rear of - and below - the stove. Simple changes, but just look at the
transformation.
The next stage of our master plan was the installation of a stunning
barn door which glides on chunky cogs along an antique style rail.
As well as adding rustic charm, it takes up less space than a standard
portal – important, here, as the family room is so narrow.
Engineered oak was our beautiful flooring solution upon which
we layered a hide rug and a collection of furniture from Sunpan
and Urban Barn. Finally, we framed our new patio doors with plaid
drapery to suffuse our vision with a whisper of ‘highland hideaway’
chic. Come on - we are Scottish. And if we can’t have a brave heart
at the cottage, who can?
In the connecting bedroom, we decreed the same grey scale, with
principal drama via the giant headboard. Elegantly button tufted
and attired in grey linen, ‘wings’ provide visual – and literal – depth.
Combining heavy metal glass topped nightstands with wooden case
goods, provides an interesting ‘mix and match’ aesthetic which feels
perfectly ‘at home’ in our basement.
Through the double doors is a wonderful porch which, when we
took the reins, was the worst space we’ve ever corrected. That which
we thought we could renovate turned out to be a wintery wolf in
summer sheep’s clothing. Rotting at almost every turn, it was little
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short of collapsing pandemonium. So, we bit the bullet. Walls were
bulldozed, the corrugated plastic ceiling torn asunder, and the saggy
bug screens ripped away.
Dan, our contractor, rebuilt the framework, and thereafter, we
installed Sunspace Weathermaster Plus windows. Custom sizable,
vertical panels rise and fall (to provide ventilation) within a slick
framework. What’s more, they contain ‘memory’ vinyl ‘glass’ that can
be poked and prodded without harm: ‘impressions’ slowly disappear
as the surface returns to its perfect flat form. Genius!
Employing the same granite genus used for the family room
fireplace, we floored the entire sunroom before amplifying the
outdoorsy feel with weatherproof sofas and chairs embellished with
toss pillows and throws. Finally, lanterns, occasional dressing and rugs
add detail. Hey - did we mention how thrilled we are with this now
fully re-versioned space? And OMG! That view to the lake…
The transformation complete, we reflect, wistfully, on the huge
workload that saved our elderly cottage from demolition, for that
is surely what would have happened in most people’s charge. We,
however, prefer to save (wherever possible) rather than raze. We’re
sure, wandering from room to room, that we can now discern a
heartbeat. Yup, the previously flat lined cabin has a pulse. And of that
we are fiercely proud.