It's my 3rd time participating in ORC. For the first challenge, we remodeled my home office and for the second one, we built a deck in our backyard. Unfortunately, the supply chain problems due to the Covid didn't give us the ability to have a fully furnished and styled reveal, but we still loved the experience. This time around we will be working on our living room which has been on our to-do list FOREVER!
Since we finished the kitchen project, I have been itching to redo our living room. The main floor in our house is a semi-open plan, the kitchen has an opening going straight to the living room and every single time I look through the entryway all I can think of is how I want the space to be as cozy and inviting as our kitchen. Finally, we will be redoing the space for this year's fall ORC challenge.
One Room Challenge - Week 1
// Moodboard //
// Living Room - Now //
Since buying this house, this living room has been through multiple renovations. We tore out the carpet, redid the flooring, painted the walls, etc. Basically speaking, the base-level renovation has been done to this room. However, it still doesn't feel cozy, styled, and welcoming.
Through the years my style has changed a lot, it took me some time to figure out what I liked, what I wanted, and what I can live with. I got to the point, where I just see what this room should look like and it's finally the time to bring my vision to life.
// Starting From the Blank Page //
The first thing on the list is to clear everything out, I will be getting rid of the beloved Cloud Couch, which made our friends very sad, but I literally can't keep up with the upkeep of it and it's too oversized for the space. The painting will move to my husband's office (which through the years has become my ultimate - I'm not sure if I want to get rid of it yet storage space), and the rug is just going to the trash. The only items that we will be keeping are the fur chair, ottoman, and TV. I got both the armchair and ottomans for this project about a month ago.
// The Plan //
Once the room is fully cleared out here is the plan:
Change the window casing
Trim out the entryway door, paint it and add Emtek brass hardware.
Build the plaster fireplace
Prime/paint everything in Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Add beams
Swap recessed lights with brass spotlights
Add French return curtain rod and pinch pleat drapes
Build 2 oak cabinets that will go on the sides of the fireplace (I have a very fun design for the cabinets that I can't wait to bring to life) - Little hint - there are some scalloped edges involved!
Make the ottoman
Update the gallery wall over the steps
Make a large painting for the side wall - where we have a TV now. TV, unfortunately, has to move on top of the fireplace. However, we will be making a nice DIY frame for it to make it look like large-scale art.
Finish up furnishing
Decor/Styling - I will be doing a few small DIY decor projects
I will try to update you with much details as possible. I'm super excited to make this room cozy and all ready for colder months and cozy holiday times.
XO
Mariam
Wow, I'm loving the look you're going for. The colors are so beautiful. Can't wait to see what's next!