Sunday, January 27, 2013

Decorating and Enjoying Mid-Winter Sunshine

I thought I would get away from my CQ and other projects for a bit and share something else we have been working on here.  We recently had windows added on our back porch because the rain was always blowing in and in the winter we would have to wrap the windows with plastic to keep the snow and frost out.  When we painted around the windows the paint didn't match the room for some reason so we ended up repainting the entire room!


Now that we have windows we have been able to really enjoy the room, especially when the temps are above freezing and the sun is shining brightly.  We bought a radiant heater to take the chill off.  It is just amazing what a difference the windows have made.


The theme of the room has gravitated toward 'bicycles'.  I have shelves on either end above the windows.  Below are the bicycles I have displayed on each.



Although this hanger doesn't fit in with bicycles it is a bit of sparkle for the corner of the room.


This hanging candle holder was really picking up reflections from the bright sunlight when I took this photo.


I purchased the stained glass hanger one year when I was in Chicago.


The candelabra below is one I designed when I worked as a product designer for a catalog company.  It was originally ivory and had cheap plastic beads hanging from it.  I painted it black and have it dripping in beautiful (real) chandelier crystals.


The tote below is one I cleaned up, painted white and then painted pink roses along the front.  I love the rustic look with notches, knotholes and all.  It is fun to imagine where it has been and what it has been used for previously.  When I painted it I found some initials carved in the handle.  I imagine the person that made it would never have imagined it looking like this ~ lol.  It holds my gardening tools which are waiting for spring to arrive.  It is sitting on an old sturdy bench I also painted white.


Another bicycle sets on the shelf my son made and you may remember the bicycle wheel I painted black and repurposed as a wall clock.  


It feels so great to have this room all cleaned up.  There really is nothing like a fresh coat of paint and a lot of sunshine to brighten a room.  I look forward to spending lots of time with family in this room!

11 comments:

Monica said...

It looks lovely, Connie. A great place to spend some time stitching!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

A beautiful make over.
We have talked about doing the same thing to get rid of the plastic. After seeing yours, I am sure we will!!

Createology said...

Your room is bright cheery and a wonderful place to enjoy family gatherings. Fun bicycle decor. Sunshine Smiles...

margaret said...

Connie your room looks very welcoming, lots of things added to make it real home. I can see you doing lots of stitching in there as the light will be so good. Your creativity shines through with the various items you have made.

Elizabeth Braun said...

It took me a minute to work out what you meant about wind and rain blowing into the porch - it was open backed before, right? In the UK, a 'porch' is a completely enclosed tiny room in front of your front door. I don't know what we'd call what yours used to be - most of us don't have room for them!!=) I love to see houses in other countries.=)

You have some very attractive things around you - how lovely!

Suztats said...

It looks so inviting with all the natural light and sunshine streaming through your new windows.
Will you be spending some stitching time in the room, too?

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I envy you this room! We used to have a sunroom on the back of our house and it's one of the things I miss now we live in the apartment.

Uniquely Ella said...

Beautiful sunroom Connie, what a blessing to have that bright space to enjoy. Love the chandelie, what a nice touch.
xxx
Marlene

scarlett clay said...

Lovely space, love all the pretty sunlight streaming in from those large windows you had put it. Enjoy!!

JennyPennyPoppy said...

Looks like such a lovely room with all the windows and light. We have a few windows and a door we cover with plastic too which don't look very nice during all these winter months. Your decor looks really neat especially the clock you made!

suziqu's thread works said...

Hi Connie
You are just going to love your new "room" - you'll probably spend a lot of time in there now it is all enclosed. Looks gorgeous.
We have done a similar thing to our home but smaller and it is a lovely sun trap!
Thanks for your kind comment on my
"Dancing Fairies" Lacebook too.
Cheers,
Suzy