One Room Challenge: Behinds the Scenes & Sources

Hard to believe One Room Challenge (ORC) Spring 2014 is over.  For me it’s similar to working on a wedding or event.  You have a vision and a plan.

You pour all your energy and time into your ORC. You build a network of talented individuals along the way, some of whom become friends.  The big day arrives, the reveal, and you’re finally able to showcase your talents and enjoy the fruit of your labor!

Speaking of labor, there is a lot of it you don’t see.  The late nights, the frustration that your plan for that perfect item just won’t arrive on time or is not feasible.  The juggling act between work, home life, and ORC. Not to mention all your unattended helpers! In my case it was my little girls and my dog Bailey.  Here are some out takes.

Apparently it was so hysterical to come into our master bedroom and play that Charlotte was rolling in laughter on the floor.

Someone’s gone shopping right in the middle of my photo shoot for the big reveal.  Oh and do you spy the light fixture boxes behind the door.

I spy Bailey getting ready to jump on the pressed bed. Right after this shot he was comfy on the bed and the girls soon followed.

Another behind the scenes moment, which I briefly described in my reveal post, was the story behind the wall sconces install. Ken Kelly with Kelly’s Painting is my go to guy for small projects.  The earliest that he could come over and give me an estimate on switching out the old wall sconces for the new ones was Wednesday night before the big reveal deadline! YIKES! In a panic I was able to negotiate Ken to install the light fixtures that Wednesday night.  However, being prepared for anything, I had taken most of my photos for the big reveal Wednesday with good light.

However, this photo could have been my BIG REVEAL photo.  As you can see not everything is picture perfect.

Many of you commented on my photography and I would like to thank you for your kind words.  Here are a few photography tips that I learned from the pros: To get the most accurate and pleasing photograph don’t use your flash.  Try to photograph your subject when the lighting is best during the day.

Use elements in the room to make the photograph interesting, such as this photo of the room viewed through the white inlay mirror.

Lastly, take photographs from different angles for a better image rather than straight on.

I also received kind comments about my styling, which are greatly appreciated.  Here are some easy behind the scenes styling tips: Use items that you already own! For example a vase, picture frame, tray, piece of art, and/or books that will make your space personal and pleasing to the visual eye.

This elephant garden stool was given to me by a friend from my DC days working on Capital Hill. I had this piece with the tall vase and flower arrangements in my living, but thought it was the perfect fit for my master.

Another visual pleasing aspect that I briefly touched on was art. Art can be any many shapes and forms. The key is to remember it’s not just for the wall! I grew up learning and loving art! If you haven’t noticed, the Impressionist Movement, includes some of my favorite artists that make this room complete.

Monet, the founder of the Impressionist Movement, is my favorite artist. His prints from the Mussee d’orsay next to the white inlay mirrors tie this room together.

This print is one of Max Agostini’s prints which is also personalized with hand written signature.

I found this Picasso 1902 print at HomeGoods. What a find!

I love this painting and the gold trim. I wasn’t sure if it fit well next to the white dresser, but ended up being a good contrast next to the blue and whites.

Loved these Ballard Design Patch Work tiles for some time and they are even better in person in my master bedroom!

My grandparents mirror is finally ready, but I really like the contrast of the grey against the blue with the brown and gold. This was a great find at HomeGoods!

Love this new mirrored antique accent table, from Target of all places!  Remember how I looked high and low for a perfect accent table?! The grey pictured frame from a furniture and accessory boutique in Sarasota, FL, fits perfectly with décor and gives the room contrast to all the blue.

Here’s a round up of my other fun finds for the master bedroom.

Here’s a closer look at my high and low finds. The Greek Key toss pillows on the bed, the night stand, lamp, bench, Greek Key tray, circle picture frame, and pillow on the arm chair are all from HomeGoods. The silver lantern is my splurge from a boutique in Sarasota.

