New Beginnings

Well, renovation woes aside, I have finally rearranged my home into the oasis I want it to be. So, as promised, I have some before and after photos for you! They are slightly overexposed as I am not very familiar with my camera yet, and I haven't had a chance to install Photoshop on the laptop. :)

Let's start with a look into my front hallway and porch:



This is the hallway looking out onto the "foyer" and the "front door" which really was an interior door. Safe, huh? :)



Here, the front porch served as an extension of the living room creating a fragmented flow in the room and leaving very little floor space in this small area. Stinky is lounging on the sofa, hehe :)

Ready for the after shots?



Through the old front door which is now used as an interior door, you can see my brand new steel door. I feel so much safer and warmer!



Now the front porch is a little haven with an armchair to sit and read or daydream in. :) You can see one of the folding doors that have been put up. The other door is still in its package.


Just as a bonus, I thought I would include a photo of my hallway bookcase that is filled with so many goodies, and is the temporary home for some painting gems by Danette Relic, Rowena Murillo, and Steve Emery. I am in the process of finding, making appropriate frames for them and hanging them up on the hallway wall for all to enjoy.

Now, let's move on to the once living room...



There is Stinky again, lounging on "his" sofa. This used to be the living/office room, but as it was set up, it wasn't conducive for inclusive and comfortable discussions. Below is my old desk that was against the wall opposite the sofa.



The desk was only good for the computer and had no space to grade my papers, write or paint.

Now, the room is my bedroom with plenty of morning light and space to walk around the bed, and dust under it. I no longer feel like I am sleeping in a crypt!:)

The desk has been replaced by my new (old) solid oak bureau that I bought at the antique store for 199! I finally have space to store my tops and jewelry and sweaters! Stinky loves it too. He is is not far from the action. :) I haven't had the chance to put up the painting Danette and I created yet. I need another pair of hands. :)

Now on to the old dining room. I unfortunately had not taken photos before I got rid of my old dining table which I donated to my department's lunch room, but I took a couple of pictures so you can get a before idea.

The window-paneled door was to the bedroom and was always closed. This door will be moved to the new bedroom for privacy if I need it :)

The table used to be under the hanging lamp and pretty much took up the whole small room which is in the center/heart of the house and was hardly ever used.

This photo gives you a better idea of the floor space in the room...

Now the room has been transformed!

Into a living room! I got rid of my old coffee table and bought this leather storage bench to take its place. I moved the sofa table from under the window to accommodate my TV.

Now, my guests and I can sit together, watch TV, share a snack...

...and some conversation in my new cozy living room! Now the heart of my house is being used daily! Whoop! :)

Last, but not least is the final transformation...

This small, west-facing room used to be my sleeping crypt with barely enough room for my bed. The blinds were almost always closed and the headboard was at the side of the bed. Making the bed was challenging, to say the least...

BAM! Look at the light, the blinds open to let the sun flow in and me to sit at my new spacious workspace and stare out at the garden! The pine dining table I bought is big enough to allow me to spread out and breathe! Isn't it lovely?

Plenty of room to grade my papers, write, work on my laptop, make collages and paint.

I am so happy and, yes, proud, for creating a brand new environment to live, play and create in. My small house has become more functional and enjoyable. I can live with the renovation setbacks, because I have the satisfaction of knowing I have made a visualization come true.

Whoop! Whoop! :)

Space

(click on image to enlarge)

Our veritable wishmeister, and inspiration artist extraordinaire, Jamie, has given us our weekly Wednesday wish prompt here! Join us in wishcasting! :)

At first, I was going to be all practical and shizz, talking about what I want to do to change my home's space into something along the lines of what I need/want in a space. That requires architects, and builders and lots of funds. I am making small changes here and there, trying to make the most of my tiny home. Adding a floor to the basement, and using the space. Rearranging the rooms, putting in a couple of doors to make the place warmer in the winter and keep the cool air in the summer. That stuff.

But really, since this is about wishing, so why not go all out?

• I want a home near the sea, and if that isn't feasible, I want it near water. I want eternity outside my window, not another window.
• I want lots of trees to gaze at and fall in love with.
• I want airy rooms with lots of windows and lots of light, and high ceilings. Like tall glasses of water.
• I dont' need a lot of square footage. Just SPACE. Not a house compartamentalized with walls.
• I want simple decor with bold colors. Warm rooms with minimal stuff.
• I want a bathtub fit for a Queen, so I can luxuriate in it. Candle light and dreams.
• I want a kitchen that isn't merely utilitarian, but one that makes my heart quicken with the desire to cook and bake, and sit and relax, while staring out of the windows greenery.
• I want a bedroom that is both inviting and serene. Sensual and warm.

I chose these pictures for my collage above because they best depict what I wish for in a home. AH. I love wishcatsing Wednesdays! Thank you Jamie!

Now, what is your wish for your space? Will you be practical or will you just let loose and WISH? I look forward to reading your posts. :)

May your home space be a haven, a source of joy and creativity, and filled with love and laughter.

Blessed be :)