I liked the wallpaper well enough even if I wasn't thrilled with it, and although I'd considered papering over it, deep down I knew that wouldn't really solve anything because the problem was still That Annoying FLAT Window So with the window staring me in the face, I thought I'd tackle that very thing which I disliked the most I've always wanted a window ledge, and so why not try and make one? So this is where Leone's FACELIFT began. |
To make the inside non-opening window look more important, and to add some interest to a boring outside wall, I LIFTED OFF THE FRONT FACE PANEL on the the exterior of the Villa, and then bumped it out a Half Inch. I framed in around the inside perimeters of the window opening, then around the outside of the frame of the face panel using lengths of thick balsa wood. Then the face panel was re-glued over the exterior opening so that it stood proud from the surface of the exterior wall. After it the glue had dried, the joins and seams were sealed, with some wall putty and paint. It is now securely re-affixed into place. I'm sorry that I didn't take any pictures of the process, but this is how the front face panel looks now that it is almost finished. The front looks the same head on but the profile is better. |
This looks far more interesting on the outside and it's providing me with an inside window ledge; Hip Hip Hooray! The window and the window ledge are still unfinished, however, it was right after I had re-adjusted the window, that everything else about this room began changing - rapidly! |
I decided to switch the kitchen door from the left side of the wall to the Right |
This new door placement was good on several counts:
1) It would give me a straight view into the Main Entry from the patio
2) The foot traffic from the garden did not have to pass through the kitchen to get to the rest of the house
3) The kitchen itself would be self contained
and would look more
"Old World".
This was the set-up I decided upon for the kitchen interior. I felt happier with this particular arrangement. However, after I'd examined the photo above, the thought came to mind that perhaps I should differentiate the floor of the corridor from that of the kitchen: So I laid down a scrap piece of tile paper to see how the two floors looked together, and I decided I'd go for it I'll be honest, I had to do then re-do the tile floor TWICE. ☹ The first time I laid the paper down crooked. It was just a fraction off but it. REALLY BUGGED ME >< I was all out of the original scrapbook tile paper, so I had to use a photocopy of it for the second attempt. The photocopy tile was SuperWHITE with a wishy- washy Black. So then I had to try and match the tile color with those in the Main Entry... ARRRGGH ! >< Well, it is what it is which is not great, so don't look too close, okay? The tiles look better from a distance and the view from the staircase window Is Much More Interesting now that there is actually Something Worth Seeing!
PLAY TIME! |
|
For the tiles behind the stove, I am thinking to use a photocopy of a French Rug. The Baroque pattern and pretty colors are just what I am looking for. I'm still not certain about if I should have a stove hood or not. I have an inspiration picture of one which I might try anyway, just so that I can see what it will look like with everything else before I finalize my decision. |
The Elizabeth Causeret covered casserole was a gift from Linda when she and Janine were at the 2017 SIMP SHOW :D the Roma Tomatoes are plastic berries from a Christmas Wreath |
Morrel Mushrooms
were made by Irina Timoshkevich
of
Irina Miniatures
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Irinaminiatures
|
The fab pottery pieces are more gifts from both Linda Park and from Fatima |
This will give you the general feeling of how the kitchen is developing. After I build the permanent walls and install the arch, I shall be adding, cupboards and shelves and perhaps, over head beams as well. I'll need some additional counter space on either side of the Red Range, and More Herbs for the window sill. |
I am using this large"iron" urn as a temporary sink however the more I look at it, the more I like it. May have to rethink The Sink |
Next to the sink, is my new chopping block by Weston Miniatures https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WestonMiniature It's PERFECT! Thanks Matthew! |
Erzebet of Hungarian Miniatures
made the Parmesan cheese and the grater.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/hungarianminiatures?ref=listing-shop2-all-items-count#items
Jar of Tomato preserves by
Irina Timoshkevich
Irina miniatures
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Irinaminiatures
Additional Items displayed on the chopping block include: pepper grinder, bottle of Chianti, bowl of eggs, the garlic and the whisk made by me. Janine bought me the Elizabeth Causeret country style dish also from the 2017 SIMP show; I tell you, I have some of the BEST-EST Best Friends! :D |
The onion and garlic braids were also made by Fats! :D |
The above photo lets you see the temporary set up in the kitchen and how it relates to the Morning Room. It will all change again, when the walls are papered, the shelves go up and the light fixture are put in place. In conclusion: It was FUN to be able to play with some of these kitchen accessories again, especially after all of the re-thinking and re-construction. And even though I'm not finished yet, I got a good bit done this past week even if most of it consisted of Painting... Painting... and more Painting |
miles left to go
but I feel I'm actually making some progress
|
♥♥ ♥ |
elizabeth