Teen Gamer's Dream Room! One Room Challenge Week 7
How I Used Chat GPT To Create the Punch List for Our Final Week
Thank you to the One Room Challenge (#oneroomchallenge) for hosting us, and to Apartment Therapy (#ORCat) for being their media sponsor!
My Sponsors:
Welcome to ORC Week 7
Hey design enthusiasts, creative minds, and fellow #OneRoomChallenge warriors! Welcome to my One Room Challenge Week 7 update, where the power of family and thoughtful design come together to create a space that is both functional and meaningful.
Whether you're a DIYer, a parent, or an interior designer, you know that home is where cherished memories are made. And for my sister and her family, their son Logan's room holds a special place in their hearts.
As a proud aunt, I have spent countless hours watching Logan grow into a remarkable young man. His room, with its scattered trophies, posters, and piles of school books, reflects his vibrant personality.
But for these past seven weeks, we gave his space a much-needed makeover, turning it into a room that not only showcases his interests but also caters to his unique sensory sensitivities.
We’re almost done, aiming for a big reveal on May 22!
You’re Invited to the Big Reveal!
Behind the Scenes: Transforming Logan's Room
Join me on a behind-the-scenes journey as we explore this week’s update of Logan's room.
From the power of family support and teamwork to the role of technology in design, we'll uncover the secrets to creating a space that truly speaks to who you are.
Plus, you may even find some inspiration for your own teen bedroom makeover along the way, and in previous weeks you learned how to incorporate tailored sensory friendly bedroom design ideas.
I’ll also share how I used ChatGPT to create a comprehensive to-do list, helping us manage our time efficiently in these final stages.
So, let's dive in and discover the magic of turning a nephew's room into a canvas for memories.
Table to Contents
Behind the Scenes: Transforming Logan’s Room
My Nephew Logan’s Room, A Canvas for Memories
Week 1 Summary: Introduction of Sponsors, Inspiration for the Room, and Considerations to Create a Sensory Friendly Teen Bedroom (click for the blog post)
Week 2 Summary: Creating a Design Concept with DesignFiles (click for the blog post)
Week 3 Summary: Week 3: Painting Tips (click for the blog post)
Week 4 Summary: How to DIY an Upholstered Headboard + Loft Building Progress (click for the blog post)
Week 5 Summary: Why Beddy’s Zippered Bedding is Perfect for Sensory Sensitivities
Week 6 Summary: My sister Escaped to Florida to Celebrate Her Birthday with Friends While I Shared My Favorite Project Management System for Interior Deisgners
Introducing Week 7: Laughter, Collaboration, and Challenges
More Than Nails and Paint: The Power of Family Support
Applause for Apps: Technology as a Collaborative Tool
Govee Glide Y Light App
Logan's Contribution and Creativity
Interview with Logan: A Personal Touch (Coming Soon)
A Work in Progress, Full of Potential
Here’s a sneak peek at what we've accomplished so far
***Using ChatGPT to Streamline Week 7 Tasks***
The Hug that Said it All: A Lasting Impact
My Nephew Logan's Room, A Canvas for Memories
Let’s review weeks one to six. Skip to Week 7
Week 1: Introduction of Sponsors, Inspiration for the Room, and Considerations to Create a Sensory Friendly Teen Bedroom
Week 1 Summary: In ORC Spring 2024 Week 1, I discuss my experience with DesignFiles and Beddys in creating a sensory room for the One Room Challenge.
Working alongside my sponsors - DesignFiles, an incredible, easy-to-use platform that facilitates virtual design, and Beddys, makers of beautifully designed zippered bedding and bedroom accessories, I am excited to bring my vision to life.
The sensory room design focuses on creating a peaceful and inviting space with soft textures and calming colors.
Designfiles’ user-friendly features are making my design process easier, especially the 'shopping list' feature that helps with budget planning and tracking.
In terms of bedding, Beddys has a fantastic collection. Its zippered bed design appeals to me as it would ease the bed-making process for my nephew.
Overall, the sensory room has been a success and has helped me create a tranquil and stylish space for relaxation and escape.
Key takeaways:
1. Collaboration between DesignFiles and Beddys makes designing and ordering custom furniture and decor easy and efficient.
2. The sensory room design focuses on creating a peaceful and inviting space with soft textures and calming colors.
3. The use of Beddys' bedding and DesignFiles' virtual design services saves time and effort and results in a successful and tranquil space for relaxation.
