Sunday 23 December 2018

Bedroom Update

I've just done a very silly thing - prepared this post, added photos and posted it all to the wrong blog!  That's what happens when I don't pay attention.    All sorted out now and I can go ahead and show you the stage I'm at with the Bedroom.   I'll give more detail on where I bought what once all the accessories are in place.


Below is the "fourth wall" with the door leading into the Laird's study (the extending section on this property)


The screen below is from Art of Mini.   I replaced the decorative paper panels provided  with very thin leather.


Unusual for a Laird and his lady wife to share a room in 1850 but this is the Scottish Highlands and it can be very cold!


As you can see below, there is a decorative ceiling rose.    I decided that something had to be added to that space but there isn't enough room to include the drop of a light fitting.   It wouldn't be unusual to have no form of lighting there and I like to think it has given the room some atmosphere.


The little accessories that bring the room to life have all still to be added so until then, I'd like to wish all my followers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sunday 23 September 2018

The Bedroom 1

Work is progressing on the Marsh Hall bedroom and to date (and to let you know I haven't forgotten about this property) I have just completed dressing a four poster bed.

    The bed was purchased quite some time ago from Ashwood Designs*

1/12th Scale Tester Bed  

*Picture courtesy of Ashwood Designs' website.

I had bought it for another property but unfortunately, given the size of the room I was working on at the time, it was too wide so I replaced it with a single bed of the same design leaving me with this one which worked out really well as I think it's ideal for Marsh Hall.

In my head, Marsh Hall is a baronial property situated in the Highlands of Scotland round about 1850.   High fashion didn't reach the Highlands for quite some time so what may have been cutting edge design in 1850 London (or even Edinburgh) wasn't seen for a while (if at all, even for low gentry) unless of course there was plenty money to hand or you were Queen Victoria and living at Balmoral. 

The style it has been dressed in is pretty plain with no unnecessary cushions or frills.   That wasn't the Scottish way (although it was tempting to add a couple of cushions - I remained firm!)

So, and while I carry on decorating the main room, here is my Baronial bed.







Wednesday 25 July 2018

The Oak Gallery

I know it's been a little while since I last posted here but I have been busy - mini busy.    The only task left to do in the Parlour of Marsh Hall is to paint the sofa and I'll let you see that when it's done.

I've been working on The Oak Gallery.    A small space measuring 5.5" (13.91 cms) wide by 16" (40.64 cms) deep by 9" (22.86 cms) high.   Firstly, a colour scheme had to be chosen:- 


Paint and fabric to the right were selected and work got started.   As I had already taken the decision to remove all staircases from this build, the impression had to be given that there was some form of access to the upper floors and so a door at the end of the Hall was installed, with very worn stone steps.


Next, lighting -


and a baronial looking screen -


after that came the cornice and panelling -


a couple of ornate Halberds - 


some suitable artwork -





and finally, the whole Gallery.


Next, The Bedroom.






Tuesday 10 April 2018

Parlour progress


I don't know why but I have a real struggle finding suitable rugs.   There are loads out there but I never seem to come across the right one when I'm looking for it so the search continues for something that will do the job in The Parlour.

Quite a lot has happened in this room since my last photo and I feel the room is now starting to take shape.    Still lots to add - the dresser needs filling as does the what-not and there are still other little items to find for the desk.

I'm not sure if I like the circular table and was thinking of changing it to a square one but I'll think about that.   The sofa to the left needs painting.    It's a John Hodgson piece and I was thrilled to find it at a York Fair some time ago.    I almost snatched it off their table!

The door isn't fixed in place yet as I can't do that until I've added the wall covering to the hallway on the other side and there's an pediment to go in place once that happens.    More stuff has to be added to the mantel as well.


The gateau, servings and cups of tea were purchased from Amanda Speakman.   



The desk is a Mini Mundus kit which I measured very carefully before ordering and it fits that space perfectly.   All the drawers have been lined with green felt and it's my intention to fill every one!


Wednesday 7 February 2018

New Blog now "Live"

I'm pleased to say that the necessary permission came through to use a couple of images in regard to my new blog and it has now gone "live".

I hope you enjoy what you see and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in.

The Silk Weaver's House



* Copyright Ben Rea

Friday 12 January 2018

Slow progress

Happy New Year, followers!


Progress has been slow on this project since my last post (but I'm assuming it's the same for everyone given the time of year - so much to do!).

Just one picture for you today as I thought I'd better get something up here before you forget all about me!    This is The Parlour and I'm hoping to get it looking as High Victorian as I can - filled with stuff.    Furniture placement has been an issue and every time I looked at it, I moved things around but hopefully I've cracked it now and with the purchase of more "stuff" I'll have more detailed pics to show you soon.


There is another reason for the delay (she said in a whispery voice!).     I have a new property.   Yes, you read it correctly, so that has been a bit of a distraction for me.    There are no pics yet and no new blog but I can tell you that it is called The Silkweaver's House.     More later.