Kitchen, Bedroom and a Den: Before and After

The original kitchen had excellent bones, so I made very few changes, but the 1970 aluminum cupboards had to go.  Painted cupboards may be the current rage, but I prefer the warm natural look of wood. With tile and cement surfaces, it adds warmth and the glasses doors on the upper cupboards lighten everything up.

I widened the peninsula, allowing both a deeper workspace and two stools opposite the work area. Setting electric outlets into the peninsula counter made this space useful both for appliances and charging a phone. This  big kitchen has plenty of space for a table and chairs.

I kept the tiled pantry with louvered doors on the wall opposite the kitchen Only a few minor changes to the original kitchen made a stunning difference.

Turning right from the far end of the kitchen takes you to a large bedroom with a king-size bed.  

Extending this room by 3 meters, gave us a space 6 .15 x 4.25 m (20  14 ft). With the Addition and by repurposing the Box window, the iron work, and three etched closet doors from the other house, we transformed a dark, utilitarian space into a well-appointed second master bedroom. (see previous blog for the other master bedroom). The original tiny space was used as a maids room.

Turning left from the kitchen, leads you into what could be a third bedroom, but we decorated it as an office/ TV room.

Originally this was a laundry room that felt more like a dungeon. It was so depressing that I only saw possibilities after studying the floor plan. This dark space with multiple floor levels measured 4x6 meters (260sa ft) plus a tiny bathroom.  Opening one wall that overlooks a small garden made a huge transformation.

A large Jack and Jill bathroom is located between the two bedrooms, with a sink and vanity in each room.

Stepping out from the bedroom, the kitchen, or the large Livingroom/dining room takes you to a large covered terraza, and a swimming pool surrounded by gardens.

FINALLY the project is complete.

In my next blog I will talk about the book I have written about our life in Huatulco, Oaxaca House of Blue Water, Memories of our B&B in Mexico which is about to be published. Subscribe here to learn more. brookegazer.com/blog