results for one room challenge

My Top 10 Versatile Furniture Pieces That Play Double-Duty

Stylish solutions for small-space living & beyond
Filed Under > Get The Look

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X-benches (in leopard, no less!), ottomans and rattan stools. Moroccan poufs, Tini tables, lacquer shelving units and rolling bar carts.  These are a few of my favorite things, friends.  It’s really no surprise though, because I think of all of these versatile pieces as ones that “move” with your life.  They’re the kind of pieces that come in handy for a little more surface, an extra seat and a major boost of style. 

As you saw in this week’s One Room Challenge reveals (see part I and part II), I included several items that “play double-duty” as I like to call it.  In the first few weeks of the project, I quickly realized that the quarters were tight and the were floor plans were unique.  So, the perfect solution was to use these versatile furniture items, because small-space living should never mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort.  But my favorite part?  These items easily fit into life no matter the size or shape of the space that you call home. I mean, you can’t find me without my Tini tables at home these days.  So check out my top ten picks of versatile furniture and decor pieces below, but then tell me which ones you’re eyeing for your own space!  Truly, MKR

 

Shadow Gold Leaf Etagre with White Lacquer Shelves

Worlds Away, $2,472.50

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As I styled it in this week’s One Room Challenge final reveal, a bookshelf can easily double as an at-home bar.  Not to mention, when the bookshelf is this gorgeous, you’ll find all of your prettiest favorites to show off. 

Metal & Stone Bar Cart

Target, $97.99

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This perfect little bar cart (under $100!) can be wheeled around the whole place in a pinch.  Of course, I’d put a few necessities for the perfect libation on it.  But as I shared here, I used it as a surface for a statement decor piece like this gold starburst statue.  The best part?  You can switch it up whenever you want! 

Hyde Storage Coffee Table

West Elm, $899

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This modern take on a trunk-turned-coffee table is perfect for small-space entertaining. The top and side opens up to reveal storage for all of your bottles and barware, making it super simple to serve a cocktail with no bar cart in sight. 

Luna Rattan Side Table

Magical Thinking, $89

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I used these rattan side tables in this round’s One Room Challenge and couldn’t love them more. The room didn’t allow for a coffee table, so these tables were a great solution, offering just enough surface area when needed.  And of course, they’re movable to be a foot rest, side table and even another seat! 

Python Parsons Table

Society Social, $695

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This faux python console table is my go-to surface for styling an at-home bar (as seen here). The table’s size allows for room for all of the important stuff (a lamp, tray, books, and flowers), while still fitting quite nicely into the space. In this round’s One Room Challenge, I used the console table behind the sofa for additional surface area since we had to forgo a coffee table. 

Lacquer Storage Coffee Table

West Elm, $599

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Both this white lacquer storage coffee table and this industrial storage coffee table are great solutions for tiny living rooms. The compartments allow for simple stowing of necessities, without sacrificing a single drop of style. 

Tini IV Side Table

Oomph, $316

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I’ve been a long-time fan of Oomph’s Tini Tables, as I introduced in my very first One Room Challenge final reveal.  In fact, we teamed up with Oomph to create an exclusive WOM design this time last year.  They’re a made-in-America, handmade piece that’s probably my favorite way to accessorize a room. While small and lightweight, they’re the perfect surface for your morning cup of coffee, reading material and of course, your glass of vino.

Garrison Ottoman, White

One Kings Lane, $229

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This x-shaped bench is a design I lean on time and time again when styling a room. The ottomans are incredibly versatile, being the perfect size as an extra seat, a foot rest, or an end table. Now I typically don’t play it safe when it comes to colors and prints (as seen here), but this option above is a great affordable pick for anyone. 

Rattan Stool

Nate Berkus at Target, $67.99

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I am utterly obsessed with this black dipped rattan stool by Nate Berkus at Target.  As I shared in my sitting room the other week, the piece is the perfect addition to my cozy corner. And like all of the other finds in NB’s fall collection, it doesn’t break the bank but looks just as fabulous as can be. 

Moroccan Leather Pouf, Gold

One Kings Lane, $199

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I love me a moroccan leather pouf, especially when it’s gold.  These versatile additions are designer favorites when an extra seat or final pop is needed. Try placing yours in the living room or even bedroom (seen here) to complete the room, and know that you can move it around whenever your heart desires! 

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

5 Easy Home Decor Ideas for a Designer-Inspired Home

Curating a Stylish Home That's Personal (and Affordable) Is Easier than You Think
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

A few weeks ago, I moved across town into an expansive townhouse with two of my best friends as roommates. The kicker though? I went from a modest 1,012-square-feet apartment to a (what I feel is) whopping 2,200.  Let’s just say we have some room to fill.  But since we’re all on reasonable budgets and keep reminding ourselves that this isn’t our “Forever Home,” we’re not making any drastic plans for the space.  

