Hallway Overhaul

The very last thing to be completed in the house is the hallway. It was interesting, when we first moved in, to be able to see the changes that had been made over time to the layout of the house. The porch-way was originally open to the elements and the front door was set at the point of the step in the hallway. The guest loo has a recess for an external window, which was still in situ when we prepared the space for our bespoke artwork by Ali Noor (he takes commissions and does a huge variety of beautiful work). There was even a doorbell secured to the wooden frame inside the house, where the obscure glass from the original front door is still in pace as a feature I love.

The ceiling of the porch looks to be plywood covered with chipboard paper, and still has what I think is the original porch light in place. I don't hate it, but unfortunately there is a moon shape of missing paper where the light must have been moved in the past.

So, our plasterer, Scott MacDonald, came round to assess and said that he couldn't plaster straight onto the paper, or onto the plyboard, so the best solution would be to plasterboard straight over the paper and then plaster and paint. He said he would come week commencing 17th February. As promised the plastering was beautifully done that Friday and I painted it a few days later, so the porch is finally finished and looks great, with the original light back in place having been thoroughly washed.

By that time I had repainted the walls all the way through, the wood floor was completed and artwork was rehung. Holes were filled and woodwork was tarted up. I love the grey and the way it sets off the handmade wool weave picture we bought together on the Outer Hebrides, and the other things we have picked up along the way.

I'm really happy with the entrance to our beautiful home, and this final flourish to the process of putting our own stamp on the property. I hope that everyone else finds it warm and welcoming when they visit. Just a reminder - you're all invited!!