“Please contact me if you would like a consultation or further information about any of the products you see here at Decorum.”Renovations
The Wash Up
Remember at the beginning of the week I was racing off to check out a bathroom we’d been working on?
Ensuite ready to be tiled
It looked fabulous and the client is so happy with the extra room they now have.
Shower area in esuite ready for tiling
You see, there was a spare bedroom next to the master bedroom that had become the family dump-all. We all have those, right? And next to that was a long walk in linen closet.
Floor plan of proposed alterations
As you can see, the spare bedroom was home to drum kits, extra clothes, bench press and husband’s paraphenalia.
Spare Bedroom Before
So we decided to convert the two areas into a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. This involved knocking holes in walls, relocating the access door to the master bedroom and creating a new linen cupboard.
New walk in wardrobe
Then, seeing we were giving the home an ensuite, we decided the existing upstairs bathroom needed updating too.
New Ensuite
Ensuite Shower
The shower was under the window, which wasn’t ideal, so we moved things around and gave the room a more streamlined look by getting rid of the feature tiles and installing a frameless shower screen.
Bathroom Before
Bathroom Before
New Bathroom
New bathroom vanity
The family home has a separate toilet next to the bathroom so we updated it with a back-to-wall suite and lay new tiles the same as in the bathroom.
New toilet
The end result is a better use of space for this family as well as giving everything a fresh new look.
If you would like assistance with your family home renovation, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Be Inspired
One way to ensure you and your decorator, designer or architect are on the same page is to show them. As they say, “A Picture Paints A Thousand Words.”
Retro Style
Most of us see things we like online, in magazines, in nature or out and about. Sometimes we don’t even know why we like them but we know that they appeal to us. The best idea is to capture these images and articles and keep them together. Technology today makes this so easy as we can save images from the internet, take photos with cameras and mobile phones and of course, the good old fashioned way of tearing pages out of magazines.
African Style
You might even jot down a few words that come to mind when you see these images which will help convey the mood you want in a room.
When you have collected your inspiration, put the items and images into a folder. Kiki K have a great folder called “My Dream Home” full of plastic sleeves ready for you to fill. If you have bulky items, like a shell you’ve collected on your last beach holiday, you could purchase a lidded box from a Variety Store. Whatever you do, make sure you keep all your bits together. This will be invaluable when you meet with your architect and/or designer to convey the types of things you like.
French Provincial Style
Rarely do we want exactly the same as in our inspiration file, but collectively the images and items will tell you and your designer the type of things you like. It’s then up to the designer to create those features in your home bearing in mind the type of lifestyle you lead and the architecture of the building.
Beach Style Decor
Never lose sight of the big picture and make sure everyone is working towards the same end result.
Queensland Style
If you would like assistance creating your Dream Home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Grand Designs
Grand Designs Live came to Sydney over the weekend.
I have long been an avid fan of the TV show Grand Designs, and have marvelled at the amazing creations Kevin McCloud finds on his travels in the UK and further abroad. I have also marvelled at the sheer tenacity of the home owners who tackle the building process with naivety and determination. And naturally I marvel at the end result and how, most times, it all works out and they all live happily ever after.
The Gap House via www.dailymail.co.uk
So I was intrigued as to how the TV show would translate to a Live event. I had no idea what to expect.
Grand Design Live Official Opening via Facebook
It turned out to be more like every other home related show I have been to, for both trade and the general public, however the difference was the appearance of Kevin McCloud. And doesn’t he have a following? About 200 – 300 people packed the area of the Grand Stage with seating quickly snaffled up by the early birds. The doors only opened at 10am and Kevin was due on stage at 11am, but by 10.35am it was standing room only.
Kevin McCloud - photographer Mark Fairhurst. Image via www.dailymail.co.uk
Kevin is naturally passionate about homes and building and his 40 minute talk centred around the fact that all homes, in fact all things, we love have three main attributes. They have firmness, commodity and delight. Like the Fiat Spider, Kevins’ favourite car. It is solidly built, very comfortable and has the WOW factor.
Fiat Spider via Wikipedia
And of course the interesting point, and one that I have so often mentioned here and in my work, is what one person finds comfortable or attractive, may not have the same effect on the next person. He spoke about the famed Eames chair and how for years he had coveted an original. However, when he finally did sit in one, it was not comfortable for him as he is fairly tall and therefore it lost all it’s appeal. The one perfect piece that is perfect for and to everyone, does not exist.
