It’s that time again! Today officially starts the 6 week series that is the One Room Challenge. We’ve participated way more times than I can even count, and we keep coming back for more of the crazy each and every round!
Last fall we started off fresh in our new Illinois house with our son’s nursery. This time, we’re tackling a space that’s not quite as easy to describe.
Even the word “den” isn’t quite right, but that’s the closest thing I could think of! It’s actually a multipurpose room that’s a part time guest room, a part time workout space and a part time I-want-to-watch-tv-in-peace room. So since that is way too long to type out every time, den it is.
With this house I’ve had a thing for mixing deep bold colors with soft whites, and throwing it as much texture as I can. This room will definitely follow that trend! Before we get into the design part though, let’s check out what we’re working with to start.
The space is off of the back of our kitchen, and I’d assume would normally be used as a 5th bedroom or secluded office space. We however have set up our office space in what used to be a formal living room so I can have sight-lines into the playroom (aka our dining room – I should probably just draw up a map so no one gets lost here) so this room was sitting empty.
I absolutely love the tall ceilings and huge window and didn’t want those to go to waste, so we came up with a plan to make this room work for our family!
After chatting, we decided this room needed to serve three separate functions.
- Guest bedroom space
- Workout room
- Casual living/TV space
First up, we can alwayssss use more guest space. We recently moved to Illinois from Michigan, so when we have guests, they stay for a bit! We have a dedicated guest room upstairs, but loved the idea of a Murphy bed for a second guest space.
Next up was a workout room. We own a Peloton bike and are huge fans, but they’re not so easy to move around or hide. So, instead of attempting to do anything like that, we’re going to embrace it and make it part of the design! We’ll also need storage for weights, yoga mats, shoes and other workout accessories.
Lastly was a casual TV space. Yep – this room is going to have a tv and workout equipment in it and both are not something most people design rooms around, but we’re going to give it our best shot! We once did a garage for this challenge, so bring. it. on. 🙂
Okay, enough chatter, let’s get to our design inspiration board!
Tables / Chair / Murphy Bed / Shelf / Rug
Light / Fabric / Brick / Vase 1 & 2 / Peloton / Frame
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Because of the tall ceilings and natural light, we’re going to go dark in this space to create a cozy den vibe, but add some texture through an accent wall. We’re playing around with the idea of brick panels or tiles, and love the weathered finish of that wallpaper!
The carpet is also going to go, and wood floors that match the rest of the house will replace them.
Nesting tables will provide space when we need it, or additional “night stands” when we have guests, and a pop of color with the rug will help balance everything out. We’re still playing around with either gold or black finishes, but might end up somewhere in between by playing with both! That shelving unit is actually a tall shelf I turned on it’s side for the board, and we’re hoping to find something with fun lines similar to that to add even more texture.
The board is just a start for us this time, but I’m excited to start pulling everything together to make it come to life!
Next week we’ll be back with a (hopefully) painted room, and a few items on our to-do list crossed off! We’ll see you then 🙂
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