Small spaces need inventive ideas to fulfil a number of criteria – comfort, storage and an illusion of space. The bedroom originally had a large built in wardrobe, which am sure suited the previous occupants but was too large for our occasional use and visitors.

The bed was also overlarge for the small space. Of the two windows only one opened to the outside as the rear window, now sealed shut, gave on to the utility room which had been added to the rear of the property so was pretty much redundant.

What we did

Dismantled all the built in furniture, took out the redundant window and got rid of the broken bed. In the spirit of recycle/reuse we kept all the wood and screw fittings from the old furniture and used it to build a recessed wall shelf. Once built I got stuck in with paint, wallpaper and fabulous fablon. The recessed shelves sit neatly to one side of the bed with plenty of room for a cuppa, an alarm clock, books etc.

a set of cubby shelves with storage boxes for swimwear, underwear, t-shirts and separates and over window and under window shelving which would also serve as a mini dressing table with power sockets below for hairdryer and straighteners, also on the lookout for a table top mirror. At the right hand side, out of shot is a rebuilt single wardrobe with hanging space and shelving.

Somewhere to store bed linens and towels in the new storage boxes on the overbed shelf

Flooring continues from the living room into the bedroom which makes the space look larger.

Still have to paint the interior doors but leaving that until we open up again in Spring as I want to add some panelling detail. I did, however, put up the voile curtains.

I also had time to paint a shelf unit for spices and bits and pieces in the kitchen area and a porthole shaped mirror

and am really happy with the shelves I had made from offcuts of yet more salvage for shelves at either side of the new repurposed wallcupboards. Not sure whether to leave them natural wood or to paint, I think they look good in pale wood they go with the beech chopping board and the wooden salad bowl and baskets which are out of shot on the top of the adjacent cupboard.

A decision for another year as the site closed on Sunday and doesn’t reopen until April next year. You may wonder what I shall do with myself given I have spent every waking moment for the last six or so weeks eating and breathing my new little cabin. Well, I have a trip to France planned, then my MOL is coming to stay, followed by our two sons and their wives and then I have the Christmas Fair coming up at the end of November and a trip round the UK in December visiting family and friends. I think I can safely say I shall have plenty to do!