Willow & Twig

What better time to participate in the One Room Challenge than the week we close on our latest fixer upper/money pit/labor of love/family home. Recap: Just as we were running low on the long list of projects for our current historic beauty, we purchased a 1950’s tri-level house sight unseen (story here). It hasn’t been updated since… well… 1952. We close a week from tomorrow, and while every. single. room. is going to be touched, I’ve settled on the dining room for the One Room Challenge. For the before, I present exhibit A:

A few takeaways: The flooring is cork. I have had a hard time finding out much about the popularity of this type of flooring in the 50s, but the gentleman doing our carpet said he’s pulled out plenty of it in the area. Local trend? Maybe.

Also note the view from this room. It overlooks the small lake in the backyard. *Swoon*

Also, the fireplace with built-ins. I cannot resist them, they will be so pretty.

So the plan is as follows: First, we will prep the floor *this room runs into the kitchen, for a semi-open concept*. We’ve ordered the 4″ unfinished white oak flooring, which is en route from Tennesee as I write. The kitchen and dining will have the oak laid in a tidy little herringbone pattern. The built-ins will be painted, white or some light color close to white. New hardware, new lighting and chandelier over the dining table. I also plan to add mill-work to the walls. Trim and window panes will also be painted. To give you a crude depiction of what I’m imagining, wah-la!

The theme is light, bright and natural. But then of course, I can’t live in a room without some good pops of color. Next week’s post will feature all the material picks and timeline! If you have a chance, take a peek at the other ORC contestants. These people have some brilliant creativity and it’s inspirational.