It’s the final week of the One Room Challenge and, while I’m honestly a little sad that it’s over, we are all beyond thrilled with the end result! We’ve been spending so much more time in this space since replacing the furniture and hanging the art. And best of all, every piece we purchased is something we’ll use again and again in the years to come. I asked the boys how they feel about the new space so you can read their thoughts below. But first: the big reveal!
I may or may not have stood on the kitchen counter to take this picture but I thought it would be helpful to see the whole space in one shot. If you want to see where we started and what we did each week, check out the whole One Room Challenge here.
Vintage Chesterfield sofa (similar, also love this one) // Striped rug // Albert Einstein prints // Serena & Lily suede cap pillows // Navy throw // Jana Bek brushstroke lamps (also available here)
My mom was really not loving the makeshift coffee table we assembled for week four and kept her eyes peeled for something she knew we’d like better. The “done is better” mentality had won out for me but sure enough she stumbled upon the perfect piece: a chrome and glass square table sitting in the window of a consignment shop, ours for $225. Sold! Of course now that it’s in the space I’m so glad that she held out hope. Three cheers for parents who live less than an hour away. 🙂
Slim Aarons Harbour at Nassau print // Antique needlepoint shield (love this mirror in a similar shape) // Townes van Zandt print (in mirrored frame) // Floor lamp // Arm chair // Navy pillow // Stripe pillow // Antique antlers (cool sconce version here) // Bright Bazaar x Sonic Editions buoy print // Antique pig print (in gold leaf frame)
Will and I agree that this is our favorite little nook in the apartment. A cozy chair and pillow situation and a killer art arrangement… What’s not to love?
Vintage coffee table (similar) // C. Wonder ginger jar (old, similar)
Rory’s not impressed by those lilies either. #latebloomers
Metal book tower // Slim Aarons Poolside Glamour print // West Elm mirrored bar cart (tray and stand)
Will honestly wasn’t totally sold on this print when we pulled the trigger and now he’d be the first to tell you that it makes the space. The colors are so vivid and the depth of field is exactly what this small space needed!
Porcelain tray // Anchor matches
Of course I had to sneak a few Design Darling goodies into the mix!
A few of the many coffee table books we love: A Place in the Sun, James Nares, Rowing Blazers, and The New York Dog.
Embroidered pillow // Stripe pillow
I knew we needed a little more color in the space and a couple Pottery Barn pillows were the perfect backdrop for the slightly smaller racing stripe pillows from my boutique. Blue on blue, all day err day.
West Elm campaign dresser // Slim Aarons A Wonderful Time black and white print
I can’t believe how much this view has changed since week one when there was a bulky bar, a cheap TV stand, and a dark faux leather chair against this wall. While the arrangement is the same, we brought in much lighter finishes and were mindful of choosing pieces that would reflect light. I was a little worried about the mix of metals (mirror and nickel on the bar, brass on the dresser, chrome and glass on the coffee table) but in the end I think it makes the space more interesting. If you take one thing away from this one room challenge, let it be this: do not buy a matchy-matchy furniture set. I repeat: don’t do it! Have fun mixing and matching pieces that you truly love and that are worth the search it takes to find them.
We couldn’t resist this buoy print taken by my friend Will Taylor. It reminds me of Nantucket!
Shaken Not Stirred print // Mint julep cups // Striped bowl
Gin and tonic? Mint julep? I think it’s time to throw a holiday party to toast to the end of the challenge (and thank the boys for putting up with me these past six weeks!).
When I asked the boys about their new digs, here’s what I got:
Mike: “It took me five years, four apartments, and one roommate’s style blogger girlfriend to start living in a place that doesn’t look like my college dorm.” (He also doesn’t understand the ginger jars, which I grabbed from my apartment at the last minute when I realized they somehow don’t own a single vase. He asked if they were storing someone’s ashes…)
Will: “It looks so good, I can’t believe I live here. It feels so much bigger and you gave it lots of character using things I already owned, like the artwork, and some things I wouldn’t have found on my own, like the mirrored bar. And now that it’s decorated so well, Rory feels more manly hanging out in an apartment that’s not hot pink.”
What do you think? Don’t forget to check out the final reveals of everyone who participated. I know what I’ll be doing today!!!
Trademarked by Calling it Home
Your have indeed given your home a fresh look!!! Looks really beautiful.
çhey, just found your website looking for interior ideas.
I love the Einstein paintings!
Wowza! The eclectic mix is perfection. The Einstein portraits are genius, but it is the Townes Van Zandt that sealed the deal for this Austin-ite. Love every bit of this. Those are some lucky guys who get to live in what you’ve created.
As I mentioned before, your room may be the most challenging, yet you managed to do a wonderful job!!!! Perfect!
Oh wow! I have really enjoyed watching the transformation! You did an incredible job!!
