Monday, May 10, 2010

Bedroom Beginnings


Several coats of paint later and here are the first two pieces of furniture for the bedroom. The bed started out as a broken mahogany bed, but was very large so I bashed it down - people were smaller back in the 1800's right? The armoire was a lovely piece that was also broken and remains a bit warped, but looks o.k. now I think. It had some handpainted flowers on it which got sanded away - a sacrilege some might say, but not what I wanted anyway. I may add some gold designs but have to work up the courage (and lots of practice).


These House of Miniatures pieces are so delicate. After breaking and repairing (and restaining) one of the doors, I struggled to get the eentsy little hardware on it. I managed not to destroy anything, so I'm happy!


My shingles are cut and ready for dying so the next time you see me I'll be roofed!

21 comments:

Glenda said...

It's lovely!! The bed looks authentic - I saw really short beds in Finland in old houses - evidently they used to sleep sitting up!
The window is sweet too.

Catherine said...

It all looks wonderful Cynthia! You did a beautiful job refinishing the furniture. I can't see anything that looks warped. I love the hardware you put on it too. I look forward to seeing pictures of the roof on.

Merry Jingle said...

It looks wonderful! And you and I seem to have the same taste on wallpaper ;)

Glenda, the beds used to be really short, but many of them were these pull-out ones to save some space - when you went to bed, you pulled from the foot end and you got a bigger bed :)

Margaret said...

Lovely bedroom and the furniture looks fabulous. I love the armoire and the little handles you put on it. Had to laugh at Glenda's comment and Ira's explanation. D

Glenda said...

Ira - a tour guide told me that old people slept sitting up because they thought they'd die if they slept lying down - I think as a tourist I was fair bait for tall stories!!

The bed in this setting looks good, though!

Flora said...

I already like this bedroom. Even the unusual layout makes it interesting. With the wardrobe you've done a great job :-)

Meli Abellán said...

A lovely bedroom and you have made and excellent in the wardrobe!!!
Meli

Merry Jingle said...

Glenda - it might be true, never heard about it, but then have to admit that I'm not that good (interested) in Finnish history, bad girl :)

The Dangerous Mezzo said...

I love the handles on the wardrobe -- very pretty. It all looks splendid. One of my favourite details is the square ceiling rose to go with the squarish light fixture!

Cynthia's Minilife said...

Thanks for all your comments, ladies! Glenda and Ira, u r hilarious. I have been to historic sites, forts, castles etc. here in Canada and Europe where the beds of the period on display are very small compared to ours today. All I know is - my bedroom is very small and I wanted some room for other furniture. :-)
Cynthia

Annie Fryd said...

You´ve done a great job with the furnitures Cynthia, They look gorgious in the room. Don´t think you need to be scared to have a go with the gold and some patina...

For sure and not just a telltale ;0)... People were shorter before, in average scandinavians have grown 10-15 cm over a period of approx. 100 years...

Irene said...

You've made a good job of revamping the pieces. I like the handles on the wardrobe too.

Just for interest - Long Liz, a victim of Jack the Ripper in 1888 got her nickname because she was so tall - 5' 3" (160cm) approx so they were definitely a lot shorter then. (I'm 5'3" !) Irene

Cynthia's Minilife said...

Well, I've looked into this a bit as well and it seems the 5" bed is just about right for my just under 5' occupant who is of about average female height for the mid-18oo's - thanks for all the info ladies! Very interesting. Good to find out that I'm accidentally historically somewhat accurate :-)
Cynthia

Tallulah Belle said...

it looks wonderful and yes beds did used to be a lot smaller :-)

brae said...

The bed doesn't look at all out of place. It looks great, in fact. My personal opinion: don't touch that armoire!!! :D It's perfect as is. Gorgeous! And, I love the roses in the basket.

Merry Jingle said...

Good information, I think I should go for the early 18th century with my houses so I could fit in more furniture :D

I actually have this mini skeleton who would be app.170cm IRL and I put him around the houses to see, how the furniture and stuff relate to the short guy :)

Annie - yes, Scandinavians used to be these shor, chubby people. My daughter must have some ancient thing kicking in as she's only 160 cm :D

Unknown said...

Can't see any damage, only two beautiful pieces of furniture, you did a great job!
Can't wait to see more of this bedroom!

sabihax

Daisy said...

I love the Beacon Hill and your work is just lovely! With your French flair style you might love Lea Frisoni's site (atelier.oldiblog.com)if you haven't found it already. You could spend hours viewing her photos and there are even a couple of tutorials. I look forward to keeping up with your blog!

Cynthia's Minilife said...

Thanks, Daisy, and welcome to my blog! Lea Frisoni's site is one of the first I found and I agree her work is wonderful - hoping to try making some furniture using her tutuorials.
Cynthia

Iris said...

Gorgeous house and the bedroom is a beautiful.

synnøve said...

It is a nice bedroom Cynthia! I like the work you have done to the furniture!!!
Synnøve :)