I hesitated to do this post, as I feel like I’m a broken record stuck on that part of the song that drives you crazy. Don’t worry, I too am wishing I could move the needle to another part of the record and get over it! (for those of you who don’t remember vinyl… sorry.)
The thing is I really try hard to start a project and stick to it until it’s done. Inch by inch, post by post, I am still “working it out”. Last weekend was a bust and I didn’t get a chance to do much in my work out room due to a wonderful and unexpected visit from my uncle (my mom’s brother). It’s been years since I’ve seen him and so a dinner party was in order! And it forced me to give my house a really good cleaning. You know how that goes… company comes and you think “OH MY GOSH this place is a wreck” and you turn into a crazy cleaning lady. Trust me, it was a really good thing!
A few things did happen over the last week. Always the planner, I’m constantly swirling around ideas and trying to get inspiration to not only start but to finish a project. This inspiration board below has been changing over the last few weeks but I think it’s almost there.
Being the plant lover that I am I wanted a lovely planter for my space. I decided to order a case study planter from Modernica and it arrived last week. I went for the large one and I’m really glad I did. They come in two sizes and you can get either metal or wood legs.
I’m really loving the simplicity of the stand. The legs are two pieces that fit together like a puzzle and the weight of the pot sort of holds everything together. It’s so pretty. I chose the white one and it’s sitting in my den until I finish the room. I didn’t want a drop of paint on it!
The cigar bubble lamp seen in the pictures is also from Modernica. I’m probably going to buy another hanging bubble for my office space in the next month. They put out such a lovely glow it’s hard to resist.
Sorry… pictures are like potato chips for me…. I can’t take just one!
While I was picking up a plant for my new planter I spied this crazy looking plant called a Cylindrica and had to bring it home. Has anyone ever seen one of these? I’m so in LOVE! I went back the next day to get another one and they were all gone.
I also ordered the track lighting for my room and I’m just waiting for the shipment. I went ahead and ordered lights for both my workout room and Richie’s studio so it was a total of 3 strips and 10 track heads. I chose these:
Track lighting has really come to our rescue in this house as we have NO attic to run electrical wires through so all the electricity for overhead lighting is fed down the beams in each room. The tracks make it so easy to add as much lighting as you need and to space them up and down the beam allowing you to distribute light to certain areas of the room. A single pendant would have never been as useful.
After I ordered these the customer service department informed me that since I was ordering more than 5 of the same item they were not eligible for returns. WHAT!? Okay, I really do understand why that would be a “policy”, as many of these online retailers are just drop ship operations and they don’t keep stock so they certainly wouldn’t want TEN of the same item returned. HOWEVER… I am a woman on the edge. Clearly they have no idea what a policy like that does to an old lady who has been renovating for 3 years. It turns me into a cranky ass. I very politely told them to reduce the number to 5 and I would gladly go to another online retailer to get the other five. I was sure they would LOVE to have my money. Minutes later they “made an exception” for me and apologized. Okay, I know, I’m a real crankster aren’t I? But seriously, that just really got me twisted. Please tell me some of you have had to throw a “minor” fit to get what you wanted. Please.
Okay, anyway those are on the way. They’ll be here Friday (22nd) – CAN’T WAIT!
You’ll also see the coin rubber flooring in my inspiration photo. Depending on how good or BAD the concrete floor ends up looking I’m going to order some rubber flooring to either put under some of my equipment or to possible cover the entire floor with. I ordered samples and I’m really digging the coin pattern over the textured one. I’ll do either white or gray.
If there’s enough room and a decent place to hang it I will also get a wall-mount fan for the room. Having some air flow during a workout is a MUST but I definitely didn’t want a ceiling fan. Besides that I’d probably stick my hand up in it and cut my arm off. Not a good look for me. I’m digging the all metal one in the inspiration photos. They run between 300-400 dollars so I’ll see what’s left in the budget. (wink!)
The rest of the room is stuff I already have and will just work it all in. I’m going to try to squeeze in a little color maybe on the door and the sliding storage cabinet in that room. That blue/turquoise color is something I’ve wanted to do for a while.
