Home Trends Budget Makeovers 2015 | Page 97

stone fireplace. Further texture comes via the floor rug and the metal magnifiers that cluster in the shallow grey bowl. Diametrically opposite is the Caesarstone detailed kitchen, illuminated by nickel pendants. A steel tap elicits a slick vibe, whilst a whisper quiet Electrolux dishwasher assures negligible noise bleed. Towers, either side of the stove, house a fridge and freezer, each concealed behind doors. Upstairs, in the house bathroom, the original wallpaper was failing, so we whipped it off. After two coats of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter satin, the walls – and woodwork - were reborn. Next up, we installed a Caesarstone clad deep soaker, above which is a rainfall shower head. We made time to upcycle: a ‘junktique’ wooden table came alive in its second incarnation as a beautiful vanity, topped with a square cut sink and antique style taps. Having satisfied the township (with structural reports) that the cottage wouldn’t be undermined if we removed a dividing wall, we connected two small bedrooms to make one generous master suite. After sanding the orange glazed floorboards, we re-coloured using grey/brown stain. Following this, we tamed the overwhelming ceiling: post update, the dark toned buttresses remain rugged and strong, but the V groove pine is history courtesy of lashings of whisper grey paint. Arranged below the towering ceilings, nightstands and case goods add form and function, while a linen headboard elicits an inviting scene. As final detailing, we specified an armory of ‘Colin and Justin Home’ accessories from HomeSense and two Ikea linen day beds. Dreamy, huh? In the basement, we tore away the dated chevron pine, re-insulated, and then refaced all walls with ‘twice sawn’ lumber which skinned us just a buck per linear foot. The new boards, however, looked distinctly anemic. Hence