It was a windy and cold day yesterday, so I delayed my plans to sow some zinnia seeds and work outdoors because of the dreaded pollen. Instead, I concentrated on finishing off the basics of the Beacon Hill living room. On Saturday, I had added all the baseboards, patching all the joins (they look good!) Yesterday, I rubbed some paste wax on the floor and then kept the window open the rest of the day. That stuff has a strong smell! I stained and painted the fireplace. And then I built a table from a kit that I had on hand. It’s the same style of table that I built for Hummingbird Cottage.
Anyway….I may add another layer of either stain or paint to the table but I’m holding off on that for now. For fun, I added the furniture that I have so far, placed the fireplace in its spot between the baseboards, and took some pictures.
I’m real happy with it so far.
The Knole sofa was made by Joanne Shimakawa. I won it a couple of years ago in an auction for a very good price. It is the inspiration piece for this room.
The fireplace came with the Beacon Hill kit. I used a pecan stain and painted the interior a mix of black and gray. That’s one of my mini Roseville pottery pieces on the mantel. I need to get a few more. There are quite a few in Hummingbird Cottage but I don’t want to steal them, though there is one I have my eye on.
The black chairs are vintage Bespaq, a sort of upscale line of dollhouse furniture. I won them in an eBay auction.
That’s the table I put together yesterday. It may need another coat of stain.
Whoops! I need to sweep the floor again. I want a large cabinet/wardrobe/china cabinet for the wall to the left. I have a table kit that I’m going to put together for the area next to the sofa. I need an easy chair. I have my eye on one, it’s a bit pricey – but, oh would it be perfect as a companion for the sofa!
And then, of course, the room needs all the little extras: rugs, plants, books, pottery. That will come later. I don’t have much left in my stash. Everything has been used in other dollhouses. I only buy specific items for the houses. (Budget, budget, fixed income, budget.)
I hope you like what I’ve done so far! I’m having fun and I’m so grateful to finally feel engaged and committed to this project. Now I have to figure out what room to start in on next. In the meantime, work outside today!
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Oh Claudia! It looks so amazing! And that was such a big leap from baseboards to partly decorated room…. my head is spinning! :):) I Love the table in the bay window with just the two chairs. Those old kits are so much fun to assemble… provided parts aren’t missing… and it looks really right in that spot. I Love the way the floor looks with the wax. I have not waxed floors… I usually use polyurethane… I guess because it is familiar. Wax always seems so difficult to maintain. But it sure looks beautiful! And the Knole sofa is a treasure! It certainly sets the tone for this room! Keep up the wonderful work… and yes to more of the mini Roseville pottery… that stuff is exquisite! I can’t wait to see what you make next! :)
I love those old kits. I have a few more on hand. Years ago, some readers sent me kits that they had never used. I’m so grateful for them.
I’m on a search for more mini Roseville pottery this afternoon.
Thanks so much, Betsy.
Stay safe.
i do like very much what you’ve done so far on the beacon hill … the flooring, the wallpaper and furniture choices (i especially like the sofa) … though for me the best part is that you are pleased with the results of your time and efforts. keep going!
happy, safe monday to everyone.
kathy
ps … glad that don was able to see phileas, too.
Me too. We didn’t see him today, but we looked for him in the morning and he often appears in the afternoon.
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
I love it, Claudia! Practically ready to move in, apart from the little touches you mentioned. The fireplace looks great and I’m glad you went with the pecan. The furniture is perfect. What fun you are having with this!
I am! I like doing this sort of thing and my goodness, what an escape from reality it provides.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
The Beacon Hill is looking great. I love those black chairs and the sofa. I wouldn’t have the patience to do the floor.. it looks great!
Take care
Luckily, by the time it’s necessary to do another floor, I’ll have forgotten what a pain it is!
Thanks, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
I like what you’ve done so far, Claudia. How large is this room? I don’t remember how many rooms there are in Beacon Hill so I’m going to look back at your previous posts.
Hope there is little wind to stir up the pollen as you work outside, although the work may also disturb the settled pollen.
I’m getting ready for another round of renovations thought this time it’s a mini- mini. I’m just getting some maintenance issues fixed outside. The biggie this time (last year was the renovation of the bathrooms) is rewiring for the kitchen ceiling lights which necessitates taking the ceiling down. I hope this is the last of the renovations. I’m tired of packing and unpacking!
I’ve never measured it, but it’s largish.
We have never been able to do any renovations here – we bought this house later in life and we still pay a mortgage. I suppose we’re “house poor” but we feel so happy and grateful to be here. Enjoy, Wendy.
Stay safe.
I’d love to Iive there. I’d add my old hooked rug and an easy chair. I’d light the fire and listen to music with my husband. My dog Dudley at my side….yep on that beautiful sofa.
What a lovely scene you’ve created, Barb. That’s a real compliment.
Thank you!
Stay safe.
The Beacon Hill doll house is looking great. Your attention to detail and patience working on the tiny things always impresses me. Spring is here in Georgia, but most of the pollen is past so I’m able to get out a bit now and then. Take Care
It’s such an escape working on this dollhouse and I really need that right now.
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia & Don — this room looks great !! all the pieces work together really well — floor is so very nicely done — hurrah for you!! Thanks for sharing this journey with us!! today is a very beautiful day after some tstorms this a.m. now sunny w/blue sky. really need the rain around here. hope you all have a safe/healthy week.
Thank you, Linda. We’re getting some rain on Wednesday – we’ve had red flag warnings about fires so the rain will be most welcome.
Stay safe.
Everything looks wonderful! And I absolutely love the floor … the wax really made it shine (pun intended!😄)!
I know you haven’t planted them yet, but I can’t wait until your zinnia’s start to bloom!
I just sowed the seeds today, even though I overdid it! I was impatient to get them in the ground!
Stay safe, Debbie.
The room is really starting to come together. That sofa is gorgeous, and I love those chairs…they are a nice contrast with the table. You’ve made great progress!
Our mulch project went well on Saturday. Amazing what four young strong people can do in two hours along with us lol. However, we didn’t have enough, so more is coming Wednesday morning. Jim and I can finish that. It does look nice, and it will greatly help with weed and moisture control.
Hope your allergies aren’t as bad today….enjoy your day! ;)
Thank goodness you’ve raised your kids well and they actually like to help out! How wonderful!
Stay safe, Donnamae.
I am so thankful for that!! xo
xo
Beautiful! You have a lot of patience,
The sofa in front of the window is a perfect spot to read. :)
I think you’re right, Betsy!
Thanks.
Stay safe.
Beacon Hill is looking great!
Thank you so much, Cathy!
Stay safe.
The floor looks amazing. All the hard work in such a tiny space!
Tell Don thank you for the lovely song tonight. I learned about Guy Clark when Lyle Lovett mentioned him. I have a thing for Texas Singer/Songwriters!
I passed your message on to Don. He is very grateful for your kind words, Lucinda.
Stay safe!
I love every piece of that tiny furniture! Floor came up very nicely. Lot’s of tedious work!
Oh yes! But worth it in the end.
Thanks, Judy.
Stay safe.
Beautiful. We could all live so simply.
Thanks so much, Kay!
Stay safe.