Den One Room Challenge Our Bedroom

One Room Challenge: Week 6 (the Bedroom and Den Final Reveal!)

Today’s the day! The final reveal of my One Room Challenge space! Our bedroom has an adjoining room that we’re using as a family den, separated by a set of French doors. Two rooms, but I’ve been working on them together as one larger space because they are so open to each other.

Shall we?

Quincy Black Cannonball Bed | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

Striped Rug Ottoman from Annie Selke Furniture | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

A little different from the starting point, eh?

Bedroom and Sitting Room

Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Space Before Shots

So much orange-toned fir. I don’t miss that unpainted wood at all! Again, a huge thank you to Paintzen for taking on the paint job. I can’t wait for the day I can make the rest of the second floor match these two rooms with white trim and black doors throughout. And no holes in the walls! Oh, smooth walls and unblemished ceilings, how I long for you.

All right, let’s dive in and see these two rooms from every little angle. The bedroom is painted in White Blush, and the den, Everard Blue. Simply White is the trim color, and the doors are Black Beauty, all Benjamin Moore colors.

Bedroom with Vintage Dresser Pianted by MegMade | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

I worked with a lot of the existing furniture in the bedroom, like the black cannonball Quincy bed, an antique Empire dresser, a jewelry armoire, and a vintage wooden dresser provided by MegMade, painted white. Some of the accessories and other elements were already here too, like the pink linen duvet cover and Wink Wink pillows.

Super Cute Bedding and a Turquoise Lamp| Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

The dresser is standing in for a bedside table on Brandon’s side. (His stack of books is usually precariously high, so I edited it down to the just a couple and we’re going to pretend that it always looks like this.) I hung a huge new mirror from Bellacor above it on the room’s longest wall. It has antiqued glass (which is more noticeable in these photos than it seems to me in person), so it bounces light around and fills the space nicely without being a perfect reflection. The mirror is 43″ in diameter and weighs 38 pounds — kind of a beast to put up, but it’s nice and secure hanging from our room’s picture rail.

Our turquoise lamps are from Lamps Plus. I like the simplicity of their column silhouette, and those brass details paired with that blue are perfection. They can be pretty bright, but we’ve long used a little trick to dim our bedside lights and make it easier to turn them off before going to sleep. Ta da! Put those lamps on dimmer cords, people. No more going through all that effort of sitting up and reaching to turn off the light like some sort of animal.

A Vintage Dresser, Painted by MegMade, Instead of a Nightstand | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

The dresser is his and his alone (the man has as many clothes as I do), but I decorated the far end as I pleased with this cute trio. I added a succulent instead of flowers, so you know. Manly. The polka dots on the bud vase have blue centers that match the cachepot, and I’m digging the hand painted stripes of the ginger jar.

A Plant, A Vase, and a Striped Ginger Jar on the Dresser | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

Bedroom, Looking Toward the Windows | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

On the other side of the bed, I have a round forged iron table with an antiqued mirror top that echoes the mirror on the wall. It’s 34″ in diameter, giving me a pretty nice sized surface to clutter up, but I cleared it off before I took these photos. Books, books, books everywhere in this house. Magazines, too. Let’s just pretend that’s not the case and that I always have a fresh flowers there, deal? (I think the pillow is in on the charade. Wink.)

Wink Wink Pillows by People I've Loved | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

Opposite the bed, between the closet and the door to the room, is my dresser. I know the red of the lamp is out of nowhere and I’m breaking the design rule of repetition (repeat a color/shape/whatever 3/5/x times), and I don’t care. It’s like wearing red lipstick. You don’t need red nail polish and red shoes too, it can be its own thing. Look how happy Mr. Muttonchops is to be in close proximity to such a fabulous lamp!

Vintage Wooden Dresser Between Black Painted Doors in the Bedroom | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

I found a pair of vintage slipper chairs at Divine Consign, a local furniture consignment store. I only needed one here, but I’m hanging on to its mate in case we ever want to move them to a different room. They’d look amazing reupholstered in pink velvet or a killer print, but I like the way the blue bridges the space between the bedroom and the den. (These are similar, if you’re looking for one of your own.)

