NE) would make Florida elements a minor inconvenience.

Undiscovered problem #1 - the pool was sinking. We were told it was just the decking that needed to be replaced - not so.

We lost the pool cage in Hurricane Irma - not sorry and not covered by insurance.

As time went by and nature did her thing, somehow our roof managed to keep us dry long enough for us to plan and save. We had just begun renovations when Hurricane Ian hit which forever changed the supply-chain and workforce we would be relying on. The entire process would become twice as long.

Below is what will soon be my conservatory/sunroom. The first image is from the listing eight years ago, and the rest are from during the renovation. The ceiling has been raised, PGT impact doors and windows have been installed, and insulation, LED lighting, and A/C is complete.

Are you curious to see how this room unfolds? Me too! It’s late Sunday evening and I’m hurrying to get this post up for the fall One Room Challenge®. Here’s some of my inspiration pins and I’ll be back next week to share the plan.

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]]>English Conservatory Meets Florida SunroomLinda WMon, 25 May 2020 03:29:11 +0000https://www.callingithome.com/blog/foyermakeoveroneroomchallenge564e69e9e4b0b0384372bc98:56dcf3e50c4a6841deefe268:5ecb3b870d634c6b2a7d1088It’s been almost six years since I joined in on the crazy fun of the One Room Challenge® and I’ve missed the creative energy and motivation so I’m jumping in on week 3 and I’m playing along with all the guest participants. This season, due to COVID, the ORC is 8 weeks and my project doesn’t require any outside help…unless my family refuses to assist. As I’m writing this, it feels like trying to squeeze into your favorite old pair of jeans, and with the same level of denial I think I can pull it off.

Here’s the space - It’s a small foyer leading to the master suite. The doors are always open and you can see it from almost every angle in the house.

The entire master suite needs attention and the entry feels like the most manageable place to start. This isn’t a area that requires much function, but I would love to display some of my blue & white collection. I’m going for a bit of Palm Beach meets California. Think Mecox Gardens in Malibu. Are you feeling it?

Here’s the plan - aka dream goal

 You’re probably thinking this looks straightforward and not too complicated and next week I’ll let you know why that’s not the case. Until then you can check out all the Featured Designers, Guest Participants, and endless inspiration from previous events.

Let’s chat about the systems that help run our homes. The not-so-pretty and often confusing choices we make result in either years of satisfaction or regret. Five years ago, I let our contractor make the important water heater selection, and have spent the last year regretting that choice.

The decision to go tankless is something worth considering with the biggest benefit being a reduction in home energy usage. According to the US Energy Department, homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, tankless water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. The initial cost of the unit is higher than a standard water heater, but the lower operating and energy costs result in an overall savings over time.

We live in Florida where the temperatures are high and the water mineral content even higher. In our area, most home systems run on electricity, and energy efficiency is an important factor to consider because the a/c runs most of the year. When our tankless system began to fail, it resulted in lukewarm showers/baths and intermittent hot water at the kitchen sink. A decision had to be made, and it would be on me to decide which product was best for our family. I’m no exception when it comes to preferring shopping for home accessories over home solutions, but it was time to stop procrastinating.

It only took one visit from a licensed plumber to learn our system was not only of lower quality, but was also installed incorrectly and destined to fail. The system failure was accelerated by the high mineral content in our water which corroded the heat exchange. The plumber highly recommended EcoSmart as well as Installing a filtration system and flush valves to extend the life of a new system. Nonetheless, I got a second licensed plumber’s opinion who agreed.

LEFT: Old system

RIGHT: New System + Filtration

Researching tankless systems is like any other research project. You ask professionals, speak with friends, and then do a deep dive on Google. The EcoSmart name came up several times. I never shopped by price since the inconvenience of replacing a system is far more expensive than getting it right the first time. When I decided on the EcoSmart brand I was pleasantly surprised to learn this system was not only highly recommended but also extremely affordable. Tankless water systems require annual maintenance and hard water needs to be filtered. Professional installation from a licensed plumber with experience installing tankless systems is the best way to guarantee success.

We’ve had the system installed and so far, so great! The new tankless heater is running far better than the old heater ran on its best day. The water comes out so hot that we’ve had to adjust the mixing valves to find our new preferred temperature setting for showers and baths (not complaining). Our water pressure has improved because we’re able to use our fauces as they’re intended in full mixing mode.

There’s a lot of misinformation regarding tankless water heaters online. As best I can tell, most of the complaints result from improper installation and/or omitting a filtration system. These systems require annual maintenance and an upfront investment. Proper installation and maintenance will optimize their energy efficiency. If you’re considering replacing your hot water tank, you could start your research here. If you’re not ready to commit to a brand new system, you may want to look into a water heater booster designed to work with a tank. Now that our water heater issues are behind us, I can resume my hunt for the perfect grasscloth wallpaper.

