Well, I don’t think we’ll be hosting a Super Bowl party this Sunday. 😉 The kitchen is a total mess and cooking has been a bit of a challenge but we are hacking away at our home improvement projects, a little bit each day.
The new knobs and pulls are in, and the matching hinges have been ordered. Yesterday the HH finished removing all the old backsplash, and hopefully by this time next week there will be some new tile up.
He also removed this sweet brass fixture from the hallway. I don’t think the poor thing had been dusted in a VERY long time. 🙂
We tried finding a new fixture at the Home Depot but couldn’t find one we liked that would fit flush on the ceiling, so I bought a can of Rust-Oleum and sprayed the old fixture we took down in our bedroom and had the HH install it in the hallway and called it good.
It’s not something I’d pick out in a store, but it’s better than the old 70’s brass lantern that was there, and hey, the color matches the rest of the new fixtures downstairs so I consider it a win.
As the HH was installing the new fixture in the {previously green} room, we discovered the ceiling in that particular room had only been painted twice before. I don’t know why, but I found it amusing.
Also, I am convinced that the room was previously a formal dining room and that at some point, one of the owners added a downstairs bathroom to the house {just behind where I’m painting} because as the room is today, it’s a little on the awkward side.
If the room were original, the window would have been centered on the wall, don’t you think? The space between the window and the radiator is 4×5 and I have no idea what to do with it. I’ve thought about adding a wooden shelf or two to the wall and adding some house plants… but I’m not sure. The space is too small for a table, but maybe a bench? I just don’t know.
Anywho, the room is coming along. Now all that’s left to do is make the window coverings and add a rug under the coffee table. A 3 x 5 rug would fit just under the coffee table, and a 4 x 6 rug would go from the ends of the couch to the ends of the coffee table. So I’m thinking a 4 x 6 rug. I just don’t know what kind or color of rug yet.
Oh, and the coffee table… the glass is on the way. I ordered the coffee table from Pottery Barn last week when it was on sale and instead of them sending me the table and glass, the warehouse sent me the table and a mirror instead.
It’s a nice mirror, but not something I would have ordered. And after 3 calls to Pottery Barn to talk to someone to send me the replacement glass {and getting transferred and hung up on twice} they told me to just keep the mirror, and that the glass for the coffee table was on it’s way.
Life, it’s full of unexpected surprises. 😉
The weekend, it’s here! What are YOUR plans? A big Super Bowl Party? Staying in your PJ’s? Making curtains? 5 trips to the Home Depot? Helping me figure out what to put in that awkward 4 x 5 space? Do tell. We want to know.
Make it a good one,
~ Mavis
Melissa says
I’d put a chair and foot stool in the awkward place and make it a cozy reading nook. Can’t wait to see the full transformation.
Mel says
Agreed! I was going to suggest an l-shaped window seat or an armchair for a reading nook. My childhood bedroom had 22 walls and all slanted ceilings (attic room), so I love me an awkward room nook!
Marie says
A reading nook filled with LOTS of pillows for Lucy to cuddle under. A lamp (oh wait, ur HH already has one), dreamy quit & a floor to ceiling bookshelf complete my vision. I’ve never had the patience to sit & read during the day but just having a place where I could might be the
answer!
Kathy Brown says
Exactly what I was envisioning!
Margery says
Yes a cozy reading nook
Carole says
totally agree with that!!
Jen M says
I came here to suggest this.
Michele says
Yes! That’s what I was thinking- a reading nook. Maybe even some shallow book shelves. What a great spot with the windows.
Lisa says
Totally agree!
Toni says
Have you heard of ruggable rugs. They are machine washable.
Amy says
Agree! Put a super comfy arm chair in there and a huge blanket. Wall mounted reading lamp too
Diane says
I was going to suggest the same! A reading chair and, if not too crowded, a very narrow table to hold a cup of tea.
Tarah Luke says
I came here to comment the same thing! A reading nook with some 3-shelf bookcases and a comfy chair with lots of pillows and throw blankets.
Amy R Burton says
Really seems like a fantastic “puggle hideaway”!
Kim says
Pretty mirror!