Vintage Slipper Chair Next to French Doors in the Bedroom | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

The tall dresser that looks like a printer’s cabinet is a holding my scarves, jewelry, glasses and sunglasses, what have you. Above it is a painting by Jenny Vorwaller and a Junk in the Trunk ceramic tree stump that I’m using as a vase (a gift from Brandon a few years back). And a beetle! Little silver beetle, you’re so cute. We’ll get to your larger brethren shortly.

 | MakingTop of the Jewelry Armoire | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

I added a tufted bench from Joss & Main to the foot of the bed. It’s a nice place to sit, sure, but it’s also a very handy laundry basket holder. Multitasker! The natural linen color will always work with our bedding, even as we change it and mix and match over the years. Adding to what we already had, the bed is dressed in black and white dashed sheets and a boyfriend matelassé coverlet from Pine Cone Hill. I’ve missed having a blanket to layer on the bed since giving them all away when we upgraded to our king-sized bed last fall, and this one is so soft! There’s a matching throw blanket in the den. We also have matching shams and I was going to add my Moroccan pom pom blanket to the bed, but it was all a bit too much at once.

A Tufted Bench in Front of the Quincy Cannonball Bed | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

I changed out the ceiling fan that came with the house for this one that looks (and works) a whole lot better. There’s a remote! Like we live in the future! May we never lose it, for it will not work without it!

Bedroom, Looking Toward the Den | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

The Nyla rug from Loloi that’s in the bedroom is also in the den. There’s a lot of dimension and subtle color in the pattern, and it feels so good on bare feet. It’s made of viscose (an alternative to pricier silk rugs), so it wouldn’t be the best choice for a high traffic area, but it should be fine here. Matching the design between the two rooms adds cohesion.

Bedroom with Ceiling Fan | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

Keeping the window treatments consistent between the two rooms helps with cohesion, too. Tonic Living turned their pale pink linen into lined pinch-pleat curtains for me. They were great to work with, taking the dimensions of my windows and creating panels in the right sizes (the ones hanging on the double window in the bedroom are wider to ensure that yes, we can fully close them). I hung the curtains from the brass rods in an antique brass finish and glass finials that I bought shortly after we moved in to this house. I’d hung two in the den before the ORC makeover, but it’s very nice to finally put all four to good use.

Vintage Slipper Chair Next to French Doors in the Bedroom | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Bedroom

Moving on to the den, what’s that on the far wall? Questionable DIY art!

Looking from the Bedroom to the Family Den | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge

Just what this room needed: illustrations from the 1700s of insects, blown up to be six feet long. In 3D, no less!

I looked through three volumes of these illustrations by Rösel Von Rosenhof to find my favorites. The images are in the public domain (and this project is for personal use anyway), so I downloaded the PDF files I needed, lassoed the bugs in Photoshop, and scaled them up. I sent the files to a local printer to be printed on matte paper, then I cut the insects out with an X-acto knife, mounted them with spray glue onto black foam core boards, and cut them out again with an X-acto chisel blade. I attached picture hanging hardware to the backs (two per bug), added extra blocks of foam core to lift them away from the wall, and hung them with fishing line from the picture rail. I painted simple clouds on the 4’x5′ canvas behind them using leftover interior paint (the pale pink from the bedroom and a medium pink from another project).

I could have just bought a bunch of these (which I love), but after a good 12-15 hours of work, I got something nobody else will have. Perhaps for good reason, but no matter. We’re goin’ buggy.

DIY Huge Insect Art | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

I had been considering picking up a new slipcover for our IKEA Kivik sofa, but as the room came together, I still liked the one that we had best (Isunda Brown). There was one that I preferred the look of when I saw it online (Tullinge Gray-Brown), but not in person. I did pick up a table to go behind the sofa while I was out there though: the Bestå TV unit without legs lines up perfectly with the back of the couch. It gives us a place to prop up the brass task lamps that used to be beside the bed and adds some storage space.

Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Family Den

We have overhead lighting and table lamps too, but these lights are nice for reading without having to make the whole room bright — helpful if someone else wants to watch TV, or when one of us are sleeping in the bedroom.

Task Light for Reading Behind the Couch | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

You can see that they play a supporting role in the larger picture. The Galileo chandelier from Crystorama kind of steals the show in the lighting department. I needed something dark with some edge to it. Something masculine. Something that says ‘my husband likes to tell me how the plot differs between the George R. R. Martin books and the HBO series.’

Family Den | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

Our Family Den | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

Speaking of television, this is where we watch it. We do have another (smaller hand-me-down) TV tucked away downstairs, but we don’t use it often — it’s not even plugged in right now. The kids can stream shows on a tablet anywhere in the house and we try to limit their screen time, so we haven’t had any issues with our TV being in the room off of our bedroom. Our solar shades from Lowe’s just arrived, so it will be helpful to have those up on the windows to cut the glare, in addition to the curtains.

A White TV, Black and White Vases, and a Blue Lamp | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

More flowers! I brought my vases to Moss, my favorite florist, and they did their thing. Pink ranunculus, lotus pods, big garden roses, and all kind of pretty greenery that I’ve already forgotten the name of.