Again, many thanks to all my new and old followers, the kind comments, and encouragement! You’re the reason I was able to complete ORC! You’ll find a complete list of all my sources for the room below.  You can also find more details about my sources and my ORC process by starting at Week 1.

I’ll say it again, these interior designers are amazingly talented! If you haven’t check out the professional designers ORC rooms it’s a must see! A special thanks to Minted, Lamps Plus, and Sherwin Williams for sponsoring ORC!

Abby M. Interiors

 Because it’s Awesome

 Bijou & Boheme

Calling It Home

 Chez V

Chinoiserie Chic

 Copy Cat Chic

The Decorista

Design Crisis

 Design Indulgence

 Design Manifest

 The English Room

The Glam Pad

 Little Black Door

 My Notting Hill

 The Pink Pagoda

 Simple Details

 My Sweet Savannah

Verandah House

Don’t forget there were  77 of us Linking Participants and you can see all their ORC rooms here on Calling It Home.

If you thought this was the last ORC Spring 2014 post you are mistaken! I’m working on a fun post coming up next week, after my big event this weekend. Can’t wait to share it with you, so please stop back next week!

Sources

Design & Styling – Sarah Sofia Productions http://www.sarahsofiaproductions.com

Photography and Flower Arrangements – Sarah Sofia Productions

Wall Paint Color – Sherwin Williams Tidewater

Bedding– Restoration Hardware http://www.restorationhardware.com/

Blue Quilted Blanket and Bed Skirt -Martha Stewart Collection from Macy’s http://www.Macys.com

Large Blue Greek Key Toss Pillows – HomeGoods http://www.homegoods.com

Hand Painted Patch Work Tiles – Ballard Designs http://www.ballarddesigns.com/

Night Stands – HomeGoods

Glass Table Lamps with Blue Shades – HomeGoods

Wall Sconces – Lowes http://www.Lowes.com

Blue and White Rug – Target from a few years ago http://www.Target.com

Blue Arm Chair – Lazarus, an old department store established in Columbus, OH that is no longer in business

White and Grey Toss Pillows on Arm Chair – HomeGoods

Antique Pewter Two Tired Mirrored Accent Table – Target

Blue Curtains – Target

Gold Sea Urchins – Target

Grey and White Picture Frame – Conqulique, an accessory boutique in Sarasota, FL

Silver Picture Frame – Pottery Barn http://www.PotteryBarn.com

Greek Key Mirrored Tray – HomeGoods and Sarah Sofia Productions

Small Green Elephant – From my travels to Twain

Small Jewelry Bowl with Initial S – Was a gift from a friend

Candle – France, was a gift from a friend

Greek Key Picture Frame – Target

Glass Pitcher on Dark Wood Dresser – Pottery Barn http://www.potterybarn.com/

Grey Distressed Mirror – HomeGoods

Jewelry Box – Diamond Cellars. http://www.diamondcellar.com/

Elephant Garden Stool – Gift

Tall Glass Vase and Flowers – Michaels

Grey and White Circle Picture Frame – Marshalls http://www.marshalls.com/

Silver Tall Candle Holders – Michaels

Silver Monogramed Tray – Wedding Party Favor

Silver Candle Lantern – Conqulique, an accessory boutique in Sarasota, FL

White Double Dresser – Ashley’s Furniture (from 4 years ago) http://www.ashleyfurniture.com/

Starfish – Target

Oval Glass Vase on White Dresser – Crate & Barrel http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

White Wired Baskets – Marshalls http://www.marshalls.com

White Mirrored Tray – Target

Pink Flower Arrangement on Tray – Target

Sand Dollar Escort Cards – Sarah Sofia Productions from our wedding in Sarasota

White inlay mirrors – Target

Monet Prints – Mussee d’orsay

Silver Antique Looking Frames for Monet Prints – Michaels http://www.michaels.com/

Small Rose Silver Vase Arrangement – Target

Picasso Framed Print – HomeGoods

Upholstered White Headboard – Pottery Barn, Riley

Grey Fabric for Trim – Modern Fabrics http://www.modernfabrics.com

Grey Fabric and Nailhead Trim – Sarah Sofia Productions

Wall Sconces Install – Kelly’s Painting

One Room Challenge Week 6 The Big Reveal: Master Bedroom

It’s finally here, Week 6 in One Room Challenge (ORC), where I’m revealing my master  bedroom.

