Nothing like waiting for the last minute to decide on something! After overthinking participating in the One Room Challenge this Spring, I decided I should just go for it. It’s such a great way to get inspired about your home and encourage others to do the same.

Last Fall I joined for a few weeks and then dropped out because I had too much going on at home. This time I’m determined to complete the 8 weeks and finish our living room in the process.

We’ll be making over our somewhat awkward Living Room/Music Room. Right now our living room/music room is functioning as storage (don’t let the pretty photo below fool you, the rest of the room is scary) and that needs to change.

A year and a half ago we tore out the old worn carpet with plans to replace it someday. Instead of laying down new flooring right away I wanted to experiment with the super frugal idea of brown paper flooring.

We laid down contracter paper, adhered it will glue, painted it several shades of taupe and grey then sealed it. It’s been a great floor and cost a whopping $50 for all the supplies. At this point we’re now ready to invest in freal flooring and excited to get started. Although we are just finishing a major floor renovation in another area of our home, which I will share later, I know we can take on this project as a family. We have a plan and the skills to make it happen.

Our living room is a long rectangle with an open stair case and has a high two story ceiling. My goal is to make it a place where all five of the kids congregate. This will be a challenge because our kids range from college (at home for the Summer) to kindergarten, but we can make it a place for all of us.
Ours plans are to:
- Replace flooring. (Thinking of a checkerboard pattern in laminate.)
- Replace fireplace tile surround. (Water damage and children have damaged it.)
- Add a large bookshelf. (We homeschool and have so many books.)
- Add comfortable seating. (Hopefully, I’ll be able to find a great couch in perfect shape on facebook marketplace.)
- Window treatment. (It’s been 10 years and it’s only now occured to me!)
Ok, we’ve got 8 weeks. Let’s get to work!
xo Maria
Beautiful blog Maria which is very much in line with your calm and tranquil aesthetic. All the best with ORC. I’m participating too for the first time .
Thanks for the encouragement Chantelle. I’m excited to see your decisions regarding your bathroom for the ORC!