Week 2: Creating a Design Concept with DesignFiles
Week 2 Summary: I explained how Logan’s sensory challenges (Sensory Processing Sensitivity aka SPS) differ from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
From using soothing blues and purples to incorporating plush throws and pillows for tactile comfort, we're detailing every step of the process in Week 2.
Week One’s designs received wonderful feedback that I shared in Week 2, particularly emphasizing the calming aesthetic and thoughtful consideration of SPD needs.
Addressing a query about balancing gaming with relaxation, we're exploring the option of a loft bed with a designated desk area, freeing up space for a peaceful atmosphere.
Diving deeper into our design process, we begin with understanding the client's needs and crafting a guiding design statement - a functional and space-saving bedroom for a pre-teen, with sensory challenges blending modern and whimsical aesthetics in a calming color palette.
With DesignFiles, we then create a concept board to visually represent the design statement and make revisions based on client feedback.
I also shared our video, revealing the painted stripes on Logan's dream room.
As we progress, we're also conquering project-related anxieties, a common sentiment amongst DIY enthusiasts.
We're excited about the custom footballs and basketballs ordered for Logan that we believe will bring an exciting touch to the room's design.
This project is more than just a room makeover; it's about raising awareness and understanding for people with SPD. As always, we're immensely grateful for your feedback and support.
Key takeaways:
1) Designing a calming and functional space for a pre-teen with sensory challenges
2) Incorporating soothing colors and tactile elements into the design
3) Raising awareness and understanding for people with SPD through the project.
Week 3: Painting Tips
Week 3 Summary: This week, we made major progress in Logan's room by tackling the painting process. From color selection to prepping the room, applying the paint, and removing painter's tape for those crisp lines, we gathered valuable advice from other participants in the challenge.
Thanks to my sister's help, the walls are almost entirely painted, with only the doors remaining. And to add a touch of personalization, we've also received the custom fabric for the headboard and new dresser knobs.
Key takeaways:
1. Valuable advice was gathered from other participants in the challenge during the painting process.
2. The walls of Logan's room are almost entirely painted, with only the doors remaining.
3. Personal touches were added with custom fabric for the headboard and new dresser knobs.
Week 4: How to DIY an Upholstered Headboard + Loft Building Progress
Week 4 Summary: Our primary task of this week was assembling Logan's new loft bed.
Initially, my sister and I planned to do it ourselves, but my husband, Dave, insisted on helping. This family endeavor turned out to be a great bonding experience.
The assembly process was quite challenging, as not all parts were labeled. Despite the long hours, we assembled the loft bed and even tackle a DIY headboard project.
We also revised the lighting plan and discovered a bookcase wouldn’t fit as intended.
However, Logan was thrilled with the idea of a cozy nook under his loft bed, so we turned the bookcase towards the bed, creating hidden storage for his treasures.
At the end of the day, Logan was eager to enjoy his new space.
Although the mattress setup wasn't complete, he was excited and keen to invite a friend over. Unfortunately, Logan had to wait an extra night as the mattress needed additional support, which my husband organized.
Key takeaways:
1. Assembling Logan's new loft bed and creating a DIY headboard was a family endeavor.
2. Unexpected challenges arise, such as rethinking the room's layout and making a last-minute trip to Lowe's for hardware.
3. Flexibility and creativity are key in both design and life, resulting in a space that reflects Logan's personality and needs.
Week 5: Why Beddy’s Zippered Bedding is Perfect for Sensory Sensitivities
Week 5 Summary: This week brought a blend of excitement and uncertainty.
Working with my sister, we planned to decorate my nephew's room, installing new items like Govee Y Glide lights and Beddy's bedding, and assembling furniture.
However, a twist of events led my sister and nephew to tackle the bedding without me. Meanwhile, I was coming up with alternative plans for the lighting because of busy schedules and unexpected changes.
We encountered challenges, including concerns about overwhelming my nephew, who is sensitive to sensory stimuli, with excessive décor.
My sister prefers minimalistic design, while I aim for a curated aesthetic, a balance we needed to strike for the living space to remain functional.
We also interviewed with my nephew, Logan, about his impressions on the Beddy’s bedding and pillows that came with it.
He expressed excitement, particularly appreciating the bedding's unique zip-up design and functionality and the comfort of the pillows.
