CHRISTINE KOHUT INTERIORS

One Room Challenge Week Six: Project Shut The Front Door

PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, rescue dogs

TIME FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Are you ready for the big reveal? AHGHGH!! Well, you will have to slow down a second. I have stuff I have to share with you first. Simmah down now.

It’s been a six week journey to this day. I have shared the progress each week, which you can catch up on here:

WEEK ONE || WEEK TWO || WEEK THREE || WEEK FOUR || WEEK 5 || WEEK 6

Did you skip all of that and are asking yourself, what is the One Room Challenge? The One Room Challenge is a bi-annual event hosted by Calling it Home  showcasing 20 featured participants and many guest participants as they renovate a single room, documenting all of it over the course of six weeks. In it’s fourteenth season, the One Room Challenge kindly shares all of the blog entries and the finished spaces at the end of the 6 weeks. Many of the entries end up being featured in places like these:

one room challenge, ORC, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, My Domaine, House & Home, Urban Home, Southern Living

And this season, look who’s going to be the official media partner..

They are going to select two of the Guest Participants to be Featured Participants in the Spring ORC, which comes with the benefits of some sponsorships from some pretty cool companies. Will the Design Ninja be one of them?? I don’t know, to be honest. There are over 200 of us to choose from.

YOU STILL HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE.

Before I get to the big reveal, let’s revisit the BEFORE images.

#oneroomchallenge #oneroomchallengefall2018 #bhgorc #designninja, One Room Challenge, #projectshutthefrontdoor
The back wall with the huge thermostat inconveniently RIGHT THERE.
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, before and after
You can see the piano lurking in the dark corner.
One Room Challenge, @projectshutthefrontdoor, #oneroomchallenge, #oneroomchallengefall2018, #bhgorc, #designninja, One Room Challenge, Better Homes and Gardens
The view from the dining room with the wonky window wall. Boobie lights!

NOT YET!

I can’t do the big reveal yet because I want to tell you about the client and why I decided to make the room look the way it does now. I met her through some friends (both are also past clients) awhile ago and she has asked me several times if I would work on her house. The timing was never right for me, and I think it worked to her benefit in the end. Because, as time went by, I learned more about her personality and her interests through our Facebook connection. Aside from the obvious things like her family (one lovely husband, two gorgeous teenage girls and two cute dogs), I was able to determine she likes to have a lot of fun, like going to Vegas with the ladies and dancing the night away. That sounds fun, right? She’s kind of outspoken, and she seems a little bold, at least to me. She strikes me as the type who rocks leather pants once in awhile, know what I mean?

TAKING A GAMBLE

Her home didn’t really reflect that spirit at all. It’s neat and clean, and nothing was really wrong with it, but it was lacking any of that vibrancy I felt she had. And it was very beige. You did look at the BEFORE pics above, right? Figuring I would try my luck, I aimed to give this room a fun, colorful vibe that reflected her personality. Maybe push her buttons a little and make her uncomfortable at first with this One Room Challenge. I told her she has to basically just trust me, knowing I could get her excited and happy at the end.

My job is not about ME. I am always striving to bring out the clients’ personality into the design. 

I wanted to make sure we kept the envelope neutral but not boring, so the wallpaper has shades of charcoal, taupe and cream. I needed a couple big pieces of furniture in colors and styles that will work with any look, so an almost black, chunky round table and a tall wood and iron étagère were next. But after that, I was going to just bring in the color and the fun, all of which can be changed on a whim (although I can’t imagine she will be changing it for awhile). I wanted to balance some feminine with some masculine. Pinks and golds with bronze, iron and warm woods. I think it all works together and makes everyone who lives there happy. The mood board she got to see only had about 3 of these things on it, and the rug wasn’t even the same. I really wanted to surprise her. I know that not many designers are this lucky; I basically had the run of the joint.

PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, MOOD BOARD, DESIGN PLAN
The mood board

WANT TO SEE?

Well, what are you waiting for? Check out these videos to changes to the view when you walk in the front door. (I did set all of these slide shows to repeat so if you want to see it again, just stay here for a little bit.)

It’s a little different when you walk in the front door now, eh? That window wall is all gone, and that gorgeous art by Amira Rahim is now in it’s place. Ours is big, about 40″x48″. Amira makes such gorgeous art, doesn’t she? If you like her work but are on a tighter budget, you could get a canvas print.

{{I may earn a little money if you click a shoppable link and make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you, so have fun!}}

Here is a glimpse of the doorway to the dining room where we added trim around the door. You might not even notice it because I think there’s enough new stuff to distract you!

Are you starting to get the fun vibe here? How about the view looking toward the living room? Notice the front door and the railing had a makeover too.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Did you think that was all I was going to show you? No way, man. We don’t call it the Big Reveal for nothing, right?