What an incredible difference you made in this apartment, Mackenzie! Everything looks fantastic. It was so much fun watching this transformation! And, the guys were such good sports about it all — so cute! I’m sure they’re thrilled with the results!
You did such a great job, Mackenzie!! I love the vintage touches. The sofa and coffee table really make the space. And I was just eyeing up that west elm campaigne piece last week. great transformation.
I;m in love with graphic and bold feel of this room! The art and styling are simply amazing. perfection!!
Wow! What a great transformation! It has been so great to watch this come together. Kudos to mom to finding the clutch piece in the end! And I’m still completely digging the bar! Well done!
LOVE! And SO glad you held out for the new coffee table – the other one was definitely a placeholder, and this one just makes the room!
It looks amazing. My favorite pic is the guys enjoying their new space. Too funny about thinking the jars were for holding ashes. My husband made the same comment. Strange.
I have been following the remodels and I have to say, I Love your style. The changes you made to this room are awesome.
You have outdone yourself my dear! Beautiful work! Rory seems to agree
xo lots of love
Sylvia
I love how this came out. I also love reading about how the guys like it. Such a cute story. You should feel great about this. Well done.
Ugh, girl. You did SUCH an amazing job. I knew I’d love it but this goes beyond that. And thanks so much for giving me hope for my little apartment – it’s always looked so dark and honestly, a little depressing, Now I feel like I know what to do to turn that around! YAY!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
Will is one lucky dude as is his roommate. Soooo much improved. The ginger jar comment cracked me up – dudes. Still in love with the bar cart / console / Slim Aarons combo. Kudos for turning brown town around. Now the chesterfield can really shine when balanced with the lighter neutrals. And yay to mommas who scout! Woop.
Absolutely amazing design job and so perfect for your handsome boys! It is a perfectly artful mix which I adore!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts from Karena
SOO amazing Mackenzie!! You should really consider a possible career in interior decorating!!
Sincerely,
Marit
http://agirlontheverge.weebly.com/
This looks really really great, Mackenzie! So fresh and comfortable, and completely gender neutral. Love that. Congrats on a great reveal! ox
No. Effing. Way.
Is this even the same BUILDING?! Oh my gosh, Mackenzie! THIS IS INCREDIBLE.
When can I move in?
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Ah this could not have been executed more better! Everything works so well together and looks stylish and masculine at the same time!
Nidhi
An Unblurred Lady
Wow! Gorgeous interiors ! The details make all the difference!
Red Reticule
Wow!! It looks amazing. I want you to come to my apartment next and redo it. I have yet to have my housewarming party despite being in it for five months so there is still time to completely redo it before anyone sees.
Sam
http://www.savvycitychic.blogspot.com/
You really did a great job. Obviously I can only comment from afar, but if I walked into this room I’d be 100% convinced that a woman lived here. Just an observation. Job well done.
Beautiful!!! What a great transformation!!!!!!!!!!
I loved following this series so much! Congratulations on such an awesome decor job – I love the brightness that you added with the mix of metals without making it look random.
The space is completely different! I love the focus on keeping it manly, but not so much of a boys dorm room! It’s incredible how much a little rearranging and different furniture can change everything!
It looks amazing! Nicely done!!!
Great job Mackenzie! Hope the boys are enjoying their new space! xo
This room looks amazing! You are so talented, Mackenzie – it has been so much fun to watch the room grow every week with this challenge.
xx, Alexa
Shut the hell up…I can hardly believe this is the same apartment! You did a fabulous job pulling this place together….the coffee table your Mom found is just perfect! Great job!
WOW WOW WOW. Well done, very fresh and swanky, amazing detail, love the ” someones ashes” comment
I LOVE this! Your styling is so perfect. Nicely done. Glad you went with the mixed metals too – it absolutely makes all the pieces feel more collected which is so much more inviting.
Congrats! These guys look so happy in this space. You managed to make it stylish without being feminine. I love it!
The new coffee table is perfect! With all your awesome updates you definitely needed a beautiful table to match.
With the ‘lighter’ furniture pieces the space looks SO much bigger, open, & airy! I love your artwork choices & of course you styled it perfectly. Thrilled that my brushstroke lamps are part of your awesome design! You nailed it Mackenzie! XX jana
This room looks so much brighter and bigger – most times, when you walk into a guys apartment, it’s dark and dreary, like they play video games all day! You made it look sophisticated and I love how you used existing pieces!
That glass coffee table finishes the room, for sure, Mother Knows Best, so glad she didn’t let you settle! The room looks fantastic and not too designed out for comfortable living! A job well done!
B*R*A*V*O !!!!! M*A*H*V*E*L*O*U*S D*A*H*L*I*N*G !!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, GRANDY
What and elegant and sophisticated space for them!
