What a difference a week makes! I was happy we at least had the office floors done in last week’s One Room Challenge update, but that was it. There was nothing in the room other than tools. And we weren’t even ready to move stuff in. We still had to rip out the baseboards and replace them. I was doing my best to stay calm, but panic was bubbling up.
That is all in the past now and the only thing bubbling up is bliss.
Don’t get me wrong, we still have more than I’d like left on the list, but we made an unbelievable amount of progress.
PS: If you’re a new reader, welcome to Polished Habitat! You should head back to week #1 to start at the beginning of this 6 post event hosted by Linda from Calling it Home. The short version is that 200+ people are making over one room in their house. Each week, we all post progress updates until the final reveals on 11/10/17. I’m one of those crazy people who take part in the event each spring and fall, even though it usually makes me cry.
Just look at the updated version of the to do’s that I shared at the end of last week’s post:
Install New Baseboards –
Install Blinds – They should be delivered next week
Install Curtains – Dang, I still need to buy a curtain rod!
Hang Shelves – In the MIA IKEA Truck
Hang File Organizers – In the MIA IKEA Truck
Hang Art – Just need the furniture in place
DIY the Gold Boards – Bought the frames, just need to finish the DIY part
DIY the Calendars – Finished the test version and it worked great, just need to finish the real ones
Assemble Dresser – In the MIA IKEA Truck
New Backing for Bookcases? – Hmm, still deciding. Need to see them as is with the curtains
Pick and Order Chairs
ORGANIZE EVERYTHING – In progress!
That’s right, 9 of the 12 things were crossed off and I made progress on the other 3 as well. Unprecedented!
Perhaps all the progress came from the power of the gold spray paint? I’m sure you’re not suprised that I’ve whipped out the spray paint to help me get the look I want within the budget. Yesterday, I popped open my small HomeRight Spray Shelter and let the goldifying begin.
HomeRight has been a long term partner of mine both within and outside of the One Room Challenge. One of the many reasons I love them is that they’re always generous in letting me give away the products I use.
This week, we’re giving away both the small pop-up Spray Shelter AND the full-size version! Make sure you enter the giveaway at the end of the post!
I use both of them quite a bit, but the instant set up of the small version is my favorite. It’s perfect when you are impatient like me.
When I was painting yesterday, it was crazy windy outside. Before, I just would have had to wait to do my project. But the tent kept the wind out. It also keeps me from getting over-spray all over the garage. Not that I have a history of doing that or anything.
Anyways….
Here’s a little peek at what those shelf brackets I was painting look like now.
It was hard to pick the best part of this week with so much progress made, but I think having blinds on the window wins. I have been struggling with what to do with the over-sized, west-facing window since we moved in. I liked the Black & White striped curtains that I DIYed last year, but they were not easy to open and close. Since that had to happen every day, frustration was growing.
The problem was that the windows were too tall for any type of blinds (other than vertical). There was a natural break were we could leave the top open as a transom, but any blinds wide enough required a center bracket. We couldn’t do that because it was just window in the center and nothing to attach a bracket to.
I’m not sure why asking an expert is always my last move. After spending hours trying to come up with a solution, I emailed SelectBlinds begging for help. I sent a rambling email of all the things that I knew wouldn’t work, and my dream scenario.
I should have contacted SelectBlinds from the beginning. They knew just what to do!
The recommendation was to order a floating header, which would let me attach blinds across the full width of the window. A company called Ultimate Install manufactures them custom to each window. It was a bit of a blow to the budget to buy the header, but it was so worth it.
With the header ordered, I was back to having a whole range of options for blinds. I loved the idea of having white blinds that could be tilted depending on the sun situation.
The exact blind I went with was the Designer Contemporary 2″ faux wood blinds, in Carrara White. Since the window is 70″ wide, I picked the option of having two sets of blinds mounted to one head-rail. It’s way less awkward than having one super-wide blind.
After my panicked email and a zillion questions, somehow SelectBlinds was’t sick of me yet and they ended up sponsoring the blinds for the room. That worked out perfectly because I had spent the blinds budget on the custom header!
I’m trying not to reveal too much this week, but here’s a peek at the blinds installed!
Since I’m just dying to show you guys everything, here’s another little peek I shared on Instagram earlier this week. Maddie is enjoying the big pink rug in front of the window.
The bookcase in the background looks quite a bit different now than it did in that picture from a couple days ago. It’s got new hardware AND a snazzy new backing that I’m completely obsessed with. Again, can’t wait to show you next week!
One last fun update before we get to the “what’s left” list. My Strawberry Crepes artwork from Minted arrived and is a perfect focal point above my desk.
I didn’t work with many sponsors this round because I was struggling to commit to both a room and a design plan. Having HomeRight, SelectBlinds and Minted all being willing to join in the fun at the last minute was beyond appreciated!
Here’s what I have left to do:
Finish and Hang Gold Dry Erase Calendars & Boards (Watch for the Tutorial on Monday!)
File/Style Bookshelves
Organize Desk
Organize New Workstation
Shop for Accessories?
Take the photos!
The final styling always takes longer than I expect, and trying to make the photos really reflect the room may make me cry. But, getting to work in this office every day will be totally worth it! I’m already pinching myself every time I see it these days.
Don’t forget to enter the HomeRight Spray Shelter giveaway below!
Now head over to the One Room Challenge site, Calling it Home, to see how everyone else is doing with one week to go!
Kelley Nan says
Melissa, I had a spray paint disaster this week (and totally could have used your spray shelter as I actually painted part of our deck before moving to the grass. Dang it.) So glad you got your window solutions! Mine are supposed to be here tomorrow and I’m more than anxious to see if they will work. I had to go with plan B so fingers crossed. I can’t tell you how excited I am to see your room next week!!
