My Renovation Projects – Part 1

I’ve been in my little cottage just over a year now. During that time I’ve had the kitchen renovated,

Original kitchen.
Gutted space.
New cupboards in.
Completed, almost. At this point I was still waiting on the tile backsplash.

and new flooring laid,

A much younger Bowser inspects the work.

painted walls, and created a new laundry room and a backyard oasis. Also on my to-do list for my home this year was finishing off the unfinished entryway and getting myself a fireplace before winter.

Here is the entry way, before:

View to front door (and Bowser photobomb 😂)
View to back door.

And here it is after engaging the services of a talented family friend to finish the space, and painting the walls myself:

Facing the front door.
Facing the back door.
I’m lining the space with old furniture (including from my daughter’s teenage bedroom!) to provide me with much needed storage.
The only piece I bought for the entry is this tiny pantry cabinet, and some shoe cabinetry from IKEA.

I’m super pleased with how this turned out. And how much more spacious my entire place feels with this area finished and providing extra storage for me. My entryway is now so much cooler in the summer and I anticipate will be warmer in the winter, thanks to insulating and finishing off the ceiling and walls.

Stay tuned for Part 2, and my fireplace dream come to life!

Rock on,

The WB

36 thoughts on “My Renovation Projects – Part 1

  1. hilarymb

    Hi Deb – it is really coming together – and you’ve done the garden, reaping the rewards … well done – no wonder you’re so pleased. I’m looking forward to seeing the fireplace etc … cheers – and I’m glad Bowser was checking things out to his satisfaction! Hilary

  2. It all looks great!
    And it’s so refreshing to see someone’s renovations go well. Not that I’d know what that feels like mind you… but I’m glad someone does.
    In the midst of our door replacement dilemma, I admit I cringed at yours with the sloped ceiling. That must have been fun.

    1. Oh boy…the renovations have not gone that well and when things go sideways I shrug my shoulders (and roll my eyes) and say “Cottage charm, I guess…yep, chalk it up to good ol’ cottage charm!” (That gets said A LOT around here, believe me.) Nothing is straight, nothing is level, nothing was done right originally…but the finished product makes it all worth it. Thanks, Rivergirl 💕

    1. It’s been increasingly important to me that I reuse stuff already on hand or buy second-hand whenever possible. It makes me feel good to divert waste and reuse stuff already in existence. My initial concept for this space was to buy and build a bank of IKEA-type closets for this space but instead I went with a mish mash of cupboards and things I already had or that my daughter had in storage (like her old bedroom set). Adds to the cottage-feel of my place, I think! Thanks, Suzanne 💕

      1. Hi, Deb – Your renovations looks fabulous. You are an incredible visionary, with a can do spirit and tons of talent to make things happen. I especially love your environmental commitment to reuse snd repurpise!

  3. The entrance way with all that storage will go a long way towards making the space more functional, which will, in turn, make it seem bigger. Love the kitchen update. Small spaces can be efficient and it seems like you added lots of good options. Kudos!

  4. I adore posts like this one. Your kitchen remodel is perfect, so much more in keeping with who I sense you are. I like how you’re incorporating the older furniture. So fun to watch you turn this space into your own.

    1. Thank you, Tracey 💕 I love colour and I surprised myself by initially painting my place pure white. It was refreshing to cover up all the tired 90s colours but I’m not sure how long the walls inside will stay white 😉.

  5. Pingback: My Renovation Projects – Part 2: The Fireplace – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG

  6. debscarey

    My Deb, but haven’t you been busy! I’m so looking forward to seeing your fireplace 🙂 And the Bowz is one cute photobomber 😀

  7. Deb, I love your sweet cottage. You’re making the perfect spot for you (and Bowser when he can visit) to enjoy your days! What a haven.

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