Alright, let's dive into the latest update on the ongoing ORC (One Room Challenge) extravaganza! 🍾
Last week, we left off with a bit of a "oh dear god, what have I done" moment, as the kitchen started to feel a little too much like a Disney princess's lair. But fear not, my friends, because this week, we're embracing the BOLD and the UNEXPECTED!🎨
Rug Inspiration and a New Color Palette
When the abstract, COLORFUL rug arrived, it was a total game-changer. I was so excited to see it, because I knew I could use this as inspiration to create a whole new palette for the space, one that was far less Disney and much more Foster Decor. 🤘
As I mentioned, my initial ideas had been all over the place - black, white, and purple, then coral and gold, and then that ILL-FATED little mermaid theme. But when I saw this rug, I knew I had to ditch those previous plans and go in a completely different direction.🧜♀️
The vibrant, ABSTRACT print had me thinking, "Okay, I can pull from the colors in this piece, just like we often do with fabrics or wallpapers, and create a new palette that's way less princess and way more... well, me." 🤔 I was so glad I did, because using the rug as my inspiration, I was able to go in a more magenta/plum direction for the periwinkle walls and go dark with the cabinets in a RICH Black Sapphire.
I know what you're thinking - "Amanda, what is going on? Your ideas KEEP changing!" And you're right, I'm sorry about that. But as I said before, things don't always go as planned with the ORC, and you really do have to expect the unexpected. I should have just stuck with that first BOLD, CONTRASTING idea that Diana Pratt-Ripley nailed, but I got a little scared. I was worried that the already cramped and busy galley space would just feel even more crowded and cluttered if I went too dark and moody. 💣
So I tried to LIGHTEN things up with the peach fuzz vibes of the color of the year. But when I actually got the paint, it just felt... wrong. Like I was trying to be some other style entirely, you know? Anyway, I apologized to Stephanie for all the monkey wrenches this poor space was experiencing, and with the new Black Sapphire, it was FINALLY headed down the true and blue Foster Decor path. 💥
I'm so much happier with the way things are unfolding now, with the abstract, colorful rug grounding the space and playing off the dark cabinets, while the deeper plum walls COZY things up in a way the previous Disney theme just couldn't.🎊
Furniture Frenzy and a Coat of Black
With the paint drying, it was time to TACKLE the furniture situation. Stephanie and I went into full-on sourcing mode, scouring Amazon and the internet for all the storage solutions we could find to fill that pesky alcove. I wanted to make sure everything had the same height, so it would look like an intentional design feature, since we were lacking those upper cabinets.🦖
The many hours of furniture assembly were... well, let's just say my hands were a mess by the time I was done. Blisters, cuts, scrapes, callouses - you name it, I had it.
I was definitely giving myself a thorough mani after this little project. But it was all worth it, because the end result is exactly what I was going for.👽
And you know what they say, "ditch the vanilla!" So, out with the plain white and in with the bold black. I grabbed some semi-gloss black lacquer spray paint and got to work, TRANSFORMING those basic pieces into something truly special. 💜
It was a bit of a MESSY process, with paint getting everywhere, but the end result is just so darn chic. 💫
I love how the black ties everything TOGETHER and adds that perfect touch of moody sophistication.😎
Backsplash Bonanza and Gilded Accents
Next up, the peel-and-stick backsplash. Let me tell you, this was an ADVENTURE.
I had visions of it being a quick and easy project, but three hours later, I was still carefully cutting and lining up those sections. 🤯
Talk about a test of patience! But the end result is so worth it. The emerald fish scale pattern is the PERFECT nod to my little mermaid moment, but in a much more subtle and sophisticated way.🙌
And what's a bold, edgy design without a touch of gold? I went around the house, spray painting all sorts of accents in a metallic gold finish, adding a luxe and WHIMSICAL touch à la Jonathan Adler. 💸
I may not be able to afford his high-end pieces, but I've been able to score some GREAT decor through eBay and Facebook Marketplace over the years. 💰
MIXING those thrifted finds with a few DIY gold accents really helps to elevate the space and bring in that perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness. 😛
Lighting Upgrade and Final Touches
Last but not least, the ✨LIGHTING✨Stephanie shared her IKEA hack tutorial with me, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
Bye-bye, boob lights, and hello, chic drum shades. A few washers later, and the ceiling is looking sleek and polished. 💡
I love how this SIMPLE swap instantly makes the space feel more intentional and design-forward. With all the furniture, decor, and lighting in place, it's time to put the finishing touches on this space. I can't wait to share the final transformation. That’s a busy wrap for week 7! Get ready for the BIG reveal next week and the completion of the 2024 spring ORC.⚡️
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