Go big or go home.

....er...check that. The title should be "Go big at home".

So many of you have left comments and sent me emails asking when I  am going to share some projects from my new home. I'll be honest here and tell you that I was beginning to wonder about that one myself. 

Living with a man that last purchased a home and home decor in the late 80's, and is still enjoying it just fine, thankyouverymuch, has been a...um...well, a new experience, to put it mildly. 

Three and a half months into this sharing-your-space-and-personal-tastes living arrangement, and my Rock n' Roll Buddy has decided he is up for stepping things up to twenty-twelve (Be still my beating heart!)...and he has jumped in with both feet.

What I mean by that is that we are not taking on a starter project, like changing the paint and a towel bar in a bathroom. And we are not stretching these projects out over the course of a year. No. We are changing the carpet throughout the house,  adding hardwood, painting and doing some electrical work and slight remodeling to the entire house, with an anticipated date of completion set for two weeks. (Pinch me, somebody! I am pretty sure I died and went to decorator's heaven!)

I promise to share before and after pictures, but for starters let me share my favorite purchase for the projects to date. First off, you need to know that my Rock n' Roll Buddy is, by a landslide, the best bargain shopper I have ever seen in my entire life, hands down. (My Gawd. He's very nearly perfect. As if playing a wicked guitar wasn't enough already.)

Anyway.

He managed to finagle the absolute deal of a lifetime on hardwood flooring. I mean, it was an even bigger savings than I think he expected to negotiate..It's Chilean Cherry hand-scraped engineered hardwood, (ooh, I love how that rolls off my tongue...)and you'll be seeing it in the entryway and long hall, as well as the kitchen and dining room. It has lil' scrapes and knot-holes and looks like it came out of a historic old building. (Does that sound like me, or what?!) Instant weathered beauty and history on the floor, adding character and personality, warmth and sophisticated charm the minute you enter our home.(Here's the picture of the flooring from the craigslist ad...)

 

Yeah baby. That's what I'm talkin' about. Let the transformations begin.

Comments

[ARRAY(0xb596740)]

Oh, Tracey, Im so happy and excited for you! I had a similar experience, moving in with my (now) husband last year. I left my hometown, as well as my cute little 1934 bungalow that I had lovingly decorated all retro-cottagey-kitsch. Into his new rustic-style home. Its a beautiful home, but decorated by a man with lots of brown paint on walls, and golf themed rooms. (bleh!) But, thankfully, like your Rock-N-Roll Buddy, he is on board for change and has really encouraged me to add my touch. The great thing is, were making it our home together, just as you two are, which makes it especially wonderful!

[cheryl]

Tracey, does he do magic as well? Two weeks to completion? Cant wait to see it!

[Hi, I'm Lisa]

Wow, you have a big undertaking in a short amount of time. Beautiful flooring, cant wait to see the pictures from your project. Im sure its going to be gorgeous. Good Luck!

[The Mommy]

Im SO happy that youre so happy and cant wait to see the new home!

[MARY PERNULA]

I am happy for you to have a buddy that wants to share the change of his home to make it both of your home. Hugs Mary

[Mary @ Neat and Tidy]

I have the same looking flooring in my old house - only its original and not Chilean. I never thought I had a treasure. Your taste is wonderful, and Im looking forward to seeing all the work his place.

[GG]

WOW! Cant wait to see it in person. I hear those silent screams of joy my dear.

[Lisa]

The flooring looks AMAZING and I cant wait for the before/after pix. I am so happy for you in this relationship! What a guy...two weeks? Start to finish?...Wow! I feel really slow right now.

[Jen]

Love the flooring. Ill be coming back to see the big changes. Lots of work but also lots of fun!Jeannette

[Sandy]

oh yeah, im totally green with envy..... love it! best wishes to you and your buddy...Sandy

[LuvWheaties]

Fabulous wood. Cant wait to see your home brought into 2012!

[Christa from Chloe Rose]

Im so happy for you! Its so much fun to have someone fully on board with your decorating ideas :). I cant wait to see all the changes. Im sure it will be amazing :).See you soon!Christa

[Jen]

Good luck with the home decorating! How fun! I love your cherry chilean? floor! Its gorgeous, and if you scuff or drop something, it will only add to its character. What a rich color. Jen

[Anonymous]

What a good sport Ralph is....Im sure he will love the touches you two are adding together. Cant wait to see it!!! Jeni

[Anonymous]

Hi Tracey,Im excited to see what youre going to do with your new home. Finally. However, Ive noticed that you hardly ever post anymore. How come? Ive been reading your blog since before Mr. whatshisname left and you used to post every day or nearly every day. Surely, you can come up with SOMETHING for your readers....a recipe, a table presentation, a light fixture or paint color you like. I have a friend who has an acquaintance who writes a blog and she gets paid for it by how many clicks she has on her blog. Im assuming you get paid for this blog. You are jipping your readers if you are getting paid because people are clicking to see if your posting. Its been TWELVE days since youve posted ANYTHING!!! Carol

[Courtney Peebles]

Tracey! you are so amazing and I know you are sooo busy in your everyday life! You are doing a FANTASTIC job on the remodel. There have been hiccups and you continue to push forward! I think that some people need to be more PATIENT and COURTEOUS (Carol)! I know your next blog post will be phenomenal! I cant wait to see it!!! :)