Everyone’s noticed the improvement with my husband, chief dishwasher, commenting that the kitchen sink temperature is now perfect for doing dishes. Thank you, EcoSmart, for Keeping the human dishwasher happy.

Well Hello! It’s nice to connect over the hot, Florida, summer. Summer feels like a time when life slows down a bit, in theory, and families spend more time just hanging out. That’s not the case at my house, but I hope it is at yours. Over here, my to-do list grows with the expectation longer days are my friend. She’s a ‘temporary’ friend who will be leaving soon and in light of her impending departure, I’ve felt obligated to spend chunks of time with (said) friend binge-watching shows, eBay shopping, and the occasional trip to the supermarket. It’s been great!

Now that August has arrived I’m ready to reconnect with my home (and the people who live in it) while I plan for some upcoming room transformations. With a unanimous vote of one (me) the declaration of my master bedroom as my next project was overwhelmingly approved. I’m even considering jumping into the One Room Challenge™ as a Guest Participant for the motivation to make this happen this year. And that is why I’ve been shopping on eBay!

First up – Rugs!

I’ve been shopping for rugs on eBay for over a decade. It’s my number one source for one-of-a-kind vintage rugs! My current vintage rug collection consists of bright, vibrant, ‘notice me’ reds and blues.

 My bedroom is long with an ideal rug size of 9 x 13. In addition to the uncommon size, I wanted muted tones to blend with the floor providing me the flexibility to use vibrant colors in the bedding or furniture. Here are some of the rugs I considered in my search.

(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6)

This is the gorgeous rug I purchased. It’s so pretty in person with touches of rose, cream, pale grays and hints olive green. finding a 9 x 13 size was a stroke of luck, and by luck I mean a few hours devoted to eBay hunting. Time. Well. Spent.

 I’ll keep you posted on the bedroom progress as it unfolds. And now back to reconnecting with the family. We are jigsaw puzzle addicts. No lie, if there’s a jigsaw puzzle open we feel compelled to complete it in record speed. Will we build the same puzzle twice? Highly unlikely, what’s the point we’ve conquered that beast. Here are a few of the challenge puzzles we’ve built or are anxiously awaiting the challenge..

(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6}

 I feel like I just completed my back to school essay – How I Spent My Summer Vacation!

Happy hunting friends.

Welcome to week 5 of the One Room Challenge™. If you have been following along on Instagram, you know that many of these rooms are still in progress. Furniture placement, wallpaper hanging, late deliveries, and room styling is happening everywhere. We are not going to lie…we’re worried!

Do you think everyone will finish?

Follow #oneroomchallene + #bhgorc on Instagram where you can watch all the crazy fun in real time.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

At Home with Ashley | Brepurposed | Dabito | The English Room | Erin Kestenbaum

Harlow & Thistle | House of Brinson | J & J Design | Kelly Golightly | Linda Holt

Megan Bachmann | Michelle Gage | Mimosa Lane | Murphy Deesign | Vestige Home

Old Home Love | SG Style | Shay Geyer | Sita Montgomery | SMP Living

Media Partner Better Homes & Gardens | TM by ORC

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, Better Homes & Gardens, for your support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

You can follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge + #bhgorc

We’re rounding the corner at Week Four of the ORC. This is the hardest week for everyone, as alternative design plans have become a necessity for some.

It’s exciting to see all of the details coming together. Light fixtures, fabrics, and color combinations are providing endless inspiration. We love all of the creative uses for moldings and wallpaper. If you read carefully, you will discover the mention of a new wallpaper line!

No matter which direction we think these rooms are headed, there are always unexpected twists leaving us guessing right up until the end. Fun!

 And speaking of unexpected twists.....

Follow #oneroomchallene + #bhgorc on Instagram where you can watch all the crazy fun in real time.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

At Home with Ashley | Brepurposed | Dabito | The English Room | Erin Kestenbaum

Harlow & Thistle | House of Brinson | J & J Design | Kelly Golightly | Linda Holt

Megan Bachmann | Michelle Gage | Mimosa Lane | Murphy Deesign | Vestige Home

Old Home Love | SG Style | Shay Geyer | Sita Montgomery | SMP Living

Media Partner Better Homes & Gardens | TM by ORC

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, Better Homes & Gardens, for your support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

You can follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge + #bhgorc

It's already week 3 of the One Room Challenge™. How does it go by so quickly?

Lots of progress going on this week. I won't tell you who, but one of the major procrastinators of the group finally made a decision. Whew! The struggle is real, now let's go see....

