Before
After
G'day bloggers!
Ahhh, what a nice weekend - Sunday at the Beach Cottage means a roast dinner, can't seem to kick that old English habit though more often than not now the roast gets done outside on the BBQ, gotta love a bit of outdoor roasting.
Anyway while I was pottering around roasting the pork and such I thought I'd show you the bunting I made for the kitchen window.
When we viewed the cottage I loved this window, though at the time it was pretty much disguised with, oh about 40 years of grime, and I still love the window, a little shabby, the old sash panels and those oh-so-gorgeous ropes that run down the side.
Unfortunately it needs to be dressed, real-life style, as to the side it is somewhat overlooked and me in my dressing gown making tea in the morning could seriously give someone a fright.
So I did a treatment on it - you know, one girl, one hot glue gun and some string.
here's what I did
cut triangles from a stip of fabric with pinking shears to save hemming and fraying, used the first one as the template so they were roughly the same size
and hot glued the string to the flags
I looked back to find the photo of the kitchen, goodness isn't it just really really awful?! Sometimes i can't believe we bought this old lady, it certainly was the grottiest tatty old cottage and looking back I think wow was that really me who viewed this place and saw some potential?
But I'm glad I'm on this journey with old Frank Spencer Mr BC who as we speak is climbing around in the roof of a tatty old Australian cottage to fix something to the ceiling for me, scared of the big old spiders and even more petrified he might see a snake...
Five years ago in our comfy life in England I never thought I'd be on the other side of the world doing the Sunday roast on the barbie...what do you do that you thought you never would, I'd love to know?
for sale, down to the last couple now, thanks so much to all those who've ordered them.
oh and go tumble on through my the Beach Cottage Inspiration Board - lots of eye candy for your beach house decorating
see all you lovelies tomorrow...
blogged for Susan's Between Naps on the Porch event (heaps of Metamorphosis stunners)
and Not Me Monday
Your kitchen is awesome! You have done a great job!
~Liz
Posted by: Liz | July 13, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Hi Sarah! WOW! From what you started with til now...amazing job...oh and the bunting is cute too! :)
P.S.
I didn't move around the world...but 5 years ago (that's how long it's been for me too)I never thought I'd be living in the Midwest! Eating Brisket!:)
Posted by: Michelle @ Sweet Something | July 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Wow! It is amazing! That does not even look like the same place! The bunting is adorable!
Have a great week!
Karyn
The Bloom Girls
Posted by: The Bloom Girls | July 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
I like the bunting, very nautical! The kitchen is lovely. I like the open shelving and knife and cup racks. The two types of countertop look very cool. I'm happy to have found your blog.
Posted by: Peg@Bloomfield Farm | July 13, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Wow! That is quite a transformation! Beautiful!...Christine
Posted by: Christine | July 13, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Oh, I so want a beach cottage! Your kitchen is the neatest thing!
Posted by: cynthia olson | July 13, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Beautiful job on the kitchen! Really sweet.
I never dreamed I'd have my grandson living with me, or that I'd be watching him full-time! It's strange starting all over again, and I don't have the energy for a four-year-old like I used to! I'm tired! But I wouldn't have it any other way! I never knew I'd have such joy!
Posted by: Eileen | July 13, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Sarah,
I just adore your home. I have said it again and again, but you have that special touch that gives your home such charm and character. Its so amazing!
If you had told me three years ago that Iwould have a blog, I would've laughed in your face. I still dont know very much about computers, but I have figured out enough. I am so blessed with my bloggy friends...who I also wouldn've laughed about. I mean, who meets "friends" on the internet ...except prisoners? Really, I am blessed. Thanks for your friendship! And also for opening up your home to me! You inspire me!
Posted by: leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville | July 13, 2009 at 03:09 PM
Hi Sarah, I must tell you that your blog is one of the very first things I read when I turn my computer on in the morning. I am continually looking for your makeover updates. Just love coming to visit. Your kitchen is simple and practicle just the way we like to keep our lives. Sandy x
Posted by: Sandy | July 13, 2009 at 03:12 PM
fantastic before and afters! (I've lost my befores somewhere!). Love the hot glue bunting idea instead of sewing too - great idea.
Posted by: Sara | July 13, 2009 at 04:22 PM
Your kitchen looks so sweet, I love it!
Love the bunting too.
The thing that I never thought I would be doing 5 years ago is having my own homeware business & it being so sucessful! I just love what I do & I'm so glad I got the chance to do it.
Love
Alison
x
Posted by: Alison | July 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Hi Sarah
You've achieved so much
I bet Mr BC isn't really like Frank Spencer - ??? I used to love that show, are you like Betty?
I love your Bunting, I also avoid sewing machines, I love the hot glue and pinking shears solution and of course the string - the end result is just fantastic!