Light Blue Gourd Lamp from Lamps Plus and a Black and White Striped Planter as a Vase | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

As I was leaving Moss, I walked by Jeanine Guncheon’s shop, Gallery Etcetera, and noticed that they had a pillow in the fabric I’ve been obsessed with. Sold! It stands on its own, and on the other side of the sofa is a pillow from Arianna Belle in one of my favorite fabrics, Les Touches, in front of a blue linen pillow with fringe from Pine Cone Hill.

Pillow from Jeanine Guncheon Gallery | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

Pretty Pillows from Pine Cone Hill and Arianna Belle | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

You can see the other pair of lamps that I ordered from Lamps Plus below. The classic gourd shape is lovely, and I’m glad I went with the light blue color — I think the creamy white I was considering would have been too blah, and the peacock blue too bright.

Let's Watch TV in Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Room! With Giant Bugs!

And how about that ottoman! It actually worked out well, but I was worried that the room wouldn’t come together as I’d hoped when I learned that the turquoise velvet ottoman I’d ordered had been pushed back for delivery yet again. I had grabbed a wooden coffee table from the consignment shop as a backup, but the scale was all wrong. I kept looking, and luckily I came across Annie Selke’s rug ottomans! They come in a whole bunch of colors, but I picked a platinum rugby stripe that would play off of the chair color, while bringing in a little black for more contrast. Since it’s upholstered in a cotton rug rather than velvet, it’s going to be way more practical with the kids and pets, and I like the way the stripes play with all of the other patterns and textures in the room. The tray on top helps it function as a table.

Striped Rug Ottoman from Annie Selke Furniture | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

There’s a blue and white striped dog bed from Fresh American that arrived too late to be in the photographs, but it goes where Murray’s old dog bed was, between the bookshelf and the sofa. I’ll try to get a shot of Murray sleeping on it and put it up on Instagram.

The Comfy Rose Chair from Interior Define | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

The Rose chairs from Interior Define arrived on Friday. Our sofa is fine, but these chairs are way nicer. More comfortable, more stylish, and better made. I chose a neutral upholstery color (“stone basketweave”) and added a pink throw pillow to both.

Looking Toward the Bedroom | Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Den

Phew, we made it to the end! Thank you so much for following along, and thank you to Linda at Calling it Home for organizing the One Room Challenge and inviting me to participate. I’m honored to have taken part and I loved the experience. Two rooms in six weeks felt a little like a whirlwind at times, but now that they’re finished, I can sit back and do a little happy dance!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the space, and don’t forget to check out all of the other amazing rooms that have been made over in this round of the One Room Challenge. So much inspiration to be had.

Follow along with the One Room Challenge participants!

One Room Challenge• Claire Brody • The Curated House • Design Manifest • Driven by Decor • Honey We’re Home • Hunted Interior • The Makerista • Making it Lovely • My Sweet Savannah • Pencil and Paper Co. • The Pink Clutch • Savvy Home • Simplified Bee • Sketch 42 • Jill Sorensen • Orlando Soria • Thou Swell • The Vault Files • Waiting on Martha • The Zhush • Media Partner House Beautiful • TM by CIH

My One Room Challenge Sponsors

Thank you to the following sponsors for generously providing product.
• Annie Selke • Arianna Belle • Bellacor • Crystorama • Fresh American • Interior Define • Joss & Main • Lamps Plus • Loloi • Lowe’s • MegMade • Paintzen • Pine Cone Hill • Tonic Living

My One Room Challenge Posts

Follow along from the beginning!
• Week 1: The Before Shots • Week 2: The Design Plan • Week 3: All That Painted Woodwork • Week 4: Rugs, Curtains, Bedding, and Other Fabrics • Week 5: The Lighting • Week 6: The Bedroom and Den Final Reveal

Making it Lovely's One Room Challenge Space After Shots

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • christine dovey
    May 11, 2016 at 9:01 am

    I absolutely LOVE the palate in the bedroom…the Tonic Living drapes are of course my favourite and I’m crazy about your floral painting and that spooky portrait. I also love how well the two rooms work against each other and the dark walls in the lounge are stunning. And the BUGS…so unexpected and so cool. I love love love them. Beautiful job!!!!

  • Sandra T
    May 11, 2016 at 9:16 am

    My eyes dance through this room! It is such a Happy, yet functional, room!

