Local homeowner wins the Ugliest Room Contest! - Kingwood

By: Leslie Sarmiento

Published: Aug 20, 2010, 9:00am

1st - Before pictures for the "Ugliest Room" Contest. 2nd - Floor plan for completed room.

When Gretchen Johnson entered the Ugliest Room contest, she told her husband she didn’t know why she was entering because she knew she would never win.

But, is she ever glad she did now! Gretchen reflects back to when she first entered. She had found the contest mentioned online at Kingwood.com. Her and her husband are animal lovers and had recently adopted a large dog to add to their current brood of 2 dogs and 2 cats. The room she entered had been serving as an office/pet/catch-all room and was in desperate need of a makeover.

The contest was hosted by Leslie Sarmiento of Interiors by Decorating Den in Kingwood, Texas.

Leslie said she received a lot of entries, all vying for a shot at the makeover. The contest required entrants to send in a picture of their ugliest room along with their contact information and a quick statement as to why they felt they deserved to win. The prize consisted of a “Complete Room Transformation Design Package” for the room, valued at $350.00. The package included a comprehensive consultation on the room design, complete with a custom space plan and recommended products to accommodate the winner’s function and style.

The problems Gretchen faced in the room were:
1. Wanted a prettier, smaller scale chair.
2. Needed a smaller desk, with more compact organization.
3. Needed a bigger statement on the blank walls.
4. Organization was a big issue.
5. Needed storage for pet supplies.
6. Needed room for pets to sleep.
7. Wall storage needed to be more pleasing.
8. Needed something in the room to soften the look.

Her only other specifications were to keep the design clean and contemporary, and not too feminine, as this was definitely not her style.

Here are the suggestions made by Leslie in her custom space plan:

1. DESK CHAIR – Lightweight and small scale, this comfortable desk chair is perfect for short term correspondence and smaller office tasks. It is custom upholstered in a rich, neutral green faux suede, very durable and great for pets!

2. WORKSTATION – Excellent use of limited space in this handsome yet highly functional piece. Updated black finish with classic antique brass hardware. Has room for everything: computer tower, printer, office supplies, mail, even has a large writing surface! The best part – everything tucks neatly away when done.

3. WALL ART – What better way to add color and interest to a space flanked by two tall pieces? Contemporary deluxe framed print in soft greens and blues compliment the room’s overall palette with a design that is fresh and gender neutral.

4. STORAGE CABINET – One can never have enough storage! Glass doors protect personal items from pets yet allow for visibility. Table top is great for accessorizing or as an extra work surface.

5. ENTRY ORGANIZER – Adds more function in such a good looking way! Double coat hooks are perfect for dog leashes and such, key hooks provide easy access for running out the door, and clock ensures that you’re never late! Seat cushion has removable, washable cover, and the storage underneath has a ventilated back panel and plastic liner to keep pet accessories fresh and clean.

6. PERSONALIZED DOG BEDS – Even dogs need comfort with style. Blue and khaki color combination easily coordinates with the room’s color scheme. Gusseted design and special fiber filling offers excellent loft retention that keeps bed from shifting or matting. Personalization gives a customized touch to an otherwise basic piece.

7. WALL STORAGE – Perfectly fills up the space behind the closet door, with additional storage too! Classic fluted design with updated black finish. Adjustable shelves great for books and other prized possessions.

8. WINDOW TREATMENT – Board-mounted mock shade adds much needed softness to the space but is kept high enough from the pets. Casual stripe in blues, greens and yellows ties all colors of the room together and gives the room a cozy, comfortable look.

Leslie says she is thrilled to be working with such deserving homeowners and understands the need for decorating their pet area in a way that looks nice and organized, yet still functions as an office space.

Leslie hosts several contests throughout the year. The next contest will be her 2010 Annual “Merry Mantle Makeover” Contest from November 1st to November 30th.

About Leslie…
Leslie Sarmiento, owner of a Decorating Den Interiors franchise, is an interior designer, published author and speaker. Her business is 5 years old, but her love for design spans a lifetime. Her clientele includes homeowners who know the value of timeless, classic design, but also appreciate fresh ideas for accessories and custom home furnishings.

She is the author of a series of decorating guides titled “Come On Over,” which are filled with ideas for making your home cozy and inviting, and she also developed “The Decorating Dreambook,” a project planner designed to simplify the decorating process.

For more information, Leslie can be reached at (281) 686-9293 or online at www.LeslieSarmiento.com.

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