Ideas & Inspiration

2016 Fall One Room Challenge: Week 2

What you can expect to find in my ORC spaces
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

fallorc2016

If you’re following along on Snapchat (username WAITINGONMARTHA), you’ll know I started the install process on our two 2016 One Room Challenge spaces late last week.  Which means any lingering giddy feelings that came with week 1 quickly evaporated into the anxious anticipation that comes with week 2 and beyond.  Already there have been obstacles to overcome, and many phone calls made about delivery deadlines.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, I’ll be sharing more about install and disastrous moments next week.  This week, I’m still feeling a bit on my game, so I thought I’d share five things you’ll find in the spaces this go around.  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Colors, prints and patterns.  While these three items are definitely a signature move of mine, expect to see them executed in a completely different way.  Typically, I showcase bold moments by painting or wallpapering, but as I explained last week that wasn’t an option which meant I had to find another way to bring the fun in.  So rather the wall, this time you’ll find my “go big, or go home” moments on the furniture pieces themselves.

No. 2…A truly edited space.  Editing has never been my strong suit.  Typically, I’m a more-is-more person (proof here).  But in this One Room Challenge, my mission is to create an environment that someone can see themselves living in.  Which means I’ll be aiming to give someone just enough to make them want to scream “sold!” but allow them to envision the space as their home rather than my home.  

No. 3…A mix of materials
.  With an open space concept like the one I’m designing, it’s important to define the space.  While I want everything to feel cohesive, I also want your eye to be pulled to different areas, allowing each part to have it’s own moment.  One of the biggest ways I’m doing that is by utilizing a mix of materials such as glass, brass, lacquer, mirrored, various woods, linens, velvets, rattans, and even a little marble.  Hopefully the end result will be spaces that feel distinct, rather than matchy-matchy.

No. 4…Texture.  Along that same note, textures are a key component to adding interest, depth and warmth; so in these spaces, I’ll be bringing in textures whenever I can.  Be on the lookout for faux python, rugs in varying fabrics such as faux hide, sisal and wool, linen headboards, and plenty of 3D art and textiles.  I’m hoping through the textures, materials, prints and patterns every piece will have a story to tell.

No. 5…Custom Specs.  It’s easy, when you walk into a blank canvas such as these spaces, to feel overwhelmed and instantly become a slave to the space.  But I’m a strong believer that you need to make the room work for you. Don’t be afraid to talk with manufacturers about custom sizing for your bigger pieces.  Rather than take a “one size fits all”, I worked with Roxy at Society Social to create a console table and two sofas that feel like they were made for the space.  And FYI, the custom pricing was surprisingly nominal, and the effect of a perfectly tailored piece was priceless. 

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

AS PICTURED: Banana leaf pillow | blue pillow (similar) | pineapple print | motel print | lamp | armoir (similar here and here) | headboard (similar) | striped rug | faux hide rug | console table

JANA BEK | CHRIS LOVES JULIA | SHANNON CLAIRE | COCO.KELLEY | THE CURATED HOUSE

DRIVEN BY DÉCOR | THE ENGLISH ROOM | FROM THE RIGHT BANK | SHERRY HART

HI SUGARPLUM | HOUSE OF JADE | HUNTED INTERIOR | THE MAKERISTA | MAKING IT LOVELY

MARCUS DESIGN | PENCIL & PAPER CO. | MEGAN PFLUG | PLACE OF MY TASTE | SUBURBAN B’S

WAITING ON MARTHA  MEDIA PARTNER HOUSE BEAUTIFUL | TM BY CIH

 

2016 Fall One Room Challenge: Week 1

Sharing This Round's Mission & Revisiting Favorite Shots from Past Rounds
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

One Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmartha One Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmarthaOne Room Challenge Week 1, @waitingonmartha

It’s that time again, friends!  The 2016 fall One Room Challenge officially starts TODAY. I’m absolutely thrilled to participate, and as an ORC vet, I’m feeling good with a few past projects under my belt (my home office, upstairs loft and the WOM team office).  Though vet or not, I assure you, there are unforeseen disasters that are just waiting to happen during the 6-week whirlwind that is the ORC.  But disaster be damned, I’m betting big and promising to make this my best and by far the biggest ORC challenge I’ve done to date.