  • Cristin // Simplified Bee
    May 11, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Okay… those giant bugs on the wall are so cool! This is really a wonderful transformation. Love all the fine details you’ve incorporated too. Bravo!

    xo
    cristin

  • Deb Ramsthaler
    May 11, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Out of all the ORC rooms, yours is by far my favorite! I love it all but you lost me on those bugs. I have to say that I feel the very best part is the painted wood. It still retains the charm of the home yet it is updated and livable. No more orange wood! I am sure many people will gasp at the thought of painting this type of wood in this type of home but good for you for doing going for it. It is after all, YOUR home and you have to love what you see when you open your eyes in the morning. Happy for you! xo

  • Brynne@The Gathered Home
    May 11, 2016 at 9:44 am

    You have done a masterful job in here! I’m absolutely blown away – painting the woodwork was SUCH a good call! And those bugs are incredible! I’m always a fan of enormous art, and I too have been on quite an insects-as-decor kick lately! Love these two spaces and the way they work together!!!

  • Corinna - ADesignerAtHome
    May 11, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Omg, Omg, omg. You are a styling goddess!

  • Nancy
    May 11, 2016 at 9:53 am

    I love the transformation! It is such a welcoming space and the navy is so rich. You have so many great textures in the room. I can’t wait for my reveal tomorrow. This whole process has been stressful but fun. Today and tomorrow are so fun because there is so much new inspiration now out there! Great job.

  • Julie and Jen - DrawnCompany
    May 11, 2016 at 10:03 am

    What a HUGE (and amazing) transformation!! Such gorgeous window treatments/hardware and we especially love your choice of dark walls and painted woodwork! Not to mention your styling skillz…nothing short of brilliant.

  • Allison
    May 11, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Omg, it is gorgeous!!! What an amazing job you did! I love the painted wood too, so fresh! I’m sorry to bug you for a source, and it’s probably not new, but where did you get the black/white spotted/printed pillow in the den? I LOVE IT. I love everything, but I have the budget for a pillow. ;) Wonderful work!

  • clairecbrody
    May 11, 2016 at 10:13 am

    The soft pinks paired with the chic black is incredible!!! Oh, and the natural wood tones is the icing on top! Such a stunning space!

  • Jordan
    May 11, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Your transformation is wonderful! Those bugs are not my cup of tea – in fact I think they would give me nightmares, I hate bugs so much – but I admire the process you put into them. Those of us who don’t like those insects could do the same thing with something else, like birds or butterflies. Bravo!

    • Megan
      May 11, 2016 at 11:23 am

      I agree about the bugs – not my thing – but I would love a good step-by-step tutorial on how you did them! I’m not very good with photoshop and enlarging images and everything, at least not in a way that would look good on such a large scale, so a tutorial would be awesome.

  • Kendra
    May 11, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Wow! Just wow! I always read your blog but, I never comment but today, well I had step out of my comfort zone to write that this is absolutely AMAZING! The textures, the patterns, the scale and proportion, the quirk, the classic, the bohemian, the pretty all vibe out in one beautiful setting. Love everything about this! Get it girl!!!

  • Aimee
    May 11, 2016 at 10:25 am

    LOVE IT! This is a fantastic transformation. I covet the pink linen curtains. They would be perfect in my living room and would play off the pinkish/peach stone around our fireplace. Sadly our picture windows are 12 feet long so curtains will wait because that’s going to be one HECK of a budget buster! I never would have thought of pink linen without your post.

  • Ellen
    May 11, 2016 at 10:26 am

    *GASP* THOSE BUGS ARE AMAZING! I am having a baby in 4 weeks and his room has a subtle bug theme going on.. but he has a big blank wall above his dresser and I just cannot think of what to put there. I need to do this project. THANK YOU!

  • Kalie Cassidy
    May 11, 2016 at 10:33 am

    Round of applause! Do your kids just love those giant bugs? Both spaces are STUNNING but I just keep going back to the bugs and thinking about what a fun and interesting addition they are, especially for a room that you spend time with the kiddos in. My grandmother had this fake tree filled with fake birds and silk flowers when I was little. Decided NOT stylish, but so fun and I was so enraptured by it as a kid. I can see those bugs being a similar fun memory for your kids. Love it.

  • doodletllc
    May 11, 2016 at 10:35 am

    Sheer perfection. The BUGS are fabulous…I laughed out loud (at my desk!)…my absolute favorite is the very quiet, very soft, but powerful pink linen drapes…wow. Great job!

  • Gaby
    May 11, 2016 at 10:41 am

    So gorgeous! Love the hints of pale pink and how they look against the dark walls!

  • Tiffany
    May 11, 2016 at 10:57 am

    What a transformation! I love the blue walls and those bugs! So unexpected. The bedroom looks so inviting as well. Congrats!

