{One Room Challenge} Armani Doesn’t Make a Navy Blue Tuxedo

I have no idea why, but ever since we chose Farrow & Ball’s ‘Hague Blue’ as our main paint color for the Living Room, that funny phrase, from one of my favorite movies, has been running through my head! Of course in my head, I’m saying it in Franck’s funny accent. And following it up with, ‘Armani don’t also make a polyester!’ Now I’m dying for a Father of the Bride viewing, what about you?!

But ain’t nobody got time for movies…it is crunch time. And somehow I’ve gotten myself in the precarious position of taking this {One Room Challenge} right down to the wire. No exaggeration, but at this point, it’s going to take a miracle to pull this off. Or at the very least, late nights, a lot of wine, and some dry weather! (More on that in a bit.)

Let’s recap for those popping in for the first time…we’re tackling the ‘formal’ Living Room for this go-round (we did our Master Bedroom in the previous ORC). My goal was to create the feel of a jewel-box, with deep colors, lots of glam, and an element of drama, and I’m collaborating on the room with the most talented girl I know!

Week 1 I showed the Before shots and room layout, Week 2 was all about the Design, Plans, and a big fat Hiccup, Week 3 was a total Demolition Zone, and last week we had Lights & Deliveries. Okay, now that we’re all on the same page…let’s get after Week 5, the final update!

Here’s how the room stands as of yesterday…dark, moody, glossy, gorgeous paint!!!
Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

I was super excited to use Farrow & Ball paint for the first time, and it did not disappoint. It goes on beautifully, with intense levels of pure pigment, and the full gloss is almost as reflective as a mirror! Having the dark blue on the shelves gave the room depth, but adding it to the trim gave the room the dramatic ‘wow factor’ I was going for.

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

So why are those shelves leaning against the wall and not installed? Well, that would be the buckets of rain, and accompanying humidity, that we’ve had for over a week! Which means that not only is the paint not drying, but it’s not even close to being ready to man-handle.

There’s no way I’m going to mess-up that gorgeous high-gloss finish with finger prints and dings, so the shelves remain un-installed. One week until reveal and I still have construction to complete!!!! Oh yeah, and we have more rain in the forecast. #passthepaperbag

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

But let’s focus on the positives…how stunning is that high gloss sheen?! And the dark hue against the gorgeous Crystorama pendant?!

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

And this art…can we just stop and drool over it for a minute? I’ve been a long-time fan of the artist, Dara Burriss, and I had the good fortune to meet her and tour her studio last week.

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

I stumbled on one of her pieces hanging in the Accessory Concierge shop months ago, and just couldn’t get it out of my head. I mean, I’ve always loved and appreciated art, but in a ‘oh yes, that’s really pretty’ kind of way.

But when I first saw Dara’s work, I had an actual physical reaction. It makes me feel so many emotions, and that surprised me. So when it came time to selecting the showpiece art for the ORC, I immediately thought of Dara. I mean, if her art is powerful enough to bring tears to my eyes, then it should hang in my house, right?! Apparently I have good taste, because Neiman-Marcus just discovered her as well, and they are going to start selling her pieces! #girlboss

The icing on this artistic cake? Dara was so smitten with the design of our room, that she offered to create a custom piece! #canyoueven I absolutely can not wait to see it…she’s been teasing it on InstaGram and I’m positively frothing at the mouth!!!

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

I went with this trim from DecoratorsBest, and given the tight deadline, and exquisite craftsmanship of the Loom Decor drapes, I opted to have it sewn on by a professional. I have to say, that may be the best $90 I’ve spent in this entire room! Me + Sewing + 110-inch panels = disaster & tears.

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

A pair of Bassett lamps arrived, as well as the beautiful blue leopard pillows from Arianna Belle, and the quirky Minted art….so that wraps up the last of the deliveries.

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

{Project List}

Built-in Bookshelves // Install shelves & drawers
Lighting // DONE!
Drapes // Hang
Paint // Dry
Seating // DONE!
Rug & Textiles // DONE!
Floors // DONE!
Fingers crossed the paint dries and cures!! Then it’s the big scramble to get everything in place…and I’m not going to lie, styling 130-square feet of shelves is intimidating the heck out of me!! Dara’s art should arrive this weekend, and the photographer is scheduled for Monday. See….a miracle! Per usual, my assistant is no help.

Hi Sugarplum | One Room Challenge progress

Now we just watch paint dry. Literally. 