In the spirit of the One Room Challenge, I tried to add links in the captions to things (or similar) you might be interested in so you can just click and go.
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, before and after, ugly duckling chair
The Ugly Duckling Chair in her new home! My amazing “team” at Fabric Collection really worked hard to put that chair back together again. I probably should have dubbed it Humpty Dumpty, right? I love how it pulls out the color in the rug and works so well with the art. The paper flowers “with a story” add some whimsy. The decorative glass knot on the bottom shelf is actually available in a few different colors. Ours was kelly green. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, before and after, vignette
This pink dresser and lamp replaced the dark piano and brightens up that corner. The statue of David is one of my favorite things. Since the photoshoot was on her birthday, I gifted my client the murano glass bowl I planted with real calla lillies. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, close up, before and after
How fun is this little bird in a glass dome (aka cloche)? What kind of bird is that, anyway? That and the pink and red box are limited edition items from IKEA. Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, before and after, vignette, sentimental
Sentimental items, like these handprints of the homeowners’ daughters from many years ago, are on full display now. The antlers remind my client of her trips to Montana. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, before and after, pottery, blown glass, murano, books, Dream Decor, Art Cities of the Future, nest thermostat
Remember the big, ugly thermostat that stood out? Now this sleek and sexy Nest thermostat fits right in. Beautiful books, stoneware, shiny bronze objects, Murano and seeded glass add texture and color on the étagère. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, rescue dogs, chandelier, flush mount
No more boobie lights. Mixing metals and styles adds some character with a new flush mount and chandelier. The large round table adds weight and centers the room. The lidded urn could hold seasonal flowers or branches if the mood strikes.|| photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR
Be different! Adding the layers of interesting objects on top of this navy Icelandic sheepskin makes this way more interesting. I stacked gorgeous books on top of a large ornate mirror and added some cool accessories. The lime green glass object is vintage from my mom’s collection. || photography by Laura Moss
I upgraded the lightbulbs in the sputnik chandelier so they look great even when they are not on. The navy ostrich stools and the real sheepskin throws are little over the top touches that just work. || photography by Laura Moss
PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, adopt don't shop, rescue dog, rug
Brody crashed the photo shoot. He loves the rug as much as everyone else. || photography by Laura Moss

SPEAKING OF THE DOGS

Of course Brody and Penny just had to be in the the big reveal. They are the cutest, even when they just wandered into the shots.

PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR, adopt don't shop, rescue dogs, photobomb
CAN YOU EVEN with Brody?? And if you look closely you will see Penny too. The runner being used as a doormat was a steal and easy to change out if needed or desired. It comes in different shapes and sizes as well. || photography by Laura Moss

HOW DID I DO?

I can’t believe Project Shut The Front Door is officially done. My first One Room Challenge turned out ok, don’t you think? I am hopeful I get to come back to make some additional changes to the dining room and living room that branch off this foyer. Now that the foyer has more personality, more life, and welcomes guests with a big smile, I think my client finally feels good about what she used to refer to as her foyer from hell. I think her whole family likes it, and may be a little proud.

I am.

PROJECT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, ORC FALL 2018, #DESIGNNINJA, #ONEROOMCHALLENGE, #BHGORC, #PROJECTSHUTTHEFRONTDOOR
Maybe we really don’t want to shut the front door now.

We pulled this off a little ahead of schedule, even with a change of plans and added construction. And even with a week of me being in NC and a week of me being sick in pajamas. In the end, this was really fun, it was a real challenge not to just design the space and implement the plan, but to write about it every week on a deadline. I appreciate all of the words of encouragement over the last six weeks.

I really hope you enjoyed this six week journey with me and I hope you like the big reveal, which was made all the better by my amazing photographer, Laura Moss.

All of the other participants have been busting their butts and I’ve been in awe of what I’ve seen so far. The twenty featured participants have done some amazing things in their One Room Challenges and the big reveal day did not disappoint, to say the least.

The guest participants have also blown me away, I can not believe some of these entries! Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms… So many projects, big and small, but all pretty challenging. Check them out by clicking the logo.

And with that, that’s all she wrote! It’s bittersweet. When the projects are fun, I never want it to truly be over. Yet the time has come.

Stay tuned for more excited stuff because I actually do have other projects in the fire. I wonder what will happen in April for the Spring 2019 One Room Challenge?

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Angela Todd

I didn’t stumble upon this until this evening. Your work here is incredible. So inspired. I love the way you play with color. As I am on week two of my first One Room Challenge I certainly hope to bring it.

Lenora DeMars

Love all the colors you pulled together!