Mike’s comment pretty much solidifies that he’s my soul mate. This was a great series and I truly enjoyed checking in each week. I love the ginger jars. My guy friends have used a tall glass candle-like holder and filled it with beer caps (a bit “fratty” but with drinking craft beers, it’s fun to see the collection grow…) or golf balls from various courses they’ve played at!
Wow! You did such an amazing job. I would gladly move in. I love that you managed to still incorporate their style and personalities. I love that print and what you said about adding depth is so true.
Such a beautiful room!! I absolutely love the rug!
What a beautiful space! I loved seeing this room transform and the last piece of artwork pulled it all together! I love the blue and white rug and that campaign dresser from West Elm is gorgeous! The new bar is so chic and glam, I’ll be right over for a drink! BRAVO on a job well done! SO fun participating in ORC with such talent!
I’ve been loving this series — so fun to see how the spaces change! Plus that striped rug is to die for!
Makeshift Munch
this turned out amazing! Your hard work totally paid off!
Xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
Wow! Looks incredible! I especially love the prints.
The space looks great Mack! You did a fantastic job and I love that both the boys are totally digging it knowing that they were a little unsure at first. Loving the nautical nods and that reading nook!
Wow, Mackenzie, it looks so great! Way to go! Love Will’s comment about Rory feeling more manly in a space that’s not hot pink-ha!
xo Jen
You did an incredible job with their space! I especially love the blue and white striped rug. Seriously, great job!
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
Such a fabulous transformation! Love the artwork, bar cart, dresser and rug! It’s a brighter and more stylish room now!
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
What a perfect space, Mackenzie! I love it!!!
Your space looks great! I really love the reading nook, so cozy and warm!
In Dramatic Fashion
It looks amazing! Every detail is perfect! I love that it is something both the guys and ladies will love. Mike’s comment is hilarious. Also, I love that picture of Will holding Rory, Rory looks so happy!
What a great transformation. It looks awesome. Congrats!
It is perfect! I wish I had that sofa. The art is fabulous and love the touches of chrome. They are lucky to have you!
I love the end result, it is beautiful!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
The finished room looks amazing!! And I love the Design Darling additions you put there as well! Those boys are so lucky to have someone like you to redesign their living room.
Go Kenzieeeee! I am blown away with every detail. Cheers to B for that coffee table find, too.
Luckily I live six blocks away so maybe I can see it in person soon? This space is now holiday-soiree-ready!
This is ridiculously good!! Perfect polished and vintage blend! I loved seeing the changes each week…I think next time I decorate a room, I’m going to snap pics to help see my progress. congrats – enjoy those drinks 🙂
The space looks fabulous! Any guy would be lucky to live there 🙂
Emily
http://www.workinggirlafterhours.com
You outdid yourself! You are the world’s best girlfriend for sure. I love all the art you chose and the key furniture pieces that are true investments. It’s a classic yet young space filled with personality. Congratulations! You should be so proud!
I absolutely love this space! It looks so much more grown up and put together! I do love that little corner nook.
Ashley
Sunday Brunch
This looks INCREDIBLE! I can’t believe the difference you made in just 6 weeks. It seems like a completely different space. And the great thing is you didn’t make it too feminine. It’s polished and classic but has that masculine theme running throughout. Really amazing job!
– Kelsey
http://kelseydefined.wordpress.com/
Well done! The space looks totally transformed. I love it!
xo, Laura
http://www.brightandbeautifulblog.com/
Those guys were sure lucky to have you! The room looks great!
It looks SO amazing!! You killed it. I can’t get over Mike’s comment hahah..men.
This looks amazing! Congrats on a job well done!
I LOL-ed several times reading this post, esp. the ashes in the ginger jar and hot pink apartment part! These boys remind me of my husband who appreciates that I decorate our house but does not understand beautiful objects like porcelain jars that only serve a decorative purpose. I agree, mixed and matched furniture is way more fun and looks less “decorated.” I love how you combined pieces from retail stores with thrifted items. I also love how the see-through coffee table makes the space look bigger and allows you to see more of the striped rug. This is totally my style and may serve as inspiration for redoing my husband’s man cave in the basement in the future! Good job! Xo, Meg
Mackenzie, this is such a fantastic space!!! I wish I could hire you to decorate my house!!! 😉
Sarah xx
Taste and Tact
The boys look very happy with their new space! Great work here. Love the artwork you selected!
It looks gorgeous! Love the new coffee table! Great job!!
It looks awesome! Such a littlle space with so much personality, and Will is right, it looks so much bigger than before! Everything works together without being too overdone. Love the art choices and variety of frames. Well done!
what a perfect blend of chic and masculine influence. what a great comfortable space!
You are so talented! I have enjoyed following along each Wednesday and am sad it has come to an end!