Designing Sisterhood, Part Two: Chi Omega’s New Favorite Room
Getting asked back to work on another room in a client’s home never gets old. This past summer, we were invited back to redesign the largest gathering space at the Chi Omega sorority house, along with giving the dining hall a small refresh. The year before, we had worked on four smaller spaces throughout the house, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this room. I met my favorite photographer there over Christmas break to capture the final result. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good before and after when it comes to a sorority house renovation?
I wasn’t able to change the existing stone on the fireplace or the gray floors, so figuring out how to make those elements work together became my biggest design challenge. The piano also had to stay even though it felt like an afterthought. Finding a way to make everything feel intentional and cohesive was key in transforming this space into a room the chapter could truly enjoy.
In my previous journal post about the Chi Omega project, I shared the rendering video we used during the design presentation. It’s one of the best tools I have for giving clients the confidence to move forward with the selections. Adding the custom built in and mantel made such a big impact in this room. I pulled together a collection of historic photos from the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, including the very first pledge class photo, and displayed them as a subtle nod to the history of Chi Omega’s FSU chapter. The built in also gave us space to showcase even more memories from years past, including my favorite decade, the eighties.
One of my favorite ways to update a room is with paint and lighting. We had to work around the wall color, but that brown ceiling had to go. Originally I wanted to use grasscloth wallpaper in the coffers, but once we got the installation quote we had to switch gears with paint. I also really liked the style of the cabinet so we had it painted a fun color. I also have to mention that new chandelier. Small change = big impact.
One of my favorite ways to update a room is with paint and lighting. We had to work around the existing wall color, but the brown ceiling had to go. Originally, I planned to use grasscloth wallpaper inside the coffered ceiling. Once we received the installation quote, we pivoted to paint instead. I also loved the style of the existing cabinet, so we gave it a fresh coat of color to tie in with the art. And I have to mention the new chandelier, a relatively small change that made a surprisingly big impact on the entire space.
The other changes we made focused on the secondary seating areas in the room. We tucked a small study table into one corner to create a quiet spot for studying and added a daybed in the opposite corner for a more relaxed feel. The house mother has sent me so many photos of the sisters napping there, which I think says everything you need to know. I’m fairly certain the down-blend cushion deserves most of the credit.
I can’t end this post without sharing my favorite pieces in the room. I spotted these swivel chairs at High Point Market and immediately knew they were the perfect fit for this project. If you have to look at the back of a chair, it should at least be pretty.
If you or someone you know serves on the board of a sorority house, I’d love to talk about your project. There’s a lot of pressure to have the biggest and best house on campus, but there’s also so much that can be done to update a space without a full renovation or a wrecking ball.