Following #oneroomchallene + #bhgorc on Instagram where you can watch all the crazy fun in real time.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

At Home with Ashley | Brepurposed | Dabito | The English Room | Erin Kestenbaum

Harlow & Thistle | House of Brinson | J & J Design | Kelly Golightly | Linda Holt

Megan Bachmann | Michelle Gage | Mimosa Lane | Murphy Deesign | Vestige Home

Old Home Love | SG Style | Shay Geyer | Sita Montgomery | SMP Living

Media Partner Better Homes & Gardens | TM by ORC

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, Better Homes & Gardens, for your support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

You can follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge + #bhgorc

Here we are at week 2 of the One Room Challenge™. Did you have a chance to visit all of the featured designers and see their spaces? Just the usual demolition, new foundations and designing long distance happenings to entertain us.

If you’re following #oneroomchallene or #bhgorc on Instagram you can watch all the crazy fun in real time.

Do you think pizza sales go up in October?

It’s been a week, let's go check out the progress...

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

At Home with Ashley | Bre Purposed | Dabito | The English Room | Erin Kestenbaum 

Harlow & Thistle | House of Brinson | J & J Design | Kelly Golightly | Linda Holt 

Megan Bachmann | Michelle Gage | Mimosa Lane | Murphy Deesign | Vestige Home 

Old Home Love | SG Style | Shay Geyer | Sita Montgomery | SMP Living 

Media Partner Better Homes & Gardens | TM by ORC

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, Better Homes & Gardens, for your support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

You can follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge + #bhgorc

It’s One Room Challenge™ time! For the next six Wednesdays, these twenty amazingly talented design influencers will take you behind the scenes as they transform their rooms...week by week. I hope you visit their sites each week as they share the good, the bad, and the unexpected of real life room design. 

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

At Home with Ashley | Brepurposed | Dabito | The English Room | Erin Kestenbaum

Harlow & Thistle | House of Brinson | J & J Design | Kelly Golightly | Linda Holt

Megan Bachmann | Michelle Gage | Mimosa Lane | Murphy Deesign | Vestige Home

Old Home Love | SG Style | Shay Geyer | Sita Montgomery | SMP Living

Media Partner Better Homes & Gardens | TM by ORC

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, Better Homes & Gardens, for your support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

You can follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge + #bhgorc

Welcome to the final week of the Spring 2018 One Room Challenge™ where you can peruse endless design projects filled with creative ideas gorgeously executed! 

As mentioned in Week One, two guest participants will be selected as Featured Designers for the fall ORC. Look for the announcement next week via Instagram and also on oneroomchallenge.com.

HOME LOVE NETWORK FEATURES

One Room Challenge™ The Series, Episode 5, is live! . Check it out, and be sure to follow the series to see all the latest chapters.

BEFORE YOU LINK UP - PLEASE READ THE RULES

The Rules:

1. Only link up rooms dedicated to the One Room Challenge™. The purpose of this event is to support one another in finishing a room. 

2. Your post should include information about your space and MUST have a link back to the ORC link-up page so the readers can easily navigate through the other rooms. 

3. Please be respectful of this interior design event and only have links that relate to your One Room Challenge space. Guiding the viewers away from this event, or creating a ‘friends group’ within the challenge is not in the spirit of the ORC and won’t be permitted. 

4. You must display the One Room Challenge™ Guest Participant logo in each of your six weekly postingsto be eligible for any of the feature opportunities. 

For this week only, the link up will remain open until Tuesday, April 10th at midnight.

YOU CAN GRAB AN OFFICIAL LOGO HERE

Remember to tag @oneroomchallenge , @homelovenetwork and @housebeautiful on Instagram! #oneroomchallenge

Let's go show some love!

I am posting on both sites for this season, only.

Just six weeks ago, twenty design influencers began transforming a room and documenting their progress while being cheered on. I have had so much fun working with these talented designers and can’t wait to see all of their gorgeous One Room Challenge™ spaces. Thank you for checking in weekly to follow along with this fast-paced, inspirational, suspenseful, and creative interior design adventure. Today’s the day! Let’s go see the reveals...

