One Room Challenge Week 3: Elegant & Whimsical Girls Room

Welcome to MW Designs and week 3 of the Spring 2021 One Room Challenge. I have followed this challenge for years, and I can’t believe I am finally doing it! The room I have chosen to transform over the next 8 weeks is our spare bedroom and make it into a elegant & whimsical . I have decided to turn it into a whimsical & elegant little girl’s room for my daughter.

What is the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge is a widely anticipated biannual event. It was started by Linda Weinstein of Calling It Home, and the media sponsor is Better Homes & Gardens. Each round, 20 featured designers will transform a space and document the process while sharing their sources and advice. Many guest participants will join the fun and also transform a room in 8 weeks. This challenge has so much interior design inspiration, ideas, and so much encouragement.

Week 1 | Week 2 and 3 (You are here) | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

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The Big Question

Didn’t you just design & reveal Madeleine’s nursery less than two years ago? Yes, and I love her little room, but she will be moving into a big girl bed before you know it. The spare bedroom will allow for a bigger bed with all of her items.

I plan to be creative using almost everything in her nursery minus the crib and displaying it differently in her new room. I always say to shop your home and moves things around. This trick will make you feel like you have something new when you are just using or repurposing items you already own. It will save a ton of money and I truly love everything in her nursery. 

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LIST OF TO-DOS:

I’ve updated my list to show you what I’ve done at this point. I’m hoping to have the woodwork completed this weekend. This is truly going to transform & elevate this room and add an elegant touch.

• Sell some of Madeleine’s Nursery pieces (using most items)
• (working on it) Add decorative trim to walls
• (Done) Paint walls & ceiling Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore (Love this color)
• Paint small table & chairs
• Add overlay to closet doors
• Find & add new light fixture
• Make Curtains (Decided to use the ones I made for the nursery), pillows & seat cushion 
• Hang & DIY swing
• Shop for Decorative items
• Style 
• photograph
• reveal

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Week 2: Paint Update & Inspiration

Week two was slow going for me. I purchased the paint and started painting the ceilings and walls. Has anyone used the Waterborne ceiling paint by Benjamin Moore? It went on the ceiling so nice and I didn’t have to do any touch-ups. I would highly recommend it.

The color I chose is called Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore. It’s the perfect green gray-blue and is one of the prettiest colors I have ever seen! I’m obsessed!

I discovered this color on Rachel Parcells entryway doors of her new home. I instantly fell in love and knew I had to use it in my home. When designing Madeleine’s nursery two years ago, I painted her doors this color. I felt like this project was the perfect opportunity to use this gorgeous color again.

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Week 3: Room Painted & Purchased Wood Trim

Week three, I have finally completed all of the painting! Yay! With a lot going on last week, this was a big challenge! I usually don’t mind this task, but for some reason, this room seemed to take forever! Even though I don’t feel like I have gotten much completed at this point, I am right on schedule. Madeleine is already loving it and won’t stay off of her new bed! It will be so great when she can start enjoying her new room.

I went back and forth, trying to decide if I wanted to spend money on wood trim for her room to add the elegant touch it needed. A quick trip to Lowe’s to check out their selection helped me make up my mind. The wood trim was a must, and I couldn’t leave without picking up a few pieces. I am so happy I did because it’s going to elevate her room!

Be sure to check back next week to see the wood trim on the walls and this room starting to transform slowly. And be sure to follow other One Room Challenge designers as they make over spaces in their homes too.

My fellow Washingtonians are so inspiring! Check out our feature for the ORC in the Washingtonian magazine. Very exciting!