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. 

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