“Elegant and Airy” is my inspiration for our dining room. One of the projects was to switch out the Roman shades. I wanted something more formal-looking, and I also wanted to install my shades above the windows – a classic … Continue reading
“Elegant and Airy” is my inspiration for our dining room. One of the projects was to switch out the Roman shades. I wanted something more formal-looking, and I also wanted to install my shades above the windows – a classic … Continue reading
Modern and classic. Elegant and streamlined. This is the balance I was looking for in a dining room chandelier. I also wanted an open design, so we could make the most of our views. This week, I will show you some of my favorite options, as well as what I ended up DIYing for ~$50! Along the way, I’ll show you my favorite gold spray paint and how to add a DIY cord cover to a chandelier.

My top two choices were the West Elm Swoop Arm Chandelier (below left) and the Hammons Sputnik Modern Chandelier (below right) (a dupe for the Jonathan Adler Meurice chandelier):


I was getting ready to buy one of these beautiful lights when, at the last minute, I decided to take a quick peek on Craigslist, and I came across a chandelier with a similar shape for only $25! I’m pretty sure it is this Modern 6-Candle Chandelier shown below which is less than $100, even if you buy it new!
The light I found was a mix of black and gold, so I prepared to spray mine gold. Not all gold spray paints are the same. I happened to have the Krylon paint (left) in the garage, but it is a reddish color, more copper than gold, so I went to our neighborhood hardware store to pick up a can of my favorite gold paint, Rust-oleum, shown on the right, and it is perfect!


I added these frosted globe bulbs, which I think look more modern than the flame-shaped bulbs.



The last step was to was to add a cord cover. This is a 5″ wide strip of fabric about 1.5x the length of the cord. I ironed down a 3/8″ seam along the two long edges, and then I used hot glue to close the “seam” around the cord.

I’ll keep posting progress updates on Instagram and a weekly post here with more details! I’m looking forward to the next steps of this project, as well as enjoying the other participants’ posts. You can follow the whole event on the One Room Challenge website!
Julie AKA “Jewels”
Welcome to the Fall 2023 One Room Challenge! This is such a hectic time but also such a fun one, with lots of projects to do and explore and a great supportive community! In the spring, I decorated our entryway, … Continue reading
You know how much I love faux bamboo furniture! My collection includes these Chippendale chairs and this Thomasville dresser-turned-bar cabinet. When I recently acquired an older bookcase, which I chose for its solid wood construction and low price, I noticed … Continue reading
There are a few furniture painting projects that I’ve always wanted to do, like this mid-century dresser, or this faux bamboo bar cabinet. A big Chinese-style wedding armoire has been on my list, and my chance finally came! I found … Continue reading
I love the look of built-ins, and Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces make a great base for semi-DIY built-ins, because they are made of solid wood and have flush sides to line up neatly with each other. At our last house, … Continue reading
We’re waiting on permits to do a renovation adding a small guest bedroom and bathroom to our home. I’m getting excited and working on the design plans. I already shared the plan for the classic blue and white bathroom! Next up, here’s the design for the guest room. It’s going to be compact and on our lower level, so I wanted to keep the look airy and light. Of course, there’s plenty of my favorite blue and white, but I’m also really into the color green right now, so it’s fun to introduce that as well!
I think the look will coordinate well with the bathroom plan!
Some links are affiliate links. Let me know what you think, and keep your fingers crossed for our permits to be approved soon!
Julie AKA “Jewels”
So, the wheels of the planning department are turning, and we are hoping to be able to do a renovation to add a small guest bedroom and bathroom to our home. I’m getting excited and working on the design plan. The colors will be blue and white – of course! And the style will be classic, with a nod towards mid-century design.
I’m going to keep researching, but I like this direction! Let me know what you think, and keep your fingers crossed for our permits to be approved soon!
Julie AKA “Jewels”
This post includes some affiliate and paid links. There is no additional cost to you to shop through those links, but I may receive a small commission.
I’m excited to wrap up the One Room Challenge. It’s such a great way to motivate yourself to work on projects, and the community is already inspiring and positive. To remind you, I took this opportunity to turn our small, plain entry into a welcoming space that added function and style. I’m happy to say, mission accomplished!

You can see details on my choices and process in the posts from previous weeks. Here are some more pictures of the finished space!















Thank you so much to the One Room Challenge team and Apartment Therapy for a great event! It’s a great motivator and the most positive community. I’m already considering a project for the fall challenge…
You can head over to the One Room Challenge site to see some more room transformations!
Julie AKA “Jewels”
It’s hard to top last week’s Mini Mudroom reveal. The conversion of our standard entry closet in to an eye-catching and functional focal point was a real thrill (True, I don’t get out much!). This week’s project for our foyer makeover was changing out the bland ceiling fixture for something that makes a statement!

Our space is small, and the ceilings are only 8.5′ high, so I was looking for a modest flush mount fixture that would add some character to our entry. Here are the beauties that made the short list:
I ended up choosing the simple Gold Star Light Fixture, and I paired it with an oversized bulb (affiliate links). It’s not quite as elegant as the inspiration from Ballard Designs, but it’s definitely added style to our little entry way!




I’m going to add some finishing touches and take some more pictures to share for next week’s grand finale! In the meantime, head on back to the One Room Challenge site to see some more room transformations!
Julie AKA “Jewels”