Thursday 20 May 2010

Under the Stair - Makeover completed

Do you remember this post? It shows what this area in the lounge used to look like before we set about changing it.

After much playing around, this is how it looks now. Unfortunately the sun was hiding today, the room looks so much brighter when it's sunny.

It has become a quiet reading corner




Still experimenting with different fabrics/valences for the shelf. I think that I will probably stick to this one.








I had a small amount of Louise Loves wallpaper left, just enough to cover under the stairs and a little was left over for another small project. I really like this wallpaper but sadly it is no longer being made. However, you can still get some fabric in this design which is called Quilt (pink).

















I've had a lot of fun doing up that little corner and have already moved on to another project...

My next post will be about a beautiful piece of furniture I have just acquired for the lounge.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

MESSAGE POUR GUENIEVRE:
Je voudrais vous remercier pour les gentils commentaires que vous m'envoyez depuis plusieurs mois. ;-)) x

86 comments:

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Oh my it looks adorable... I couldn't think of anything better than cosying down in that chair with a good book and cup of tea!

Victoria xx

Sal said...

It's lovely,Isabelle! Please come and do my very tiny under the stairs space!! ;-)xxx

Pink Feather Paradise said...

What a fab little corner... oh for a corner of my own... I use to have "my end of the settee" but my P has taken to sitting there... :(
loving the florals and the colours... absolutely perfect!

x Alex

Anonymous said...

beautiful what a transformation a lovely space for reading

bellaboo said...

I LOVE your cosy corner and the way you have decorated it! The lampshade is gorgeous too.

Bellaboo :0)

Unknown said...

ooooooh what a nice and cosy little corner!!!! Makes you wish for lots of rain....ALMOST!!!
Wonderful ....sitting there...with a new book, and a large pot of tea.......yep...could see myself doing just that!

Have a nice weekend!
Lynda

Vintage from the Village said...

That is the most lovely under stairs ever !
I would have to put a door on with a big lock on the inside ha ah !!

Lori said...

Isabelle, your makeover result is really beautiful...what a sweet cozy spot you have created!!!

Coco Rose Diaries said...

Isabelle, I ADORE your makeover! Your wallpaper is gorgeous and all the pretties are beautiful. I could quite see myself sitting in that chair, so am I jealous? Am I ever! Take care xxx

BTW, the PJ's are from Primark and come in white too! xxx

LissyLou said...

SO CUTE, I LOVE IT!! JUST DON'T BANG YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU STAND UP!!

monikaki said...

Really beautiful makeover!!! you have such an incredible, particular, unique style!! I think you really have your "own" style!!! Bravissima, j'adore ton touche!!! ciao, Monica

Kar said...

Absolutely wonderful!! I wish I had a spot like that in my house. It would be the perfect knitting/crochet spot. And no one else would be allowed to use it. :)

Pixiedust said...

Your little reading corner looks lovely. xxx

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

Oh dear, this is absolutely so GORGEOUS!Can I come for a tea??!!
I love this corner so much and it is such an inspiration for me since I am still moving furniture and things around in my new home!
I can see Miss Marple reading a good book there!Lovely!
Fra

A Bun Can Dance said...

Hi Isabelle
Your corner looks so cosy and welcoming, I'd love to curl up in that seat, cat on lap and read a gripping novel :-)
Well done you for bringing it all together so beautifully. The fabrics are gorgeous and I especially love the pink one edging the shelf.
This just goes to show that making just one corner look beautiful can have a huge impact.
I also wanted to stop by to say a big thank you for the thoughtful comments you've left recently - I really appreciate them.
I hope that all is well with you,
Wishing you many happy hours in your cosy corner!
Denise x

koralee said...

Oh...so pretty and cozy...I would never leave that sweet little corner of your world. I adore the fabrics you used. xoxoxoxo

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Hi there Isabelle,
Many thanks for your comment. I have got a few more pictures of the cottage in Cornwall but, not many but, you get the general idea from them. Perhaps I will post them later.
What a lovely little corner. I love your old books. I have a few that I have bought from Abe Books, and have had as presents. Some of the covers are amazing, aren't they ?
Enjoy the weekend. It is supposed to be hot !!!! XXXX

Sandies' Patch said...

