Before and After

We have had a few requests for pictures of the work we have had done to the house, so here are some before and after views. 

First guest bedroom…..

Before -don't you love the colours in this bedroom ?
We had the door to the bathroom filled in for privacy of guests.

After - the painter has still to patch and paint where
 the light fittings have been moved

we found the armoire and matching bedside tables
at a local brocante dealer

After

Second guest bedroom…..

Before 

After - haven't needed to change the colours

After 

built-in wardrobe

From a variety of colours from pink to purple to bright yellow we have tried to bring a calm and classic look using french ‘greige’ and white throughout. The problem with this colour is that, in some light it looks grey and in others it looks beige – tricky. 

Before - the upstairs hall

After - view of the house across the street

We have tried to make the guest bedrooms comfortable and ‘country’ but I had to have a crystal chandelier somewhere so Graham reluctantly agreed to a small one in our bedroom..... 

                                                                       Before

Purple floral wallpaper - what were they thinking ?

After

white Marcella bedcover and bedside cabinets from a brocante

we have a collection of old keys
from around the house

View of the mairie from our bedroom window

Upstairs bathroom…..

Before - wallpaper in the upstairs bathroom
 even on the ceiling, and the colour
 was creamy yellow, not white

After

Upstairs sitting room…..

        

Before - cheap vinyl on the floor and 3 colours on the walls

After - now has carpet and a repaint - a cosy winter tv room
and acres of storage behind the curtains

Stairwell…..

Before - the colour was actually custardy yellow - yuck !

Much improved with paint and carpet

Front salon – this is the front door and so the first room visitors see. We have tried to make it more formal for entertaining.

Before...

couldn't stand the chocolate brown

 After......

we even replaced the white cotton curtains
for a more traditional french style
to bring in more light

 mouldings on the built-in cupboards

 

found a spot for Graham's antique maps

Lots of drama trying to find a pair of chandeliers for the front salon. Graham wouldn’t have crystal so we tried black metalwork – couldn’t get a pair we could agree on even on the internet. Eventually he agreed to the pair I had been admiring for weeks in our favourite brocante dealer’s shop on the other side of the bridge. He liked them even more when we negotiated a great price after also buying a second dining table. They are metal ( not sure what) and not antique but pre-loved. I think they suit the room, what do you think ? 

Rear sitting room – this is where we spend most of our time

Before

After - looking for some french posters for the walls

Just a fresh coat of paint and , I hope, less clutter

Like the french coatrack ?

We have ordered the new kitchen units from Ikea and are all ready for Richard to start work when they arrive. Knowing how long it can take for something to be delivered here, we are hopeful we will have the place finished by Christmas.

We are still looking for dining chairs and small bits and pieces just to decorate and stop the place from looking too bare. Another excuse to keep visiting those brocante fairs and vide grenier markets.

This is the view from my laptop on a good day. Unfortunately, today is grey and drizzly, perfect for staying inside and working on this blog. I think I’ll spend the afternoon making marmalade.

À bientôt mes amis