When we bought the place back in 2002, we were aware it had two extensions that would’ve been completed in the ’70′s.

The house with fibro extensions circa 1970

They were both fibro extensions and this appealed to us mainly because they would be easy to take down. It was preferable than having besser block or brick extensions that we didn’t like.

The guest wing which had fibro walls and added in the '70's.

So this week those add-ons have been removed. Firstly the asbestos removalists had to come in and take away the asbestos. I wasn’t allowed on site to take photos of the men in their moon suits and face masks hosing down the fibro before removing it, wrapping it tightly and taking it away.

House minus fibro

It made the house very breezy.

Guest bedroom without the fibro walls

Next the demolition team came in to remove carpets, windows, roof tiles, flooring and framework.

Now it looks really strange without the extra rooms.

On a prettier note, I spent Wednesday at Designex, the annual architecture and design trade show. Not sure if I’ve been to too many of these now, but nothing much jumps out at me as being new or different. I did enjoy getting up close and personal with the Anna Spiro wallpapers though. They are very pretty and have that handcrafted look to them. All in typical Anna colours too.

Round and Round The Garden Wallpaper by Anna Spiro for Porter's

If you would like assistance with your home renovations, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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As you know I was honoured to have been nominated and you all came to my support by voting for me in the People’s Choice Awards. Thank you so much.

Unfortunately I did not win a prize as such, but still feel like a winner just to have been involved.

There are some amazing blogs out there and the list of winners is indicative of the calibre of the entrants and the varied topics that are written about every day.

Visit the winners circle and you may just learn something new.

I’m off to Designex today to be inspired by new products and design and catch up with some colleagues. Enjoy your Wednesday.

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1. Time Out

Home Food and Wine Weekend Lifestyle Stage

It was another great event with loads of ideas and workshops and plenty of goody bags. But the one workshop that stood out was the Royal Albert Tea Party. And seeing it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday I thought today would be a great time to tell you all about it and maybe plant some ideas for a special afternoon for Mum.

Love the pink chair

Royal Albert Fine Bone China really needs no introduction having been around for over 100 years. It has that vintage, girly look with plenty of flowers and pretty pastel colours.

And there were green chairs too.

The stylists had created a fabulous table setting which is pretty easy to do, once you know how.

Afternoon Tea Table

Let’s start with the wall art – using an Ikea deep frame, some liquid nails, a sheet of wrapping paper and your chosen tea cup and saucer you too can create this pretty piece to either hang on the wall or lean against the mantlepiece.

Wall art with tea sets

You don’t have to have all your tableware matching. By using mismatched styles and colours, you create interest in your tablescape. It’s always the unexpected that surprises and delights your guests too.

One of the centrepieces

There were plenty of surprises on the table that was styled for the workshop.

Royal Albert Stand

Each placemat was different. There was a mirror (although some of us thought that wasn’t such a good idea and probably best suited for the younger members of the Tea Party!)

Mirror Placemat

A blackboard with appropriate message.

Blackboard Placemat

And a carved frame.

Frame Placemat

And all those cupcakes were actually baked IN the teacups!

The centrepiece was made from cheap white vases and chipped plates and of course, clear liquid nails. You can really let your imagination run wild here and put together any bits you find. Think about the height you wish to create on your table.

Centrepiece

Then there were the place cards. The cork was really easy and can be achieved with a sharp knife. That’s if you can find a bottle of wine with a cork, these days.

Cork Place Card Holder

But the fork was very cute. The stylist explained that she placed the fork between two sheets of board and then DROVE over them in her car. This flattened the tines of the fork. Pliers were then used to bend the handle of fork at right angles and the place card was slipped between the tines. Effective, don’t you think?

Fork Place Card Holder

A similar treatment was given to a spoon, except the driving bit, and the spoon was used as a tealight holder.

Uri Geller Tea Light Holder

After the workshop, we were all treated to a cup of T2 in beautiful Royal Albert Teacups. It was great fun.

So why don’t you take one or more of these ideas and create a special tea party for your Mum this Sunday. Take some photos and post them on our Facebook Page. We’d love to see your creations.

Happy Mother’s Day!

If you would like assistance creating something special in your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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The Home Food and Wine Weekend starts today and runs until Sunday with workshops, tastings and demonstrations on all things Home, Food or Wine.

I’m heading over to the Brownie Making Demonstration only because my daughter wants to go. I suppose they’ll be giving taste tests too. Oh well I’ll just have to indulge.

I’ve also booked into the Tea Party with Royal Albert.

And the Window Fashions trends with editor of Belle, Neale Whitaker.

Should be a great weekend. Don’t forget to register before you go so you’re not disappointed that your chosen event is booked out.

Have a great weekend.