I like the idea of some plants in that alcove. Such fun to see your house transform.
Karen says
A plant hanging from the ceiling would look nice.
Kirsten G. says
Sell the mirror and get a chair to turn the awkward space into a reading nook.
Brent Nair says
The nook/tiny area might be a good little reading area with a comfortable chair and ottoman. The natural light looks great.
Peggy says
Depending what’s on the other side of that wall, could that awkward space have been an additional doorway? Old houses have all sorts of nooks and crannies.
Lynne says
Totally agree on the reading nook. Maybe a small table to hold a lamp and a cup of tea, and perhaps a very narrow shelf or book case that could hold some plants. That is a one-person space.
Jen says
Agreeing with everyone’s ideas. It definitely looks like the bathroom was added. You’re right that the window would have been centered. And the radiator probably would’ve been a little shorter.
Weekend plans? We are squeezing in a drive to have lunch with our son at college, and hacking away at a large tree stump. Sunday my husband thinks we’re gonna tailgate at home before the game. Nope—building more raised beds.
Lace Faerie says
Jen – love your NOPE! Hahaha A girl can never have too many raised beds!
Football Sundays are my quiet and alone time in my studio. Time to quilt, sew, create or just think with no one asking questions or wanting meals. HH goes up the street to his folks’ house where all but myself and DIL who also hates football but she usually has to work.
Ditto on the reading nook. If the view is nice, I’d turn to the chair towards the windows (or at least on angle depending on size of comfy chair (love me a deep cozy chair and a half with tall sides to curl up into) to enjoy the view, too.
Helen says
How about shelves on the wall to make it into a growing room to start your seeds?
Jeanie says
It would make a great spot for a new lemon tree and a few other plants.
Gina says
Yep. Lemon tree nook is my suggestion, too.
Virginia says
Highly doubt that was an original wall. Space looks too narrow for furniture. I personally wouldn’t read there, but it looks like a great space for plants. I’m picturing a tall houseplant in the far right corner (Ms. Lemon maybe?) Keep a clear path to the window on the end so you pull your Roman shades up/down. I’m also seeing another long radiator shelf for lots of houseplants in front of the windows. (Might be a good location for seed starts also.) Plants would really cozy up the space for TV watching.
Probably too late, but HH should protect the countertop with a drop cloth before removing tile. (Hope he was wearing safety goggles too.)
Your TV room might feel larger if you replace the couch with two nice swivel chairs (with footstools perhaps) and put a table in between the chairs. The coffee table seems to eat up your floor space. A floor lamp and/or table lamp would really warm thing up too.
Katie says
I like your chair idea! The room does look a little hard to walk around in.
Jo says
So what is the paint color? It looks different than your favorite Hopsack.
Andrea says
I suggest a reading nook or plant area. With all those windows, use them to your advantage. As for a rug in that area, add some color. Doesn’t have to be a wild design, but with a large TV, wooden TV console and lovely worn-in leather couch, I’m thinking navy – just a thought.
Diana says
Would it be a good seasonal spot to put your grow lights/seedlings when getting started for spring? Seems the windows would be a good boost of natural daylight. Once the seedlings are gone, I agree with Jeanie that a new lemon – or other citrus (maybe a grapefruit?) tree would be nice in that spot. I have a weeping fig tree that would look good there, lol. I like the idea of a reading nook, but it seems too narrow to get a good sized comfy chair in there and have a spot to put a small table to put your tea on. I would stuff it with plants and make it an indoor greenhouse, lol…
Deborah says
I vote for the plant shelves. Plants help to clean the air, and, they are so pretty. Or maybe indoor herbs? I do wish I had the room for an indoor herb garden. I’m wanting an herb garden to help with herbal remedies and teas.
Katie says
I would claim that nook for a reading space in a heartbeat!
Stacie says
I think it should be a reading nook or place your lemon tree over there.
Jamie says
A table or shelf and start your seeds in the nook? A narrow bench and a table full of plants……
suzanne says
The light streaming in is fantastic. I’m so envious.
Toni says
Where is your little lemon tree? That would be a good spot for her by those 2 windows and you could even hang the mirror to reflect more light. You could even put a shelf with grow lights to start seeds in that small area.
