Week 6 of the One Room Challenge has been a doozy. Things moved slower than I hoped, and I ran into several issues as I was working. But at the same time, some things worked out better than I hoped.

I don’t think the room will be completed at the end of 8 weeks, and I’ve made my peace with that. I’d much rather take more time than try to rush everything and end up fixing things later.

A few pivots

Late this week, I decided I wanted beadboard behind my shelves. My thought was that this would help the built-ins look even more professional, and that they’d be more classic in style. Plus, it’s a nice visual.

I then decided that beadboard should also go on the bench for continuity purposes. Even without the top trim or bench top in place, I’m happy with how it’s looking.

While I started making way on the beadboard for behind the built-ins, my nail gun jammed. It took about half an hour to take it apart and remove the jam. Then I was off and running…for about 2 minutes. And then it jammed. Again.

Took it apart, cleared the jam, then started working again. For another minute. Then it jammed again. I about lost my mind, uttered a few expletives, and jumped on Amazon to see if I could find an inexpensive replacement that could be delivered next day.

For those who travel by floo powder

Since I was unable to do work that required a nail gun, I started working on the fireplace. Let me tell you that if you’re considering building a corner fireplace…don’t. Hire someone or change your plans.

This fireplace is the bane of my existence right now, but if I get what’s in my head (and on my graph paper) into reality, it’ll be good. Are the angles and wood perfect? Nope. Is it level? Yes. How is it level? I couldn’t even tell you.

I’m still not 100% sure how I’m going to finish the fireplace, but I’ll figure it out.

“Diagonalley!”

I love the first time Harry uses floo powder and doesn’t distinctly say, “Diagon Alley!” I also love the first time we see Diagon Alley, and I wanted a nod to that in the room. Enter bricks.

I started getting the bricks on one wall using a peel and stick deal, and they can be painted! You can catch a glimpse of them on my latest Instagram reel.

More to come on that.

Getting ready for Week 7

I promise I’ll take more videos and pictures of progress this week. I was all over the place during week 6, trying to fit tasks in during my lunch hour to pulling out the saw after work to get cuts done before 8pm (in order to be a good neighbor), and I just didn’t feel like dragging my phone around everywhere to capture all of that.

I may have to pivot on the shelves, but I’m still thinking that over. Lots to do this week! If I can get everything built and prepped for paint, then Week 8 will be all paint! Fingers crossed.

Oh, and my Porter Cable nail gun arrived. So far, I love it! I’ll link it up next week if it still has my seal of approval.