What I Learned from my Kitchen Reno - One Room Challenge Week 7

Jun 16

Tile is from Fireclay in Tumbleweed, knobs are from Emtek, and cabinet paint color is White Linen from Kelly-Moore.

This spring's One Room Challenge was the second time I've participated in the event, but it's the first time I've taken on such an intense project. I'm proud of myself for going in without reservations, but there are a lot of things that I'd do differently next time.

I actually spent some time with my family in Napa last weekend; my youngest brother graduated from my alma mater, UC Davis, and I'm so glad I got to be there for the celebration. It definitely took away a bit of prime work time, but it was 100% worth it. A few of the folks in my family work in the construction trade industry, and one of my uncles told me that I'm doing a great job and that he's proud of me. I revel in external validation (self-awareness, am I right?), but recounting that story damn near made me cry on my Instagram stories.

As I've watched it all come together, I've made a couple of modifications to my original plan. Notably, this week my friends at Apt2B entertained my insane idea and agreed to rush ship four of the Sylmar Side Chair, which is sold as a set of two. Initially, I had planned to use the Sylmar Counter Stools but decided that they would take up too much visual real estate. As things moved forward, I decided that my beloved vintage Thonet chairs just aren't working in the space. I love the wishbone style of the Sylmar chairs, and I think the black frame is going to play nicely with the light fixture and other black accents in the space. Fingers crossed they arrive in time for my photoshoot next Monday! 🤪 Thanks so much to Apt2B for coming on at the 11th hour as a project sponsor!

Anyway, it's going to be a mad dash to the finish, but here are a few things I'd do differently if I could do it all again.

Plot out a realistic timeline

I struggle with the time management aspect of projects because I have a hard time estimating how long things really take. Given that I had to learn so many new skills (framing, hanging drywall, laying tile, etc.), I really should have started sooner to allow myself enough time to noodle around.

Build in "oops" time

You will make mistakes. Issues will come up. Don't pack your timeline so tight such that you don't leave room for error. I'm a lifelong procrastinator (I work a little too well under pressure) and put off starting on aspects of this project because I was afraid of making mistakes. Had I just jumped in, I would have given myself more wiggle room for little oops moments.

Work in advance

For some reason, I convinced myself that I wasn't really doing the One Room Challenge if I wasn't working in real time. There is no pride in that game. I should have started sooner! In hindsight, I still would have had plenty to share with y'all. Taking notes for next time.

Challenge yourself, but don't bite off too much

"It's open concept, so it's basically one giant room" is what I told myself when I decided to tackle the kitchen, dining area, and entryway. While the ancillary spaces are still sort of part of the kitchen, I think having to worry about when I'll add final details to those spaces does add a layer of stress. Ultimately, I'll be glad to have a cohesive area, but I do think that I bit off more than I could reasonably chew in eight-ish weeks.

Okay, now back to doing a lot of things!