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One Room Challenge Fugly-to-Fabulous Modern French Country Office Design Concept

Spring '23 - One Room Challenge Week 3


Alright, people, it's time for an update on the One Room Challenge - Week 3! For those of you who don't know, the ORC is like a design boot camp where you have to (I mean get to) transform an entire space in just eight weeks. It's like a real-life version of those HGTV shows, but with less staged drama and more actual insanity.




So, here I am, still in Europe, trying to find inspiration while also freaking out about all the things that need to get done for my own workspace makeover. Thank goodness for my Design Assistant Charlene, who is keeping me from having a full-blown panic attack.


Last week, we completed the Design Strategy Session and created a flat-fee design proposal (more about our process and the costs of interior renovations here). This week, we're focusing on the Design Concept, which is the beginnings of a visual blueprint for the entire project.


For my own office, I've got a few must-haves. As you may have noticed in Week 1, I need some serious storage for all the samples required for an interior design studio, but it also needs to look pretty and organized. Second, I need a desk that can accommodate two people for those times when Charlene is in the office with me. And third, I want the style and color palette to be consistent with the French-country modern vibe of my home, with some pops of femininity and brighter colors for visual impact.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an example is worth a million and is the perfect way of making sure we're on the right track and that we've understood the client's (me) needs and wants.


We’ve reached out to a handful of partners for this project to help bring our vision to life. We're excited to work with Surya for their endless options of quality area rugs. Once we pick a dog-friendly option (likely wool), we'll use it to coordinate our paint colors for the cabinetry, walls, trim, and furniture. We're leaning into the Sherwin Williams sea scape colors in the Emerald Designer Collection for a cohesive look. Add to that, a custom desk and cabinetry from Rumo Designs to bring that (pretty) function this office is in desperate need of and we’re well on our way to a solid plan.


So there you have it, folks - the Design Concept is taking shape, and we're feeling pretty good about it. Stay tuned for more updates on this journey from fugly to fabulous, and remember - always aim for a space that feels comfortable and functional, but don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.


Until next time,

Michelle x

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