NICOLE DELACRUZ

So beautiful! Love your design and the photos really show off the beauty of the space even more! xo Nicole

NICOLE DELACRUZ

Everything turned out so beautiful! Love the videos especially! xo Nicole

Darla Powell

Beautiful job and gorgeous pup!

Joan

What a transformation! All the details jump out at you and are so thoughtful. Thanks for sharing the process and the links.

Janet Lorusso

Fun fun fun and beautifully done right down to the fantastic styling! Congratulations on an incredible transformation!

Lulu

Amazing room! I love everything about it. You are so clearly talented, it’s . I have searched all of your links looking for that awesome wallpaper, but I can’t find it. Do you have a link? I want to use the blue colorway in a dining room. Good luck to you!

Nicole

Shut the front door! You brought this room to life. And your accessory game is on point sister!

Julie Lampe

You really transformed the space! I love the collection of art and objects on the etagere! Nicely done!

Elle

Amazing job Christine!! I love this foyer space the rich wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for the colorful accents!

Jana Donohoe

Yass! This is the kind of reveal I get really excited about! You absolutely nailed it!! I of course love the pops of colorful artwork, rugs and the ugly duckling chair. I hope they let you keep going…Congrats on finishing your first ORC.

HOME DEKO

Christine, this is so amazing! I love the way you work with bold colors and patterns. ( I am the total opposite of you, no patterns, no color!)You definitely nailed this room and I am sure your client must be thrilled. That pink dresser is the sweetest thing in the room, I LOVE it!! btw THAT chair steels the spotlight too!!

Carol English

It’s incredible! I know that space–this has completely transformed the whole look and feel of the house. It’s elegant, yet comfortable. like it’s always been there. Amazing!

Michelle Blemel

GIRLLLL – This is great! Fantastic Job. Love all the elements and Bold Color.

Kris

Truly AMAZING!! As I knew it would be! This has been so much fun to follow, you rock 🙂

Linda Merrill

Beautiful job Christine! The color palette is so gorgeous!

Reenie McCarthy

I am literally in tears all over again. This room came out beyond what I could have ever imagined. This blog entry has me sentimental and giddy. The entire process has been over the top amazing and I am in awe of your talent. Every person that has come through my door, old and new have something wonderful to say and all just stand there for a moment admiring the beauty. I cannot thank you enough for making me love to welcome people into my home again. ❤️

JanetD

Congratulations Christine! You did a fabulous job.

Jeri

Stf…like whoa. Masterful mix of an elegantly neutral backdrop, wild splashes of color, some boho chic and just the right touch of decadence.
Makes me want to go buy some leather pants.

Leslie Carothers

Absolutely amazing, Christine! Just truly, truly wonderful. What a great example of how a designer makes a difference in someone’s lives!

Congratulations!

This is so gorgeous, Christine! You did an amazing job and I love what you’be done here. Truly inspiring!!!

Linda Holt

Bravo! You are a design genius! I love how you mixed the client’s meaningful objects with that gorgeous wallpaper, rugs, and chandelier. Every area is a visual feast and I can understand why your client is so happy. You nailed it and then some. Fab job Christine!

Sue Vitko

Ridiculous!!! I do not know how you do this? You are so crazy talented. I love it!

Sheri Bruneau

I over it! What an exciting change for your clients and what a statement when you walk through the front door. I’ve loved watching your process!

Lisa G

Amazing!! This entryway has come to life! I love the vibrant mix of colors and textures. You conquered this challenge. Congratulations!

Bonnie McGovern

The transformation is fabulous. The colors, the lights, the bold and beautiful pieces, the window which is no more, and that thermostat, wow what a difference. It is opening the door to a “new” home. I’m so impressed and am left wanting more. Whatcha doing next design ninja? I’ll be stalking and cheering

Bonnie

Your ORC did not disappoint. The transformation is fabulous. The colors, the lights, the bold and beautiful pieces, the window which is no more, and that thermostat, wow what a difference. It is opening the door to a “new” home. I’m so impressed and am left wanting more. Whatcha doing next design ninja? I’ll be stalking and cheering

Veronica Solomon

Oh wow! So excited about this space. So gorgeous.

Deneen

Really beautiful! I love how fearless you are with colour. A really beautiful space.

Kelly Rogers

Gah! This is so good. And I am somewhat obsessed with your time lapse videos. I want to keep watching them over and over. What a transformation! Love how you closed that wall – best decision ever. That, and removing the boob lights :>! Amazing job!

jewel

Christine! Can I just say that you nailed it! Truly! Spectacular! Way to go!

AnneD

I absolutely love it!! Every picture is like turning the corner to something fun & exciting. Fabulous job you have & did!!!

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