Love it!
Very restful, I can just imagine myself reading, then nodding off in this lovely space...
Thanks for sharing.

Sandie xx

salty pebble said...

such a truly beautiful make over!!
you have made a sweet cozy place to sit and admire- ohhhh i would so love to have a place like that to sit, ponder and wonder!- its truly a gem!....enjoy xxxx

Mary Poppins said...

Utterley gorgeous, so pretty and I am sure I would want to spend all day and all night there :0) We have an open area under our stairs that I am as yet unsure what to do with, thank you so much for the inspiration.

Hope you are all well and thinking of you XX

Lululiz said...

What a wonderful little nook, so snuggly and cosy.

mary pernula said...

Way to cute...........I also like the wall paper. XO MARY

Bernideen said...

What a darling little quiet spot to take a break from the world! If you had a tiny piece of paper left you could use it to cover a book or picture frame mat! This is so lovely here!

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

That looks so cozy and inviting! And do I spot one of Niki's dolls on your chair? ;) Every time I see an under-the-stairway nook I immediately think of "Harry Potter"! My second oldest son owns the nook under our stairway... his looks typically boyish! lol

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Absolutely gorgeous little nook, Isabelle. You've done an incredible job making this a most beautiful and cozy little place that is just loaded with charm and pretty.

KC'sCourt! said...

Oh that is lovely - a little place to call your own for a quiet afternoon or evening.
Julie xxxxxxxx

Catsngrams said...

What a wonderful corner to rest and read you did a fantastic job. You are so talented.

Dogwood said...

Too cute. Way too cute. I love it. Don't be surprise if you find me sitting in that chair reading a book or knitting or taking a nap. That little area is so inviting. You are so talented.

Hugs, Cory/Dogwood

Anonymous said...

oh I so want a special, cute and quiet little reading corner of my own...but this house doesn't have any place like that for me!
what a charming home and comfortable spot you have!

I can picture myself sitting there with my favourite book...reading the day away!

thanks so much for sharing your creative and beautiful life with me!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

Serenata said...

Oh it looks lovely Isobel - just perfect for curling up with a book. I want one now - only problem is we don't have a stair nook, living in a bungalow! ;-)

Unknown said...

How gorgeous it looks, a quiet little snug!!! I fear that I would be tempted to spend alot of time snuggled up there with a good book and a glass of wine! Love your stylexxxx

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Isabelle,
Too beautiful for words...

But hey, I'll say something anyway! ;-)) Your always careful selection of just the right items has really paid off Isabelle - Everything works so wonderfully together...Truly lovely.
May you spend many happy hours reading there!
Niki x

It's me said...

What a nice lovely sweet corner.............so beautiful done !!!


I really like it all !!!

Happy evening hugs from Ria.........

Lisa said...

Oh wow Isabelle! You have created the most beautiful reading corner. I love the wallpaper on the backing to the stairs, such a clever touch. And the fabric valance on the shelf. It's all totally gorgeous. I hope you have very many snuggly reading hours in your new cosy corner.
Lisa x

Country Cottage Chic said...

It looks wonderful - such a good use of the space - I can't do much under my stairs as it would have to be doll's house sized furniture for me so it's just a boring cupboard which we use for the recycling.

Jayne

topchelseagirl said...

You have done a wonderful job, it is a gorgeous corner.

Karen Roderick said...

That's beautiful, what a lovely little place to hide out with a book, Karen x

Thedarkerside73 said...

what a beautiful and peaceful looking corner of your living room. I just love it. I can quite see me curled up there in that chair either reading or crocheting!

Your hard work has really paid off in spades. Wishing you many happy relaxing hours there.


MBB x

Rubyred said...

Such a cozy little nook! I love it!
Rachel x

Guenievre said...

