Garden Cottage Refurb

We are hugely excited to show before and after pics of our recent Garden Cottage refurbishment at ALMA HOUSE Bed and Breakfast.  The room had always been awkward to furnish as it had existing patio doors on the back wall, a window on the right and a doorway leading from the kitchenette to an upstairs storage area.  This really limited the layout possibilities and the internal staircase jutted into the room and made it feel cramped.  We really wanted to improve the layout and give staff more flexible access to the storage area so we bricked up the patio doors and moved the internal staircase to the outside wall.  This freed us up to move the beds, redecorate and put in a new and larger kitchen area.  So pleased with the end result!  The room is much more spacious and the table and chairs now sit next to the kitchenette making it more accessible and improving the flow.  Previously we had a feature wall on the left of Farrow and Ball's Downpipe and we added this colour to our new wall behind the two beds in order to create a cosy and warm room.  We put a mirror opposite the remaining window to bounce light around, but the white furniture is striking against the dark background.

Before, looking towards the patio doors

After, where the patio doors used to be.  

Back in November we took our annual pilgrammage to the Windsor Contemporary Art Show and I was delighted to meet artist Erica Just.  Being a keen gardener I was instantly drawn to her beautiful watercolours of lavender, alliums and seed pods.  I bought a print for my own home for £25 and framed it cheaply in an large white IKEA frame (less than £10).  On completion of the the building and decorating work in the Garden Cottage, I started looking around for some lovely artwork to complement the white furniture and purple accessories.  Suddenly remembering Erica's work, I dug out her card and dropped her an email and within a week I had ordered and received 5 prints of her beautiful work.  I hot-footed it back to IKEA for a further 5 frames and placed two above the double bed and one above the single.  I hope you will agree that they finish the room off perfectly and the final effect of the whole room is both stylish and welcoming.  I'm delighted with the result.  

If you would like to come and visit Windsor & Eton, whether for work or play Alma House is perfectly located just 5 minutes walk from Windsor Castle, the River Thames, Theatre Royal, train stations and stunning shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.  Always book direct for the best prices on 01753 444444 or check prices and availability and book online at www.Almahouse.co.uk.