Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Studio reno: part 1 of most likely many



On something like a whim, I dived head first into a studio reno that seems to be spiraling just a little out of control. Nope, the bronze pieces are not finished. They are still sitting in an untidy pile in the other untidy part of the studio. But not this part up there in the photo. Neat as a pin and I have the good intention of keeping it that way. But you know what they say about good intentions and the pavement to the fire and brimstone place.....we'll have to see.



Shameful untidy mess. An embarrassment, really and truly. This is the former 'business' end of my studio. If you've ever gotten a package from me this is where it got packed up. Kind of a wonder you ever got what you ordered. It's where I do a lot of things like design, pack orders, answer email, read blogs.... It's a collection of cast off furniture and cobbled together. No real rhyme or reason to it at all.

Let's take a closer look at it shall we? I'm in a full disclosure mood today.




My inventory sits in a pile of trays that are threatening to topple over and empty themselves into the rest of the mess on the table. There is a pile of scrap paper that I refuse to throw out because, you know, it still has a good side to it. The set of plastic drawers under the table is a mess and rarely are the drawers closed because they don't really work. The printer is on a TV stand that has a scrap of plywood on top because the stand doesn't actually fit the printer. Papers spill out from the stand because you can't reach in there without acts of unspeakable contortion.


A bit of paint, a dab of stain, a trip to IKEA and ta da! It is organized. Everything in that horrible mess has a home. I love IKEA and IKEA loves me because of course I didn't just walk out with the set of drawers, table legs, counter top, and chair I needed. They are so sneaky making you walk through all of those beautifully organized display rooms just full of great things that you put right into your cart without thinking much at all. I now have 6 little glass vases for single blooms and no idea at all why I needed them. I desire with all of my heart a new kitchen like the ones on display. I didn't know I needed a new head board for my bed and fortunately there was no room for one in the car. I desparately needed the 4 new lime green coffee mugs that match the 6 I already have. And the 4 small white bowls, and.....It is a very good thing that we have a small car.

Everything except the desk is on casters. I love casters just about as much as I love IKEA. The new drawer unit that neatly holds all of my piles of stuff slides out if I need an extra work surface. The newly spruced up microwave cart rolls over in front of the door for photographing my bits and pieces in good sunlight. It's still waiting for shelves to hold the inventory trays but at least the trays aren't falling over. The printer now has room to slide out so you can get at cords and stuff and the paper is all organized in trays. I am in pig heaven. And it didn't even take all that long or cost the earth.




In other news, I am feeling fit as a fiddle. I have no hair left and my head gets a little chilly. What little hadn't come out on its own got shaved off by Peter who shaved his own head in an act of solidarity. But shhh, you can't actually see much difference on him because there wasn't all that much hair to begin with. But it was kinda sweet. My labs are all good again and I have been eating lettuce and apples like there is no tomorrow. In fact, I am feeling down right spunky just in time to go through the second chemo cycle on Thursday. Yippee, I'll be half done!

23 comments:

Courtney Breul said...

You go girl!

Your space looks great, can't wait to see what you create in it.

Mary Newton Designs said...

I'm so glad things are looking up. You sound great!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

First of all, so glad you are feeling so well! The best news of all! And your husband sounds like a dear soul! Your space is awesome, love the natural light from your windows! And good luck with your sweet potatoe in a jar!

Patty said...

Your studio spruce up is inspiring, as is your Can Do attitude. Wonderful to read!

aneri_masi said...

You cleaned up too soon! There is a "Messy Blog Hop" going on here: https://www.facebook.com/events/206554609450877/

You should enter your post :)

And SO very glad to know you are doing so well!

Izzy said...

ikea is my best friend...

Gardanne said...

So glad you are doing so well. Wish I had an IKEA.

DeborahRead.com said...

Dont you find organizing to be a wonderful therapy - I can spend more time re arranging and organizing the studio than finishing and making items I need to get finished. I always seem to find something to move around, sort etc..

Barb Fernald said...

You sound really good! I'm envious of all that organization, space and the moveable pieces. What a happy studio!
I've never been to Ikea (I don't even think there is one in Maine!) but if I did go, I would "need" those mugs and little vases too. I'm sure of it.

stregata said...

Spunky - what I liked best about this post was that you feel spunky! What a great word and a wonderful way to feel.
I am put to shame by your organizing skill - I wish I could ask you over to organize my work room!
Oh - did Alice get organized too?

Lori P said...

Your studio space looks great. Real. Like all other business owners. And I'm so glad you're feeling wonderful and eating your lettuce and apples!!! You go girl!

windrock studio said...

This is all such wonderful news, LeAnn! Your space looks great and I love that your hubby shared the new look! I'm happy to know you are feeling strong.

lunedreams said...

Utterly delighted to hear you are feeling GOOD!!! With good labs to boot. Sounds like you are getting fixed up inside and out.

Your simple solutions are clever and attractive! Getting rid of chronic frustrations just makes you sigh in relief. (I don't know whether to feel relieved or cheated that there is no IKEA anywhere near here. I love that store too.)

Laura Twiford said...

Yippee is right! Oh you sound so good LeAnn! Congrats on the good labs.The studio looks so nice and organized and bright it must be a pleasure to go in there now and work. i know, that's how I feel when i get all the clutter tamed. Hope the second round goes easy with you.

Lori Anderson said...

LOVE IKEA!

Lori Anderson said...

LOVE IKEA!

Unknown said...

Envious of the spruced up space! My space is so cramped even when i clean up it still feels like a mess!
Probably a good thing I've don't live near and never even been to an Ikea! I think I'd really like it, but my wallet probably wouldn't!
So happy to hear that you're feeling good! Best wishes to you on Thursday. (hugs)

bstreet studios said...

Amazing what just a few changes did to streamline the space! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing the good and ugly pics...

Joan Tucker said...

Great to hear about your feeling better and wow the studio rocks. Joan T

Cindy said...

LeAnn, I enjoyed the full disclosure post about your studio. I don't think I am brave enough to do that....I'd put everyone to shame with my mess! You have an amazing space. I remember the first time you shared a shot of your new studio - I was taken aback by all of that fantatic light you have!
Love the sweet picture of Alice.
Glad to hear you are doing well and that Peter is a rock and such a support. Sending you hugs!

Unknown said...

This is wonderful! I like the calm colors and organization you have going on now.
Extra energy to you and your support right now so you can enjoy your new space!

stacilouise said...

Studio renovations are good for the soul! It looks great!

Susan Marling said...

Your space looks great but more importantly - you sound great. Good luck in round 2.