Week 4 ORC Keeping Room Progress Report

Last we left off at Week Three with little progress on our keeping room project. Attempting to install the stair runner myself with no word on when the installer would arrive, I have completed the stair runner installation yesterday.

Events that have transpired this week and making some progress were that our painter arrived to pick up the bookcases, shelves, and crown molding that still needed to be painted in Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace. I also received word that the contractors would be coming on Wednesday of this past week to begin installing the lower cabinets of the built-in keeping room wall.

This was exciting news, as my electrician also said he would arrive Wednesday morning to ensure his wiring was not in the contractor's way. Well, this did happen!

Making Headway on the Keeping Room

The electricians ran the wiring for the Currey & Company Tavey Silver wall sconces to be installed on the fascia of the bookcases. They also installed a cable box and electrical for a small 24” TV we decided to have installed over the fireplace. A small last-minute decision. Although we are not big TV watchers in our house and had only installed a television a few years ago because we were hosting Christmas Eve, and Patriots were playing. Being New Englanders, my family are big Patriots fans, and we wanted to make sure they were able to watch the game. Having one TV in our home seemed to be enough. However, when we have overnight guests, it would also be nice to have an additional television on the first level and over the fireplace on the built-in wall.

At least there was progress made as the carpenters installed the wine cabinet and the lower cabinets and began the installation of the fireplace box. I immediately scheduled the template of the Imperial Danby Marble that will be the surface on top of the lower cabinets. Ironically enough, the next available template date was the morning of June 3, which is Week 5. Hoping we can have the countertop installed sooner than later after the templating, again we will be running tight into the last completion date of Week Eight.

As I write this update, the down lumbar pillows have arrived from Surya for the four upholstered chairs. Excited to report that this work well with the Surya area rug and will sit nicely on the chairs. This is exciting, now just when will we receive the Four Seasons chairs in time for the photoshoot? That will be the question!

A DIY Stair Runner Installation

In the meantime, finishing the stair runner installation has happened, and mudding the wall above the lower cabinets was a DIY project performed to save a step and wait time from the painter. Not much wall space will show when the Phillip Jeffries grasscloth is installed, so the mud job did not have to be perfect.

I’m a bit optimistic in thinking this space will be completed on time. The anticipated custom chair shipping update is now the last week of June. Time will tell! Come back next Thursday to see what events and challenges have transpired with our new keeping room as well as progress on installation.

Thank you again, Linda Weinstein, the creator of the One Room Challenge for creating this motivational design event.

You can follow more of my ORC on Facebook and Instagram as well. Come back to see Week 5 of my keeping room creation. Better Homes & Gardens is the official media sponsor of the ORC.

Follow these 20 talented Featured Designers of the Spring 2021 ORC.

About Debbe Daley

Debbe Daley is New England’s leading interior design expert in the fields of design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in interior design. She also teaches creative interior design and change-of-career-minded individuals at her School of Interiors. These courses provide mentoring and hands-on training. Debbe is currently an installed Design Services member for the Boston Design Center. She also is an educator and instructor at Middlesex Community College in the field of interior design.

Contact Debbe at ddaley@daleydesigns.com or (978) 697-0288.