Progress You Can’t See (Yet): The Slow Burn Transformation

Sometimes, the start of something big is far more subtle than we expect. If you step back and look at my bedroom now, you might think—nothing’s changed. And you’re not entirely wrong. On the surface, things look remarkably similar to where they were four weeks ago when I joined the One Room Challenge.

One Room Challenge: Week 4

Transformation isn’t always loud. It’s not always demo days and dramatic reveals. Sometimes, it’s slow. It’s quiet. A string of thoughtful decisions and behind-the-scenes momentum that hasn’t fully revealed itself yet.

This project isn’t a renovation—it’s a refresh. And right now, it looks like a lot of tabs open, a lot of packages arriving, and a lot of returns and rethinking.

This is the first time the One Room Challenge has opened up the format to include room refreshes—which means anything from styling a shelf to tackling a full-blown renovation counts. I love that, because it makes room (literally) for different types of transformations—big and small, bold and quiet.

I’m not swinging hammers or ripping out drywall. I’m refining. Reimagining. And crafting sanctuary one decision at a time.

The Slow Burn of Transformation

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sourcing, shopping, and making intentional choices for this space. Every piece of furniture I consider, every swatch I order, every decision I wrestle with is part of a larger puzzle.

Cool Mist: New Linens, Sheets and Duvet from Boll and Branch.

At this point, the bedroom feels... pretty similar to how it did four weeks ago. But I can tell things are shifting.

The privacy film on the window casts a soft silver glow that completely transforms the light and the view—it’s subtle but stunning. We’re holding off on laying down the new, brighter-toned rug until the work above the bed is complete. I’m also having double track curtains installed, with a custom-looking finish (I don’t know what to call it exactly, but trust—it’s going to elevate the entire wall).

The dreaded corner? Officially cleared. And I’ve leveled up with a laundry “basket” that’s far too chic to be doing such humble work.

The foundation is being laid, slowly and intentionally. And when it all comes together, this space will be functional, layered, and beautifully lived-in.

It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results. I get it—the pace can be frustrating. In a world that moves fast (and only seems to be speeding up), slow progress can feel like no progress. But transformation often happens in pieces, in edits, in the in-between.

This part of the process is less about what you can see… and more about what’s quietly taking shape.

The Invisible Work That Matters

Even though the visuals haven’t changed much (yet), here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• Curating a Color Palette

  This has been the biggest decision so far. Since I’m keeping the black limewashed walls, the rest of the palette has to be just right. After some trial and error (and a few returns), I think I’ve finally landed on the balance between moody and light. That tension—between grounded and airy—is what’s guiding everything else.

  
  

• Thoughtful Purchases

  I’ve made some intentional investments in pieces that will anchor the space:– A unique laundry solution (goodbye laundry chaos… eventually),– A stunning oversized mirror to bring more light and reflection,– Refined accents and some art I'm so excited to tackle.

  
  

• Everyday Decisions (and Real-Life Chaos)

  Let’s be real: I’m still living in a pile of clothes, wrapping paper, and half-finished ideas shoved next to my ornate black cabinet. It’s not there yet. But the vision is crystal clear: I want this space to feel lighter, more functional, and just a little bit magical. The new full-length mirror will bring brightness and balance to the black statement piece, and I’m still figuring out smart storage for the rest. Not every step is glamorous—but it’s progress. And I’m not here to pretend the glow-up is already polished. It’s happening in real-time, with real life layered right in.

What’s Next?

As we head into Week 5, I’m excited to see how these behind-the-scenes decisions start to show up visibly. The pieces have arrived it's time to put the plan into action.

Thank you for following along, even when it’s slow. Even when it’s not dramatic. Even when the transformation is unfolding quietly.

Here’s to trusting the slower moments, the small shifts, and the not-quite-there-yets. We’re on the right track—one step at a time.