Garage to country chic
When I saw these rafters, I knew.
I just knew we needed to convert this space into the most epic family space.
And guess what?
I was right!
It was second on my list after getting the fireplace done, and I had a vision for how this room could be like a summer / pool room that opens up onto the garden, while also being a second family room, with an office nook.
We set about finding contractors, and stumbled upon God’s gift to building - Veri Artigiani were incredible from the first meeting!
Professional, kind, clear, and boy were they hardworking!
We came up with a very clear plan, which sadly, involved having to close off the stone walls (I was desperate to keep them exposed but insulation didn’t allow!)
We set to work!
I created the electrical plans, the placement of the window and french doors, as well as the new dutch door we had coming.
We also had to leave the external garage doors intact, due to covenants in our contract about the appearance of the home needing to remain as it is. So we built a false wall behind them, to make sure the insulation was thick and strong, despite the doors remaining in place.
We were moving! The floor was evened out, the walls were insulated, the window and door were broken through, and the ceilings were lined, insulated and plastered. They worked at lightening pace, and truly were a joy to have around - which is saying something!
Look at that view!! (*insert sofa, and white wine spritz)
The new window
Dutch Door or Dreams
Finally after only a month, we were looking for flooring, and watching the underfloor heating go in!
Heating pads down!
Heating lines getting added
The floor choice
Suddenly we were done!
The floor were spectacular, and it was my opportuity to go for the paint of dreams - Farrow and Ball, Old School House - the most delicious ‘white’ there is!
Now for the fun bit….
I got busy with Facebook Marketplace, and random rugs I’ve been gifted over the years through my business. I knew I wanted my office nook to be like it’s own zoned space that was clear and not a spill-zone into other areas. So I started with that.
And guys.
I LOVE IT.
It’s so cozy, it has the BEST view (and will continue to improve as the harden is invested in!), and has a real definitely shape to it.
I found an old, vintage, barley twist floor lamp, and coated it in plaster, and Rustoleum stone effect spray, so it looks like it’s been stone chiseled. I put up my favourite French painting, my Olive green desk from my favourite mountain store on Mt Carmel in Israel, and my Find of the Century - my captains chair, and Voila.
Willow and Rest Offices - OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
We still have some junk floating around in this room, as we wait for a shed in the garden, but we have added a pool table, and a family library, sofa, and gaming . TV area, which is perfect for my kids who want to (inconsiderably) play while I want to read by the fire!
I will add more details about this project as they come - but I wanted to share this little treat of a corner - it’s such a beautiful place to work.
It’s amazing to me how a space that most people completely ignore as real estate, and fill with junk, can become the most glorious space for family life, work and fun! We’re so excited about the summer coming, and opening this up to the garden, letting the dutch door hang open and breeze come in… it’s a gift, and we are grateful!
