ORC Starts Today! One Room Challenge Breakfast Nook and Kitchen

Here we are, September, and I’m going to tackle the One Room Challenge with a breakfast nook and kitchen project. I tried this once before but got derailed on the second week due to major structural issues with our condo. Fingers crossed all goes smoothly enough this round.

What is the One Room Challenge?

Let’s back up for a second. What is the One Room Challenge? It’s a celebration of design that’s been going on for over a decade. Designers and design enthusiasts band together across the internet to each commit to getting one room done in their home. Just one. The point is to approach completing your home in snackable pieces to get it done. It’s a wonderful way to meet other design-minded people and I’m psyched to participate as a guest blogger.

One Room Challenge Breakfast Nook and Kitchen Project

With an entire house that needs decorating, I struggled with which room to choose for the One Room Challenge. The dining room, with the cane chairs and vintage fabric I’m so pumped to bring to life, was an option. So was the master bedroom, with some exciting paint choices I’m making.

But, I felt like the kitchen and breakfast area is the room which will see the most wow factor in its transformation. It’s going from tile to luxury vinyl plank. Oak cabinets to off-white. There are hardware and light fixture changes. And, of course, furniture.

As I’ve touched on before, I’m going with a look that is in start contrast to our Capitol Hill condo. I want everything to feel traditional and timeless. What’s traditional and timeless in my book? Blue and white, of course. Here’s what’s on the agenda to tackle for this One Room Challenge breakfast nook and kitchen project:

• Paint cabinets and walls | Contractor
• Move peninsula to side of wall | Contractor
• New floors | Contractor
• Cabinet hardware | DIY
• Replace light fixtures | DIY
• Install window treatments | DIY
• Entryway bench and hooks | DIY
• Breakfast dining table and chairs
• Freestanding kitchen island
• Decor and outfitting kitchen

What’s Already Underway?

One big project is already well underway: the cabinets. I do have to offer a disclaimer here: no, we did not DIY the painting. We don’t live there full-time, I already work both a demanding day job and a demanding freelance writing side hustle, and the mental gymnastics of figuring out how we’d make that work made no sense. Plus, DIY doesn’t bring me joy. Some people love it! I do not. I love decorating and making things beautiful. I’ll pass on the DIY and the pursuit of perfection always.

All that is to say, things are coming along! There are two coats on the cabinets, nail holes are patched and walls are ready to paint in the breakfast nook, the kitchen is feeling fresh, and I cannot wait until the floors are done and it’s my turn to start working on light fixtures, hardware, and decor.