Posted by: Gail McCormack | July 13, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Hi Sarah, I just love the sound of your 'Frank' - I mean Mr BC. Does he have the same accent as Frank??LOL
The bunting looks fabulous.
Looking at your before pic. we can see you guys have done a great job on your makeover of the Beach Cottage.
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | July 13, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Hi Sarah
You are like the lady who's friend was fussing with a flower arrangement and she says....sarah,what it wrong with this flower arrangement....I just cannot figure out what is wrong.....you walk up, fluff 2 flowers and she says, sarah, what did you do...it is amazing...I love it..........
you sarah, just have that golden touch that makes everything happy and in harmony...picture-perfect but comfortable...elegant but casual...
I just discovered your blog and I am so glad I did......
I love the flag window topper....so many possibilities....pinking shears are marvelous, are they not
angel hugs
debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 13, 2009 at 07:18 PM
What a fantastic make over!!
But somehow I find the rustic charm from how it was also very appealing..
Have a great summer!
Aina
Posted by: Aina | July 13, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Beautiful bunting, and an amazing job in the kitchen, nice to read some of your story too. I never thought I would be working a thirty five hour week (and I have been for the last ten years). Hugs, Margie.
Posted by: Margie | July 13, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Hi Sarah, you sure did one fine job on your kitchen, vast improvement from before :) And your bunting really looks easy, I've made one before which involved my sewing machine, but your method is definitely the one to go with!
Posted by: Ashley | July 13, 2009 at 08:14 PM
I want to be brave enough to take on reno's like this - one day , just cannot see past the diapers and bottles right now!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | July 13, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Well, that is "simply" adorable!
m ^..^
Posted by: m | July 13, 2009 at 09:03 PM
That is a delightful transformation! I too moved a long way away from home, but, since this is a big country, still in the same country. At least I think it is. Things are a bit different where I am now than they were back home!
Posted by: Paula - Mise en scène | July 13, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Kitchen is beautiful!!
I LOVE the bunting.. I have been planning a girlie version of it myself for my daughter's bedroom in the new house.
I never thought I'd be leaving NYC for a suburban lifestyle in a fisherman's town, but raising kids makes you think differently! Move is in 5 weeks!
Posted by: Elena @ the white picket fence | July 13, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Your kitchen is awesome! Love your crafty project too.
Honey, I've done LOTS of things I never imagined I would do. I'm doing one right now. I'm giving up my over-priced and very chic possessions to live a simpler life and really watch my pennies.
Posted by: Suzann | July 13, 2009 at 10:00 PM
What an amazing transformation! I love the simplicity of flatware in the glasses, such a great touch.
I never thought I would buy my childhood home. As a teenager all I could think of was getting away from it, and then 5 years ago I bought it and move there. Funny how that works.
Posted by: Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage | July 13, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Great transformation! So glad you saw the potential and your bunting idea. So clever and easy. What I never thought I would do? Gardening. I used to travel for a living. Never in one place long enough to even think about it. Once I quit traveling and settled down, I decided I might like to try gardening. I went through the master gardener course and am now a master gardener and can't imagine living without a garden.
Christi
Posted by: Christi at A Southern Life | July 13, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Love the renovation...you all did a marvelous job! It is fun to see the potential in old things! Your nautical bunting project has inspired me a bit to get on with my crafty projects! Hmmm...I never thought I would have a blog a few years ago (since I am more of a quiet personality) and be meeting all of these amazing decorators! Take care, Caroline
Posted by: Caroline at Caroline's Lost and Found | July 13, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Such a transformation! The bunting looks really good, I would never have thought to make it that way.
Mel xxx
Posted by: Mel (Shabby Chick) | July 14, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Thanks, Sarah - your blog has inspired me so much. Count me in for the junking tour - you and your followers can stay at my place in Los Angeles - I'd love it.
Marsha
Posted by: Marsha | July 14, 2009 at 01:21 AM
What a clever idea. So cute!! I'm glad you saw the potential in your sad, worn out little beach cottage, 'cause it looks great now!! All it needed was a little bit of love and care, right?
Posted by: beth | July 14, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Love love love the bunting and that fabric. Oh, how I love it and would love to find something like that.
Your kitchen is great.
Posted by: Shar Yates | July 14, 2009 at 01:32 AM
so you are just one TALENTED WOMAN ! lOVE the fabric.
I thought of you as I passed this home with a spiral staircase and snapped a pic for my blog.
And look at the amazing color of the home next door.
So lovely !!
Posted by: Queen B | July 14, 2009 at 01:48 AM
The befores and afters of your home are simply stunning! I am currently in love with every day garland/banners for the home, and yours has turned out beautifully. Up until her little legs couldn't hold her, my British grandmother was making Sunday roasts for whomever would come by. I think more than the meat I remember those Yorkshire puddings, oh my.