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
However in our homes, we should fill them with things we love because of their meaning. The things we touch every day, like the humble light switch, should be top quality and beautiful to touch. Kevin’s parting piece of advice was that the story in things is what makes the design.
What piece or pieces do you have in your home that tells a story?
If you would like assistance with colour or design for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Seven Top Tips For Bathroom Renovating
I’m currently working on three bathrooms for three clients, so seem to be dreaming about bathrooms lately.
I thought I’d share my seven top tips worth considering when you are renovating your bathroom
- To make the floor area look larger, lay square floor tiles on the diagonal.
- To make the ceiling feel higher lay rectangular wall tiles upright.
Bathroom by Inside Out Colour and Design Photography by Lyn Johnston
- To make the room feel wider, lay rectangular wall tiles on their side.
- For ease of cleaning and neatness of the room, choose a Back To Wall toilet.
- The ideal ighting is either side of the mirror at head height. It casts a warm healthy glow on your face and makes applying makeup or shaving easier.
Bathroom at Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
- Wall hung vanities make the room look bigger and the floor easier to clean.
- If you are not tiling to the ceiling, keep the horizontal line of the room the same – shower screen, door, window, mirror and tile height should be the same.
Bathroom by Lewin Wertheimer via desire2inspire
If you would like assistance renovating your bathroom, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Counting Down
Remember a couple of years ago I did a series of posts on Saturday in Design? Here, here and here.
Click on image for source
Well it’s on in Sydney again this year and the countdown has begun. I have registered and crossed out the day in the diary. Can’t wait. It’s always so much fun checking out all the showrooms and products and characters you meet on the way.
Click on image for source
And I’m also on the countdown for holidays. I’m heading to Brisbane this weekend to visit friends and family and celebrate my daughter’s birthday.
Click on image for source
Have a great weekend, a fabulous week and I’ll see you all the week after next.
Click on image for source
If you would like assistance with colour and design for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Renovation TV
They’ve been around for years and being in the industry, I soak up every one of them.
The Block in Manly NSW
I’m talking about Renovation TV shows. Over the years I’ve watched my fair share of budding designers, decorators and builders bring to life rooms and houses that others would gladly leave alone.
HomeMade
Have you noticed the profusion of them coming onto Australian television lately? Well here’s your chance to be part of the action. One of the, soon to be made, shows is looking for contestants.
CONTESTANT CALL
New Building and Interior Design TV Show
Are you an Interior Designer or Builder extraordinaire?
Do you think you’re good enough to beat your peers
and win the ultimate prize?
The Casting Directors behind Masterchef, The Apprentice, Farmer wants a Wife and Minute To Win It are looking for Tradies and Interior Designers who have what it takes and aren’t afraid to push the boundaries!
So do you have the drive, desire and skill?
APPLY NOW!
Applications close July 7 so hurry!
So what are you waiting for? I’ll be sitting in front of the television urging you on.
Who knows, fame and fortune could await you.
The Block in Vaucluse, NSW
Good luck! Have a great weekend and welcome to July.
If you would like assistance with colour and design for your home renovations, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Dive In
As I sit here writing this post, the wind is howling outside and the temperature is in single digits. Just over the mountains there is snow. So it’s pretty hard to think about outdoor entertaining.
But now is the ideal time to consider pool renovations or building. This was the topic of my newsletter this month.
Did you receive your copy? If not you can sign up here.
These images have been provided by Argo an architectural firm specialising in pool refurbishments and pool cabanas.
Roll on summer!
If you would like assistance in choosing colours or furniture for your outdoor entertaining area, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Island Style
I’m currently working on the interior of a house that makes me think of this style.
Bahamas
So I’ve put together some items for their newly renovated open plan living dining area that flows to the pool terrace.
Bahamas Style
Hope they like it!
If you would like assistance creating the right style for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Masterclass in Masterkitchen
On Wednesday night I had the very delightful pleasure to be invited into Tetsuya’s Masterkitchen for a Masterclass. The evening was hosted by Electrolux. It was a small select group of design bloggers and Electrolux personnel who gathered around the magnificent island bench to watch Tetsuya put the Electrolux induction cooktop through it’s paces.