Leave a Comment

58 Comments

  1. You should just pick up a dehumidifier!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  2. I love the bold colors you've chosen. It will look spectacular at Christmas!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  3. Stacey wrote:

    Wow!! Just wow!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  4. I am loving watching this room come together! That navy is spectacular! And yes, now I want to watch Father of the Bride!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  5. I feel you girl … I have become obsessed watching the weather and praying for sun to see my pieces lacquered!!! Seriously … So stressed! Your room is beyond, but I expected nothing less!!! XXOO

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  6. First, I love Father of the Bride – kudos on the reference!

    Second, grabbing a dehumidifier was on my mind too. I used them to dry pain here in the NE all the time. Not sure if it's different for high gloss paint.

    Third, curious if you still needed to coats of paint the the Farrow & Ball?

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Thanks so much!! Yes, we primed the shelves first, then gave it two coats of paint. The lighter colors (like the white we used on the ceiling) only require one, but with these deep hues it's better to to two. xo

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  7. You're killin' it with this room! That paint is beyond gorgeous. It'll be worth it to see it all come together. Love that you found art that moves you.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  8. Wow, Cassie… stunning and dramatic and I LOVE THE SHELVES!! I feel you on the paint, I painted my living room shelves almost 2 weeks ago and I still can't put anything back on them! So frustrating! Sending good paint-drying vibes your way! Oh, and the art? I'm dying… I need those green marbled pieces, but that huge pink floral looking piece is calling my name too!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Ack!!! Two weeks…don't tell me that!!! 🙂 I hear empty shelves are the new style, right?!? 😉 xo

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  9. joen wrote:

    My assistant is the same way worthless but darn cute! LOL I have the Navy!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  10. This is going to be FABULOUS!!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  11. Patricia wrote:

    As Casey suggested above, rent an industrial dehumidifier. They sucked the moisture out of our walls when we had a flood in the basement. They can certainly cope with rain. Love the colors in your new room and that bookshelf / storage unit is beyond fabulous.
    I just checked on google; a bunch of places rent dehu units…

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  12. Wow! I love that blue, it is incredible! I can't wait to see it all come together!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  13. Oh my, the lacquered cabinets are already gorgeous and they're not even finished. You made a great choice to carry the blue around the room with the molding! It really looks wonderful. I would probably be too nervous to do that but it's what really completes the look.
    Darlene
    http://www.BundleMeBaby.etsy.com

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  14. I'm literally dying over that glossy blue paint–ahhh! I'll add that to the never-ending to-do list in my home 🙂 So sorry about the rain delaying your plans, but I know it will all come together beautifully. When can I come visit?

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • How are you with styling shelves?? 😉 If that's your jam, how about Sunday!!! Hopefully shelves are up and dry by then!!!

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  15. Momma wrote:

    Father of the Bride reference..#girlaftermyownheart #alltimefavoritemovie

    Lovin' this room! I love the gorgeous artwork! In my home, I only have artwork in the common areas. I save all personal photographs for the bedrooms.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  16. Arielle wrote:

    It's looking so good! We have Hague Blue in our dining room (although I chickened out and didn't go high gloss – yours is making me wish I had), and I love love love it. Can't wait to see it all come together!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  17. Hi! I've loved watching this room come together. I also have a formal living room with so-high ceilings, and I love the way your pendant light brings the eye up and unites everything.

    And I kind of squee'd when I saw the navy paint!! I also went DARK with our just-built custom bookcases and trim. I can't wait to see how your draperies tie it together.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  18. Cassie I live in the metroplex too and am in the middle of a painting project. Have you tried cranking up the heat? I've been keeping my apartment warmer to get things to dry. Just a suggestion I think it will turn out great.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Thank you, Channing!! I've had the A/C running high, but I guess now it's time to turn on the heat instead!! 🙁

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  19. Vel Criste wrote:

    Your room has the making of a super fantabulous space! The gorgeous art will just make it even more so! Can't wait!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  20. Um, I could not love this more!!! The navy is my love language!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  21. Soooo good. Those built ins are so dramatic and beautiful. You had me at navy blue "tuxado" Favorite movie ever.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  22. Shannon wrote:

    Cassie. You stop it right now or I'm moving in. xoxo 😉

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  23. Melanie B. wrote:

    Wow! I know those shelves are going to be gorgeous! And the navy gloss…can't wait to see it finished. Whether before or after the challenge, I am sure it will look amazing!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  24. The navy is absolutely amazing! It's dramatic and sophisticated and just all around fabulous! The pendant lighting is so good against it as well. Can't wait to see next week!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  25. Shut the door! The navy built-in is killer.

    xo
    cristin

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  26. I think the navy is beautiful! It's my favorite color. 🙂 I can't wait to see it all come together. I'm curious as to why the floor trim under the windows isn't painted navy, though?