The fun part about all of this though, is the challenge to piece together a stylish home that still has that curated personal touch…without doing too much damage to our budding bank accounts.  Luckily I stare at a lot of gorgeous interiors all day to cull five easy home decor ideas to make our home have that designer feel. I’ve also been taking lots of notes on perfecting the art of the shelfie and styling a designer coffee table

As you’ll see in the slideshow above, it’s very doable to do it all without breaking the bank.  By focusing on five easy styling projects, we’ll be well on our way to completing our new abode, and just in time for us to host my birthday dinner!  Click on the image above to see my go-to resources for pulling it all together.  Cheers, Kat

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CURATE & EDIT THE STACK

CURATE & EDIT THE STACK

IT'S EASY TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF A GREAT STACK OF CURATED COFFEE TABLE BOOKS WHEN STYLING A COFFEE TABLE... JUST LOOK AT ANY DESIGNER LIVING ROOM. BUT THE KEY STEP IS THE EDITING. THINK ABOUT HOW YOU CAN GROUP CORRESPONDING COLORS AND THEMES, BUT REMEMBER TO PARE DOWN YOUR COLLECTION OFTEN AND SWAP SELECTIONS OUT FREQUENTLY TO KEEP THE SPACE REFRESHED AND INTERESTING.

VIA WAITING ON MARTHA
INVEST IN THE RIGHT RUG

INVEST IN THE RIGHT RUG

I'VE READ TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DECOR ITEMS NOT TO CHEAP OUT ON...YOU WANT TO HAVE IT FOR AWHILE. LUCKILY, ONE KINGS LANE FEATURES SOME DISCOUNTED GEMS, BUT I ALSO TURN TO WAYFAIR TO SCORE ON MORE AFFORDABLE, BUT STILL SOLID SAFEVIEH RUGS.

BUT IF YOU'RE REALLY LUCKY, YOU CAN PLACE THE WINNING BID ON VINTAGE PERSIAN RUGS FOUND ON THE ONLINE ESTATE SALE SITE, EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE. JUST KEEP YOUR SEARCH RELATIVELY CLOSE TO HOME, SHIPPING THOSE GUYS IS PRICEY!

ONE LAST THING: CHECK OUT OKL'S GUIDE TO PICKING THE RIGHT RUG SIZE BEFORE YOU PULL THE TRIGGER.

VIA MY DOMAINE
PERFECT THE SHELFIE

PERFECT THE SHELFIE

WITH THE RIGHT MIX OF STATEMENT BOOKENDS AND ECLECTIC DECOR, YOUR SHELVES CAN BE JUST AS STYLISH AS THEY ARE FUNCTIONAL. OUR FRIENDS AT ONE KINGS LANE PUT IT PERFECTLY: THINK OF BOOKENDS AS THE SMALL ACCENTS THAT "PACK A BIG PUNCH OF STYLE." THE GOOD NEWS? A LOT OF THEM CAN BE SCORED AT WELL UNDER $100.

VIA MY DOMAINE
DISPLAY THE ART YOU LOVE

DISPLAY THE ART YOU LOVE

THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR HANGING THAT MASS-PRODUCED GENERIC ART FOUND AT SO MANY HOME DECOR STORES. MY TRICK TO SCORING GREAT (AND AFFORDABLE ART): MINTED AND ONE KINGS LANE. MINTED OFFERS WONDERFUL CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS IN SIZE AND FRAMES, WHILE ONE KINGS LANE FEATURES MARKDOWNS ON PRINTS BY A FEW ARTISTS I'VE LOVED FOR YEARS.

VIA MY DOMAINE
OPT FOR BETTER LIGHTING

OPT FOR BETTER LIGHTING

NOTHING SEEMS MORE IMPERSONAL TO ME THAN A FLUORESCENT OVERHEAD LIGHT. CONSIDER STUNNING CUSTOMIZED LIGHTING OPTIONS SUCH AS A FLOOR LAMP, PENDANT OR CHANDELIER TO LIGHT UP THE SPACE.

BUT AS YOU'LL QUICKLY NOTE, LIGHT FIXTURES GET EXPENSIVE FAST, SO I LOVED SEEING THIS ROUNDUP OF AMAZING ETSY LIGHTING ON ELEMENTS OF STYLE THIS WEEK...A LITTLE MORE IN MY LEAGUE.

VIA DESIGN*SPONGE

Featured image, Jamie Hopper Photography for Waiting on Martha – “How to Style Your Coffee Table

Holiday Gift Guide 2013…Kitchen Confidential

Filed Under > Uncategorized

1.  Someday when I have my dream home with my dream closet, and my dream gift wrapping room, and my dream wine cellar, there will also be my dream stove.  The La Cornue stove.  The end all be all of stoves.  And it’s also moments like this when I realize how old I’m getting because I’m dreaming of stoves.

2.  A trip to Blackberry Farm.  This has been on my wish list for years.  YEARS I tell you!  One day it will happen.  One day I will go to that farm and marvel in it’s beauty, eat all their food, and yes drink all of their wine.

3.  Roots.  An amazing new cookbook for the veggie minded like myself.

4.  Stoneware brie baker.  I challenge you to find a more perfect gift for the host, hostess or anyone who loves to cook.  And it also comes in white.

5.  Rifle Paper Company polka dot tin recipe box.  Though I love my technology some things are best written.

6.  Ice Milk Apron.  Because one can never look too good…even when cooking.

7.  Silpat Mats.  Probably my number 1 cooking MUST.  I have 6 of these, and honestly I can always use more.  They are hands down, the absolute best no stick mat on the market.

8.  Williams Sonoma Tagine.  I have been wanting to try this North African cooking method for quite some time now, and these hand painted tagine’s make it even more enticing.

9.  French Press.  This cup of coffee is worth the wait.

10.  Cook’s One Line A Day Memory Book.  The perfect stocking stuffer for the food obsessed.

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