One Room Challenge: Week #1

Hello Friends!

I’m taking a leap of faith and jumping in with both feet to participate in the Spring 2015 One Room Challenge.  A huge thanks to Linda, at Calling it Home for throwing down the gauntlet to slackers like myself who need a little push/shove/kick to get a project finished.  

To be honest, I have been on the fence about participating, because it’s kind of nerve wracking to have a strict deadline for a project, but given that my master bathroom has languished in its unfinished state for more than a year far too long, I figured it’s time to light a fire and get. it. done.  I’m a girl who gets stuff done with a deadline, so even though it’s scary, I’m doing it!

The room I’m tackling is our master bathroom.  

Like I said, I started working on it last year, when I took down most of the wallpaper, and it has sat just like that, ever since. (hanging head in shame)  The walls are a hot mess, and I’ve managed to find other things to keep me occupied and have avoided this space like the plague because when the work isn’t fun, I don’t want to do it.

Part of my dilemma is that I have to “Love the One You’re With” when it comes to the tile that’s in my bathroom.  It’s not going anywhere, so I need to work with it and hopefully distract your eye and make it fade into the background since I don’t like it.  Our house is only 11 years old, but I can say with a good amount of certainty, that I would have chosen this tile then and I wouldn’t choose it now.

The mosaic tile accents are ok though – I can deal with them.

So, what kind of magic tricks am I going to pull out of my hat to make this happen, you ask?  Here are some of the highlights I’m hoping to tackle over the next six weeks:

  • Finish wallpaper removal (the toilet area still isn’t done)
  • Repair and paint walls
  • Paint or stain bathroom vanity and replace hardware
  • Add new mirrors and lighting
  • Replace sink faucets
  • Add a rug to cover up ugly tile
  • Add new linens and accessories
That list looks so clean and simple – if only it were that easy.

In keeping with the idea of diverting attention from the ugly tile, I’m going for contrast.  I’m either going to paint or stain the vanity to a darker color.  At this point, I’m thinking black.

Or maybe a darker stain…

Source: BHG

Or black…  You can see that this is going to be a tough decision.  Both options are so pretty.

Source: Meredith Heron Design

Source: Me and My DIY

As for mirrors, lighting and faucets, I’m all over the map in terms of what I like.  Again with this amazing bathroom – I love the color of the vanity and the mirror and the sconces.  It’s just perfection.  And I like that there is a mix of finishes here – some antiqued brass, but the sconces look like oil rubbed bronze.

Source: Meredith Heron Design

Another beautiful mirror option – I love the mirrors that tilt like this one:

Source: Papyrus Home Design

Of course, this mirror is amazing, even though it’s completely unrealistic for my space.  But, it makes you start thinking about a full wall sized mirror.

Source: Homebunch.com

Something along these lines (even though we don’t have the center cabinetry piece).

Source: Homebunch.com

In keeping with the name of my blog, I’m going to see how the space evolves, and try to roll with it as I go along.  Wish me luck!  As I’ve mentioned to ORC veterans, if times get tough, you’ll find me in the fetal position with a bottle glass of wine. 🙂

Any other words of wisdom from other ORC veterans out there?  Did I mention I’m also working on a client kitchen cabinet painting project? 

Busy is good.

15 Comments

  • Reply
    Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    April 2, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    love the plans and can't wait to see what you do!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks Cassie! I think ignorance is bliss for me right now – hoping I'm up to the task!

  • Reply
    Kris @ Driven by Décor
    April 2, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Your bathroom has great bones – it is going to be amazing when you're done!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:14 pm

      Thanks Kris! I'm going to plow through with the end in mind! It will be worth it, and my husband will be amazed! 😉

  • Reply
    Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles
    April 2, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Even though your tile isn't light and bright like we all want now, I don't think it will be that bad once your walls are neutral. I'm in the same boat, our bathroom needs a total overhaul, but we did do the tile 8 years ago when we moved in. I'd love to pick something different now but don't know if I can justify that. You have most of the hardest part done… removing that blasted wallpaper! I hate that job. It's going to be a crazy 6 weeks!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Jennifer, that's exactly true – there's nothing wrong with the tile, so I can't justify tearing it out. I guess it's a "love the one you're with" project. 🙂

  • Reply
    making it in the mountains
    April 2, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    You've got SUCH a great space to start! So excited to follow along with you!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you! I'm on a mission to make it pretty! Fingers crossed!

  • Reply
    pam {simple details}
    April 2, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Yay that the wallpaper is done (almost) that takes a huge chunk of time! Love your inspiration for the vanity and mirrors! You'll do great, and have a fab new space in 6 short weeks. I'm betting you'll be hooked on the ORC! 🙂

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Those torn up walls have been mocking me for a year, Pam! Enough is enough!

  • Reply
    Lisa @ Shine Your Light
    April 2, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    This space is going to look gorgeous when you get done with that vanity, Jenny!! I can't wait to follow along and see your progression! XO

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 2, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks Lisa! Having a bit of a plan is helpful – and a deadline imposed by someone other than me!

  • Reply
    Linda {Calling it Home}
    April 3, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    Wow! This bathroom will be fantastic to relax in. Good luck, can't wait to keep watching. You can do this!

  • Reply
    Erin Meyer
    April 5, 2015 at 3:58 am

    You have a beautiful space to work with. You have great ideas. Cheering you on!

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