Hello again! It’s Jillian here, tackling The Brick Nests HQ office for the fall round of the One Room Challenge. Last week we took a look at the not-so-glamorous before photos and talked about the room plan. Things are really looking up this week, as this room is totally transformed by the newly painted paneling alone! Thanks to Linda at Calling It Home for hosting this event and motivating me to push beyond just painting this room, and go the distance to fully redecorate it! Be sure to check out the featured One Room Challenge Participants, as well as the guest participants’ progress during this exciting Week 2. There are so many great decor ideas and room inspirations to follow!
Here is a before photo to remind you of the tan/yellowish painted paneling that was in desperate need of a new paint job. I also hemmed and hawed about removing the wood paneling, but ultimately decided to keep it, as it gives the room character. Also, I believe this may be original to my 1940 home, as many neighbors have it too. I like to think of the painted paneling as the original vertical shiplap (trend setter)!
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I knew I wanted to go gray with the paint for this room, but I struggled with figuring out which color gray. I originally thought about doing a dark accent wall where the built-in bookshelves are, but ultimately decided to avoid any dark colors, as large trees on this side of the house prevent this room from getting a ton of natural light. Anyway, I wanted to keep this timeless, clean, and bright, so I opted for a light gray. I could have gone with white too (to give the look of shiplap), but I am thrilled with my choice. My final two paint choices were Stonington Gray and Gray Owl (both by Benjamin Moore). Gray Owl slightly edged out Stonington Gray because it looked a little lighter in this darkish room. If you are looking for a beautiful light gray, try one of these paint shades–you will not be disappointed! A side note on the subject of paint: The Brick Nests is now offering Decor Coaching for any local friends and readers, which includes helping choose paint colors! Check out this post about a recent project we worked on, and feel free to email us at thebricknests@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more.
Anyway, because of how the paneling fits together, painting this room was actually tricky (not that I actually painted it!). The guys from Fitzpatrick Painting and Laplante Construction did an amazing job, as usual! You will also notice that the ornamental trim at the top of the bookshelves was removed and replaced with a straight board. This small change made a huge impact, giving the built-ins a cleaner and less fussy feel.
AHHH, so much better. I fell in love with this room all over again after this paint job! Now that we have conquered finding the perfect shade of gray for my painted paneling (no small feat), we can move on to the other changes in this office space.
Below is an image of my vision board for the room. We are getting closer!
The rug was on my holiday gift guide list last year. Well, Santa was good to me, and I found the perfect space for it in The Brick Nests HQ office! The texture of this natural fiber rug paired with the cool gray wall tone has a slightly beachy feel (which I am a huge fan of). It sets a very relaxing tone for our blog HQ!
So that’s the update for Week 2! I just got back from one of my frequent visits to Michaels with more framed artwork by my talented mother-in-law, Jean, so there are many options for artwork in this office space. Next week we will take a look a some of the paintings that may work here in The Brick Nests HQ. Below is the rest of the plan for the remaining weeks of this challenge.
- Week 3–Art
- Week 4–Styling the bookshelves
- Week 5–Furniture
- Week 6–Reveal
Thanks for following along! See you next week with lots of glorious artwork!
Author Profile
- My nest is not a museum, it is a comfortable, charming, unique, fabulous home with young children. I have high-end custom pieces, vintage tag sale finds, authentic antiques, colorful prints, and basic box store staple furniture. There are many ways to add functional style to your home and I can't wait to share my ideas and inspirations with you!
I love the new trim on the bookshelves, and the color is beautiful! It’s looking good, my friend!
Thank you Robin! Thanks for checking out the ORC progress!
I love the new paint color. We have paneling like this on one wall in our basement and I recently painted it a similar color!
Mary I agree I can’t believe how nice the color came out, I’m sure it is beautiful in your basement too. Thanks for reading!
Wow Jillian, what a difference the built-in looks without the ornamental trim and having it re-painted. I can’t wait to see all the pops of color that you’ll be incorporating soon. Loving all the textiles!
Thanks Tee! I also can’t believe the difference with paint! Now I have a nice soothing blank slate to decorate with lots of color!
Jillian— this room is going to be amazing!! Love everything, but the light fixture has me all googly eyes. Can’t wait to see more! Susie from The Chelsea Project
Thank you Susie! I love that light fixture too and hope to make it work in this room. Thanks for reading!
Jillian
Love the new gray color!! It really looks amazing and you’re right the trim change is so much cleaner and more complimentary! Off to a great start!
Thanks Tina, I can’t believe the change, so excited!
First of all I love your 1940’s home, period. Secondly your design board is so fun and bright I think your room is going to look fantastic. Third those built- ins are fantastic and really make the space feel more custom. Great job!!!!
Thank you Jennifer, those are such nice compliments! Thanks for reading today!
Love the bright cheerful colors and that light is perfect! glad you have found good home for the rug too 🙂
Thanks Tim! This space is coming together nicely! Thank you for reading today!
Jillian
It looks so fresh with a new coat of paint.
Amazing what a little paint can do! Thanks for stopping by to read today!
what a difference the paint color makes!! Gray is my favorite wall color, it looks awesome!! I can’t wait to see what you share next week!!
Thanks Susannne for reading!
Haha- paneling was the original ship lap! Love that (and I’m going to quote you often because our home has its fair share of paneling since it was built in the early 50’s- and I LOVE it!) The gray you chose is the perfect shade and your decision to change the bookshelf trim was a great one- it looks clean and modern. Looking forward to the reveal…
Thanks Diane! It is true though right? Paneling does has the same effect as shiplap just a different direction! Thank you for stopping by to read today!
Such a great refresh! way to go
Thanks Jessica! Always amazed at what a little paint can do!
The power of paint! It looks great!
Love the paint color! Very warm & inviting!
I really like the new colour – it makes such a big difference!
It’s looking great!! I love that light fixture!!
Totally love the accessories you’ve chosen. I particularly like the shading and colours.
Thank you Ariel! I am liking how all the colors are coming together too. See you next week.