ORC Week 8: Entry Way Reveal!

Shandelle Alicia2 Comments

We are here! Not 100% complete, I would say about 85% complete, but I am going to post anyways because the my last ORC challenge reveal is still loading, lol.

Before we do the reveal, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane.

As a family of 6, storage was definitely needed storage. In addition to storage it definitely needed to be pulled out of the lates 90s early 2000s.

Please check back tomorrow as I will add some daytime photos of the space. Let’s get into the full Entryway Reveal!

This beautiful herringbone tile pattern was the main change in this room.

Wallpaper was up next. I chose this, black and white geometric pattern wallpaper by Scott Living.

Next was this Ikea Hemnes shoe storage, hack. I painted it black and changed out the handles.

The mirror was a find from HomeSense. The handles I purchased years ago to use on a project I ended up scrapping.

We still have a few things left to do but I absolutely love the transformation. Let me know what you think in the comment below.

Remaining to do list…

  • Closet Storage Sytem
  • Install trim bottom entry door
  • Install closet door trim & handles
  • Finishing touches and paint touch ups

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

Check out all the ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Check out other AMAZING reveals here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

ORC Week 7: Werk-ing!

Shandelle AliciaLeave a comment

Oh my gosh… there is one week left!

We got a lot done this week… here’s the recap.

We grouted my gorgeous herringbone floor! I am completely in love, I used Customer Building Products Grout in the color Truffle. I would classify it as beginner friendly, I have only used pre-mixed grout in the pass and it was a breeze to mix this by hand.

I love the way it matches perfectly with my tile and just gives it the exact look I was going for. I am absolutely in love with my tile.

I then updated my heater to an energy efficient model which also takes up less space… double WIN. We honestly do not heat the entryway during the winter, just because the door is always open and all the heat escapes so we feel like it’s a waste of electricity. However, the update gave us more floor space in this already tight space.

Next it was on to updating my ugly closet doors. My house will be getting brand new doors throughout, I chose the Masonite Lincoln Park Doors. I wanted the closet doors to match but was unwilling to pay the price tag for the Masonite Closet Doors so DIY it is!

I started by getting rid of the faux wood grain by applying a skim coat of thinned out drywall mud. Then I sanded, primed and hung them. Still to do trimming it out, paint and hardware.

I updated the baseboards and trim to match the living and dinning room. I absolutely love this profile, it’s timeless and modern at the same time.

I hacked this Ikea Hemnes Shoe Storage to fit the little nook in my entryway, it is still a work in progress. I secured it to the wall and will paint it for the final reveal.

Started the outline for my board and batten.

Still a few minor items left to knock off my to do list. Do you think I can get it done by next week?

Still To do… (the bolded items were completed this week)

  • Remove Baseboards & Trim
  • Demolish Tile
  • Find Storage Solution for Shoes
  • Finalize Wallpaper
  • Install Tile
  • Grout
  • Update Heater
  • Update Closet Doors
  • Install Trim
  • Paint Ceiling
  • Install Shoe Storage
  • Paint closet
  • Closet Storage Sytem
  • Paint Shoe Storage
  • Paint Walls
  • Install Board and Batten
  • Install Wallpaper
  • Hang Mirror

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Check out this week’s progress from fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

ORC Week 6: Tiling is Not for the Weak of Heart

Shandelle Alicia5 Comments

Two weeks left and still so much to do.

Installing the tile in a herringbone pattern was definitely a task and between my 9-5, 4 kids, hubby and basement rebuild… I have been exhausted. I completed the last tile today.

I had plans to paint the shoe cabinet and inside the closet today in hopes of sharing that for this week’s progress, but I just could not muster up the energy.

This herringbone pattern was definitely a challenge. I did not nail it completely, it is off in some areas and the Capricorn in me is struggling to accept that. However, I am working on being gentle with myself as I am with others. So, I am telling myself what I would tell anyone… it’s a damn good job for someone new. I am also taking solace in knowing I sort of messed up (the pattern is wonky in some ares, but there is no lippage) for free rather than paying someone. After the ORC Challenge is over, I will give a full breakdown of all my tiling woes. I will still chalk this up as a win and I do love my floors.

The plans for next week is grout, update baseboard heater, paint shoe storage, paint closed, install the trim.