It truly has been a challenge and pleasure to participate in this six week interior design challenge with so many talented people!  Many thanks to the talented Linda from Calling it Home for graciously hosting the ORC.   If you’re just joining in the fun you can begin at Week 1 to see the master bedroom transformation.  If you’re a regular, thank you for coming back and keeping me going!

I set out to finish our master bedroom in this around of ORC.  I had made huge strides in the first few weeks of moving into our home before our second daughter Charlotte arrived.  However, if you’ve had a newborn you know very little gets accomplished in those first six plus months.  ORC was the jump start I needed to fully transform our bedroom into the getaway retreat I had envisioned.  Moreover,  I have been inspired by all the participates in ORC, your comments, and feedback! You’re the reason I finished my master bedroom in record time!

The title of this design challenge is fitting, because there are so many unforeseen obstacles and hoops you have to jump through to finish a room in six weeks.  Just because you’re on timeline doesn’t mean everyone else is on the same page.  For instance, I’m still waiting to hear back from Design Services of Charlotte regarding my estimate for my nailhead and fabric trim FAIL! Then there’s Karsey Glass Company that has my grandparents antique mirror and delayed several weeks, which charged me twice, and still hasn’t reconciled or refunded me the charge. FAIL!

However, those wall scones that I bought last week were a little more complicated than I anticipated to install.  I called Ken with Kelly’s Painting last week in a panic. He’s booked solid and couldn’t come until last night for an estimate. He saved the day and was able to install the wall scones just in the nick of time!

And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for… more pictures of the BIG REVEAL!

 

This Davidson College book was my grandfather’s with mementos of his days on yearbook.  I followed in his footsteps years later.

I decided to keep the comfy blue arm chair and found white and grey toss pillows to even out all the blue and match the antique mirrored accent table.

 

 

The green elephant I bought during a business trip to Taiwan when I worked for the US Senate. The shells I’ve been collecting with my daughters and remind me of our beach days in Sarasota.

This bench is one of the best finds for this room!

Love how this white mirrored tray looks with the sand dollar place settings from our wedding (almost 5 years ago) in Sarasota.

This silver monogramed tray was a wedding favor and has been put to great use in our master bedroom.

 As you can see my DIY nailhead trim turned out OK GREAT! I went back and forth with the grey fabric trim, even my husband liked it one day and then thought it was too much the next. However, it is here to stay for now!

Love this painting of Cannes that was passed down to me from my parents.

There you have it, our master bedroom after 6 weeks! If you looking for details on the room check out my previous posts. I’ll have a full wrap up post soon. Don’t forget to check out all the other participants in ORC on Calling it Home! Thanks for joining me in this fun six week challenge!

One Room Challenge Week 4: Master Bedroom

I’m entering into week 4 of the One Room Challenge (ORC), where I am transforming my master bedroom.  If you’re just joining me, you can start at the beginning here http://wp.me/p1s2CI-nL If you’re coming back for more, thank you!

In full disclosure being gone 8 days for spring break has set me back.  I’m still trying to find a glass and mirror company in Charlotte that is able to cut beveled glass for non straight edges without shipping it out and a hefty price tag.  Additionally, I haven’t connected with the seamstress that I want to use for the fabric and nailhead trim on our upholstered headboard.

However, I’ve had success in finding accessories for both the white double dresser and dark wood dresser!

Mirrored white tray

Starfish

I finally made a decision on the accent table.  I bought the unique upholstered nailhead trim piece from HomeGoods, but the height didn’t work with the arm chair.  I loved it so much I kept it for my office.  This piece below is a perfect fit for our bedroom!

