So we decided to renovate the cottage. Here's what happened: When we gutted the space and started figuring out where windows would go, we kind of screwed up. We ended up with a ridiculously long wall where the wood stove is. I found myself staring at it and shaking my head. We should have installed more windows. And when I hung a picture and a clock  they both appeared lost; floating in space as it were....

I imagined a mantle or shelf travelling the length of the wall to add some interest but even that wouldn't solve the problem. So I told Lorenzo that we should pebble-tile the wall behind the wood stove. We had already pebble-tiled the hearth which is four feet wide. I knew that if we did a feature wall the same width and brought it up to the ceiling, it would break up the space and improve the overall appearance. So we called our trusty tile guy, Tony Dominelli who lives on Bowen Island, and he agreed to meet Lorenzo at the cottage.  This was the last weekend in May. And so the work began....

While this was going on, Lorenzo began installing the central vacuum system. The outlet upstairs had to be boxed-in, unfortunately, but it looks alright. Once it's painted the same colour as the wall it won't look too bad. Maybe a very small child could sit there and read a book or something....

And then Lorenzo installed in the stair rails....

He bought the components at Home Depot....

We thought about painting out the wood but have since decided to leave it as is; I'll apply some mineral oil. I'm really happy with the way it turned out - it's a narrow stairwell with not a great deal of light coming in. Using metal balusters was a good choice; they take up a minimal amount of visual space, they're zero maintenance, and the proportions are correct....

After the pebble-tile was up, Lorenzo framed it with some vertical moulding and grouted it all. The grout colour is too dark in my opinion so I'm going to lighten it the next time I go over....

All in all, I'm very glad we did this. The wall looks so much better now....

On the next trip, I'll paint the moulding the same colour as the wall, and then we're going to install shelves on either side supported by brackets. This will anchor the picture and clock and provide a place to put some candles or books. And then we'll be done! I mean it this time. Except for the exterior, of course.



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A Day in the Life of Marcello the Bunny:

hanging out in the wildflower garden, nibbling on tasty leaves....

taking a break under the trailer....

sitting in the jasmine pot, taking a look around....

posing for his close-up....

hey! Dad's having ice cream!

they know I prefer spumoni, but this will do....


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We're planning to head to the cottage for the Canada Day long weekend. I guess I should book our ferry. Ciao for now!