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

Apartment 34 | Beginning in the Middle | Coco & Jack | The English Room | The Gold Hive

Gray Malin | Jenna Sue Design | Jojotastic | Kelly Rogers Int. | Linda Holt | Marcus Design

Michelle Gage | Natasha Habermann | The Painted House | Rambling Renovators

Sacramento Street | Shannon Claire | Sketch 42 | Stephanie Kraus | Bisou Style

Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by ORC

All of this would not be possible without the support of the official ORC sponsors. Featured Designers are so fortunate to have the option to include gorgeous products in their spaces from the following brands:

Arianna Belle | Bellacor | Boston Design Center | Chairish | Couture Lamps | Craftmade | Emtek | eSaleRugs  Fabricut | Farrow & Ball | Gray Malin | Haiku Fans | Hansgrohe | HomePop | Jeffrey Court Tile | Jill Rosenwald | Karastan | Kichler | Lamps Plus | Metrie | Milton & King | Minted | Mohawk | Nostalgic Warehouse | Overstock | Pom Pom at Home | Spoonflower | Stori Modern | Woodard

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, House Beautiful, for the continued support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

Follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge

Be sure to watch the fifth episode of the One Room Challenge™ Series in partnership with the Home Love Network. Garrett & Cathy transform a dark bedroom into a peaceful retreat while sharing their tips and ideas.

Here we are at week 5 of the One Room Challenge™. Right about now, I am sorry I did not work on a room. In one more week, I would have been done. Like I always think...maybe next time? Thank you for coming over and joining in to support everyone in finishing their #oneroomchallenge room transformations. 

Nest week the internet will be flooded with gorgeous images. Try to include at least fifteen photos in your reveal with a combination of entire room views and close-up detail shots. See below for more tips on photography

Photography Tips for Shooting Interior Images

You DO NOT need to hire a professional. Nicole Cohen, from Sketch 42, shoots professionally and is self taught. She has outlined her favorite tips when shooting interior photography, which is an unbelievable resource! Find it here. Don't have a DSLR? No worries, use your iPhone. Apple launched a dedicated site for shooting with an iPhone. iPhone imagery has come a long way. 

One Room Challenge™ The Series, Episode 4, is live! . Check it out, and be sure to follow the series to see all the latest chapters.

BEFORE YOU LINK UP - PLEASE READ THE RULES

The Rules:

1. Only link up rooms dedicated to the One Room Challenge™. The purpose of this event is to support one another in finishing a room. 

2. Your post should include information about your space and MUST have a link back to the ORC link-up page so the readers can easily navigate through the other rooms. 

3. Please be respectful of this interior design event and only have links that relate to your One Room Challenge space. Guiding the viewers away from this event, or creating a ‘friends group’ within the challenge is not in the spirit of the ORC and won’t be permitted. 

4. You must display the One Room Challenge™ Guest Participant logo in each of your six weekly postingsto be eligible for any of the feature opportunities. 

For this week only, the link up will remain open until Tuesday, April 10th at midnight.

YOU CAN GRAB AN OFFICIAL LOGO HERE

Remember to tag @oneroomchallenge and @housebeautiful on Instagram! #oneroomchallenge

Let's go show some love!

If you are looking for HUNDREDS of finished rooms, be sure to check out previous One Room Challenge™ Guest Participants.

I am posting on both sites for this season, only.

Welcome to week 5 of the One Room Challenge™. If you have been following along on Instagram, you know that many of these rooms are still in progress. Furniture placement, wallpaper hanging, late deliveries, and room styling is happening everywhere. I'm not going to lie...I'm worried!

Let's go get a final update on each room before we pop the cork and celebrate.

ONE ROOM CHALLENGE™ FEATURED DESIGNERS

Apartment 34 | Beginning in the Middle | Coco & Jack | The English Room | The Gold Hive 

Gray Malin | Jenna Sue Design | Jojotastic | Kelly Rogers Int. | Linda Holt | Marcus Design

Michelle Gage | Natasha Habermann | The Painted House | Rambling Renovators

Sacramento Street | Shannon Claire | Sketch 42 | Stephanie Kraus | Bisou Style

Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by ORC

The ORC Featured Designers are so fortunate to have the option to include gorgeous products in their spaces from the following sponsors:

Arianna Belle | Bellacor | Boston Design Center | Chairish | Couture Lamps | Craftmade | Emtek | eSaleRugs  Fabricut | Farrow & Ball | Gray Malin | Haiku Fans | Hansgrohe | HomePop | Jeffrey Court Tile | Jill Rosenwald | Karastan | Kichler | Lamps Plus | Metrie | Milton & King | Minted | Mohawk | Nostalgic Warehouse | Overstock | Pom Pom at Home | Spoonflower | Stori Modern | Woodard

Thank you to the One Room Challenge™ Media Partner, House Beautiful, for the continued support and love for original interior design.

I’ll see you tomorrow for another fun-filled day of design inspiration when the Guest Participants post their transformations! 

Follow all of the fun on Instagram #oneroomchallenge

Be sure to watch the fourth episode of the One Room Challenge™ Series in partnership with the Home Love Network. Can you believe this mural is hand-painted?! Subscribe to the series to keep up on all the latest episodes.