Still To do…

  • Remove Baseboards & Trim
  • Demolish Tile
  • Find Storage Solution for Shoes
  • Finalize Wallpaper
  • Install Tile
  • Grout
  • Paint Shoe Storage
  • Paint
  • Update Closet Doors & Hardware
  • Install Trim
  • Re-organize closet
  • Install Board and Batten
  • Update Heater
  • Install Wallpaper

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Check out this week’s progress from fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

Thanks for reading!

ORC Week 5: Preparation is Key

Shandelle Alicia8 Comments

It’s week five and I am feeling good! Although not much happened this week progress was made.

The prep for the tile was completed and fitting the shoe storage solution was also accomplished.

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

To do…

  • Remove Baseboards & Trim
  • Demolish Tile
  • Find Storage Solution for Shoes
  • Finalize Wallpaper
  • Install Tile
  • Paint Shoe Storage
  • Paint
  • Update Closet Doors & Hardware
  • Install Trim
  • Re-organize closet
  • Install Board and Batten
  • Update Heater
  • Install Wallpaper

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

Check out the week 5 progress from my fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

ORC Week 4: Demolition Is “Easy”

Shandelle Alicia7 Comments

It’s week 4 and I am feeling pretty darn good about my progress! Keep reading to see what happened this week!

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

As the title gave away, this week was finally time to tackle removing all the trim and demolishing the dated dingy beige tile from the entryway.

If this picture does not make it clear, let me settle any confusion this was NOT easy (well it was easy for me, hahaha)! Thankfully the hubby was hands on deck for this project and he tackled it. This tile was definitely installed well, to say the least. Our house is 20 years old and the tile put up a fight and almost won! I definitely understand the why behind just going over top existing tile now. Unfortunately our entire kitchen & powder room is done is the same awful tile… but that’s a worry for another day.

Here’s what it looks like currently! Yes, I have plans to change the door insert to modernize it, I don’t know if that will happen as part of the challenge or at a later date. We will see if my budget allows.

A reminder of where we started!

These are the things I hope to complete for week 5…

  • remove 1/2 plywood
  • start tiling
  • find storage solution for shoes
  • paint
  • re-install closet storage

I just realized I never made a full “To do” list for this project. I love a good list, so here we go…

To do…

  • Remove Baseboards & Trim
  • Demolish Tile
  • Find Storage Solution for Shoes
  • Re-oraganize closet
  • Remove 1/2 Plywood
  • Install Uncoupling Membrane
  • Install Tile
  • Paint
  • Install Trim
  • Update Closet Doors & Hardware
  • Install Board and Batten
  • Update Heater
  • Finalize Wallpaper

Not a crazy list, but as I mentioned last week my basement also flooded and I have decided to tackle rebuilding that myself as well (post on that to follow). Wish me luck and follow along!

As always thanks for reading!

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Check out the week 4 progress from my fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for regular updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

Disclaimer: I am not currently apart of any affiliate programs, and do not earn any commission off of these links. Where possible please let the vendors know I sent you, thanks.

ORC Week 3: Finalizing the Plan

Shandelle Alicia2 Comments

It’s week 3 and still no demo as yet. But I wanted to share a real life picture of the entryway/mudroom so you can all see why it’s not currently working for my family.

We are a family of 6, and as mentioned before have 3 school aged children. One thing we are definitely missing in this space is storage! So I definitely have some plans to address that.

Here’s a quick reminder of the mood board and general direction of the room.

Here’s the plan… a board a batten wall that will double as storage for the kids backpacks and jackets. I am thinking of painting it black to camouflage the inevitable scuff marks.

For the awkward little nook area I am thinking a nice mirror, with a shoe storage piece below.

Inspiration for inside the closet from ORC Alum, Hill Town House. Double coat hanging racks will give us ample storage and side cubbies with provide space for extra shoes and seasonal items.

In addition to this I will of course update all the baseboard and trim to match the Living Room.

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

Check out the week 3 progress from my fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

ORC Week 2: To Wallpaper or Not to Wallpaper

Shandelle Alicia7 Comments

It’s week 2 and no physical work has begun on the Foyer.

Our basement flooded last week during a freak ice storm we had here, which caused us to lose power for several hours back battery died, etc etc.

So given that we have a lot of people using our entry handling the fixing up of our basement we have not started pulling up the tile as yet.

So…. in true Shandelle fashion the design wheels keep spinning in my head and I am now thinking about adding some wallpaper to the foyer.

At our last house, we had wallpaper in the foyer, check the post here. My husband was not at all a fan, but armed with everything I learned from that experience, I am open to trying again in this foyer.