The last thing is the Stendig calendar. I do want a really big calendar for the space to keep track of the days I work. I’m hoping it will motivate me to stay on track. Seeing it BIG AND BOLD will either make me really proud or shame me into doing what I should. The calendar was designed in 1966 by Massimo Vignelli and taken that year into the Design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Unfortunately these calendars are so popular they are all sold out. I’m going to find something comparable or make my own. I DID, however go ahead and order one for next year. There’s a waiting list! (crazy, I know)
photo via
So although I didn’t get to actually work in the room there has been some good action going on and I’m really feeling good about how it’s coming together. Richie always makes fun of me for having a plan so far in advance but once I’m done with the grunt work I want it DONE and move on. No sense in delaying it and the internet makes it so easy!
Thanks for reading and letting me share my plans. Have you bought anything online lately that you’re super excited about?
soooooooooooooo much to talk about here!!!! first, i have to get this off my chest. who is the artist (and i’m very sorry if this is NOT what’s painted) of the bitchin’ mouth o’ teeth?! that painting is AWESOME.
i LOVE the white case study planter. it’s very clean, simple and it’s the perfect accent to the plant. btw, you could probably serve a meal off your bathroom floor without getting any cooties. it always looks immaculate. and, another btw, how cute you got to see your uncle. hope you had a blast and had some amazing wine (and food, but let’s be real).
and way to call the lighting people on the carpet. i hate bull roar like that. find your inner irish! ;)
lovely/bad ass stuff, S! can’t wait to see the end result!!!!!!
You always make my day! I love your comments, Tamara.
I’m not sure if you can make it out since it’s so far away but you can see it’s a girl. Her face from the nose down with the big red lips and white pearls. I love how the paint takes on a grungy look as it fades in and out. I’ll definitely tell you more about her in a post. She’s amazing. Thank you for asking. This one is special to ME!
Okay… I too LOVE that painting. I swear if there’s ever a divorce (no plans yet. HA!) I GET that painting. IT’S MINE! I lusted after it, tracked it down, waited months, and finally bought it. I have wanted to do a post about it and the artist because she’s a beautiful girl with so much talent and has a very heart tugging story. It’s not teeth. The white you are seeing is actually a pearl necklace around this girl’s neck. I was trying to find a picture of it but only found this….
HA HA! Cooties? Maybe! … it depends on what day you eat off the floor. Since my uncle came in I actually had just cleaned a few days before the picture. Look now.. it won’t last long. :-)
We did have fun though and there was wine but the big hit was my margaritas!!! Everyone came back for more… and more… and more.. The laughter got pretty loud the more they came back!
I hope Richie can get the lights up this weekend. They’ll be here tomorrow so I better put on my sweet face and try to get that done.
Thanks for looking. Love ya!
ohhh wow! that painting is both lovely and haunting at the same time! what a masterpiece. it’s so perfect situated there since her mouth is really enhanced by the beautiful color of that couch. simply lovely!
dannnnggg, girl. you know how to throw a party (blast these miles between us!). tomorrow is national margarita day, so jordan and i are having a few over for a little rita party of our own to kick off the weekend!!
looking forward to seeing the lights up. HAPPY WEEKEND! xo
That planter is awesome! I just got back into town and our sofa was delivered while I was gone. I’m eager to now add plants as all of our living spaces are changing and really coming together. You are definitely inspiring me to add more green to our home.
Congrats on the Modernica pins. That is such an exciting and fun discovery!
Hi Danielle! Missed you. I’ve had you on my mind and in my prayers. Glad you’re back and hope everyone is doing okay.
Coming home to a new sofa must have been a spirit lifter! I look forward to seeing this gorgeous piece. (oh come on.. I already know it’s gorgeous!)
Thanks for the sweet comment. You know how I am about plants… you can never have too many.
Wow! I have to comment on how excited I am to see your finished workout room- the inspiration board is amazing.
Love the coin rubber flooring. I would be torn over white or grey- like both.
And the track lighting- while practical, it is also perfectly suited to the style of your home- running along the beam- perfect!
And I love the Modernica planter- gorgeous. I love the clean lines- and just love the combination of white with wood for practically anything.
It is looking great. I’m going to go look up Cylindrica- what a great looking plant.
Hey Cindy… how’s the tile coming?
I’m excited to see how it’s all going to turn out too. Unfortunately it’ll probably be several more weeks… BOO HOO! I’m so darn slow, it’s pathetic. I think the floor will probably be what really holds me up.
Oh well, the shopping and planning is fun too. It’s a nice break from the actual work. HA HA!
