Sunday, December 30, 2012

THe Humble Bungalow makeover...

It's been about a year since we embarked on a major restoration and renovation
of the lower level of The Humble Bungalow.
It's been a labour of love and a long and arduous undertaking.
Time, energy, sub-trades and money...not necessarily in that order.

Mr. HB has the design sense and vision, I had a desire for a more finished space, something that was not a basement as such. A bright light place where I could be comfortable while accomplishing domestic chores like washing and ironing.

There are two other rooms already finished that are functioning as a guest room and a hobby room. (where I dabble in paints)

Please understand that we have not put all the finishing touches on the space just yet.
There will be some more "decorating" or "feathering the nest"items as we find things and are in no rush.
At the moment I am considering painting a few more rose paintings and hanging them
above the washer and dryer.


back entrance
laundry area


washer and dryer set
I am contemplating a shelf or future paintings
for the wall above the LG workhorses.


view at bottom of the stairs
in laundry area

zinc bucket for flowers cut from the garden
basket for leafy greens
colander for rinsing beets and potatoes from the veggie patch
bowl for rinsed produce

all handy waiting for next summer's bounty


hallway to guest room at the end
hobby room on the left at the end
storage area on the right at the end
bathroom on the right


storage area
awaiting organization


I am so delighted with the full length mirror


bathroom


bathroom 


Theme:
black and white
keeping things simple and understated
employing the rough edges
the imperfect 
and 
not trying to be anything but honest.

I hope you've enjoyed our wee tour...
this small home shelters and helps to keep us happy and cozy.

Have a great New Year!
Hugs from The Hostess
XO

35 comments:

LPC said...

How wonderful to have extra space like that, and such simple, elegant but practical space at that. Sturdy Gals applaud!

sparrowsandsparkles said...

I love it... looks wonderful - nice work.

Pondside said...

It's all so bright and fresh - you must be so pleased!

Anonymous said...

Oh it's very very beautiful, simply perfect, enjoy your new space.

mette said...

At last. You must be s o pleased. Everything looks bright and well made. Congratulations.
I like your already existing painting. A perfect place for it. I like your downstairs as it is, simple.
Hopefully the ventilation will be ok for your new paintings.

Patricia said...

Oh Hostess, what a wonderful job you and Mr. HB have done! I especially love the bathroom floor, but really everything is beautiful. I'm going to bookmark this in case we are ever in a position to do something similar. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I just love it.

Sheree

Lacey R said...

Sensational renos - I love black and white - so classic and simple. Well done!

Gretchen said...

What drew me first to your blog was your wonderful house and gardens, and then I discovered your charm and have enjoyed the adventure! This basement feels more like a soothing apartment. A few of your paintings in the hall is all I would add. Simple is indeed lovely, and you and Mr. B have done a wonderful job.

Lorrie said...

It's beautiful, Hostess, full of light and brightness. You must smile every time you go through the area.

the gardener's cottage said...

oh so beautiful leslie. love that black chair in the last photo. love all the beadboard too. so fresh and clean!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Fantastic! You did such an amazing job ~ love the black and white palette, it really makes your painting zing. Congratulations, all in time for the new year!

KSL said...

Wonderful job, I love it, and all the details are perfect, and in keeping with the architecture of your home. Now time to enjoy it, and yes, more paintings.

Lisa said...

Such a beautiful space. I love the black and white theme; it looks so classic and clean. The little black chair is adorable.

Erika said...

You have a boxroom! How blissful. I consider a box room and a proper pantry the sign of a house design that has been thought about (along with a decent laundry). Needless to say, my house has none of those things.

Clean and well thought out, so restful and easy to live with. I would be inclined to add a shelf over the washer and dryer, with wicker baskets for the practical but ugly things like laundry powder and stain remover, then a white painted wooden drying rack (on pulleys) from the ceiling. Something to break up the expanse of white in the hallway (pencil drawings, maybe, so it's a soft, tonal touch)?

Regardless, much pleasure has been had visiting here. Thank you, and happy new year!

Judith said...

Well worth the wait clean and simple,a joy to work in,plus the underfloor heating will keep your toes toasty.

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year 2013.Ida

Jamie Cat Callan said...

Lovely photos! And I also adore your profile photo! So pretty! Congratulations on your renovations and bonne anneé! xo Jamie

Sheree said...

I enjoyed your last book.

Sheree

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. I love the white beadboard on the walls. Hope you have aHappy and healthy New Year.
Marilyn

materfamilias said...

I love the clean, solid aesthetic throughout your house -- as you say, it's a very honest look, and so pleasing.
Happy New Year to you!

Jennifer said...

Beautiful I love the black and white theme. Your paintings will look fabulous paired with it.
Happy New Year!
Jennifer

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I may be a sturdy gal too !

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mr. HB is the brains behind this transformation...
I'll tell him you approve.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've been going downstairs every day and still am "pinching myself" it's a dream come true.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am Tabitha!
Last evening I was chatting with my BFF and said I could take in laundry when I retire!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think the in floor heating will keep everything warm and cozy, much better than previously.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Happy New Year Patricia!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for joining me on this journey Gretchen.
Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh Lorrie I do smile and soon I'll be dancing barefoot on warm tile!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your cottage decor has inspired me so much Janet.
That chair was a boulevard freebie that I painted and distressed, not much free stuff around lately as the weather is too wet, but I keep my eyes open!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Happy New year to you and Miss Twiggly!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Paintings will come, as you know one must be in the right mood and there must be time to dabble...
plus I need to buy some more canvas!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mr. HB and I have considered a shelf and baskets but I am very short and they would be out of reach without a small ladder. You've got some great ideas Erika!
Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Love your new blog series Jamie!
Happy New Year.

Sandra Sallin said...

Oh, I love the clean warm feeling of your home. Beautiful job! Enjoy in health in the New Year!