One Room Challenge Week 1 – the power of millennials

I’m so excited to participate in the Fall 2021 One Room Challenge. Come me join me as I create a sweet boho study on a budget!

we’ve been duped

Often Millennials get a bad rap. Why are they still living in the basement? Will they ever get their own place? They don’t have a clue about the real world.  I’ll let you in on a secret. If they’re anything like the two squatters that just recently vacated our premises, we’ve got them all wrong. They don’t lack a work ethic; they just work differently than our generation. Hmm… perhaps even smarter. 

After college, my son and his wife moved into our guest room. After two years of hoarding their money and drinking our coffee, they finally pulled the trigger and bought their first home. It. Is. Stunning. A 2-story brick home with four spacious bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, and a meticulously landscaped yard. Yep, we’ve been duped. I’ll never again underestimate Millennials. 

the unloved office

Back to their house. They are in need of my decorating savvy, and I admit, it feels nice to be appreciated. The first room I’m helping my daughter-in-law Lilly tackle is the office. The small room just off the front foyer that’s lacking a lot of love. 

How the previous owners decorated the office:

How the current owners decorated the office (notice the highly efficient computer desk with the folding chair): 

the plan

Although Byron and Lilly don’t have many furnishings for this room, they do have a vision – A functional space for Byron’s computer. Dark walls to create a cozy feel, with a nod to Lilly’s bohemian spirit.

What they have:

• computer desk
• office chair
• a neutral rug salvaged from my basement

What they need:

• bookshelf
• corner chair
• lighting

What they love –

When helping friends decorate, I always have them keep a Pinterest board, saving all pictures they love. It is then easy to spot common denominators in the photos to better determine their taste. From Lilly’s board, it is clear that the office must have dark, moody walls.

It is also obvious that Lilly is a sixties’ flower child born in the wrong era. She loves plants. Tapestries. Pillows. Macramé.

Byron has an affiinity for ethnic and tribal decor, most certainly inspired by his French grandmother. Her home was filled with art she collected on her many travels.

Now I have to merge their tastes in a 9′ x 12′ room, building around the few items they already own. A sweet boho study on a budget. Let’s get this One Room Challenge started, shall we? Roll up your sleeves and meet me back here next week as I transform this tiny space with paint.

Check out the other guest participants from Week 1 as well as the featured designers!