That Cylindrica is TOO COOL! I’m sure the employees in Lowes thought I was a nut job when I saw those and let out a high pitched squeal. I actually had three of them in my hand and thought “this is ridiculous… I’ll come back”.
The next day they were all GONE. I’ve never seen anything like them before or since. I’m happy to have a least one. I’m glad you like it. I’m easily excited!
The lighting come tomorrow so I’m hoping I can bribe Richie to get those up this weekend. I’ll bat my eye lashes and cook something good! :-)
You are much more dedicated than I. My projects hop all over the house like a kangaroo on crack. I just cannot seem to finish any room, but at least I am getting things done.
Your inspiration board is beautiful. My vote for the flooring goes to the grey buttons. I feel that white in a workout room would be frustrating to try to keep clean. I am sure that whatever you do will look great, however, as your house is stunning!
Hey Jessica! Oh trust me all I need is a pouch… I’m a project kangaroo too! It’s hard to stay on one thing. I get so freakin’ bored and it requires actual work which some days I just don’t feel like doing.
My husband gets on me if I try to leave the project so he’s really the one keeping me on track. It drives him insane when I walk off and start something else. So bare with me for a while longer… this blog is going
to become about that room and not much else for a while. HA HA!
I think you’re right about the grey. I love the idea of a white floor (always so pretty in other peoples photos) but probably not very practical. I would hate it if I laid it all down and spend all my free time trying to keep it clean. That would drive me BONKERS! Thanks for the help on that. I hate making decisions by myself.
Anytime! I’m glad I could help. I am so great at giving other people advice on their houses. Takes all the pressure off of me. ;)
I cannot wait to see this workout room. I just got back from the gym and read this and believe me, I’d love to have my own gym room so that I don’t have to deal with people who have no gym etiquette!!
That planter is kick ass! I would totally use that in my home. I love the floors!! Those would be amazing to work out on. I like ones with the circles on them.
The calendar is screaming for a DIY. Am I going to get sued just for writing that?
I’m excited to have my own space, Alex. I had to go to the hot-ass garage in our last house so this is going to feel so la-tee-dah! I tried for almost a year to have a gym membership and it was a struggle for me. I tend to do better and I’m more consistent when I can just do it at home. It’s easier. Good for you hot lady…. getting to the gym this morning. No wonder you look so good.
I’m loving the planter. I’ve wanted one for a couple of years so I just DID IT! Life is too short, dammit! And yes, a DIY project is probably exactly what this blog needs. Of course I may NEVER show it for fear of lawyers and mean people. HA HA! (memories… like the corners of my mind). I’ve learned my lesson with that. Thanks for looking!
That planter. I die. Everything looks great — I’m glad you post the in-progress, in-between, here’s-what’s-going-on posts. When all you see is a crazy before and a crazy after, you forget about all the crazy & fun in between. I love a white floor — so impractical but so amazing . . . maybe just do it as an “area rug” type application under your machines? Cheers – CT
CT, that is the nicest thing EVER! Thanks for that. SERIOUSLY! Sometimes I think all those in between posts get so old but it’s an honest account of what actually happens around here. I’m just not fast enough to do it any other way. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
Oh I’m with you. I love the look of a white floor. I see them in pictures and drool like a teething baby! I’m afraid you’re right, though. Eventually teething babies poop everywhere and I’m sure that’s what the floor would look like after a while… CRAP! HA HA! Pretty to look at but hard to keep clean. If I do white it will definitely be as you suggested… just small sections. GREAT ADVICE!!!! Thanks for this! I hope my lighting turns out as good as yours did!
Whenever I look at your house photos I have to chant to myself: it’s an illusion, it’s an illusion… it’s not that perfect… there are parts you can’t see that look like yours…
Looks like you’re really getting everything in order! Love the planter and the fan. I like the coin mat better, too. Can’t wait to see the end result. Like Alex said—jealous you have such a great space for exercise!!
I have no idea what you’re thinking… EVERYTHING in my house is PERFECT!
HA HA! Ain’t it the truth – you are so right! There are parts that look so shameful it’s down right embarrassing. Someday I will be able to show everything and feel really proud. Until then I’ll keep pushing that illusion. It gets me through, anyway!