  • Tania // Run to Radiance
    May 11, 2016 at 11:34 am

    YES. This is so, so good! Well done! I can’t even pick a favorite part!

  • Nitya
    May 11, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Yay!! Congratulations! I absolutely love the way you decorated the den! The Bug art is so quirky and awesome. Have you come across Levon Biss (@levon_biss on IG)? I just read about him recently, I think you will love his brilliant work.

  • cassie @ primitive & proper
    May 11, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    gorgeous, nicole! i love the use of contrast throughout and the sophisticated but fun feel!

  • Amie M
    May 11, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Gorgeous! You really have a way with pulling rooms together.

  • emily @ go haus go
    May 11, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Nicole, this is absolutely stunning. And it gives me hope that the design world isn’t destined to be one white wall, kilim-rugged, warm wood accents room after the other. You’ve really done something here and I thank you for that! Bravo!

  • Designed By Krystle
    May 11, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    These two united rooms feel so amazing together now. I love ever detail in the space–even the bugs! The paint in the sitting area is GORGEOUS. The rooms feel so cozy, playful and chic. Love them! Congrats!

  • Jess
    May 11, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Fantastic!!! I think these two rooms are the best you’ve ever shown on the blog. You can really feel the heart here. And those little pops of lipstick red are everything! Bravo to you!!

  • Celeste
    May 11, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    This is one of my favorite rooms you’ve ever designed (that I can remember, ha!) and I love the bugs! Such a fun nod to the Victorian period and also super fun for kids. You took some risks that worked out beautifully!

  • Stephanie M Rech
    May 11, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    You… KILLED IT!!!!! I love it all – from the palette to the styling, to the fact that it isn’t just some room that someone threw every trendy thing into and hoped for applause. It is unique and so well-executed! I super-love it!

  • Lizzie @ Living Pretty
    May 11, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    Well I love the bugs! Especially with the pretty painting. And every other thing in there. The red lamp is awesome. The paint colours are perfection. All of it is just SO GOOD. All the heart eyes over here!

  • Anne
    May 11, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    I long ago decided that red is a neutral, because it goes with just about everything. I love the pop of red from the lamp. The rooms look gorgeous!

  • Julie Reinwald
    May 11, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    This is just beautiful! I love the mix of masculine and feminine, classic and contemporary. The attention to detail is really wonderful. Great job!

  • Amy
    May 11, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    Nicole this looks so great! I’m a long-time reader of your blog and have really loved watching your style evolve over the years. The bugs are very creative and honestly a fantastic touch that makes your space more unique, even though I’m not a bug person AT ALL. I would totally have night terrors from those guys. Everything is beautiful and I’ve looked forward to your updates every Wednesday! Can’t wait to see what you do with the kitchen when that time comes.

    Unrelated – what happened to the prissy swan (or was it a goose?) on your homepage? I must have missed when you changed that!

  • Laura
    May 11, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    You did a great job tying the two rooms together. I have always loved how you work with the quirks of old houses but make them feel modern and updated. Well done.

  • Vel
    May 11, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Love everything about your rooms Nicole! Those bugs are phenomenally beautiful and you are so creative and making them! I have to steal that idea! LOL! You and your family will sure enjoy this well-thought of functional, yet still-so-chic space! Great job!

  • LMN
    May 11, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    One of my favorite things about your style is that you stick to what you love. 1 “random” red lamp, heck yes! Bugs, hooray! I only bring things that I love into my home, regardless of what the design experts say. And I love that you do it as well. Though….your style is definitely cooler than mine :-)

  • Caitlin Kunzle
    May 11, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Love, love love this!! The color scheme is gorgeous and I LOVE the DIY bug artwork! I saw the sneak preview on your snapchat and fell in love! What a creative idea!!

  • Lesley Frenz, artist (@lesleyfrenz)
    May 11, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    The palette you chose is soooo in my wheelhouse right now.. I’ve been doing a 6×6 abstract watercolor every day as part #the100dayproject and can’t seem to get enough of that blush pink + blue palette. But I think my favorite things about each room are the unexpected pops– lipstick red lamp in the bedroom, giant bugs in the den! So very well done. I love how you inject humor and personality into your rooms unexpected ways.

  • JessiBee
    May 11, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    Internet high-five Nicole! You killed it. Everything is just so good…the white trim with black doors! The blue wall color in the den! The bugs…I couldn’t live that way but they bring the necessary quirk! All in six weeks too #badassdecorgenius

  • Lyndsey
    May 11, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    As always, beautiful rooms. I love both of them so much! The bugs though…? Not so much. But I agree with previous comments, I would love to see more about how to do such a thing.