Alors là : j'adore ce que vous avez fait de ce "petit coin sous l'escalier" ! C'est très cosy, le fauteuil donne envie de s'y assoir pour y lire un beau roman.
Les tissus sont superbes, j'adore les roses !
Très réussi !
Bonne soirée !

Catherine said...

Thanks for coming! What you have done is just beautiful, i wish i had a little corner like this at home...you give me ideas! xx Catherine

dots and spots said...

It looks a lovely corner to curl up in - hope you are well. You must pop in for a coffee one day if you are passing.

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

So sweet and cozy. What a comfy little place to relax! I love it.

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Hi, what a gorgeous blog!

I just wanted to thank you for keeping Chris in your prayers. She beat Cancer once before, let's hope she'll do it again.

Jill

Enitram said...

So lovely!!!!!!!
A DELICIOUS CORNER TO READ QUIETTLY
GOOD WEEK-END

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Isabelle,

I was just looking over your children's Christmas books and was wondering the name of the one where the two children are at the end of a path, looking at the trees lining it all decorated with lights? It's so pretty, I wouldn't mind trying to get it for my own kids!

Jill

Carolyn said...

What a charming little nook you created! A good book and a cup of tea and I would be all set.

Carolyn

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Dear Isabelle, I am giving you a pleased cyber hug from across the miles. Can you feel it? I love this post. We don't have stairs living in a matchbox of a terrace but it shows how much you can transform a small space into something cozy, pretty and wonderful. I love your fabrics and the book covers are sublime. Thank you so much for your email on Miss P I shall reply back to you when I get a chance this weekend on that post. Have a lovely weekend and thanks for the inspirational post today! xx

Josephine Tale Peddler said...

Forgot to sa it looks like a room in Country Living. Can't you get your house in one of those mags so I can have print photographs? xx

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a charming, cozy spot~ so lovely and the chair looks like something I'd love to curl up in...

Vera Amos said...

What a cosy little nook!
Have a good weekend.
Nicky x

melanie said...

Wow, how cosy, what a perfect little sanctuary, I absolutely love it!!! xxx

Passione Helena said...

What a charming corner. It looks so sweet!
I love those flowers like the paper en pillows..

I like your pretty blog,
Thanks also, for the comment you post on my blog

Warm wishes,
Helena

grada said...

Hoi

O wat is het een mooi hoekje geworden zeg en jij hebt ook zo veel rozen spulletjes echt geweldig
Leuk dat je een berichtje op mn blog hebt geplaatst
Ik blijf je volgen want je hebt echt mijn smaak
Lekker gezellig he?
Fijn weekend
Gr Grada

Mary Ann said...

hi isabelle! your house reminds me of the movie, the holiday (with cameron diaz) which i love so much. I am going to visit your previous posts. you did a great job on the painting/renovation of your house. thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower. i will be following your blog as well. you have a great day! verbena cottage

Stella said...

Hi Isabelle,
It looks so cosy,just want to huddle myself up in the chair ;)
Greetings,Ster

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Oh My, Isabelle, that is the sweetest little corner. You used such pretty colors and fabrics and prints!
A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E !
Is it your favorite spot already? Definitely would be mine =)

Wishing you a great weekend! xo

sylvia said...

hi.
thanks for visit my blog,
WOOW you have a wonderful blog,I love it.
and I will come again.
so many beautiful things you show us,
I like the english vinage you had,its so fantastic..
have a very good weekend.
hug from sylvia

Anonymous said...

What a lovely reading nook...everyone should have such a sweet spot!! :) ~ Jo

Anonymous said...

P.S. Good luck with your garden project!! I'm sure it will be beautiful. ~ Jo

Unknown said...

This is so enchanting! GJ! Thank you for following my blog :)
I post everyday, come say hi when you can :)
XOXO
Frenchy

Saskia said...

What a wonderful blog.Thank you for you to follow me, I really like. Go follow you too, am curious to see more pictures .
Nice weekend and greetings Saskia

Ingrid said...

Hey Isabelle what a romantic place in your house,so beautiful!!!!enjoy it girl...

Ingrid

Clare said...

