Tuesday 6 May 2014

At last!


The builders left on Saturday and we spent quite a bit of time finishing off a few things that had been left undone. Our furniture came back on Friday and I couldn't help remember how when we had packed it up we had thought we would be seeing it again in a couple of weeks. Instead it has been over two months! I managed to get rid of most of the dust and dirt (although after writing this I expect I'll find some somewhere!) and after cleaning the floor twice the rooms were ready for their contents. My "before" photos:


And then after unwrapping miles of bubble wrap and snipping through acres of brown tape, collapsing box after box and shuffling furniture around, the "after" photos:


I still have a bit of unpacking to do, and some decisions to make; the mirror that we used to have above the dining room fireplace was always never quite right in that spot so I need to think about where else it could go. I also need to decide whether I put the tablecloth back on the dining room table or leave it as is. There are also some framed pictures (on the chest in the sitting room) which used to go above the sofa but I'm not sure if I will put these up of not. I think I would actually prefer just one rustic oil painting of flowers or a landscape above the sofa instead.


Our second bedroom is looking very empty now as we have moved the bed and my husband's desk, chair and computer into the new garden room. We still have a bit of sorting out to do in here, but it is now a usable office space for my husband and a cosy guest bedroom for anyone who comes to stay.


I also replaced the brass bathroom door knobs with these lovely oval porcelain ones. I did order some original antique ones from the french eBay but unfortunately the spindles were too small for the rim lock. So I found a new pair in the same style all the way in Marseilles! A little bit of Southern France on my reclaimed door from Cornwall found on the UK eBay.


We also kept a portion of space for a small shed area, as we didn't want to completely get rid of all of our outside storage space! Inside the space is organised by shelves for paint and brushes etc. I also have a tool rack for hanging all of our garden tools.



20 comments:

  1. That is lovely...I am insanely jealous !

    ReplyDelete
  2. I absolutely love what you have done! Your little cottage is my dream home, I believe. It is so cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love what you have done. The bathroom is lovely. I wish I had the bricks, its a beautiful area and looks so tidy and a pleasant area to just sit...........Janice

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a lovely home you have. Who would not be happy there? Your new room is pretty and has great light.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love, love, love it, Sister-in-Law - you always have great taste XX

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely transformation of this beautiful cottage!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful transformation you must so pleased, even though it took a little longer than planned
    Thea x

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks beautiful and what a useful space it will be. I love the colours you've chosen, both inside & out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely gorgeous photos! Wow Charlotte, your cottage is lovely. Even though it took longer, it was all worth it. Well done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think you might be ready for a magazine photo shoot now.....
    Julie x
    Love your kitchen table and chairs xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Simply beautiful ... enjoy!

    Love Claire xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nicely done. Great choices all around. A glass of wine in the garden, please.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everything is done so beautifully! Looks just like something out of country homes magazine! Great idea for the book shelves in the garden room too! And the bathroom wow! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Keep up with the wonderful work that you both are doing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the cladding - it complements the brickwork beautifully

    ReplyDelete
  15. It looks fantastic!! Absolutely delightful. You'll never be rid of guests if you give them such a cozy little hideaway!

    ReplyDelete
  16. WOW,it was worth waiting for,the way you have put things together is so tasteful and calming.The day bed is very pretty and I like the shutters in your sitting room.Also your table is lovely,maybe a cloth just for afternoon tea on Sundays!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have just discovered your blog , you have a beautiful home , it would be my ideal , i try to create a vintage look in my rented home on a shoestring budget , but i would still love to live in a place like yours , you are very lucky x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Looks lovely and you will so enjoy this during each season!!!

    ReplyDelete