We are coming into the homestretch of our One Room Challenge Master Suite renovation for Rhett and Lauren at Smith Mountain Lake!  It's been a fun journey (because design really is a journey, not just a destination) and the site visits haven't been too bad either!

A lot goes into the design of a home. There is a tidal wave of decisions that come with renovating or building a house and more often than not, these decisions are happening all at once. The tiniest of mistakes - or delays in decisions - can have a significant ripple-effect impact on a project. This is why designers exist. Many believe design is just about making something pretty but for those of you who have tackled your own projects, you know it goes much deeper than that. Hiring an educated, knowledgeable and experienced designer is investing in the success of your project. Your home is typically the largest investment you make so why wouldn't you want to hire someone to make it the best it can be, while creating an enjoyable process along the way?

This week we are focusing our efforts on the final steps before install day: inspecting products in the warehouse, going on a site visit to meet with the contractor and check on progress at the house, and lining everything up for a smooth installation. Last week you met our procurement team Stephanie and Kelley. These two keep our project order process running smoothly by placing purchase orders, acknowledging receipt of those orders, tracking them, addressing back orders or delays, arranging for receipt of the goods in our warehouse, inspecting products upon delivery, filing freight or damage claims when necessary, and an avalanche of other order-related details. We have witnessed (in awe we might add) how they can turn a dire situation around - such as a product not shipping in time for an installation deadline. Examples of these Herculean efforts include:

• Driving 2+ hours to pick up a desk to meet an install deadline.
• Thinking of out of the box ways to make deliveries when they’ve exhausted all other options - like using a 3rd party service to drive chairs to Florida.
• Or bringing cookies to a warehouse to help expedite a delivery :)

If you know us, you know how important culture is to how we operate - and a part of our culture is the phrase “relationships-first” and that doesn't stop with going above and beyond of our clients. Just like those examples above, our vendors are a huge part of those relationships.

Next on our to do list is to check in on progress at the house. Site visits are the best and we love any opportunity to don a hardhat and pull up our boots. This week we need to check on the construction to be sure things are tracking on time for our install day as well as answer some questions by the construction team.

Progress at the house is coming along nicely so our focus today is on the changes in the Master bedroom. First, we are replacing the current heavily textured rock fireplace to be refaced with a beautiful pair of bookmatched Irish marble slabs. This will give the fireplace an entirely new look and feel - clean and sleek while eliminating all those rough surfaces to collect dust mites. 

We also have the painters coming in to paint in the coming days ahead. We have specified Sherwin Williams Harmony collection, a zero VOC product that reduces interior odors as well as improves indoor air quality - something very important as we are creating this healthy home where we are abiding by the WELL Building Standard which focuses on seven concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. In keeping with the dark and moody vibe that Rhett and Lauren are after, we are using one of our longstanding favorite Sherwin Williams colors: Urbane Bronze SW7048 (which also happens to be their 2021 Color of the Year). 

Next week is the moment you've all been waiting for… the big reveal! Get ORC updates in the link below! Have a great week everyone! 

Remember to follow along with our fellow feature designers…

Albie Knows | Ana Claudia Design | At Home With Joseph | Barbour Spangle Design | Dwell by Cheryl

Eneia White Interiors | Gray Space Interiors | Haneen's Haven | Hommeboys | Interiors by Design

Jana Donohoe Designs | Laura Hodges Studio | Lauren Nicole Designs | Nicole White Designs | Nikole Starr Interiors 

Nile Johnson Interior Design | Prudence Home + Design | Thou Swell | Traders Haven Design | Whitney J Decor | HPMKT

Just like Rhett & Lauren, we’d love to design a space that feels like you! From full-service to our e-design service, The Edit, we have solutions for every budget. The Edit has been the go-to for our clients during the pandemic for a space refresh. To learn more about The Edit visit the link below. Or if you’re inspired by Rhett & Lauren’s journey, schedule a call to tell us about your One Room Challenge.