  • Ursula Ellis
    May 11, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    I love what you’ve done and especially love the bugs. Kudos to you!

  • joanna // jojotastic
    May 11, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    so gorgeous, Nicole!

  • Susan Lawson
    May 11, 2016 at 4:41 pm

    Lovely, lovely, lovely. Both rooms. Love the palette and the softness of it all. Would trade my first-born for that large ottoman coffee table.

  • Maggie Overby
    May 11, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    I love the play of dark and light between these two rooms and yes the bugs are amazing. I always love a little whimsy that makes it personal. Great Job all the way around!

  • Brenda Acker
    May 11, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    I knew this ORC was going to be a favorite and you didn’t disappoint. I have to go through your reveal again; there is just so much to take in! You must be thrilled with your spaces. I love spaces that are beautiful yet functional. Well done.

  • Cynthia
    May 11, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Utterly amazing, Nicole! You really outdid yourself and the time you took to walk us through it was amazing as well. Thank you. I think I’d jump every time I saw those bugs at night but I do love what you’ve done with them. There is NOTHING that makes a house more interesting than doses of quirk. Kudos to you for doing it so well.

  • Jennifer Flores (@ramblingreno)
    May 11, 2016 at 5:29 pm

    Two beautiful rooms Nicole! I love how you find a way to work vintage and quirky into your Victorian home. Great choice on the paint colours. Despite the different palettes, the rooms feel cozy and cohesive. Congratulations!

  • Tina Slocum
    May 11, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    These rooms are so gorgeous and cosy. Your bedroom is the most inviting bedroom I’ve seen ever! The den is perfection with the dark blue walls and all the textures and colors echoing the bedroom. The surprise red is a real treat for the eyes, and who could resist the lamp anyway…the shape and lipstick color are divine. The pink is also the best soft shade. Love how creative and brave you are with the bug art. I say brave because bugs give me the willies! You are the number one in talent and taste on the Internet.

  • Nancy J.
    May 11, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    I had been anticipating your reveal the most and it did NOT disappoint! I am absolutely in love with every aspect of the two spaces. I give them all the googly heart-shaped eyes! You are so very talented!

  • Kandice Edwards
    May 11, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Absolutely beautiful.

  • Martha
    May 11, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    Killer color palette, lovely mix of old and new, and the details make it (the flowers, vases, ginger jars, etc). But that red lamp, though! So so perfect. Great job!

  • Jennifer
    May 11, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Love the color scheme, love the mix of textures and patterns, and I really love that sick ceiling fixture! Honestly, the bugs really creep me out and I don’t like them, but I’m sure you knew those wouldn’t be for everyone (nor do they need to be!). Overall, it looks fantastic and a massive, massive improvement over the prior version. Congratulations!

  • One Room Challenge Week 6: Family Room Refresh Reveal
    May 11, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    […] Manifest | Driven by Decor | Honey We’re Home | Hunted Interior | The Makerista | Making it Lovely | My Sweet Savannah | Pencil and Paper Co. | The Pink Clutch | Savvy Home | Simplified […]

  • Smith
    May 11, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    The bugs are just weird!!

    • Making it Lovely
      May 12, 2016 at 9:06 am

      Ha! They are a little weird, but I like ’em.

      • Antonella
        May 12, 2016 at 10:01 am

        Love the bugs! Soo cabinet of curiosities… like a personal museum of natural history (straight from an age when everything was more refined). I think I’ll have to copy you ;-)

  • fountainsofhome
    May 11, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    Amazing! So beautiful, I love it all!

  • Deb, Seeking Lavender Lane
    May 11, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    Wow! I think my favorite part about this entire makeover is the way that wood dresser looks between the two black doors. Really, really gorgeous!

    • Making it Lovely
      May 12, 2016 at 9:07 am

      I liked the dresser there before, but now that the doors and trim are painted, I love it.

  • Vera
    May 12, 2016 at 1:22 am

    What a stunning space!!! I love the color combinations you chose- just beautiful!

  • Cuckoo4Design
    May 12, 2016 at 6:15 am

    So stunning. I love the bugs!!! And totally adore all the black doors with the gorgeous decor.

  • Lori
    May 12, 2016 at 6:46 am

    I really like the bedroom (especially the bed) but I LOVE the den/sitting room!!!! I love the white dresser/bedside for Brandon – workhorse looking good there! The wall color in the sitting room is awesome and dramatic and it somehow doesn’t feel overly moody or heavy!! I love the furnishings in there – mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. The bugs are super…it makes me want to try a “picture wall” with a bunch of them smaller sized, organized symmetrically….
    Also, nice how the curtains help tie the rooms together…

    • Making it Lovely
      May 12, 2016 at 9:10 am

      Thank you! And I want to see if you try the picture rail idea. :)

  • Ellie
    May 12, 2016 at 7:04 am

    So many beautiful things in here! I love the contrast but that the bedroom still feels soft with those lovely curtains. Great work!