Navigating through these changes, I began exploring various lighting configurations for Logan's room, a critical element in not just the aesthetics but the sensory environment of the room as well.
I had initially planned an elaborate design with Govee Glide Y lights, but upon Logan's disapproval, I used 3D software to visualize alternative configurations, considering the room's other elements.
This resulted in three new designs, each aiming to maintain a modern, "futuristic" look, as desired by Logan, without overstimulating his sensory preferences.
The impact of the right lighting on the room's atmosphere can be profound, altering moods, functionality, and sensory adjustment.
The Govee Glide Y lights persist as a key element for achieving Logan's preferred theme.
The next steps include presenting these lighting configurations to my sister and Logan, to ensure the final setup caters to both aesthetic appeal and sensory comfort.
I'm currently waiting for feedback on the options I've sent via email.
Throughout this process, maintaining open dialogue is essential to ensure that the lighting and overall room design not only meet but enhance the living experience in this personalized space.
Having to adapt my design plans was necessary for the success of this project. The original dresser I selected wasn't available in time and exceeded my budget.
It was initially challenging to change my design vision, but through collaboration and compromise, we found suitable alternatives with the help of DesignFiles.
Despite the alterations, the chosen dresser fit the aesthetic and functional goals of the room, even matching the height perfectly to accommodate the TV placement, thus respecting my client's budget without compromising design integrity.
I encountered a similar iterative process when selecting the rug size because of changes in the room's layout.
I had initially chosen a 5x7 rug to fit the desk area, but placing the loft bed’s ladder disrupted this plan.
In haste, I opted for a 5x5 rug without including it in the floor plan, a decision that proved disruptive to the room's harmony, especially considering Logan's sensory sensitivities.
Therefore, a larger rug was necessary not only for aesthetic reasons but also for comfort and functionality.
These changes, the selection of a different dresser and a larger rug, have broader implications for the room's dynamics.
The larger rug improves the comfort of the floor space, especially important given Logan's sensory sensitivities while choosing cost-effective furniture keeps the project within the budget.
The correct sizes of the furniture and rug enhance visual and physical comfort and room flow, making it more welcoming and easier to navigate.
The adaptation to product availability and Logan's sensory needs underscores the need for flexibility in interior design.
Remaining tasks for this project include finishing the painting work, repairing the closet doors' glide system, setting up the daybed, installing lighting fixtures, building and organizing the new dresser, and returning the smaller rug.
I'll also decorate the bookshelves and move in Logan’s clothes before planning the big reveal to capture the family's reactions.
Each of these steps is crucial to creating a room that not only is visually appealing but that also caters to Logan's needs.
Key takeaways:
1. Collaborating and compromising with clients is crucial for successful interior design projects.
2. Flexibility is necessary when faced with challenges such as budget constraints and unexpected changes.
3. Prioritizing clients' needs, especially in terms of comfort and functionality, is essential for creating personalized and successful living spaces.
Week 6: My sister Escaped to Florida to Celebrate Her Birthday with Friends While I Shared My Favorite Project Management System for Interior Deisgners
Introducing Week 7 Progress: Laughter, Challenges, and Collaboration
This week I spent all day Saturday at my sister's house working on Logan's room.
Logan is my parent's only grandchild, and the only niece or nephew that I am related to through blood, so it's been delightful to watch him grow, become a honors student, and a triple-threat athlete (basketball, football, and wrestling). He talks a lot just like my sister, very funny, and also quite handsome.
This week I had some extra special bonding time with him as we worked together to build one of his dressers, he did an awesome job building the drawers and tightening screws for me.
Logan and I put together a small dresser that was ordered on Bed Bath and Beyond, that my sister loves so much she wants to steal it for the master bedroom.
The assembly only took 3 hours, compared to the 9 hours it took to put together his loft bed, desk, and smaller dresser.
While building together while his mom painted the closet, I would ask him questions because you know tweens, they don't want to talk about anything.
I tried to get him to tell me what the latest slang words are, but I think he thought I was asking for “bad words” because he said they are all bad and he'll never say them – or maybe he's right that there's a lot of derogatory slang words now. At least that's a good sign that he respects his home enough not to repeat “bad words” inside. He's funny, kind, and has a smile that could light up a room – just like his personality, his room is about to become a vibrant and functional space.