Absolutely wonderful Isabelle!

Bonjade said...

So nice that you visited me......
Now I found you....;))
Love it here and wishing you nice days....

Fleurette said...

Hello Isabelle, thank you very much for your visit!!
Your blog is amazing, interesting and very beautiful!!!!!!!!!
You have beautiful photos and wonderful home full of beautiful vintage pieces!!!!
I'm really excited is it beautiful blog!!!!!!!!!
Have a very nice evening and weekend
Fleurette from Prague

harmony and rosie said...

Isabelle it looks amazing, so beautiful and I especially love the lampshade. I think if I sat down there, it would take quite a lot to get me up!!

Have a lovely weekend

Kate x

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

It's gorgeous, such a cozy little corner!
Happy Friday!
XO

Josephine said...

Hello Isabelle,

It was lovely to have a visit from you today, thank you very much.

You have a very lovely blog, and this corner.....ohhh...so sweet, really amazing.

Have a very nice weekend,
Warm wishes,
Josephine

Vær våken said...

Wow...what a nice space! I would love to sit down and read my favourite books!!! So cozy! And your blog captured me in some way so I'll be a follower as well!! Wishing you the greates weekend!

Kristin xx

Rita said...

Hi Isabelle,
just discovered your delightful blog via a comment you left at Flaviana's. So glad I've had the chance to eet you and your lovely & cozy space.
I'll have some good reading awaiting me tonight to keep up with your older posts as they all seem so intriguing and inspiring.
Love your reading nook - it's so inviting, comfy and super chic at the one time. the perfect place to spend some quiet time reading or simply musing.
I adore your style and will certainly get some inspiration tonight for some project for my apartment.
Warmely

Janean said...

saw-WEET! who'd think of remaking a nook like this, but it's fab and cozy!!!!

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

Your little nook is splendidly divine! I adore the shabby chic feel of it! That would be my favorite spot in the house! Love it to pieces!

http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com
http://closetfullofgoodies.blogspot.com

Pearl said...

I love, love, love your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine and becoming a follower. I will definately be back. The too cute reading corner is great and I love that chair and lamp shade. I like it all. hugs, Pearl

All things nice... said...

So cosy and pretty, the perfect place to relax with a cup of tea and a magazine. Is that an IKEA chair?

All things nice...

Andi's English Attic said...

It really does look like a very cosy nook. xx

Muisje said...

In one word, beautiful.
Thank you for visiting my blog.

Love Herma

Kissed by an Angel said...

That looks really cosy!! A comfy chair, a good book and a cuppa!! Heaven!!
xxxx

Joyfulsister said...

Aloha From Hawaii..
Beautiful and cozy!!! I would love to have something like that under my stairs, but all I have is a closet lol.


Thanks for sharing!!!

Les Cotrions said...

Your corner looks faboulous! You made a great work! It's so cozy!!! Love your fabrics Isabelle and the wall paper is a beauty!!!
A nice Sunday to you!!!!
Vale

OhSoVintage said...

What a lovely hidey-hole you have created. Just perfect for snuggling under that eiderdown with a good book. It all looks gorgeous. Well done!
Ruth x

Hen said...

It's lovely, Isabelle, well done, I hope you now get a chance to rest in it. I particularly love that curtain fabric. Perhaps the nook will become a favourite spot for Lily or Larry?
Hen xxx

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Isabelle...Thank You for stopping by and introducing me to your blog!
I'm in love with your newly created reading space...So warm, cozy and totally inspiring.
I have a stack of books I could surely finish off in that darling chair!
Looking foward to getting to know you better over the coming months,
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Elyse said...

wow, isabelle,

this is amazing! it's beautiful and just perfect with all of the layers of colors, textures, and florals.

thanks so much for your comment. it reminded me of your lovely blog. i will now click the follow button!

xo
elyse

Deb said...

Such a sweet little reading corner, so cozy! I just love the wallpaper, it's beautiful!!!

maría cecilia said...

I love, love, love this corner, Isabelle!!!! You did a great and romantic job!!!!