Posted by: Amanda Nicole | July 14, 2009 at 03:15 AM
I love your kitchen buntings- I just made those for my daughter's room! Just a side note your link to your Inspiration Board has an extra letter at the end (.comk) that needs erased for it to work. Love it all!
Posted by: Kelly | July 14, 2009 at 03:29 AM
There is no way this is the same kitchen! I love it and your nautical window treatment. Great job!
Posted by: Carol | July 14, 2009 at 03:47 AM
Lovely! Added you to my list of follows. I've saved jars forever and will be putting old trims in them for giveaways soon.
What did I do that I thought I would NEVER do? Move to gloomy ole' Vermont. Trying to get back to the beach, though.
Following now. I see some friends.
Posted by: Nancy | July 14, 2009 at 03:51 AM
nothing like the joy of a simple thing, conceived and completed. good work!! and i marvel at your ability to see beyond the grime and make such a special place to live. do you and mr. bc do all the reno. work yourselves? i just don't know how to do that much, although i'll try anything with a sewing machine. or needle/thread. i've been following your photos and have made my bedroom a sand/white haven. with the tiniest sprinkles of green and blue. (water is the theme.) my own bc. love it!
i moved from new england to southern california. never thought i would live here and now it has been 24 years. gag! just proves we can do anything we have to do! keep on posting. i check you every day! jkj
Posted by: jane | July 14, 2009 at 04:19 AM
Love this - so easy, even I could do it.
Love to see the before pics - shows just how far you and the house have come.
Posted by: janmary | July 14, 2009 at 04:24 AM
Hi there!
I love those little flag curtains! Too cute. Your kitchen is a show stopper now, great job!
I've got you down as an Honest Scrapper on my blog, if you have time, feel free to come by and check it out. :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2009 at 04:37 AM
Sarah, your kitchen is gorgeous and your bunting is so much fun. What a clever idea - it just looks perfect. xv
Posted by: Vicki Archer | July 14, 2009 at 06:10 AM
Love, love, love the bunting! :) What a transformation to the kitchen....it's absolutely lovely!
Hugs,
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | July 14, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Love the bunting and the simplicity of it.
Posted by: Beach Vintage | July 14, 2009 at 07:59 AM
The little flags are a celebration! Lovely, clean kitchen. Everything gorgeous & yummy & real as usual.
The things we are doing that we never thought we would? They can be Lifesavers... Re-imagining & reconnecting with neglected or forgotten parts of ourselves. The "Re" words... renewing, refreshing- easier sometimes with our houses than with ourselves? Sometimes it seems easier to fix the countertop than to look at what really needs overhauling. A never ending process.
Wishing all of us the courage to live authentically.
Posted by: sush | July 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I love your kitchen. You did such a great job. I hope you will keep showing your great decorating tips. Great before and after pics.
Posted by: COUNTRY MOM | July 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Sarah,
I am so inspired by your blog. My sister and I both live near beaches on both coasts of the US. We found your blog and love it so much. You really give my day a lift and I love your creativity. Please keep up the great job. Your kithen is beautiful. I like it better than kitchens in million dollar homes I've seen!!!
Posted by: Jill@cottagesisters | July 14, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Wow! What a great job you've done with that kitchen! I don't think I could have ever seen the potential there! The bunting is just the perfect touch too!
Posted by: Kathi | July 14, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Very sweet , love the new kitchens and your new valance !
Hugs ~ Kammy
Posted by: Kammy | July 14, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Sarah,
Your kitchen is just the most serene place EVER! In fact, your entire home is just stunning!! And, thank you so much for the DIY bunting--I will be making one for baby girl's birthday party next month thanks to you! ;)
One thing I never thought of doing that we did was adopt--our beautiful daughter came into our lives almost two years ago from Guatemala--and she is the joy of our home and the love of our life. God works in such amazing ways!
Still dreaming about owning a "tatty" old cottage--but, for now, I think I'll have to just live it through you! ;)
Hugs,
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin | July 14, 2009 at 12:21 PM
O, Sarah..I can't tell you how I enjoy seeing your decorating. Decorating that doesn't LOOK decorated..I just love the whiteness, the coolness, the uncluttered look. Me, of all people...I am such a collector, never wanting to get rid of one single thing...and now...I am ready to throw it ALL out and start all over with WHITE. Thank God i do have white walls in most of my house...and I love your window treatment...
Posted by: bj | July 14, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Something wrong with your link to the Inspiration Board, I think. It won't take me there, at least...
Posted by: bj | July 14, 2009 at 12:58 PM
It's just gorgeous - I want to come stay there! I clean houses instead of working in an office, as I did for nearly 20 years. Pay is good, hours are good, but cleaning other ppls bathrooms - um, not so glamorous!
Posted by: Angie | July 14, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Hello Sarah - love your kitchen make-over! So fabulous. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you a beautiful week.
Posted by: Marie | July 15, 2009 at 03:35 AM