I think you really bring up an interesting topic: what plants are appropriate for workout rooms and gyms? Aloe, in case you need some medicinal help at some point ie after falling off the treadmill …(OR I can think of another medicinal plant…) Spikey, threatening-looking cactii that can serve as boot-camp-ish trainer/motivators? Wait, that tall skinny thing (cylindrica) you picture is probably perfect as inspiration….in fact, that is the exact shape I am hoping my thighs eventually go back to…
For what it’s worth, I vote for the grey “coins” on the floor- I love that – I would have called them circles or polka-dots, but this has a nice financial ring to it…(have you ever seen those floors that are made out of real pennies? funny)
Finally, Fan with Swirly Arm: very graceful.
You know, I never imagined I’d laugh so hard talking about plants and flooring. You kill me, J! Love this and the side-splitting laughter it brought. Of course every design decision I make centers around the most appropriate plant for the room. I hadn’t thought about the aloe vera and it’s medicinal properties but clearly I will need one as I’m “feeling the burn”! The cacti could be my punishment if I miss a day. A serious poke for each day missed! And as for our thighs… I hope both of us get those long lean cylindrica thighs we dream of.
I have seen those penny floors! I think I’d rather toss them into a coin machine and get the cash to pay someone to put down a new floor. But then again… find a penny, pick it up (or lay it down, whichever)… and have good luck. It could be enough luck for the rest of your life. I do hope the fan fits my budget. Swirly arms and wind in my hair makes a girl happy!
Your workout room is going to be beautiful. I love the planter, and I love the flooring with the round pattern too. That’s sweet! I’m an advance planner too. Before I started this construction, I had every single thing for every single room on Pinterest boards. I’ve made some changes, but it was all very organized and thought through. Tell Richie there’s an older version of you in Fort Worth…LOL
I love it! What would the world be without us “planners”. TOTAL CHAOS! It drives me crazy and I have to know where I’m going and what it’s going to look like. I can tell by your posts through the whole construction project that you are totally in control. Even down to designing that wall. Which by the way is still burned in my brain and I’m loving. I have to say it’s so fun to have friends to share it all with. Thanks, Dana!
I am super jealous about your house being cleaned. Nothing like friends and family visiting to give you a kick in the rear!
Congratulations on being almost-Pinterest-famous! haha! But really that is pretty awesome! Your home is lovely, so I don’t blame them for pinning it :)
Good for you for setting those people track light people straight!!!!!
Have a good weekend!
Thanks Brittney! The tracks are up in one room. Two more to go… and so far… I’m not sending them back.
If it wasn’t for people visiting I seriously doubt you could find me in the filth. I’d be hidden under pounds of sheetrock dust and covered in paint.
It’s a nice kick in the rear and I welcome it. It feels good to have a clean space!
I think planning is super important. Every time I rush a project I totally screw it up. I am normally kind of quick so it is hard for me to just plan, figure out, and virtually buy all the parts. But in the end it pays off. We did our bathrooms and had tear sheets on everything before construction started and all decisions made. There was not a single decision I made during the process. I realized after the fact that it would have been so stressful to deal with decisions on top of the trauma of construction. So I think even if you are doing the work yourself, it pays to figure it out in advance which leaves brain cells left over for typical things that go wrong. End of small lecture. :)
LOVED YOUR LECTURE! I was taking notes, for sure! HA HA HA! You’re so right… the stress of renovation is tough enough so having decisions made ahead of time just makes it not only easier but WAY MORE FUN!
It gets me excited for what will come at the end. Love that you’re a planner too. I figured you would be. Your home is so beautiful I see a serious planner living there!!!
Stacey, I’m so behind on my blog reading, but every time I come to yours, I’m blown away! Wow, everything is so beautiful. I hope you don’t mind if I post some of your images on Pinterest. :)
Your blog is absolutely one of my favorites..
HEY KIM! Thanks so much… I LOVE when you visit. I totally understand the getting behind thing. It’s hard to keep up with everyone and still have a life. (ha ha!) I’m happy you check in on me from time to time. I’m trying to manage my time better because you know how technology can take over your life – so my posts are usually only once a week.
Of course I don’t mind if you “pin” stuff. I feel totally honored. Use whatever you’d like. You’re like family!
Have a good week, Kim… and thanks for stopping by. :-)
P.S. Your recent shop items are beyond gorgeous! Hope you’re selling lots.
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