Deborah says
Get a step stool to do your painting or a long extension stick! You’re an accident waiting to happen!
Robin in SoCal says
Ha I thought there is no way I could paint a ceiling without a drop cloth to cover the entire room. But Mavis is pretty much a professional painter by now. Those skills!
Karen says
A Stressless chair and footstool and an Echo dot and you have a great reading/music/podcast nook.
Nancy says
I would use it for plants and / or bookshelves.
Bernice says
Have the HH build you an L-shaped bench, with an open bottom where you can store books, then put pillows in the corner for a nice resting area while you cozy up….
Sherry in Sumner says
Mavis, I think a corner shelf would balance out the awkward window, and plants on it would love the light.
Pam says
A comfy chair and ottoman, maybe a large plant behind it and if no room for a side table, mount a small shelf on the wall, and a wall mount reading lamp.
Cindy says
I would put shelves in the awkward space and put books there, mixed with some plants to soften the area.
Thelma says
I agree with Bernice , a built in L shaped window seat would be lovely by I would go a step further and enclose a storage area below it for books etc. It would be easier to keep clean . I could see Lucy claiming the bench for herself.
Another thought , this could be a nice small office area . IKEA has a slim desk unit with shelving that would fit nicely. Room for plants books etc…my sister in law used it in a small mud room and it looked amazing . She choose the black finish with turquoise accents .
Teri says
An old steamer trunk might look cool and “beachy” in that space. Did you keep the one you found last year at the recycling center? Love the new paint; looks fresh and clean!
Sue says
A wonderful reading nook, all the windows, what possibilities.
I bet Lucy is so happy with so many things to see, our Baxter would bark all day.
Sheila Cahill says
I would put in book shelves to hold all of my favorite books. My own little library.
Susie Janov says
Reading nook for sure. And put that mirror on the blank wall so it reflects the window for even better reading light.
Joely says
Definitely a relaxing reading or napping space. You could put one of those rectangular chaise style upholstered lounge chairs in there.
Cecile says
Hi Mavis, why not make the alcove a spot to put a comfy chair for reading or hooking with a cuppa on a little spindle side table? With all those windows and the sun streaming in, it would be a nice spot to do both and maybe have a nap! Looks like there is room to put a rustic book case that would fit under the window to put your plants on.
debbie in alaska says
Yup! I would totally make that a reading nook with a comfy chair and ottoman and small table for your tea and a small light. Also those windows!!! Gorgeous. So much light. LOVE the new house. Makes me miss New England. Not enough to move back — but enough to feel nostalgic.
Jennifer says
I vote for a big comfy chair in that nook. Whether you read there or craft,the light will be awesome. Maybe a stand up lamp for evening time.
Holly says
Maybe a teeny little reading nook?
Lisa says
I also vote for a reading nook with a hanging macrame chair (they sell them on amazon). This way your eye will continue throughout the space and not stop dead at a chair. Plus who wouldn’t want to swing a little while reading and sipping tea. I made myself a little library in our basement. I won’t let anyone else use it. Ha! I listen to my old records and read. It is so peaceful. I am enjoying the glimpse of your house redo. Thanks for including us.
Robin in SoCal says
So many lovely rugs here. https://www.loloirugs.com/
I’ve purchased two so far and love them.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks for the link! I’ll take a look.
Connie says
Looks too small for furniture. Plants perhaps. Make your rug 5 x 7.
Laura says
Was coming here to say the same thing! Hate skimpy rugs that barely touch the furniture. Bigger is better (though more $$)
Min says
Would that make a nice space for Lucy? She could look out the windows and sit on something comfy.
Renay says
A bench with storage, like a hope chest. You get storage and a place to sit for peeps and Lucy!
Lindi Turnipseed says
Where did you get the school house looking light fixture with the clear globe???? I LOVE it!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
Pottery Barn.
Lori SA says
We have an unusual bump out space in our living room, and eventually put a window bench in there (platform with small covered mattress, books underneath platform ). Everybody loves that space to lie on and look out the window, or have a quick snooze, or just perch on. Definitely not magazine worthy, but it works for our household (including our pets).
