ORC Week 2 | Essential Furniture Pieces
Welcome to Week 2 of the One Room Challenge! I’m participating with a group of bloggers, hosted by Linda from Calling It Home, in a challenge to transform a room in six weeks. Last week I introduced you to my empty back entry foyer and outlined some of my visions for the space. This week I’ve started to carry out the plan by adding in the basic but essential furniture pieces.
The first thing to think about in any room design is the furniture layout, and this tiny space was no exception. In fact, particularly in a small space, each piece must be considered for functionality above all else, and then for aesthetic impact. While I was certain I wasn’t going ‘mudroom cubbies’, I nonetheless needed a place to store things to grab on the way out the door, as well as providing seating for putting shoes and boots on.
The best part of this week’s task is that all of the foundational items are things I already owned, repurposed from other spots in our home. The two chairs are Darcy Chairs from Rachel Ashwell and they’ve already played many roles in our home.
I recently used them in our master bedroom for our breakfast bistro table.
They also flanked a chest of drawers in the front hall of our former home.
So they were a natural for our new back entry. Our front hallway is much bigger and grander than our old home and houses larger more formal pieces. But here at the back entrance they are perfectly suited with their sweet cottage detailing, cane backs and distressed white paint.
The white linen skirting is lovely, adding a feminine touch, but the chair covers are removable and washable for the utmost of convenience.
The diminutive cream colored chest also has some pretty decorative embellishments, with curved edging and corner detailing, as well as French inspired hardware and trim. This is where we keep gloves and hats and other similar items.
The size of this room and the lack of windows make it a very difficult space to photograph and this fact wasn’t lost on me as I realized I’d have to be struggling with this for 4 more weeks. Still, today I am just revealing this one corner and hopefully you can see the layout in the side view. The chairs flank the chest and a mirror is centered above.
This mirror was in the family room in our old house presiding over the bar server. I love the gorgeous curves in the carved wood and the soft gilded patina.
As pretty as it is, the mirror is better sized for its new space over the small white chest. The French server is now in our front entry with a much grander mirror which our now higher ceilings can accommodate.
The character of the furniture paves the way for French Country accessories. It’s both casual enough for a back entry yet special enough to elevate it to more than a mudroom.
Having a mirror by the door is essential for a last minute check before you leave the house.
Next week I’ll start adding in the accents that give the spot personality. There’s also another wall to be decorated and a few corners waiting to be dressed. Please follow the link in the logo below to see the other participants’ work, as well.
Source List – Click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. (This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
- White cane back chairs
- White chest (similar, in fact I like this one better… ;-))
- The mirror is vintage, found in an antique shop
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All of your pieces are stunning… drooling over that mirror!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! The mirror is vintage. The other pieces are new… 🙂
Very pretty pieces of furniture. I love that French chest and of course the chairs are to-die-for!
Thanks so much, Nancy!! Can’t wait to get to the accessory part… 😉
Great pieces of furniture. I love that French chest and the chairs are to-die-for!
Relaxing entry, Lory! kisses ML
Thanks, Marcia!
So pretty already! 🙂
Thanks so much, Stacey!
I love the chairs-the pleated ruffles are perfect!
Thanks, Kristin!!
Looking good, girl! I can’t wait to see the finished product. The mirror in our guest bedroom looks almost exactly like yours–a Friedman mirror I got for a steal at an estate sale several years ago. I love their mirrors with all the beautiful carved wood and gilt. Hugs!
Thanks, Bobbi! I can’t even remember where I got that mirror, but I know it was vintage. And yes, I just love gilt carved wood!!
Lory I adore the direction that your room is headed towards! You did SO much better than I did in my room this week.
I would love for you to share this post at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. I think our readers would really enjoy it!
Good luck in the upcoming week!
Thanks, Laura! And shared. I have to set aside some time to look through them all… 🙂 Good luck to you, too!!
Lory-
I love the design you are creating and there isn othing more satisfying than shopping the house for inspiration and furniture pieces.
I love your Darcy chairs.
Thank you for sharing this at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.
We are so glad you are here.
Laura
White Spray Paint
TOHOT
Thanks so much, Laura! Yep, shopping the house is always the best place to start. I am branching out for some of the remaining pieces, though… 😉
Breathtaking Lory,
Love the mirror and chest flanked with chairs invites a peaceful sit, relax, and enjoy the beauty.
I love being able to switch things around for a new feel and look. I am going back to read some of your older postings, I need to catch up here.
A beautifully creative weekend to you my dear.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Aw, thanks so much, Doré! I had the hardest time finding a chest small enough when I first bought that, so I really would have preferred a more authentic patina, but I think the piece looks better in this home than it did in my old one. Maybe I’ll paint it some day, for more interest, but I’m so glad you appreciate the look the way it works in the space now… 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!!