Two tiered mirror accent table

It’s hard to see from the picture, but it’s antique pewter which has gold and silver tones.  It’s a nice transition from the silver to the gold in the bedroom.

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you will see some of the places I have ventured, including furniture boutiques in Charlotte and Sarasota.  I found a grey trellis picture frame, a tall silver antique candle holder, and another gold picture frame for the room.

Additional framed wall art has been hung along with the three inlay mirrors and it really pulls the room together!

Remaining items on my punch “to do” list:

• Replace beveled mirror
• Grey fabric and nailhead trim on upholstered headboard
• Gold tray for dark wood dresser
• Replace wall sconces

It’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to it these remaining two weeks! Again, many thanks for all your comments and feedback! Be sure to check out all the participating rooms in ORC on Calling it Home.

 

 

One Room Challenege Week 3: Master Bedroom

Welcome back to One Room Challenge (ORC)! I can’t believe it’s been three weeks already!?  I have really enjoyed all your comments and feedback, it’s what keeps me going! If you’re just joining me in this journey check out One Room Challenge Week 1 http://wp.me/p1s2CI-nL. and Week 2 http://wp.me/p1s2CI-oh.

To recap here is what our unfinished master bedroom looked like at the beginning of ORC.

Today I wanted to share the details of our master bedroom that we had completed before ORC and what I have accomplished on my punch list this week.

We’ve moved into our current home a year ago, 4 weeks before our 2nd daughter was born. Here’s what the room looked like before we moved.

As you can see, it was very neutral and gave us a blank slate.  First order of business was to paint these wall! I hired a professional painter since I was due within weeks of moving into our new home.  I love blue and knew I wanted a blue grey paint color.  I narrowed down my choices to Sherwin William Tidewater, Sea Salt and Comfort Grey.  We ended up going with SW Tidewater.

We placed all our bedroom furniture from our old master bedroom into this master as well as a dark wood dresser from our previous guest bedroom.  I love our Riley Upholstered headboard from Pottery Barn that we’ve had for a few years.

Pottery Barn has a few slipcover options, but I just haven’t loved them over the years.  Thus, my desire to make the upholstered headboard custom by adding nailhead and fabric trim.

I love our double white dresser with the modern silver pulls, yet still has a vintage look.

When we moved to Charlotte three years ago I looked everywhere with all the great furniture stores nearby, but couldn’t find a double white dresser that I loved in our price point.  I found this one at Ashley’s furniture of all places. Notice how it’s missing a pull already, thanks to young children.

I absolutely love our bedside tables we bought a few years ago! Originally I wanted Pottery Barn’s Lucia bedside table. However, the price point of $200 a piece and the small drawer space was limiting.  I scored two bedside tables for $200 from HomeGoods, which is the cost of one from Pottery Barn.  I had mix matched side tables in our previous homes, which I love, but wanted a more linear look.  The matching glass table lamps with blue shades were also a HomeGoods find, which would have cost close to $200 a piece from another retail store.

A few months ago I finally found silver vintage looking frames to display my prints from my favorite artist, Monet, that I purchased from Musse d’prsay in Paris!

Pictured below is our darkwood dresser with gold pulls and an antique mirror I inherited from my grandparents.  The mirror was broken from our move to Charlotte. The edges were beveled, which I’m trying to replace.  However, finding a store that has the glass cutting capability to bevel non straight edges has been challenging.  I am hoping to find one in the next week, otherwise I will go ahead and replace the mirror without the beveled edge.  I also need to finish styling the dresser.  I have a few pieces picked out already. (see below photos for style inspiration)

Fabric find Friday was a success! I purchased 2 yards (to be on the safe side) of grey fabric from Modern Fabric, a designer fabric discount store in Charlotte, to use as trim on our upholstered headboard.

I was going to share DIY for customizing my upholstered headboard.  However, sourcing this out might be more efficient since the clock is ticking. I need to check availability and price point for a seamstress to assist with the trim and nailhead.  I was hoping to get this accomplished this week, but with it being spring break and visiting family in Florida, my punch list for as successful as I had planned. The look below, found on VT Interiors, is a possibility.

