ORC Spring 2025 Week 8 | Bistro Nook * Reveal *
The * REVEAL *
This has been one of the most fun projects since I stared refurbishing my home back at the start of the pandemic...Spring of 2020 to be exact!! This is my 11th Project - the first being my husband's home office where he was sentenced to work remotely!
The organizers of the One Room Challenge decided that in light of economic hardships that some might be experiencing in the world today, they would feature this event with only the smallest of projects as an option for interior designers, do-it-yourselfers, & design enthusiasts to showcase their work in a time frame of 8 weeks! Back in the fall of 2024, I started what would be my main home project renovation of my downstairs open-concept living spaces. I tackled the Dining Room first, before moving on to the Great Room. I decided to break up this whole space into different living zones, and alas, a Bistro Nook was born!
The challenges of designing a home - with open-concept living spaces - are many, mainly consisting of creating a plan that is cohesive, functional and esthetically pleasing at the same time. Much effort and thought has been spent at the "drawing board" rendering, curating, and procuring earth-friendly living that represents the DebSoChic brand!!
Trends
There are all kinds of vignettes in all kinds of spaces. But lately, Breakfast nooks have been having a resurgence. The chance to create a cozy corner in ones own home, where one can retreat solo, or with a few, is sooo paramount to ones's well-being. Perhaps with open-concept living we gave up some of those private spaces that welcome contemplation or just relaxation, maybe with a book or passion hobby.
After visiting the Netherlands this past year, I relished in witnessing how that part of the world created Hygge living throughout many corners of their homes...so why can't we take advantage of a corner in our own homes that can deliver the same happy moments:D
Small spaces can have a BIG impact if presented in a way that that displays a well thought out plan, delivered with heart and soul, and a touch of magic!!
The Bistro Nook
I gave the bar-top area of our kitchen a refresh with newly rehupholstered textured seating (by moi!) and painted the under counter with that old 'Black Magic' I had left from another project. This took only a little elbow grease but I think the rewards payed off!
This wasn't a bad space before, outfitted with a beloved setee, but it just didn't create a purposeful connection in this house. Not to mention there was really only room for ONE to relax comfortably.
Banquette
They come in many shapes, sizes and and can be customized to fit ones own space. And while I love to design and decorate with these sought after pieces of furnishings, 8 weeks is a quick turn-a-round to produce one.
So after careful research, I landed on the Belmar model from 'Crate & Barrel'. As a trade partner, I was able to check inventory, and secure a stock model in a matter of a couple of weeks. This freed up my time to develop a concept that would be warm and cozy with all the feels. Its pitched-back seating promotes relaxation, and its slipcovers created in a performance fabric, will be easy to care for. I love the soft pleatings of this linen like modular seating. What I also love, is that it is earth-friendly by being created of FSC-certified hardwood from responsibly managed forests. A most definite win!
Bistro Table
I found an "actual" bistro table at the store 'World Market' at the height of the season, and immediately was inspired to bring the outside-in for this project. I have always admired mosiac patterns with some resembling elements in nature. The light greys to beiges color ways in the glass top take me outside and reflect light beautifully. Candles flickering will for sure create a special ambiance!
Window Treatments
Cafe curtains are having their moment today, but not just from devising cute handkerchief designs out of necessity as in the past, but with fabrics and patterns of all kinds. When I visited High Point last year, I chose a beautiful knit fabric that I used to filter light through in my Dining Room. I knew these would be perfect in the Bistro Nook in cafe lengths with modern rings. My Trade Partner, Rhonda DeGraaf, the owner of RTDressings, has been a wiz at helping me choose just the right pleated headings to start with, ending with the beautiful weighted hem I am such a fan of! These couture draperies are simply gorgeous. They move so effortlessly along the rod, allowing partial or full opening.
Lighting
As with any project start, careful consideration must always be given here! Deciding what light fixtures will be needed for tasks, accent, and mood can feel like a science. How many lumes and color temperature are equally as important. The square footage of a room and its adjoining space must also compliment each other. While I took a "less is more" approach, Lightbourne Electric uninstalled the original ceiling fixture and alternately installed a recessed can to coordinate with the adjoining kitchen. This will extend the continuity of the open spaces with the updated LED recessed models I have planned for the kitchen as well. It will, of course, be on a dimmer switch with the adjoining bar pendants. For task lighting over the bar I selected beautiful opaque circular shapes from Alora Mood to replace the original models. These pendants are reminiscent of vintage apothecary jars but add a more modern mid-century flavor. I am really enjoying the softer glow that emanates. The sconse I purchased, some time ago, but was waiting for the perfect setting to install. I think they found their place above the banquette seating!
Wall Coatings
"Black is black" as the saying goes, but not in the world of design and paint coatings! While I was able to use the leftover can of Sherwin Williams' 'Black Magic' from my previous Guest Room makeover of the ORC, it still presented itself in a sultry shade of deep black that coated very smoothly under the bar top. The other two walls in the Bistro area were previously painted, along with the kitchen area back in the Fall, when I began the this great Room project, and were of a custom paint color I had mixed.
My favorite of the wall features are the fluted wall panels. My husband Mike undertook this project of installing and did a fantastic job! They most certainly add a more contemporary style and personality to the space.
Rug
Lastly, I chose a rug for the space that basically pulled the whole area together. I have partnered with 'Rug & Home' the last few room make-overs and have been very happy with their products. They are a local supplier that will allow you the convenience of sampling a few rugs before finally committing, so it is easy to see it in-home in your particular surroundings and lighting. I chose a wool rug from their collection and admire the hand loomed process that went into crafting this particular rug, in wine and ivory colorways. It has a high/low pattern in wool/silk. Many of the rugs of Indian origin, use recycled silk from saris, and natural dyes from henna. This particular one has a beautiful texture and soft feel to the touch. It also compliments the Dining room rug that was purchased thru them as well.
Accents & Decor
While some of the pieces I have added to this mix are from my online boutique, I also wanted to add cherished gifted items, as well as an upcycle piece or two! An area of concern has been where to house the daily electronic devices that create a plethora of "wire art" wherever you look! What I found was pleasantly surprising, since it added an eclectic flair to the decorating mix, and had USB ports built in. What a find, for sure!! One accent piece that I thought would help complete the look of the Bistro Nook, was the wine rack for the wall. Finally, we could house and display some of our acquisitions from North Carolina wine country trips'
The Experience
Now you can see, why I loved layering this small space, and outfitting it with "all the beautiful things from all over"!! From my travel inspirations to the shopping exursions at High Point Market, I was ecstatic to design this wonderful nook for my home and hope that it inspired you through my process to create that special nook in your home as well!
Many thanks are sent to Linda Weinstein, the creator of the One Room Challenge, and her love of all things home, and bringing us the opportunity to showcase our love as well!! We also appreciate the major media company Apartment Therapy during this 8 week challenge as well all the other sponsors of this wonderful event!
Don't forget to visit all the other design participants as well, since this is such a fun event to support cheer each other on, along this journey---
...from the light of my home to yours,
* Deb *
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