Wednesday, October 2, 2013

One Room Challenge! - Week One


When Linda of Calling it Home and the creator of the fab One Room Challenge invited me to participate, I was thrilled (thank you Linda!) and knew exactly the room I had to focus on .  You see, the last time I mentioned my dining room was in January when I posted about changing it from Benjamin Moore North Creek Brown to Farrow & Ball Calke Green.  (Jennifer of The Pink Pagoda created that terrific banner.)


Well, I did finish painting but that was about it.   Curtainless, disjointed and kinda sad, it's been languishing ever since and I've conveniently never brought it up again these last 9 months, until now. So here's hoping the One Room Challenge becomes my Dining Room Rescue!

THE OVERVIEW:

The dining room is off our kitchen.  It's formerly the carport and is one step down from the kitchen. This window looks out into the front yard.



Above is the view from the window back through to the kitchen and into the family room, which is also a room we added to the house.


Here's the view from the side yard through the french doors.  Years ago I tacked on a mantle to the brick wall.  The real fireplace is on the other side in the living room.  I know you know this but I just have to be on the record - the mantle and the stuff on it is looking pretty lame!

Below is the view from the dining room out to the side yard.  This room feels connected to the outdoors so I'm hoping to have time to do something with the view too.


INSPIRATION:

In the past, this room has been a den and an office.  Now, I'd like it to function as a library/dining room.  I'm interested in a transitional look that's just a bit formal but not overly serious.  Here's some snippets from my pinterest One Room Challenge board to give a sense of the look and feel I'm after.







THE PLAN:

This room is in need of cohesive elements that pull it all together and create that library/dining room feel I'm after.  I want it to be an interesting space that is also a comfortable and practical place to eat daily meals.  (We have a breakfast counter in our kitchen but this room is truly our dining area)

Some things on the checklist for the next 6 weeks:

- A furniture plan  (dealing with the different chairs, making the desk work, bringing in a buffet or server)
- Refinishing the furniture  (the tablecloth is hiding a lot....)
- Drapes
- Artwork
- Lighting
- The Floors (I'm leaning towards painting the floors white.)
- Styling of the bookcases

Oh, about the ceiling fan.  It's really needed in the summer so it's staying. I know...

So, what do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you'll follow along in the next few weeks!

Be sure to also check out all the other 19 bloggers in the One Room Challenge. Every Wednesday for 6 weeks there will be a new post, culminating in a final reveal.  Can't wait to see what they're up to!

Calling it Home
Chinoiserie Chic
Classic Casual Home
Cottage and Vine
Design Addict Mom
Design Crisis
Design Indulgence
Design Manifest
The English Room
The Green Room Interiors
Henhurst Interiors
Little Black Door
Maddie's Nest
Mix And Chic
Pawleys Island Posh
The Pink Pagoda
Shelter
Simple Details
The Vault Files

30 comments:

Francine Gardner said...

This room as real potential to be an indoor/outdoor dining, living space.I am looking forward to see the progress, this is a fun challenge. Being a garden freak, The first I would do is create an outdoor space, with climbing vines hiding the fence and a landscape plan. But i tend to do things reverse, first what I am emotionally connected with: the outdoors, and then brings that feeling indoors, all of course via a structured furniture and outdoor design plan
Have fun with the process!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

I love library/dining rooms. I think they have so much more interest than just a decorated space. I am really looking forward to seeing your progress.

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...

I am just drooling over your inspiration board! And I love the idea of joining the outdoors with your room. It would be so cool if you could add a circular stone patio with some curved benches and a fountain (crazy dreaming i know) I'm excited to follow along! Cheers

SHERRY HART said...

Right off the bat I love the color! I think this can be a fabulous room so I am anxious to see how it comes together!

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...

I love the color so of course I think you are off to a great start. :) It really is a great space, it will be fun to give it the royal treatment. I love your direction!

Beth Connolly said...

I love that F&B green and I love library/dining rooms. And another DC blogger! Looking forward to seeing it come together.

Julia Ryan said...

This is going to be oh so good!

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

Oooo white floors! I love it already. I think the dining room/ library is brilliant.

pam {simple details} said...

The dining room/library concept is my FAVORITE!! Love your bold green paint choice, what a fun project!

therelishedroost said...

Great Group of bloggers.. I love Green!!
Best,
Karolyn

cindy hattersley design said...

I love the idea of a cozy indoor outdoor room! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

oh michele - im so excited to see what you do! i just love seeing more snippets of your home. ill be following along - cant wait!!!

Lesli at My Old Country House said...

Hi there, I have followed you for years, but I think today officially follow you online! I love this challenge and I cannot wait to see what you do! This room has such potential...love the exterior access...I can't wait to follow your progress and I am planning to play along from home with our pigsty room...

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

Another fan of dining room/libraries. The mantle doesn't bother me. I love painted floors and don't have the guts to do it myself. I can't wait to see that. I can imagine drinking coffee and reading the paper (or kindle) while glancing through those doors. Fantastic space. Thanks for joining in.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

You are reminding why I like Pinterest so much. You have some great plans!

Jessie said...

What a fabulous room to start with! Love your inspirational pictures.
Looking forward to see the design unfold.

Jessie
www.mixandchic.com

Unknown said...

Painted floors and green walls with that view? It's going to be fabulous, and you're already off to a wonderful start!!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

I think it has lots of potential and love the wall color. I love the idea of library/dining combo. I am intrugued by the white floors....will you end up having to do the whole downstairs? Cannot wait to follow along!

Stacey said...

I love your ideas and your space has great potential! I understand the ceiling fan issue. We're in NC and it gets very hot and humid in the Summer and while I opted to have lighting in some of the rooms, ceiling fans are in most of them because it just is a necessity. Looking forward to your progress/ transformation!

Karena said...

Michele how very exciting and I can see this room coming together beautifully!! Look forward to your progress!

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Velvet Pumpkins Giveaway

René said...

Oh I'm so glad you are in the group this time! Can't wait to see what you come up with for your dining room.

The Pink Pagoda said...

I didn't know you have a 15-year-old daughter. I love this age -- they're so much fun! I'm so interested that you're thinking of painting your floors white. I love that look. And your green is GORGEOUS! Your dining room is going to be beautiful!

Ashley said...

I am so thrilled you are participating in the challenge! White floors? I can't wait to see it all come to fruition.

Holly Phillips @ The English Room said...

I am thrilled to be in the One Room Challenge with you. It is a much needed swift kick in the rear to get this home office of mine looking good.

Cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with and the AFTER shots.

Your dining room is sure to be fabulous!

Fondly-

Holly

Jennifer Sergent said...

So much potential! I think you can save the mantel -- and put a fabulous vintage fireplace screen in it, then it wouldn't seem like an empty frame. Check out The Brass Knob: www.thebrassknob.com good luck!!!

Carrie said...

Ooh, I love dining room/libraries! Can't wait to see what you end up with!

Maison My said...

I love the idea of the black and white stripes floor, with a buffet as an entry/focal point with a mirror and some silver/other items. A gold chinese/japanese panel on the top of that buffet, perhaps, instead of a mirror?

Maison My said...

I love the idea of the black and white stripes floor, with a buffet as an entry/focal point with a mirror and some silver/other items. A gold chinese/japanese panel on the top of that buffet, perhaps, instead of a mirror?

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