Melissa George says
Oh no! You need a spray shelter for sure! I used to get spray paint everywhere…like on my car. Fingers crossed on your plan B window coverings!
Brittany Goldwyn says
Yes! I love my spray shelter, too!! Except now I still paint my garage floor. 🙂
Melissa George says
Uh oh!
Brit | House Updated says
Looking so good Melissa! Can’t wait to see the final reveal – seriously, it looks so great!
Jennifer says
Melissa! I am so impressed!!! You got such a huge amount done and it’s looking amazing! I’m still loving that spray shelter, especially when you use it to paint brackets gold!!!
Melissa George says
I should have added a picture of my gold spray paint stash. It might be Guinness World Record worthy!
Vicki and Jennifer Fenton says
We’re with Maddie…we’d hang out in this gorgeous space too! Love your blinds selection and solution…win/win! Can’t wait for the full reveal next week!
Melissa George says
Thanks so much, ladies! I have a feeling I’ll be passed out with her on that rug next Thursday!
Emy says
I love the textile mix! What pretty curtains!
Denise says
Yay for crossing stuff off the list!! It’s looking so good Melissa!! Can’t wait for the reveal next week!!
Breanna Bertolini says
Love those brackets!! So excited to see the full reveal next week!
Oksana | FOXYOXIE.com says
I could’ve used that paint shelter yesterday, as I struggled to paint a vase…outside…in our front yard…at 10PM… Ha! I feel so special that I got a private preview of the bookcase backing!! 🙂 I wish I had time to incorporate said backing into our living room before next week, but I’m going to put that idea out of my head right now, before I legitimately start considering it… I wish I bought some of those shelves on my last IKEA run. I actually thought about it, but for whatever stupid reason ended up not buying them (I’m the worst at making on-the-spot decisions). They’d look quite lovely floating in our living room corner, a la Sarah Sherman’s studio here: http://37rvoc4e0l643g3buw13dunl.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/sss-studio15s.jpg Eh, maybe for the next ORC! LOL
Melissa George says
Oh man, that would look fabulous! I totally hear you on the on-the-spot decisions. Our IKEA is 4 hours away, so I’m always freaking out about whether or not I should buy things. And I might be laughing a little at the idea of your outside spray painting in the dark! 🙂
Amanda says
It’s looking so great! I’m just in love with all of the colors you have in this room. So incredibly gorgeous!
Sarah says
Oh the brackets look so pretty gold! Can’t wait to see the full reveal!
Ruthie says
The blinds and shelving look great! I can’t wait for the final reveal next week!
Carissa says
First of all Melissa, I seriously just got lost on your site for 30 minutes and have to say I have so much respect for you!!! And to think we just live down the road from one another and I didn’t even know. So thankful that the ORC has brought our paths together. OK speaking of the ORC…this space is going to be SO AMAZING and I can’t wait to see the reveal. I was lol about the gold spray paint because I love me some gold spray paint and use the heck out of it! I am also IN LOVE with that strawberry fields print and can’t wait to see it in the entire room reveal. Can’t wait for next week!
Melissa George says
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I feel the same way when I look at your site! And seriously, the number of gold spray paint cans in my garage might qualify me as some sort of addict. Wait until you see the dry erase boards and calendars. They are like the culmination of all my gold spray dreams. 🙂
Rap says
Love the curtains. Can’t wait to see the reveal.
The spray paint shelter would be perfect for my 18 y.o. dd who does spray paint art and other spray paint projects.
Melissa George says
Oh that would be perfect! Good luck!!!
Jillian says
It’s art week! I love the minted art, perfect! Good luck with the final week.
Maria Brittis says
I like that you used the tent to spray, I have one myself that I used for the frames, the shelves look beautiful.
Maria
Tee @ Beauteeful Living says
Oh…I can’t wait to see this space all revealed next week! I know what you mean about wanting to show everything already. Well, I love what I see so far and can’t wait to see those floors again! Good luck with all the remaining items! It’s going to be fab!
Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says
Love the gold (I need to get one of those spray shelters by the way) Looks like some amazing progress going on. So excited for next week!
Melissa George says
Oh Maggie, you definetely need the spray shelter! It’s the handiest thing ever! I’m actually thinking about finding/building a little table that fits it perfectly and having a permanent spray paint station. 🙂 But, in the mean time, it’s so easy to get in and out of it’s tiny flat bag.
Lynn Spencer says
Melissa, I am still over the moon in love with that pink rug…and with that pink art from Minted…ooh…will be just beautiful.
And I am right with you on waiting until the last minute for sponsors, but somehow it all works out, doesn’t it. Looking forward to seeing your window solution in full.
Until then, enjoy the last week.
Hugs, Lynn
Melissa George says
So true! And how lucky for us that things work out like that! Can’t wait to pop over and see your update this weekend!
Evelyn jB says
Melissa, I had you on my mind the last few days so was so glad to hear from you today and am amazed at what you accomplished this past week. Those chairs are great – look very go with that beautiful rug. I just love what you’ve done with the window – those blinds are the best yet – you’ll be able to filter part or all and make it work for you. I’m excited about your final review. You always do so well with the gold paint!! Until next time!
Melissa George says
You are so sweet to be thinking of me, Evelyn! No wonder I’ve been on such a roll. Having a virtual support system is priceless! I was so excited to find that pair of chairs at Tuesday Morning this week. They are the perfect scale and style I was looking for. Keep us in your thoughts as we push through the final few projects this weekend and I work the final little arrangements of everything. I’m beyond grateful I decided to tackle the office!
Yuni says
Melissa, I’m so glad you got the blind situation resolved!! Ahh the sneak peek is already looking so gorgeous!! I can’t wait for Thursday !!