One Room Challenge
This week marks the start of the Fall 2023 One Room Challenge!
If you haven’t heard of the One Room Challenge, the origin started from a designer who was finally fed up with unfinished projects around her house. She decided to motivate herself and a small group of friends by creating a challenge to have one finished room.
This year, I decided to participate in the one room challenge because we are in the process of buying a house and I need a home office that will inspire me. As a professional interior designer, I am notorious for putting my projects on the back burner. You know how they say a chef doesn’t cook at home... The One Room Challenge is the perfect motivator.
In 8 weeks, I will aim to transform a space and share it with an incredible community, celebrating creativity and inspiration. While 8 weeks might seem generous, it flies by. But I can't wait to share the progress with you!
This first week, I've focused on getting to know the room intimately. I've analyzed its size, lighting, ceiling height, clearances, views, and, most importantly, how to maximize this cozy space. Downsizing from a larger office presents its challenges, but I firmly believe that practicality precedes aesthetics.If you know me, you know what I always say, practical over pretty. In order to have a beautiful space you first have to begin with the form and function of it.
Before Photos: A Blank Canvas Awaits
Check out the before photos of the space—plain and waiting for a touch of personality.
Coming up with a Plan
My home office must-haves include:
· A desk facing away from a wall, ideally facing a window
· Storage, storage, and more storage
· Desk large enough for two widescreen monitors
· My ginormous printer that prints up to 11 x 17
· A nice backdrop for video conferencing
I've meticulously measured the space and created AutoCAD layouts to scale, exploring different floor plan options.
This room was once a formal dining room which was once open to the kitchen. The previous owner enclosed the room, put French doors on it and an office was born. The French doors open up this small space, but the door swing presents challenges, but I've found a winning arrangement.
I hope you will follow along with me over the next few weeks, you won’t want to miss the final reveal!
In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the other Fall One Room Challenge participants here!
If you're looking to get some help with designing your home to be more of an authentic haven - I'm your girl.