So how exactly will this be our biggest?  Because this go around I’ll be taking on not one room, not even one home, but I’ll be designing TWO “homes” (surprise Linda) in just six short weeks.  Our 2016 fall One Room Challenge official mission: make two model apartments feel like home.  The goal: ridding the space of impersonal, nondescript details and bringing in warm, welcoming design full of textures, motifs and decor that anyone would want to call home.

Luckily for me, both apartments are brand-spanking-new with gorgeous fixtures, flooring, and spare no expense kitchen and bath areas.  Plus amazing natural light (hallelujah), with floor-to-ceiling windows.  But this won’t be a cake walk by any means.  Both spaces have extremely tricky floor plans and NO allowance for my standard big statement moves such as wallpaper, dramatic light fixtures, and bold paint.  Remember these beauties are about to be for rent, so it wouldn’t be fair to have tenants fall in love with details they aren’t allowed to implement.  

In true ORC form, I only have six weeks to transform both apartments, and just to clear up any misconceptions, these apartments aren’t even fully completed yet.  So if you think I’ve had months to work on them, you’re wrong.  I’ve only been allowed in to measure and it was a complete construction zone, so when I say we’re doing this in 6 weeks, I mean we’re doing this in 6 weeks!!  And the reason we’re sharing this transformation all in one ORC is while they’re two distinct homes this really is one large project.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my mood and inspiration boards for the spaces, and who exactly I had in mind when I designed them.  But for today, I thought I’d just hit replay on a few of my favorite moments of ORC‘s from the past.  Truly, MKR

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

Jana Bek | Chris Loves Julia | Shannon Claire | Coco.Kelley | The Curated House

Driven by Décor | The English Room | From the Right Bank | Sherry Hart

Hi Sugarplum | House of Jade | Hunted Interior | The Makerista | Making it Lovely

Marcus Design | Pencil & Paper Co. | Megan Pflug | Place of My Taste | Suburban B’s

Waiting on Martha  Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH

How to Choose the Perfect Blue Paint

discussing the art of many shades of blue, and what to look for when settling on the one
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

Picking the Perfect Blue Paint, @waitingonmartha

It’s really no surprise that blue is one of the most calming and healing paint colors you can choose. We’ve seen it often used to create a relaxing oasis in the bedroom, while at the same time it promotes a cleansing, tranquil feel in the bathroom and a bold, fierce ambition in the home office.  The versatility and wide range of beautiful blues is infinite; the color is a go-to when infusing depth into spaces all around the home (check out these nine different rooms that prove it!). 

I, of course, have always gravitated towards blue when decorating my own home.  I’ve learned how the endless shades can work perfectly together, whether that’s through throw pillows, accents or paint colors.  Decorating with blue offers so many possibilities as it’s a lot like the ocean; a multitude of blues, constantly changing and effortlessly mixing. And unlike most colors, decorating with a myriad of multiple shades works no matter what. 

When settling on your own blue paint options, rest assured that this color family is probably one of the best ones for you if you’re a little hesitant to paint.  It’s a classic, timeless color that both men and women can usually agree upon, and it can transcend redecorating for years to come.  But as you decide on what exactly blue to paint with it’s good to remember a few things. Blues, much like greys, can take on a chameleon-like quality on your walls as light changes throughout the day so test swatching all over is a must.  Dark blues can have some sneaky purple tones in them, and the darker the shade the more it will affect the amount of light you actually get in the room.  So when going bold make sure you’re ready, and remember the paint on your walls usually reads darker than you planned.  When painting with light blues keep in mind they can read very baby-ish so best to keep them to nurseries, small powder rooms, and accents. And lastly, never forget about the ceilings and doors.  I turned to a deep, almost-indigo blue on my ceilings, doors and island (rather than paint the entire downstairs) to keep things light and airy, while still giving a nod to my absolute favorite color around.  

Below I’ve rounded up my favorite blues and provided some helpful insight as to how I’d use each shade.  Let me know which shade is your favorite and I’d love to know if you’re as big of a blue fan as me?  Truly, MKR

Blue paint options, Waiting on Martha

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with BEHR Paint, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own. 

Colors pictured: Sailors Bay M510-5, Optimum Blue M540-7Very Navy M500-7Ice Drop M530-1Elegant Navy M530-7Hawaiian Sky PPU14-07Brisk Blue S530-SNight Flight S520-7Blue Me Away M510-1

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