COTTAGE MONDAY

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I'm finally back with a cottage makeover update. Although, some days seem like "one step forward, two steps back", I know I've actually made great strides in not-quite three months. I can't honestly say that I have even one room that is complete, but maybe you would like to see some before-and-after---or should I say---in-progress pictures. So here goes!

Today, we're looking at the dining room.

 

New windows and a new door

I started out with my antique table, but the gate leg design made it somewhat impractical for comfortable dining. So, I've relocated it in favor of a rectangular pine table. Not as interesting, but it's more functional for chowing down.

Amazingly, one of the few walls in the house that would accommodate this hutch was the very wall that I wanted to use it on. What luck!

 

A chandelier!

 

There was never one here before. With the very low (7-1/2 foot) ceilings, chandeliers can be problematic. I'm only 5'2", but some people are taller than that! Since this hangs over the center of the table, it works! It's very simple and was also very budget-friendly, but I think it fits with the cottage-look.

I have to admit...I'm really happy with the way this hutch looks!

 The dining room steps down into the den. 

(More on that room coming soon.)

I decided to start out by painting the majority of the rooms a rather un-inspired off-white.  I felt that that would freshen and lighten the cottage and give me a blank slate to build on. I will definitely add color as time goes by. I'm shopping for a rug to go under the table. Also, would you add cushions to the chairs, or do you like the look of the woven straw seats? What about an accent color on the chair rail? Ladies, I welcome your opinions and suggestions, so bring 'em on!

MAKING PROGRESS!

Welcome to Day 2 of my New Cottage post! Talk about a demolition zone! These pictures make it hard to believe that this house will be cute someday. But, as I told you...I have a vision!

Here's what's happened, so far:
>The hurricane shutters have been removed. 

>The large window at the left end of the house has been replaced by 2 new windows, which    
    makes for a more symmetrical appearance and a much brighter den.

>The wall between those windows has been pulled out, insulated and re-sheet rocked.

>The hot water heater has been replaced.

>Many thousands of dollars of electrical updates have been required. Typical for an old house.

>A powder room has been taken down to the studs.
>Old wall-to-wall carpeting has been removed.

>Kitchen counter tops have been removed.
>Vanity has been removed from one bathroom.

>All ceiling fixtures (lighting) have been removed.
>All the trim has been painted.

 

Every inch of the house is being repainted.

A section of the living room had been walled off to make an odd little powder room. Thanks to my carpenter, Richard, it's gone! He removed the plaster that was covering the original chimney. There must have been a stove here at one time. I'm investigating the possibility of a gas fireplace.

New water heater---not a fun expense, but definitely necessary!

New doors, coming soon...

The den had one large window on the left. It was removed and 2 windows were put in, for a brighter and more symmetrical room. The wall was ripped out, insulated and re-sheet rocked.

2 of the bedrooms, in progress ...

These sliders will be replaced with French doors, and the linoleum is gone, needless to say.

New windows and a French door are going into the dining room.

 

The oh-so-lovely laundry room and walk in pantry will be painted, have new neutral color stone floor, and a new washer and dryer, of course.

Are you discouraged yet? Luckily, my enthusiasm is still running high!

Tomorrow, I'll show you some pictures of the bathrooms and kitchen.