One Room Challenge Fall 2023 - Weeks Four & Five | Let's Catch Up
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Welcome back to the recap of the fourth and fifth week of our One Room Challenge project. We've had our hands full with trim, baseboards, lots and lots of nails, wall panels, and everything that requires finishing work, which I loathe. To be honest our DIY journey has been exciting and frustrating in equal measure {no pun intended}. We were reminded of a few things about each other over the last two weeks. In this post, we'll share our progress, challenges, and what's left to complete. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive in.
During the last two weeks, we accomplished quite a lot. First, we pulled up the old baseboard in the entryway and installed new 5.5-inch ones. We were quickly reminded I was the one who should be measuring and cutting. 😆
Next, we framed the entry window, which was a bigger transformation than we thought it would be. The window sill was beaten and battered by our late Hailey and our two puppies, Bentley and Zoey, haven't made it any better. I originally planned on skim-coating the inside of the window but Skott found some scrap pieces of wood and we nailed those suckers into place for a smooth finish inside followed by 3.5" trim around the perimeter of the window. We then removed the front door trim and installed a new one. It was an easy job that gave the entryway a more elevated look.
Window & Door Trim
Framing around the entry opening and making it look like pillars using sheets of paneling pieces and lots of trim pieces from Lowe's were next. We were amazed at how the entryway transformed within a short time. Finally, we've filled in the majority of the nail holes we still need to sand it all down.
Despite the progress, we still have some work left to do, including completing the framing of the entry opening, adding paneling and decorative trim on the walls around the entry, moving light switches, and adding electrical for the sconce. We also need to assemble and install the chandelier, paint the space, install wallpaper, install cabinet door pulls, find and order a rug, figure out the best organization system for the closet, and make or purchase a bench cushion. We also need to order pillows or pillowcases for the bench and install crown molding. Send us all the good vibes and coffee because as you can tell we will be needing them both 🙏🏻 ☕️
We have heard it time and time again - the One Room Challenge is not for the faint of heart. And after our experience participating in it last year, we can wholeheartedly agree. This year, however, seemed to be even more challenging than before. Maybe because we were taking on a bigger project? Or maybe because our walls just seem to hate us? Either way, we faced multiple obstacles along the way that threatened to derail our progress. But hey, they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Well, let's just say we came out of this challenge feeling like Hercules himself.
One of our biggest hurdles was dealing with uneven walls. We knew this was going to be an issue, but we didn't realize just how much of an issue it would be. It seemed like every time we measured and cut a piece of drywall, the wall would shift slightly and throw everything off. It has required endless planning, patience, and teamwork. We've had our ups and downs, from when Skott accidentally hammered his finger to when we thought we'd have to scrap an idea and start afresh. Thankfully, I have a creative vision and can come up with a few ways to pivot when things don't go as planned, and Skott has the technical skills to bring my vision to life. However, we'll have to work the second shift over the next two weeks to finish the project and meet the deadline.
We appreciate your support and encouragement and hope that you can learn from our experiences and mistakes. Till next time, happy DIYing!
You can follow along on my Instagram stories and my weekly blog posts. I will also be linking any materials or decor that I purchase on my LikeToKnowIt.
If you like what you've read and think others might too, please share!