Big Reveal #2

This is where the dramatic change was.  We took out a hallways that held the laundry, entrance to the bathroom, and a door to outside.  We eliminated the door altogether, as it wasn't used frequently.  The laundry was moved into the enormous bathroom, and the entrance to the bathroom was moved around the corner.   I knew all along a white kitchen was just what we needed to brighten and bring life to the space.  It also was a great backdrop for the nautical theme.  There is no store on the island, so there is lots of groceries for a long visit and two fridges fit perfectly in between two supporting posts.   All the lighting is from Pottery Barn.  The cabinets are custom made.  The harware is from Rona. The corbels on the island are from Homesense.  The bar stools were a great find.  I had tried to get some vintage stools and have them painted, but they were no where to be found.  After looking at some very expensive choices, I found these at Zellers, 2 for $50, and then I had them painted.  The kitchen table and chairs were existing.   I'd like to add a bamboo blind on the window above the sink, and maybe some vintage signs on the header above the fridges and stove.  Other than that, its time to sit back, relax and enjoy.  Stay tuned for the remaining rooms to be revealed in a couple of weeks.

 



 

BEFORE



 

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

The Big Reveal!

I am so very proud of this project.   Its a cottage on Keats Island.   Designing a cottage on a island presents some logistical difficulties and delays, but I am here to say, "It is done... almost!"  The room below is very close...  just missing 1 lamp behind the chair.  I was tied into using navys and a warm colour scheme because of the pieces that had to stay.  But I was so pleased to find the stores beginning to over flow with red and navy accessories - it was good timing.  I got much inspiration from Pottery Barn's spring/summer catalogues.  I knew I was on the right track.  The new sofa, love and chair and a half were from Stylus.  We had an antique bookshelf and side table sprayed, a bench that will serve as a toy box re-stained and the ottoman reupholstered in a remnant fabric from the local fabric store.  The pillows are a collection of pre-existing, IKEA, Restoration Hardware and custom made.  The girls got what they wished for in the new kitchen (check back for that reveal), so the boys got their ridiculously large tv and sound system for their sports.  I guess it is their holiday too!  The TV stand was from Homesense.  I searched high and low for the perfect area rug and ended up with one from Costco!  It is the softest rug I have ever felt, and a great price too!  The old "odd" windows were replaced with more contemporary square ones along the top of the wall.  They offer light on that side of the room without compromising the privacy.  The carpet was replaced with very realistic wood looking vinyl plank flooring that will not be damaged by sun, salt or sand!  I hope you like it!



 

BEFORE

A few of my favorite elements:  fun pillows, a red lantern and a great collection of sea glass.

A few of my favorite rooms....

I love the use of colour in these rooms.  I'm a big fan of a white room, but I think it is a great background for pops of colour.  It just allows the colour to be the focus.  Enjoy....

 



This kitchen just makes me happy!  What fun.

 



 Ahhh...  my kids would have this room turned upside down in minutes!  You always love what you can't have :)  I think what make this room so special, beside the stunning sofa, is the layering of textures, pattern and colour.

 



Classy Contemporary - thats my name for this room.

 



I love the colour scheme in this room.  Red and black is such a classic, but the turquoise puts it over the top!

 



WOW - what can I say.   I want to live here.... in this room.... forever!   Its not white, but neutrall and oh so warm.  Again, layering the textured neutrals and eclectic furniture.

DIY

I used to be a big "do it yourselfer", but as I've added kids to my family I've found I just don't have the time.  However in recent weeks I've been trying to finish off the cottage at Keats, and if I didn't step up and do some things myself, it just wasn't going to get done.  (Stay tuned for more on the cottage at Keats!)  How hard could staining a bench be?  I can tell you its not as easy as you might think!  Stain is a tricky thing!  But I've always enjoyed "easy" re-upholstery.  Recovering the seats of a chair or a simple stool like the one pictured above is a snap.  I found a patchwork fabric on sale and simply stapled it onto the stool.  It took about a half hour!  Now the ideal seat for playing cards around the coffee table is perfect for the cottage by the sea.