The whole day was a fun learning experience, filled with laughter and the occasional "how-does-this-work?" moment. (Pro-tip: Download a stud finder app – it's a lifesaver!)
The best part? The heartwarming hug I received from Logan when I was about to leave. It truly made all the effort worthwhile.
More Than Nails and Paint: The Power of Family Support
When the dresser was complete, we all took a break.
We took turns using my brother-in-laws massage gun on our backs (sitting on the floor building furniture is not good for this 53 year old!)
My sister treated for lunch at a local fast food favorite, and we were able to create some more memories bonding over memories we shared with Logan of his great-grandmother, our father's mother.
Then Dana and I went in Wegman's to purchase a Mom sweatshirt, a gorgeous Mother's Day balloon, a small fruit tart, and one fancy chocolate dipped strawberry (our mother is recently allergic to strawberries and various foods.) Since our parent's went to a memorial out-of-state for the weekend, we snuck into their apartment and set up her Mother's Day surprise.
This is just one example of our family spirit.
Applause for Apps: Technology as a Collaborative Tool
Stud Finder App
The stud finder app was an essential tool for us during the room makeover. Its primary function is to locate the studs behind the walls, which are crucial for securely mounting heavy items like TVs and shelves. By using this app, we ensured that the TV and ball holders were securely attached to the wall, preventing any accidents. The app provided precise stud locations, allowing us to confirm our findings with Dana's stud finder. This accuracy was particularly helpful when positioning the TV and dresser, making our setup both safe and aesthetically pleasing.
Govee Glide Y Light App
The Govee Glide Y light app played a significant role in the design process. Initially, I planned to create hexagon shapes with the lights, but the app's instructions indicated that repeating the hexagon four times would be challenging. This information prompted us to reconsider our design approach. The app allowed Logan to experiment with various light patterns, enabling him to express his creativity. Logan used the app to design a unique lighting pattern that complemented his room’s new look, making the space truly his own.
Measurement and Placement Tools
Accurate measurements are the backbone of any successful interior design project. I used a digital measuring app to determine the precise placement of the TV, dresser, and ball holders. By measuring halfway between the newly built dresser and the open door, I was able to find the perfect center for the ball holders grouping. This ensured a balanced and visually appealing setup. Dana’s husband assisted with drilling holes in the wall, as neither my sister nor I were confident enough to do it ourselves. His help was invaluable in ensuring that everything was installed correctly on the first try.
Logan's Contribution and Creativity
Once we knew where the ball holders were going to go on the wall, Logan used the Govee Glide Y light app to come up with a cool pattern for his lights. This process allowed him to engage directly with the design of his room, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the space.
Interview with Logan: A Personal Touch
To capture Logan's thoughts and feelings about his new room, I conducted an interview with him.
(interview to be added soon) catch it in our instagram stories this week via instagram.com/julie_ann_rachelle
A Work in Progress, Full of Potential
We're nearing the finish line, with the big reveal scheduled for next week, Week 8 (May 22nd)!
Here's a sneak peek at what we've accomplished so far:
Created our concept using DesignFiles, as well as ordering and tracking through the platform ✔
A bold navy paint job with calming stripes near the ceiling ✔
Fresh new draperies ✔
Assembled loft bed, desk, and dresser set ✔
Stylish DIY upholstered headboards ✔
Set up his zippered bedding gifted from Beddy’s ✔
Started to hang perfectly positioned basketball holders (thanks to the stud finder app!) ✔
A cool lighting pattern using the templates for the Govee Glide Y lights ✔
Using ChatGPT to Streamline Week 7 Tasks
In Week 7, I turned to ChatGPT to help organize and manage our final tasks efficiently. Using the ABCD prioritization technique, ChatGPT generated a comprehensive to-do list that ensured we tackled the most critical tasks first while also addressing less urgent but desired tasks. This tool helped us estimate the time required for each task, allowing us to plan our days effectively.
Here’s the prompt I used in ChatGPT (created by Ruben Hassid's Prompt Maker) to create the to-do list:
Prompt:
Act like an expert project manager specializing in time management and productivity. You have extensive experience in applying the ABCD prioritization technique to optimize task completion, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity.
Objective: Your goal is to categorize a given list of tasks into those that are absolutely necessary (Category A) and those that are desired but not essential (Category D) for completion on Friday. Additionally, estimate how long each task will likely take.
