Thursday, October 9, 2014

One Room Challenge: Week 2

Welcome back to the second week of the ORC. This week I crossed off the first thing on my to do list- painting the den! I stuck true to the idea in my mind, and painted the walls a charcoal color. With all the  white trim, paneling and brick, I knew the room could handle the deep color. I started out by testing several colors....


The two top colors are actually the same color, which is the one I ended up choosing. The two bottom left colors just seemed a little too cold and dark. And the bottom right was actually just a sample I had on hand from a long time ago, revere pewter. I actually found my final choice when I was browsing through the latest Pottery Barn. I love looking at rooms and seeing if I can find a paint source. I think it is a great starting point, however, they can always look way different in your room.


I really lucked out by trying this one. It is Mink by Sherwin Williams, and I had it matched at Lowes in a Valpsar paint. It was dark enough for some depth and personality, but not too dark like the others, seeming black. I love how it looks with the gold, which was my determining factor. This room is going to have lots of pops of gold! 

I also starting working on the bookshelves. They still have a long way to go. These shelves were originally in Stephen's office in our last house. And they were jam packed full of "man things" so we are having to compromise here and make them presentable for the den, yet still include some of his collectibles. I really don't mind because I think a mix is interesting and personal. However, it cracks me up to look at these photos with the book titles...we are ranging from everything from Nascar to Emily Giffin to Drew Brees to Design Sponge! One thing I did was flip the book jackets inside out so the white side was showing instead of the colorful book side. I wanted a more streamlined look and this was an easy way to achieve that. I also bought some large scrapbook paper in gold and white and cut custom sized book jackets for some smaller books. Loving this touch! 





I also spent a good deal of time researching fabric for my slipcovers and ordered some samples. Of course, the wrong sample got sent to me that I needed to get the slipcover going. And then, a strange thing happened. Once the walls got painted the dark charcoal, I didn't hate the gold and yellow fabric on the chairs/loveseat. Of course, I don't want to use both of them together, but I think one or the other could work. And that would just be so fantastic for my budget. What are your thoughts? The original plan was the loveseat would be slipcovered in a white denim {good for babies/dogs and a little more casual} and the the wingbacks in a light grey velvet. I will be adding in some blue and white, yellow/gold tones and possibly a pop of lilac or pinky-red. How is that for indecisiveness? Rugs will be switched around, throws, add pillows, lamps, etc. So basically we are working with a blank slate! Once again, would love your advice!

Here are the two pieces of furniture next to each other for comparison:


Don't forget to check out what everyone else is up to at the One Room Challenge...
thanks for checking in with me this week!

11 comments:

Megan Parker said...

Love what you've done so far! I really like the yellow loveseat. If it were me I'd keep that and slip cover the chairs. I can't wait to see the final design! :)

Unknown said...

I think for a more cas feel you should go with the bright yellow loveseat! For a more formal (not what it seems like you are going for) keep the gold chair!

Caroline {Virginia Sweet} said...

love the room thus far - totally diggin the gold wingback! Love the feel of the different textures and colors!

My Life as A Plate said...

Gorgeous. I love that striped lamp and your book ends.

KatiePerk said...

You are making serious progress! The walls look fab. I dig both pieces of furniture! I would probably recover the chair, because it would be cheaper, but a slipcovered couch is washable...so that makes it trickier!

aquahaus said...

I have used mink before and love it!! Great progress!

pam {simple details} said...

Love the dark paint Katie, good call on the color, it's so pretty! I think the light yellow sofa looks a little more modern, (I can picture it with a great mix of pillows - chinoiserie, leopard, geometric, floral) but it might not be as forgiving with kiddos and dogs. :(

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

Hi Katie, I think I love the camel chair with the wall color (so pretty). And I agree with Pam, that sofa fabric might not last under kids and dogs. Good luck.

Melissa said...

Love the color!! Everything is looking fabulous -- and I don't think you could lose with either piece! Can't wait to see next weeks progress :).

Unknown said...

I love the bookends! Looks like you have made some great progress this week. Good luck next week :)

Alexandra Bee Blog said...

LOVE the walls and that you're going to incorporate lots of gold, as well as his and hers pieces. I am also excited that you are warming up to the yellow couch, haha! I think it would be awesome to leave the couch as is, and then maybe reupholster the chairs in a fab print that has some yellow in it? Or the chairs could also be fab in maybe a light gray velvet and then you could add some funky printed pillows with yellow!?