Bench Seat for a Boot Room

I was looking for a bench seat for the bootroom to finish off this space, as it just needed somewhere for everyone to perch.

I managed to find this piece at a local supplier.  (Yes, sshhh! it is new and not vintage!)  And it's available to order if you should like it too!

I just loved the hessian-covered look and the dimensions (1500mm long, 500mm deep) work so well for this spot - a necessity for the boys to sit somewhere while they hoist on trainers, rugby boots and school shoes.

Hessian-covered painted wooden bench seat, vintage fabric cushions, Armadillo&Co Nest weave rug, all available to order via Vintage Finds

And to be frank, with that finish, this piece is perfect for the knocks and scrapes it is likely to get in this room!

Iron and Carved Wood bench seat (2400L 360D 460H)  Available to order via Vintage Finds

I was originally looking at this wood and iron bench seat.  Which I also love for it's simple rustic charm.  It would probably have been my preferred option, but at 2400mm long it would completely fill the space and I think look too cramped.  And so I am happy with the choice I have made.

What do you think?

Jennifer.

Do I dare paint my wood floor ... Part 2

So, now we have done it, and as promised I have photos to share.  I am just amazed that it has worked so well.  Very pleased with the end result, and it still remains so functional for us!

As you can imagine, this back entryway area ends up being the logical dumping spot for school bags and assorted sporting equipment, as we come into the house.  And it also had a tendency to be quite dark. 

With the change to a white floor being so much brighter, now it just so lovely that I feel like I am 'stepping into the light'!  Such a change.

French vintage wooden coat rack from country fair in Normandy

I can't quite set aside practicality, just for looks.  

So I have installed a multitude of hooks, racks, hat shelves, and shoe baskets to store and hang everything that would otherwise live as a pile of obstacle course apparatus on the floor.  

And I purposely didn't install doors on the 'locker' style cupboards.  If I did, everything would land in front of the doors and not make their way inside to the hooks!

1950s french bamboo mirror

There are also different styles of vintage bamboo mirrors from France, which I have grouped together.  A couple needed new glass and the others still have their old and vaguely mottled patina.  Hung together like this they work really well for adults and growing children of various heights for a last minute check as they walk out the door! And to me I love the textural interest reflected down our hall.

This has been a drastic change for us.  Have you tried something that worked really well for you, better than you first thought?

Jennifer.
x

 {all images Vintage Finds}

Do I dare paint my wood floor white?

What do you think? Am I going crazy or could this work? Would you paint wood floors? Would you dare in a high traffic room?

I have decided to paint the wood floor in my bootroom white.  With the backdoor closed, our bootroom can be a dark space full of shoes and disorganised school bags and assorted other sporting paraphenalia.  Or put another way - it's full of our 'real life'!

I find it just amazing how white floors suddenly gives a rustic feel, but at the same time it is delicate and simple.  From what I can see, far from detracting from the hardwood floor, a painted floor actually emphasises it.  And I love the shadow-line space between the boards creating a subtle pinstripe effect.  

I have admired so many white painted wood floors for so long - from kitchens to bathrooms, hallways to bedrooms - and just never had the nerve to get out the paint and go for it!

What do you think?  You like?  Well ... we have gone ahead and done this, and I will post photos of the finished look in the next couple of days.

Are you about to embark on a big change at your place?  Do share ...

Jennifer.