This will be my first ever One Room Challenge. For years now, I’ve sat back and watched my fellow DIY’ers do some amazing projects as a part of this event, always wanting to get involved. And this year, the stars finally aligned and I have the PERFECT project!

A few months ago, I had to open up the ceiling in my basement to allow for some new electrical to be run to my garage (another story for another time). It would be really easy to leave it open for the foreseeable future, but I’m trying to be better at NOT leaving projects at 95%.

That open ceiling runs right through the space I use for my home gym, and every time I’m working out, I see that gaping hole - mocking me.

The One Room Challenge seemed like the perfect reason to focus some energy on this space, get the ceiling fixed AND turn this space into something that is bright and motivational for working out…especially as we head into those pesky hibernation months.

Like any project, it’s going to get ugly before it gets pretty, but having a vision will keep me focused and headed towards the finish line. I put together this mood board to help set the vision. There are a few things I’m still not 100% on, but that’s the fun part! Letting the design evolve as the project moves on.

Projects within projects

Like any big project, there are lots of smaller projects, and this one is no different. Throughout the next 8 weeks, here are some of the small projects that will get me to the finish line:

• Lighting/Electrical - The current lighting and electrical situation in this area is really funky. I’m sure it made sense to the previous owner, but having EVERY LIGHT on a separate switch is not functional for me. I’ll be revising all the lighting to incorporate new LED recessed lighting, strategic outlets for all my tech, and improving the switch situation so it doesn’t drive me crazy.

• Ceiling - My whole house has the dreaded popcorn ceiling. During this project I’ll be scraping down the popcorn and skim coating the ceiling to get to a smooth finish.

• Organization and Storage - From weights to accessories, I need to get things off the floor and more organized. I’ll be adding different types of storage throughout the space to help keep it tidy.

• Flooring - The old berber carpet isn’t TERRIBLE but I’ll be pulling it out and replacing it with new rubber flooring. I found a good deal on Facebook Marketplace a few months ago which is saving me a lot of money. Each panel weighs 96 POUNDS so the install process is going to be interesting!

• Accent Walls and Design - The boring white walls actually fit in with the overall aesthetic in my house (you know I love Alabaster and don’t usually go crazy with color or accents) but this space is meant to be MORE. So I’m going to lean into more design and use these shoes as my inspiration!

A Few More Before Pictures

I’ll be posting weekly updates here on the blog, but if you want to see more details, and see more of the behind-the-scenes, make sure you are following me on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

More about the One Room Challenge

“The One Room Challenge is a biannual event every spring and fall. Everyone with a blog or Instagram account is welcome to join the fun as a Guest Participant by registering for the event with the room or space you plan to transform. Registration typically opens about a month prior to the event. Every Wednesday during the event, which lasts eight weeks, Guest Participants link their weekly project updates on this site, and spectators and participants can easily follow along by browsing the linkup page.”

source: The One Room Challenge

Be sure to check out the Weekly Updates and follow along with all the participants!