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Dulux Dog

You know how these things go, you enter and then never give it another thought. Then Friday afternoon I received the call, I had won! Wow, I never win anything. I was very excited and really looking forward to a day out but things got in the way and I couldn’t make it. So I asked my assistant, Pauline to attend on my behalf. Naturally Pauline loved the idea and took lots of photos to rub my nose in it. There’s even one with champagne!!

Leanne Pearce from Dulux looked after Pauline and the ladies had a great time. Here’s Pauline’s take on the day and her photos.

I was taken aback when Jennifer told me she had won two tickets from Dulux to the Kirrily Johnston Fashion show as part of the Mercedes Fashion Week, to be held on Monday, 30 April.  Unfortunately Jennifer had a prior engagement so she kindly offered me her tickets.  How could I refuse!

The new Neild Ave restaurant was a perfect venue as it’s a large, industrial type of building that has been converted with cleverly suspended paintings that fill a large roof space. 

The bright pink floral window display gave a tantalising hint as to what to expect inside. 

The colourful crowd of fashion media started arriving and it was great to ‘people watch’.  High heels and brave splashes of colour caught the eye.

I was met inside by the lovely Leanne Pearce of Dulux and with champer’s in hand we took in the incredible atmosphere.  Kirrily had asked for one wall of the restaurant to be painted in Dulux Lickedy Lick and it really contributed to the bright, bustling atmosphere as glamorous individuals and well known media celebrities like Darren McMullen, host of The Voice and designers, like Akira, started arriving.  The excitement was fantastic.

Lickedy Lick

Leanne said that Jennifer’s entry to the competition had really ‘hit the nail on the head’ with her response.

The exotic music and expectant atmosphere started building as chatter increased and people started to take their seats as the runways were cleared for the models.  Photographers vied for the best spots and finally the gorgeous models started gliding out, wearing the beautiful new collection, which was themed ‘Gypsy Chic’. 

The predominant colours were bright pink, chartreuse, taupe and black and immediately the boldness of the colour combinations and floral fabrics captured your attention.

The elegance of the beautiful, floaty clothes, teamed with egyptian-like head-pieces and large gold accessories, took us to another level and for a brief moment we were mesmerised by this extraordinary combination of colours, design quality and clever use of fabrics.

All too soon it was over – what an up-lifting experience!

See the beautiful clothes over at Vogue. 

Thank you and Congratulations to Jennifer and Kirrily Johnston!

Thanks Pauline. I’m so pleased you had a great day and I was able to be there vicariously. Thanks Dulux for the tickets.

Now, head on over to the Dulux Facebook page and click Like, it might be you next time.

If you would like assistance choosing Dulux colours for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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Cowhide Egg Chair

One of my suppliers has just released these interesting adaptations of the original chairs.

Cowhide Swan Chair

Contact us for full details and pricing.

If you would like assistance finding the right furniture to suit your home and your budget, contact us for an online or inperson consultation.

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Unusual Combination

I spotted this image over on Pinterest and was mesmerised by it.

The hot pink sofa sucks you right in straight away but on second glance I was enthralled by the eclectic collection of furniture and accessories in this room.

The elegant chandelier, the cow skin rug, the classic style sofas and armchair all upholstered in different fabrics, the abstract artwork, an emboidered cushion, ostrich leg side table and the shrink wrapped fabric on the tufted ottoman all sit together in perfect harmony.

Not many would be game to throw so many different styles together in one period style room but somehow it all works.

Do you like it or would you not spend much time in this room?

If you would like assistance creating a living room that epitomises your lifestyle, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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Lest we forget!

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There are just so many amazing Australian Blogs out there and I am rubbing shoulders with some of my favourites.

The voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award and I would LOVE you to jump online and vote for me. You can vote for as many as you like but you can only access the voting page once.

So if you’ve enjoyed my ramblings about interiors, design and colour, jump online and put a tick next to Decorum on Page 1. The competition is only open to Australian Blogs but anyone can vote.

I am truly grateful for the nomination.

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But it’s fun looking back on past renovations I have done on my own homes. This is my very first home bought back in 1984 in an outer Brisbane suburb.

My very first house

I decided to paint the interior, change the carpet, put in a new kitchen and add a pergola out the back.

Lounge Before - check out that hand me down TV!

New paint and carpet AND some new furniture

Even back then I was keen to put my stamp on a house and make it mine.

Original Kitchen

Stylish new kitchen - it was the '80's.

I had always loved spiral staircases so arranged to have one installed in the home. There was a small room at the back of the house with external stairs to the rumpus room and carport. I decided to have a hole cut in the floor and the staircase could drop in there giving me internal access to the TV room, car and laundry.

New spiral staircase

I loved that spiral staircase but doubt I’d put one in again. Fortunately I did have a normal staircase at the front of the house to easily lug groceries, suitcases and bulky items in and out.

Fresh coat of paint for the exterior

What alteration have you made to a home that you would not repeat?

If you would like assistance with your home renovations, contact us for an online or inperson consultation.

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