Instructions:
Review the list of tasks provided.Determine which tasks are critical and must be completed on Friday (Category A). Explain why these tasks fall into this category based on urgency and impact. Determine which tasks fall in Category B and C. Explain why these tasks fall in this category based on urgency and impact.Identify tasks that are less critical but desirable to complete on Friday (Category D). Discuss why these tasks, while beneficial, are not urgent.Estimate the duration required to complete each task. Consider factors such as the complexity of the task, available resources, and prior experience with similar tasks.Provide a structured response:List each task under its appropriate category (A, B, C, or D).Next to each task, note the estimated time for completion.Offer a brief rationale for each categorization and time estimate.
Take a deep breath and work on this problem step-by-step.
Response from ChatGPT:
Category A: Critical and Urgent (Must be completed on Friday)
Install ceiling light - Estimated time: 2 hours
Essential for adequate lighting and daily activities. High impact on room functionality.
Hang Govee glide lights on wall - Estimated time: 1 hour
Important for ambiance and tied to specific events requiring immediate installation.
Get blue furry rug from basement for under the loft - Estimated time: 30 minutes
Simple task with immediate impact on comfort and room aesthetics.
Category B: Important but not Urgent
Extend curtain holders - Estimated time: 1 hour
Important for curtain functionality but can be deferred.
Steam curtains - Estimated time: 1.5 hours
Improves appearance significantly but not urgent.
Category C: Moderate Importance
Hang skateboard above the closet - Estimated time: 45 minutes
Adds to decor but less urgent compared to essential lighting or functionality improvements.
Hang ball holders for basketballs on the wall - Estimated time: 1 hour
Organizes space efficiently but not critical for immediate use.
Category D: Desired but not Essential
Hang 3D deer head between closet and door - Estimated time: 1 hour
Decorative; enhances room appearance but has minimal impact on functionality.
Hang medals on 3M hooks - Estimated time: 30 minutes
Primarily decorative and can be postponed with no significant consequences.
The Hug that Said it All: A Lasting Impact
Despite the typical teenage nonchalance, it was a heartwarming surprise that when I went to leave to drive the 1.5 hours back home, that Logan gave me the longest hug! It really made my day, and all of the blood, sweat, and tears worth it!
It's a reminder that creating a space is more than just aesthetics – it's about building memories and fostering connections.
Stay tuned for the final reveal next week! I can't wait to share the completed sensory haven with you all. In the meantime, if you have any questions about designing a space that caters to sensory sensitivities, feel free to leave a comment below!
Conclusion
This week on the #OneRoomChallenge, we tackled the dresser build with Logan's help! It wasn't all smooth sailing, but seeing the finished piece and that heartwarming hug at the end made it all worthwhile.
Just like DesignFiles became a partner in the design process, Logan became a partner in creating this space. While the room may be designed to be calming and stimulating, the true magic lies in the memories we're building together. Hey, I even think that maybe we have a future interior designer on our hands, according to some of Logan’s comments indicating his interest in interior design!
There's still so much to do – building that small bookshelf, hanging Christmas lights in his “fort”, and transforming this space into Logan's ultimate haven. Stay tuned next week for more the big reveal on May 22nd!
In the meantime, share your thoughts in the comments below! We love hearing from you. And don't forget to follow us on social media (@julie_ann_rachelle on Instagram) and subscribe to the Blended Decor Blog for all the latest updates on Logan's room makeover. See you next week!
Week One: April 3 Introduction and Inspiration
Week Two: April 10 Design Concept
Week Three: April 17 Painting Tips
Week Four: April 24 DIY Headboard and Low Loft Build
Week Five: May 1 Unboxing, Lighting, ORC FAQs
Week Six: May 8 Must Have Tool for Interior Designers
Week Seven: May 15 Using Technology and Apps For the Win
Week Eight: May 22 The Big Reveal! Let’s party!!!
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Welcome to the final week of the One Room Challenge Spring 2024! I'm thrilled to share the reveal of a special project close to my heart: a sensory-friendly bedroom design for my nephew, Logan, who is turning 13. This journey has been about more than aesthetics; it was about creating a sanctuary where Logan feels safe, calm, and inspired. In this article, I'll walk you through the transformation process, highlight key design elements, and share the positive impact this space has had on Logan's life. Join me in celebrating this meaningful makeover!