I’ve had fun shopping for accessories to finish the look for our white double dresser and darkwood dresser! If you haven’t seen my finds, follow me on Instragram and Twitter. Here are the styles that are inspiring me to complete the look in the master bedroom.

Love Dear Lillie and her neautral, soft looks! This is what she is working on in her master bedroom. That dresser and mirror are georgous! Looking for a similar gold tray and antique looking picture frame to add to our darkwood dresser.

Love this look from Better Homes and Gardens. That detail in the dresser is beautiful! The arrangement is perfect for a smaller dresser.

I have hit another obstacle on my punch list, wall art for above our upholstered headboard.  Recall I wanted to arrange these small wall tiles from Ballard Designs.

I purchased these tiles a few weeks ago and realized that they are on back order until May 8.  UGH! I’m on the hunt for a replacement but at this point my plan might not be accomplished in 6 week, yikes!

Again, many thanks for all our feedback and coming back each week to see my progress! Make sure you stop by Linda from Calling it Home and check out all the other great room make overs in ORC!

 

One Room Challenge Week 2: Master Bedroom

Welcome back to Week 2 in One Room Challenge (ORC)!  It’s been inspiring to hear all the feedback from everyone.  If you missed my plan for my master bedroom in ORC Week 1, you can view the details here: http://wp.me/p1s2CI-nL.

Quick recap of my plan: I’m finishing my master bedroom and using current furniture, while adding accent furniture pieces, wall art, and mirrors.

It’s been an exciting week full of inspiration from the design pros and new designers from ORC!  I have to admit this challenge is harder than I expected, especially juggling my young girls kids while my husband was out of town this week.   From the girls turning the computer off at critical times to full on tantrums during my shopping trips, it’s been a challenge literarily.  However, the feeling of accomplishment is what is pushing me to the finish line!

Speaking of accomplishment, I did make some headway in my plan from ORC Week 1. I found a pair of toss pillows with a reversible design, the trio inlay mirrors to match our white double dresser, and an upholstered bench with nailhead to sit at the foot of our bed!

If you haven’t noticed I love blue and white and I spotted these toss pillows immediately.

This pair was a great find at my monthly now weekly stop to HomeGoods! It’s a perfect fit with the blue color block bedding.  However, I also like how the pillow is large enough to fit as the back to the current blue arm chair. When I place it on the arm chair it breaks up all the blue.  Here’s my design dilemma , do I split the pair of toss pillows up, one for the arm chair and the other for the bedding, or do I use both as traditional toss pillows with our bedding?  If I decide to use the toss pillow for the blue arm chair it will allow me to splurge on other details such as a side table instead of buying a grey upholstered arm chair with nail head, which is in my original plan. Decisions decisions decisions…

My next big find was this upholstered bench with gorgeous detail with the nailhead and legs.  I’ve been wanting this canary blue ottoman bench for a few years now.  However, we have so much blue in the room from the walls to the bedding that I needed to break out of my mold.  I decided to be daring and choose a neutral color that complimented the white, dark wood, and blues in the room. It was $99 from HomeGoods but negotiated 5% off for the fabric being pulled, that was an easy fix.

 

If you’ve been following me on Twitter or Instagram, you may have noticed my fun furniture and art finds at local Charlotte stores and at High Point Market, especially for an arm chair, side table, and art work for above the bed.  No decisions have been made yet, but hoping I’ll have at least one of those action items completed by next week.

Next on my list is to pick out fabric for my upholstered headboard and to figure out if I’m going to venture into the DIY  nailhead world or hire someone to do it.  Additionally, I’m hoping to find a mirror and glass store that is able to replace the beveled mirror for my antique wood frame.

Stayed tuned for more ORC fun!  Please visit Linda from Calling it Home for updates on her ORC, the other 19 professional interior designers, and other professional bloggers like myself participating in ORC.