We are halfway through this One Room Challenge and boy do we still have a lot of work ahead of us! Last week we mentioned that we ran into a problem and didn’t quite dive into exactly what that was… so this week we’ll get you all caught up!

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If you found us for the first time through the ORC, hi there! We’re Danielle and Michael Gutelli. A husband and wife design to build team based in Plymouth, Michigan. You can learn more about us as a brand here and see some of our client projects here, here and here. Just in case you missed the last two weeks post don’t worry you can get all caught up with week 1 here (Project concept + Mood board) and week 2 here ( Demo + Project planning)

We intended to present our finished fireplace and mantel to you for week 3, but unfortunately we ran into a major set back that caused us to switch gears a bit. We have however checked quite a few things off of our list such as drywall, fresh paint, the custom built red oak mantle, a fully functional gas fireplace powered by Siri, new sconces and some much needed electrical. Yeah, we’re doing alright.

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One Room Challenge Set Back

So once we got all our drywall in, sanded and ready for paint and trim out we realized the fireplace was having some ventilation issues. The issues were significant enough that we had to rip some of the drywall out, remove the fireplace and run all new exhaust through the outside of our house. Which also means another 8 inch hole in the side of our house! Nothing we weren’t prepared and equipped to address, just a major bummer and loss of time.

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Custom Mantel Update

Michael built an awesome custom red oak mantle that will give us a TON of space for decor throughout the seasons. And with the TV being flush mounted on the wall, we’re maximizing every inch of space. For all of the woodwork throughout the living room we’re planning on sanding everything smooth, and finishing with satin polyurethane. That’s right, all natural and no stain! It is adding some significant depth already and we’re just talking about one wood accent!

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Next week we will have much more to share, as the setbacks are beyond us. So make sure to follow us on instagram and tune into our stories. We also have a new client project beginning at the start of Week 4, so plenty of action happening for your viewing pleasure! AND be sure to check out all of the amazing spaces being created for the One Room Challenge! Seriously, there are some absolutely stunning spaces being created!

Clark + Aldine | Danielle | Michael

Until next week….

-much love