Fall 2020 One Room Challenge: Week 1

Hi there and thanks for stopping by! Amy Switzer here, the Marketing Communications and Social Media Manager for Emtek and our sister brand, Schaub & Company. My husband and I recently purchased a home in Pasadena, CA and are in the midst of a slew of major renovations. Given the timing, we thought it would be fun to hop on board for the Fall 2020 One Room Challenge as a guest participant to share our renovation with the Emtek audience!

Emtek and Schaub are long time sponsors of the bi-annual event and our team always has a blast watching the featured ORC designers create magic over the course of the 6-week challenge. We are so excited to be tangentially involved this go-around!

Because of the toxic combination of terrible impatience, unrealistic expectations, and unbridled optimism that lives within me, I have committed to renovating not only my kitchen but also the only bathroom in the home over the next 6-8 weeks. All while also attempting to have a variety of other major projects completed simultaneously… Think everything from: new roofing, an AC system, floor refinishing, basement finishing, patio construction, major demolition of most available spaces, plus an actual move. *Deep breathing*.

We have not yet moved in to the space (phew) but we are hoping to settle in by Thanksgiving. Naturally and humbly, I could use all the well wishes you are selflessly able to provide on my behalf. :)

Small caveat before we get started…While I consider myself a design enthusiast/rapid fan and a personal cheerleader for a large number of design bloggers, I myself am certainly NOT a design blogger, nor will I purport to be one here. This is a rather large project so I’m going to split these rooms into separate blog posts with respect to the challenge. Maybe that way, I can also spare you some of the more dramatic future details on whatever is certain to go wrong over the course of the renovation.

Which brings us to the before:

This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage near Eaton Canyon was built in 1925. While it does have some original features (Floors! Built-ins!), most of the home has been through its fair share of less-than-fully considered renovations over the years.

She's cute right?

The current kitchen is small and awkwardly arranged. The entryway from the front door, into the kitchen feels cramped and claustrophobic. The cabinets are handmade by the previous owner but not terribly functional and-- moreover-- they ain’t gonna cut it for this cookware fanatic.

We are hoping to reuse them elsewhere, as a workbench in the garage- and we will attempt to salvage some of the components in the new design.

First order of business? The wall behind the oven is COMING OUT! In its place, we will be installing an island that opens into what is now a small bedroom, which will transition into a larger living space/dining room. Part of the wall, on the right of the oven shown here, will remain for the refrigerator with a surrounding cabinet unit. A tall pantry unit with pull out shelves will replace the current fridge situation.

Here's a peek at what that should look like:

In this window rich corner, we will be building a breakfast nook with additional drawer storage underneath. Hoping to keep the glass storage cabinet on the left to showcase pretty plates and serving trays.

Like so (with a tall pantry unit where the fridge is currently located):

Here are the new line drawings, starting with the new island space at the top and the entrance into the kitchen from the front door on the left.

(Nook on the left under the double windows, then cabinets and sink on the right).

Admittedly, I can’t get enough of the Southern CA sunlight. The house is rather dark at the moment so we are also sprinkling in a few skylights for good measure—both in the kitchen, bath and the living space. You can just call me the “Oprah of skylight placements”:

So where are we planning on heading with this? I am so glad you asked! Here's an inspo shot from ORC alums, Coco and Jack:

And from deVOL Kitchens:

And from Julie Blanner here:

Shaker-style cabinets will be painted a gray-beige/mushroom color somewhere between Benjamin Moore’s Stone Hearth and Feather Down. Backsplash will be minimal but done with beadboard finishing.

We will be using a combination of unlacquered brass hardware from Emtek, including the Cabinet Latch. Hoping everyone can help vote on the best cabinet hardware to pair it with—stay tuned for IG Story polls over the next several weeks!

Here are some potential options:

Globe: https://emtek.com/cabinet-knobs/brass-globe-knob

Norwich: https://emtek.com/cabinet-knobs/norwich-cabinet

Egg: https://emtek.com/cabinet-knobs/brass-egg-cabinet-knob

Waverly: https://emtek.com/cabinet-knobs/brass-waverly-cabinet-knob

And here is a mood board with items that I'm considering or planning to include: This polished brass faucet, with a fireclay apron-style sink, our current fridge that's coming with, a new range and possibly these sconces.

Naturally, I am still working on additional details, like sourcing countertops and pendant lights for the island and breakfast table. But excited to share more soon!

Stay tuned next week for an overview of the bathroom plans! And be sure to check out the One Room Challenge Blog and follow along with the guest and featured participants alike :)

Xx