Jenny Young says
I would put a small console or sofa table & fill it with plants…something at least 18 inches deep & around 4 feet long. Put it against the blank wall & let the plants spill over the front toward the windows.
Another idea is a bird cage..finches, a canary.
Or a Lucy station…with a viewing bench for Lucy to nap on & gaze out the windows at the world.
If it were in my house it would be an amazing play space. I have two small cubbies like this in my home I’ve fixed up for my grandson & we love them. We would really love one with windows.
And what is amusing about painting your ceiling twice? You’d be rolling with laughter at my house….I’ve lived here 32 yrs & never painted some of my ceilings….though I do clean them.
Mari Hewson says
It looks warm and sunny, plus having the heater so close……what about starting seeds there or even growing your lemon in there. I’d have the whole area filled with useful plants…lemon , chilli, peppers, tomato even. An indoor greenhouse.
Amy says
I like what you did with the flush ceiling lamp. The new black finish and the cut glass look really nice together 🙂
Holley says
I HAVE IT!!!! It’s the perfect space for the leg lamp all year long!!!!!
Vicki in Birmingham says
OK, when I look at that strange space, I see that round table centered in front of the end window; a bench with a thick cushion that contains storage space on the right by the window and in that wall space at the end, I see a little 12-16″ wide bookcase. It would center everything up and give you a place to put some books or art work, a place for Lucy to watch the world go by and a lovely plant, like a Pothos on the table to bring some outside inside and provide clean air to breathe.
Just throwing that out there since inquiring minds want to know!
Linda Practical Parsimony says
It looks like a reading nook to me. It is just waiting for a chair or two, books, art, and pillows.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
When you have grandchildren, this would make a cozy little room for a little one to play–maybe a little kitchen set and things for dolls. Or a place for a little boy to have cars all over.
Rachel Enzor says
It would be a neat spot for a desk & artwork on the wall. If you don’t mind the window being cut up by the desk, of course. I thought I saw an outlet over there, so that makes it easy to plug stuff in. It *is* a quirky spot, & I just see a little workspace there. Good luck! Your projects look great!!
Linda says
If you bought a painting extension pole, you could probably paint your ceilings standing on the floor, be much safer and not need to get up and down the chair to refill the paint roller. They work great also to paint the highter part of walls.
Nancy D says
The FIRST thing I thought of was the perfect place for the HH’s leg lamp. THEN I thought of a plant shelf with a cozy little chair or bench for a puppy perch
Gail says
Definitely a reading nook. Plus I would have wall to wall draperies that you can open in the center to make the window look centered. Use same fabric as for yours shades on other windows.
Tricia says
Extra storage for Etsy store?
Amy says
Knowing your proclivities (as much as a blog reader could), I would suggest a narrow table/ tall bench (16-18″ deep) and a cute stool. With all of that natural light, your seedlings will have the best possible chance. (The mirror mounted on the rear wall would intensify that light!) Then, once the seedlings are out in your garden, that view from that room to your backyard is spectacular! It looks like a great desk area (like in your sunroom at the old house)– just enough space to look over your garden to dream and smile. 🙂
By the way, I LOVE the repainted lamp for the hallway! That glass is spectacular!
JozieK says
Mavis, would you please answer, did you have to scuff up/ sand the light fixture before spray painting? the bronze looks luxurious and natural. I was thinking to use it for the same purpose, as my place as 5 lights similar,but all different, brass, silver…ugghhh. I really can’t afford to waste money doing it wrong the first time. Sand or no sand required? – Many thanks.
Mavis Butterfield says
I just wiped it clean and sprayed. 🙂
JozieK says
Excellent. Thank you kindly. (PS house looks FANTASTIC, makes me nostalgic for NorthEast. I was a 4th generation NEKker (NorthEast Kingdom-er) from Vermont , living my whole life in VT, spending summers in both New Hampshire and Maine (particularly Kennebunkport & Naples, visiting extended relatives….) until recently when my spouse took a job in Montana. Now I live vicariously through your emails just to get glimpses of home…many thanks, many wishes well for you and yours….and of course “the girl”…ha your so funny!