One Room Challenge | Week 7: Crown, Chaos & A Few Calls for Backup
- Katie Walker
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
If you’ve been following along, you know we’re this close to the finish line of the One Room Challenge, and this week was all about crown molding.
This week made me laugh, swear, and ultimately smile. It reminded me that experience is everything, and no amount of YouTube tutorials or gadgets can replace the experience of a seasoned trade.
Crown Molding: Not for the Faint of Heart
Let me tell you the truth… it was awful. 😅
I measured, double-checked, followed the formula, and even bought the “Crown Pro” tool (which is supposed to be fool proof). I watched more tutorials than I care to admit, but no matter what I did, those mitered corners just would. not. align.
I cut, re-cut, tweaked the angle, measured again, and wasted so much molding in the process. The tight corner I wanted stayed just out of reach, and after hours of trial and error, I finally made peace with the fact that wood filler was going to have to be the carpenter I am not.
It turned out fine (from a distance), but it’s definitely giving DIY energy. Still, it taught me one thing loud and clear: installing crown molding is an art form. The precision it requires is something professional trim carpenters make look effortless, and it’s absolutely not.
Calling for Backup
While these past few weeks have proven I’m fairly handy, I did decide to call in some professionals.
First, the ceiling light. I wanted to replace the old recessed can with a statement fixture, but without doing drywall repairs. That meant the new light had to have a base plate wide enough to cover the recessed cutout. A small but crucial design decision that made the installation seamless. My electrician came in and handled it perfectly.
Ever wonder how designers seem to have that magic instinct with lighting? Well, honestly, it’s anything but magic. It takes reviewing specifications, lumens (how much light it actually gives off), dimensions and scale, hanging height or rod length, color temperature, and installation details like whether the ceiling is sloped. We make it look effortless, but it’s truly a skill that comes from practice, experience, and a lot of trial and error.
Then there was the faucet, which I’ll admit might be one of my favorite details in the entire room. I brought in a plumber to install it properly, sometimes you just know when it’s worth bringing in a pro. The antique brass finish and transitional silhouette pull so many design elements together. It’s elegant, timeless, and honestly… my heart is happy every time I see it.
Finishing Touches
To tie the whole ceiling moment together, I also spray-painted the AC supply register and new vent fan cover in a matching gold finish. It’s one of those small details that most people might overlook, but for me, it made all the difference. The subtle shimmer ties right into the gold-leaf ceiling above, creating continuity and warmth that elevates the space even further.
Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that make a room feel truly considered.
I’ll never look at crown molding the same way again, and I’ll forever admire the tradespeople who make crisp corners and seamless installs look easy.
Every step of this project has deepened my appreciation for the people who bring our designs to life at Slate Studios, the carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and artisans who turn vision into reality.
One Room Challenge: What's Next?
Next week is the grand finale, the final reveal! I can’t wait to show you how all these pieces come together. From the gold-leaf ceiling, the picture molding, the glow, and all those small details, you won't want to miss how this powder bath sparkles!!
Don’t forget, you can follow along here, at One Room Challenge, and on Apartment Therapy to see more transformations each week!
If your home could use a refresh or you’re dreaming of creating the perfect powder bath, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s hop on a 30-minute Discovery Call, it could be the start of something life-changing for your space!