    • Making it Lovely
      May 12, 2016 at 9:10 am

      The room was looking pretty good, but once the curtains went up, they definitely bumped things up a notch or two. They’re so pretty.

  • Nina Bell
    May 12, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Those bugs are THE BEST thing you have ever done.

  • Leslie
    May 12, 2016 at 8:36 am

    Two gorgeous spaces! I must say you were brave to take on both spaces in just six weeks. I also want to thank you for showing a gorgeous space that involves a ceiling fan. They get a bad rap, but sometimes they’re just necessary, you know?

    • Making it Lovely
      May 12, 2016 at 9:08 am

      Definitely necessary. We used the ceiling fan that came with the house all the time, but I’m glad to have finally replaced it with a nicer looking one!

  • Sarah
    May 12, 2016 at 10:43 am

    I love this so much! And I second the comment about the ceiling fan. They are so very necessary. What kind of plant is behind the couch in the den? I am on the hunt for something like a ZZ plant but that isn’t toxic to cats because my cat is not to be trusted not to bite a leaf or two.

  • Sarah
    May 12, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Also, I have to add that I really love that you use color and truly decorate your spaces without being trendy. Your site has the best inspiration. I read the design sponge article and felt like it really hit the nail on the head.

  • Megan Ferden
    May 12, 2016 at 11:15 am

    It looks wonderful, Nicole! Thanks for sharing your process- the detail and decisions along the way really help shape the way I approach changes in my own home. Enjoy your updated spaces and I’ll look forward to your next project!

  • Allison F
    May 12, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Love, love, love the final reveal!
    Nicole – Did you paint your trim throughout the entire house. We are considering doing this. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

  • Jody
    May 12, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Really nice. I love your unique style, the bug art, and that your room looks real and personal. Not just new purchases in a static room. Thanks for sharing!

  • toniagrant23
    May 12, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    Amazing is all I have to say! So inspiring. I’m running to grab a sample of that Everard Blue!

  • The Design Daredevil
    May 12, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    So sweet and femme, I love it!

  • Lisa
    May 12, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Wow… this is amazing! My house is of a similar time period and you are absolutely an inspiration! Also, the bug art? You and I may be soulmates :D Also, do you mind sharing the wall color from the den? I’m looking for something similar for our master bedroom actually.

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  • jessica
    May 12, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    Wow! I think that this space might actually be my favorite out of the guest participants. Love your space…everything about it!!!!

  • Linda
    May 12, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Nicole, I still can’t believe you did two spaces! Love the contrast of blush to dark green-grey-whatever. Ok, when I saw the bugs on your snapchat, I thought you totally lost it…for real. But it works. Love how the black chandy looks moody and sexy. Great job, and paint all the wood white :)

  • Jenny
    May 12, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    I think this is my favorite work of yours to date (and I’ve been reading your blog for years now). Beautiful! Can you tell us where you got the wonderfully-shaped vase on the ottoman in the TV room?

  • Cat
    May 12, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    Spectacular work. Simply spectacular! Such varied detail, yet such a cohesive whole. And I laughed out loud (with delight) when I caught sight of the bugs. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

  • Jessie
    May 13, 2016 at 12:19 am

    Well done! I really like how layered and collected both room looks! The den is especially my favorite! It’s so stylish, inviting and refined all at the same time!

  • Kemley
    May 13, 2016 at 1:29 am

    Love this space! The black doors are perfect! Finishing two rooms in 6 weeks is impressive. The two rooms flow together nicely!

  • Nicole
    May 13, 2016 at 4:00 am

    Think the bedroom turned out really well and I like the TV room (minus the pink curtains. i think that the contrast is a bit harsh considering the lack of pattern in the room to make it make sense. I say, save up to do the curtains in that gorgeous pillow fabric. Boom! Buckets of style) But now that the rooms are done, it still doesn’t seem to make sense having a living room there, right across from the master without even curtains on the door to separate them (maybe the pink curtains can move here?!?) Why would you not make a cozy room like this on the ground floor? It seems like you live in an apartment. I actually live in an apartment and DREAM of being able to have sleeping quarters separate from living space.

