ORC Fall 2025 Week 8 | Main Entry * Reveal *

It is finally here! Week 8 of the One Room Challenge * Reveal *. Never take a small space to redesign for granted--- there are so so many choices to make and elements to consider when coordinating a refresh for an existing space in your home. The Main Entry from past had some staying power for sure, but I felt it was time to bring some new energy into the home after many, many years. While a piece or two of the furnishings would be reintroduced into the space, I was able to create a new concept for their existence. Of course, I also incorporated newer, much needed pieces for functionality and esthetics.

I started with a clean slate and here's a look back to that--

This is how our home looked over 20 years ago! I still remember how open and airy the house appeared upon entry. I started with a clean blank canvas. I still love the hard maple floors, the raw wood columns and the leopard stair runners. They all are a great base for my earthy aesthetic!

The New Concept

While keeping with an organic, earthy palate, I chose some fresh modern elements and mixed in some natural textures. This really set the stage for more updated colorways that would tie into the rest of the home. You can view some of the other rooms in the home by checking out past challenges--

And now, to welcome us home:

The Journey

When trying to reimagine a space, I always find it better to start with a blank canvas. (if possible!) As a professional interior designer, I always start with a new concept rendered in my software, so I can manipulate certain images and colorways to test the waters. While a concept board/mood board is a great visual tool, I also create a floorplan for every space I design, to get a feel for all considered elements.

For this space, I wanted to create a welcoming airy Entrance to come home to and for guests that enter. I chose earthy elements that spoke to me. I love to mix natural and stained woods as seeing as they all reside nicely in my home together. I appreciate the many hardwoods, here in the south, and try to source sustainably as best I can, with a few inherited pieces as well! While it is not hard to include biophilia into my home, I believe that my woodland surroundings create a harmony with the indoor environment.

Art & Decor curated

This uniquely textured jug was created here in Seagrove, North Carolina by Potter Crystal King. The swallows definitely bring nature inside along with the tiny purple violets. It is amazing how one piece of decor can bring soul into a space and into your home!

This catch all dish was a uniquely created piece by Pottery Perdita. It brings my native turquoise color that I always like include in my spaces, connecting sky and earth.

One of the newer furnishings that my space allowed room for was the bench seat, which was a very needed item! And because of its confines, i searched high and low for just the right bench that would fit, be sturdy, and bring me joy! I also wanted it to blend with its existing surroundings--

I also had to select a rug that would fit and coordinate with the many textures in the space so i added some more texture with this beautiful natural jute and wool weave blend. I added a natural sheepskin throw which takes me back to my trip to Norway. The premium pad underneath is a real plus for underfoot comfort and placement.

Lighting it all up!

My favorite part of the design process of late has been choosing the right kind of fixture for the spaces I design. The builder on this home decided to give the entryway some height, so he raised the ceiling.

For an updated feature I had Lightbourne Electric install a contemporary Lunette chandelier from Acclaim Lighting, that fit perfectly in the space. It has smoked glass globes and an antiqued brass medallion in the center and really adds character and much needed light to the entryway.

I wanted to give the space an outdoor/indoor feel, so I brought in some additional lighting that could be used indoor or outdoor such as in the rechargeable table lamp. But one piece that was unexpected and charming, was the new door chimes that function as a night light and is in team with the existing craftsman fixtures on the house’s exterior. It sounds melodic and flashes when rung, as another alert function. There was a bit of a glitch in installing it properly so it’s LED lights could function, hubby Mike mastered the process!

Hardware

Originally, this project started because there were certain repairs that needed to be done. The seals on the transom front door glass had started to pop out of its casing and the good people at the Glass Doctor came out and expertly repaired it and the back door as well. What a relief! At that point we decided to install new and digital Schlage locks for the door along with new handles. Also, in line with the chimes, Mike installed a front video door camera in the new bell as well. All of this really upgraded the door and added much value, not to mention safety. 

To go along with the airy and fresh theme, I chose to paint the French doors leading into to the office, ‘Black Magic’ paint covering by Sherwin Williams. And I was so impressed with how they turned out that I changed out the handles and hinges to match in the coordinating aged bronze finish for a seamless transition. They look like they were made for the doors!

In the end…

I am very happy how this small project turned out all in all! Every installer, (including my hubby:) played key roles in delivering quality work and I am very grateful for their services. The trades people I encountered were all pretty knowledgeable in assisting in product selections, so I could make sound decisions in my curation of a beautiful space for all that enter—

Thanks to all the staff and especially Linda Weinstein , the founder of the One Room Challenge for once again providing a supportive and creative atmosphere for all whom participated in this event. Take a look at some of the other wonderful projects completed here:

Many thanks go out to Apartment Therapy the main sponsor of the One Room Challenge once again.

And finally, don’t forget to contact me for all your interior design projects that need attention no matter how big or small. I offer a variety services, and I am sure we can turn your home into the haven it ought to be—

Visit DebSoChic.com to find out which plan is for you-

...from the light of my home to yours,

* Deb *