Tetsuya's Master Kitchen
The kitchen is amazing. Apparently Tetsuya along with Electrolux designers, hand picked the piece of Calacutta marble that covers the island bench. I love this marble with it’s mixture of warm and cool colours.
Another design feature of the kitchen is the tap-less sinks. There are leather knee pads which can be leant on to bring water into the undermount sinks. This all helps in setting the stage. Because this kitchen IS a stage and nothing blocks your view.
Knee pads and tap-less sink
During the masterclass the room was filled with wonderful aromas of lobster, foie gras, garlic, ginger, chilli and sesame oil but we were so disappointed that the custom designed and built, Electrolux overhead exhaust worked so well.
Delightful aromas wafting straight to the exhaust
The nominal smoke and sumptuous fragrance was quickly sucked away. The exhaust is hidden behind smoked glass which hangs above the island bench.
Hidden exhaust above the island bench
Tetsuya talked and cooked his way through five dishes. He has been using Electrolux kitchen appliances for over 20 years and has nothing but high praise for them.
The Maestro at work
He loves the immediacy of induction cooking as well the ability to maintain the same temperature over the entire pan.
Wagu Beef with a touch of Wasabi
He demonstrated this by searing Wagu steak before popping it in the oven at 70C whilst he cooked the other dishes including Chilli Crab, an amazing lobster dish and a colourful chicken dish with couscous.
Chicken and Couscous
We then moved into the working kitchen and sat down to an 11 course degustation menu with accompanying wines.
Tetsuya's kitchen
The food was absolutely delicious and included Tetsuya’s signature dish Confit Petuna Ocean Trout with Konbu, Celery and Apple.
Tetsuya's Signature Dish
In between oohing and aahing over the food, the wine and the busy 7 chefs in the kitchen, we had time to talk amongst ourselves.
I was delighted to be seated next to three lovely fellow bloggers, Jo, Lisa and Camilla. We chatted about all things blogging and it was so much fun to put faces behind names.
Blogfest
The two polite gentlemen from Electrolux, that were seated with us, probably wondered what on earth they had struck. But they regaled us with their knowledge on current kitchen trends and the making of a fridge. Did you know that Electrolux manufactures fridges in New South Wales and Ovens in South Australia? And did you know that an energy efficient fridge uses about the same, if not less, power than a 40 watt bulb?
It was a wonderful night and we left singing the praises of Electrolux and Tetsuya, swinging our sample bags.
Contents of the goodies bag
Thank you Electrolux!
Spoilt for choice
Wednesday, half way through the week and time to think about the weekend. And what a weekend it is too. Look at all the events, sales and shows that are on. Great for those planning to renovate or decorate their home.
First, there is the HIA Sydney Home Show at Darling Harbour which starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday. It’s a great place to wander around and gather some ideas and see what products are available.
via www.sydneyhomeshow.com.au
Or if you are in the midst of renovating or building and need some tiles or stone slabs, Aeria Country Floors is holding a Warehouse Sale at their factory in Frenchs Forest. The sale will get under way at 8.30am tomorrow morning at 2 Aquatic Drive, French’s Forest and will be open each day between 8.30 and 3.30 finishing on Sunday.
Stone Basin and Tiles form Aeria Country Floors
Read and Bell are having a Trunk Sale at Newtown. If you are looking for a touch of ethnicism for your wardrobe or decor, you must take a look.
Quilts from recycled saris via Read and Bell
Markets? Finders Keepers is on again in Sydney at Eveleigh on Friday night and all day Saturday.
Click Image for Source
Need new bedding? KAS Australia is holding a Warehouse Sale at their factory, 78 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria from 9 – 5 on Sautrday and Sunday. Items start from $5.
KAS Australia Faraday Bedding
If art is more your thang and you are in Melbourne, head over to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton for Art Melbourne. Over 80 galleries and 600 artists will be displaying their work and you could pick up a new piece for your home starting from $500.
via Art Melbourne website
And if you’re a US reader and happen to be in New York this weekend, Jonathan Adler is holding a Warehouse Sale at 513 Irving Ave, Bushwick, Brooklyn. You can expect 70% off furniture, rugs, lighting and homewares. Wish I was there. I just love his OTT style.
Jonathan Adler Interior Design
And if you are about to build or renovate but are overwhelmed with all the choices available and decisions to make, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