I feel like foyers are the perfect place to inject a bit of interest and drama as it is the first space that welcomes guest into your home.

Here are a few of the different options I found.. honestly it could go either way. Stay tuned to see what I decided.

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Check out the week 2 progress from my fellow ORC Participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

Disclaimer: I am not currently apart of any affiliate programs, and do not earn any commission off of these links. Where possible please let the vendors know I sent you, thanks.

ORC Spring 2023 Week 1: Entry Way Renovation

Shandelle Alicia7 Comments

Hi Everyone! Welcome back! If it’s your first time, get to know me first!

Here we go again with another one room challenge! I am still not quite finish my first one room challenge (check it out here), but in true Capricorn fashion here I go tackling another project!

As the post title gave away… I’ll be tackling my entryway! It’s the first room you see when you enter our home and in my opinion it sets the tone for the rest of the house. Below is the overall direction.

The area is quite small just over 40 square feet (including the closet) and is used and abused daily by our three school aged children! It desperately needs function, style, storage and more storage.

Follow along as I tackle this project over the next 8 weeks.

ORC – Spring 2023 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another from start to finish.

Click here to find out more!

Please check out the other ORC participants here!

Join the fun on Instagram for daily updates. Make sure to follow the the official ORC Instagram page.

Disclaimer: I am not currently apart of any affiliate programs, and do not earn any commission off of these links. Where possible please let the vendors know I sent you, thanks.

ORC Week 8: Living Room Reveal!

Shandelle Alicia1 Comment

Mama I made it! I have completed my first ever One Room Challenge®, well sort of! I still have to finish completing the mantel since I changed it to a wrap around. Here’s a sneak peak of what I have so far. I will post all the pictures here shortly once I am finished.

Reveal still loading…

Remaining “To-Do List”

  • Extend crown molding around fireplace 
  • Repaint fireplace surround
  • Stain shelves Opted for painting them instead
  • Decorate, decorate!
  • Find creative seating
  • Find console table
  • Find an end table

ORC – Fall 2022 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Take a look at all the other beautiful ORC Fall 2022 room reveals here!

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another. Click here to find out more!

Follow me on my official Instagram for daily design and DIY inspiration!

Disclaimer: I am not currently apart of any affiliate programs, and do not earn any commission off of these links. Where possible please let the vendors know I sent you, thanks.

ORC Week 7: Final Touches & Tweaks

Shandelle Alicia7 Comments

What’s the One Room Challenge?

The One Room Challenge® (ORC) is an 8 week challenge for designers and DIYers alike to transform one room of their choosing into their wildest dreams. It’s not a competition but rather a support group for designers/DIYers to uplift and encourage one another. Click here to find out more!

ORC – Fall 2022 Posts

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

It’s the last week of The One Room Challenge® before reveals! And of course I have been sick these last two weeks, so progress has been kind of at a stand still. That being said I did complete the floating shelves build. That’s a win!

Although I purchased what I thought was “the” table last week, we are back on the hunt as it was not what I expected. The colour was awesome, however the separation in the wood was giving too farmhouse for my comfort. So I returned it and now I am back on the hunt. With delays still rampant in the furniture industry, I doubt my end table and console table will arrive before the challenge end date.

Here’s a quick peak at some of the decor items without giving away too much.

Remaining “To-Do List”

  • Extend crown molding around fireplace 
  • Repaint fireplace surround
  • Stain shelves
  • Find creative seating
  • Find console table
  • Find an end table
  • Decorate, decorate!

Completed items… (bolded items were completed this week)

  • Build mantel frame
  • Install mantel frame
  • Find tile
  • Install electrical fireplace
  • Tile fireplace surround
  • Frame fireplace
  • Drywall fireplace
  • Hang TV
  • Prime upper fireplace
  • Find an area rug
  • Complete mantel
  • Install Baseboards
  • Install trim around fireplace
  • Fill baseboards/trim
  • Build Floating Shelves
  • Caulk baseboards/trim
  • Install Floating Shelves
  • Paint fireplace, baseboards, crown molding and ceiling
  • Complete shelves
  • DIY Plaster Art

With time of the essence, I have a whole lot left to do! Do you think I’ll be finished in time?

Remember to check my fellow ORC participants here!

Follow along on Instagram for daily updates and make sure if you aren’t already you follow the official ORC Instagram.

Disclaimer: I am not currently apart of any affiliate programs, and do not earn any commission off of these links. Where possible please let the vendors know I sent you, thanks.