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Haven't you heard that's the new thing?! you leave one unpainted baseboard. 😉 I'm totally kidding, we just hadn't gotten to it when I took these pics…still lots to do!!!

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Oh I'm sorry! ☺️ I thought maybe it was a deliberate design thing I didn't know about!

      Posted 11.7.15 Reply
  27. Loving it!!! You are my favorite eclectic decorator! I know with the one room challenges yall typically get discounts and gifts and such, but would you mind sharing your total costs for the rooms? I love the idea of it, but wondering how realistic it might be for the run of the mill folk. I, like you, just bought a new house and every room needs remodeled and restyled, and I am just overwhelmed!

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
    • Thanks so much, Ashley! That's a great question, and yes…the room does have very generous sponsors! Without them, I wouldn't be able to crank this out so quickly (or high-end!) I'll be linking everything in the end, and doing a Shop the Room post with direct links, as well. You've raised a good point, and maybe I'll work on doing a 'Look for Less' on the room, too! Because let's face it, if I were footing the full bill, I wouldn't be able to do it!! xoxo

      Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  28. It looks beautiful! If push comes to shove, you can rent a heavy duty dehumidifier from Home Depot. It works great, and it will help everything dry.
    -Stacy
    http://www.BlakeHillHouse.com

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  29. The shelves look amazing! This is shaping up to be a really fabulous room.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  30. Piper John wrote:

    Girl, get thee a dehumidifier, stat! Even a normal residential strength model would help immensely. I'm in Oklahoma and we've had the tail ends of the systems that you guys are having down there, and I've had some paint projects have to be on hold because of it. But I'm not on a deadline! You'll be amazed at how much a dehumidifier helps.

    Posted 11.4.15 Reply
  31. Wow!! Stunning!

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  32. Oh, that blue paint! I absolutely love it. And the art. And the dog. And I'll pray for dry weather for you!

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  33. I want a builtin like that one. It is looking fantastic and I'm sure you have all the how-to-dry-paint advice you need. Fingers crossed.

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  34. Mallory wrote:

    your art situation is seriously off the charts! and this navy gloss is killing me…cannot wait for next week!!!!

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  35. That blue!! Gah I want it. It's so shiny and beautiful! Love that art too! What a great addition to that room and bonus for shopping local! 😉

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  36. Louise wrote:

    That is some humidity, amazing and I bet annoying that it can affect the indoor conditions so much that paint wont dry!?! Wow for that and wow for that trim, I just love it. The art looks like it is coming out of the frame, I am so excited to see how you are working with this elegant yet bold dark blue.

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  37. Shut your mouth….the finish on the bookshelves is crazy good! Good Lord I feel you pain on waiting for them to dry….I had the same problem with my white floors. This room is going to be a showstopper girl:)

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  38. Oh my goodness that paint is amaze balls! And that art…so fun. Can hardly wait to see the finished project.

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  39. Michelle wrote:

    Looks beautiful! Can you share what the name of that painting is? I couldn't find it on minted… thank you!

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
    • Michelle wrote:

      Oh I'm sorry, I just tried the link again and it went directly to the painting!

      Posted 11.5.15 Reply
    • Michelle wrote:

      Oh I'm sorry, I just tried the link again and it went directly to the painting!

      Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  40. You know I'm a sucker for navy + gold so of course I'm loving this! Can't wait to see how the rest of the room comes together! Fingers crossed for a smooth finish 😀

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  41. Ninny wrote:

    I am so excited to see this reveal! Those colors are fantastic.

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  42. omg can you get a hair dryer and de-humidifier in there? I'd be breathing into a bag too. Wish you all the best luck. Love all of your pieces. xo

    Posted 11.5.15 Reply
  43. Amy wrote:

    Forgive me if this is an ignorant question, but is the paint that glossy out of the can or did you do something else for the glossy look? Thank you!

    Posted 11.7.15 Reply
    • Great question!! The paint comes out of the can that shiny, and dries that shiny!!! It's the super high gloss finish, and lives up to it's name!! xo

      Posted 11.7.15 Reply
      • Reva wrote:

        What color did you use on the white walls. I am doing my basement in the navy scheme and want to paint my walls the white shade. Thank you!!!

        Posted 6.22.17 Reply
        • Cassie wrote:

          I used SW ‘Alabaster White’….it’s my go-to white! Not too warm, not too cool!

          Posted 6.23.17 Reply
  44. Gah, the color is so great!

    Posted 11.7.15 Reply
  45. Erin Burke wrote:

    This is stunning! I love the glossy blue. Can't wait for the reveal!

    Posted 11.10.15 Reply
  46. I can't wait to see it all come together! Love that color!

    Posted 11.11.15 Reply