    • lsaspacey
      May 17, 2016 at 10:59 am

      She actually has two such cozy rooms on the ground floor, search her blog. This is more of a den, which I assume they use later in the evenings when they want the kids to wind down before bedtime, since their bedrooms are just across the hall.

  • Kelly
    May 13, 2016 at 8:11 am

    This is your masterpiece, Nicole!

  • Lindsay
    May 13, 2016 at 8:17 am

    So much to love! To me the only detracting point is the slipper chair and reading lamp in the doorway – far too cramped. They are lovely pieces but in that placement they scream “jammed in because they wouldn’t fit anywhere else.” I think taking them out would give the space some breathing room.

  • Christine Farber
    May 13, 2016 at 8:24 am

    The bugs gave me chills! Congrats on two gorgeous rooms.

  • Kate
    May 13, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Okay – #realtalk – I love both of these rooms. So much. I’m in the middle of a huge remodel for our home, and these have made me feel more confident in the direction we’re going (black, brass, bright, whimsical, with a touch of moodiness). But I need to say thank you because I’ve followed your blog since you were pregnant with your darling girl, and I’m always impressed at how you make a room look like a million bucks regardless of budget. Obviously these rooms cost money, but showing how to blend every day sources like IKEA with more upscale and unique finds is inspiring. I’ve been looking for the right brass curtain rods and was like, oh damn, I wonder how much those are because they are perfect. And then I followed the source and…. SAY WHAT? Country Curtains for the win! Thank you for being realistic! Of course there’s a decent budget behind the spaces, but showing *how* to use the money is super helpful. Thank you, and great job, woman! xx

  • Jenny Vorwaller
    May 13, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    STUNNING! What a beautiful use of the painting Nicole! I’m so thrilled and flattered to see it in such a truly inspiring setting. Thank you!

  • Jordana @WhiteCabana
    May 13, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    What an absolutely incredible transformation! And I’m not into bugs, but I LOVE what you did with those! DIY at its best! Well done, Nicole!

  • Gretchen@BoxyColonial
    May 13, 2016 at 1:44 pm

    oh, I super adore the bugs!! And that blue is gorgeous….I think I already have too many perfect BM blues on my list, but I might need to make room for one more :)

  • Peggi
    May 13, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    I love your style! I kind of want to pet the red lamp. Painted trim for the win! Ginormous bugs? You go on with your bad self! True to yourself and smashing!! A genuine treat. (Too much enthusiasm for actual sentences.)

  • julieandken
    May 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Bravo, Nicole. By far my favorite ORC! I love everything you did here. The rooms transition seamlessly.

    http://www.roofrightovermyhead.com

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  • Danielle
    May 16, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    So pretty! I am regularly in awe of your ability to have a vision and execute it with such style! Kudos all around. And those bugs?! So awesome!

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  • Christy Ann
    May 16, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    This looks incredible! I super love it! I want to have that same rug for my room! It gives me so much inspiration for the vintage room makeover. Thank you.

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  • bckueser
    May 17, 2016 at 2:14 am

    I just visited every blog on the list. Whew.
    You are my fave. I love the dark with the pale pink and all the little details. Perfection.

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  • Erin@suburbanbitches.com
    May 17, 2016 at 8:46 am

    One of my favorite rooms!
    http://www.suburbanbitches.com/erins-orc-favorites/

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  • heyitsfitzy
    May 17, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    OK…WOW!!! I am in love with your spaces. Such an amazing transformation and a great way to honor your victorian home. Beautiful!!!

  • Jamie Johnson
    May 17, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    These makeovers have inspired me! But not just to move and change out furniture. I started cleaning my house, room to room, like the title. It helped me actually get things done. Normally, I get so overwhelmed with anxiety at even the THOUGHT of cleaning my house, that I don’t get anything done. Bu this time I did! I even went through my closet, not once but TWICE, taking out clothes that I no longer wear and dropping them off at Teen Challenge Clothes Drop Off. I did it all in 2 wks, and I just couldn’t believe it! My house has never been so organized in my life! And I actually had some fun doing it! Even in the bathroom! Instead of washing dirty old mats, I threw them away, and I went and bought some new, cheap but not cheap looking ones. I totally redid it, and it looks fabulous! Thank you for all the tips and the motivation to just get through it, one room at a time.

  • E E Faris
    May 19, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I think I’ve seen all of the Challenge rooms online now. My personal opinion is that yours is, by far, the most appealing. It is of the minute, but also has artistry and originality. Truly, a lovely job.

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  • Kerry
    May 20, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    Beautiful. You should paint the trim downstairs too. The white trim with the black doors is stunning. These two rooms are the best in the house. Stop trying to work with the oak wood and trim, this is so much better!

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