Library transformation: design details

This week was all about pivots. While I planned to work on countertops in the Moody Blue Library this week, life got in the way. Between a delayed countertop delivery, poor weather, and a new circular saw to get the hang of, I switched gears and focused on the design details. (And, besides, when you get a few nice May days here in Vermont, you have to take advantage and get some yard work done, so there was that, too!) Next week looks quite rainy, so I’ll likely have some good countertop updates then.

Instead, this week was all about getting ahead on some of the finishing details to stay on track for the One Room Challenge deadline!

Rug

Let’s talk rugs for a minute. Originally, I had planned to use the tan and beige checkered Chris Loves Julia rug from Loloi, but after it arrived, it just wasn’t right (see my Instagram Highlights for more details). Instead, I scored the Homegoods deal of the year with this Feizy Aura rug that’s even better! It is so unique, yet goes well with the other rugs that are within the sightline on the first floor. It reminds me of a riverbed! I paid $299 for this 8' x 10' beauty. When I got home, I wondered if it was a bit too small so began Googling to find larger sizes. While searching, I was shocked to see this rug goes for two to three times the price through other retailers (hence, the deal of the year)! The more I play around with this room and the furniture that will soon be in here, I realize that this size rug is perfect! It's meant to be!

Lighting

Next is the overhead light. This Modern Sputnik Chandelier has been sitting in our basement for a few years now waiting for its time to shine. (haha, get it?) I was originally going to use it in another project, but it didn’t work and I missed the return window. When planning this library, I knew this light would be the perfect fit. In fact, I used it as a starting point when selecting coordinating cabinet hardware! My husband helped me install this, and having some light in this room has really helped pull it together! Not to mention, it makes working in here a little easier on the cloudy days!

We can’t talk about lights without talking about the lightbulbs. I went back and forth on whether to do Edison or frosted bulbs. After testing both options, the frosted globe bulbs fit the aesthetic better in here. I selected dimmable 40W bulbs and plan to install a dimmer switch in the future.

Ottoman

I shopped my own home and think this blue round leather ottoman will be perfect in here. It carries the color drenching into the furniture, and I love it. Not to mention, my daughter loves playing on it. We bought this ottoman when we first moved in (five years ago to the day!), and it has lost its place in the family room (thanks, toys!). I couldn't bear to get rid and am so glad I didn’t because I love it, especially in the library! I hope to base the other furniture decisions around it.

Outlets

Another small detail that I incorporated was the paintable outlet covers. These really tie the room together great and are so affordable. I applied one coat of the flat Sherwin Williams that I used on the walls, and they were ready for install! As a finishing touch, I’ll paint the screw head too, but that will come at the end!

Art

This was another thing that I shopped my home for. I have these two larger prints just begging for a place on a wall somewhere in the house: Warm Fields from Juniper Print Shop and Bruegel the Elder’s The Hunters in the Snow. They couldn’t be more different! I love them both and am thinking I could switch between them to be seasonally appropriate. If I go with the fields print, I may Rub 'n Buff the frame to more of a brass color. We'll see which one makes the cut, but both are ready and waiting!

Tchotchkes

To break up all the books, I have been shopping for cute little things to display on the shelves. From left to right:

Perhaps my favorite piece is this peacock. I don't know why I was so drawn to it...maybe in certain light, the wall color looks a little like their feathers? Either way, I'm obsessed. It was from Homegoods.
These frames go well with the light and cabinet hardware and were from Marshall's.
This faux plant will survive nicely in this moody room and looks pretty real.
I loved this bowl and can see it serving me well all over the house! Also a Marshall’s find.

Pura

Since scent plays such a big role in how a room feels, I put a Pura in here to make this space smell even more cozy (and to cut down on the aroma of freshly cut plywood! 😅) My favorite scents are always the ones with some evergreen scent to them…I tend to use them year round! This Fir and Grapefruit fragrance is a nice balance, and is one I order on repeat. I even adjusted the light so it’s blue too. 💙

So there you have it, some of the details coming together for Week 6 of the One Room Challenge!