Our New Home

44. Outdoor Shower

2016-07-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

Being home on leave gave me the perfect opportunity to get the outdoor shower sorted. Originally the plan was to do the shower as a surprise for Craig for his birthday but he just happened to be home when the plumber came to quote so the surprise was blown.

The shower is located outside our bedroom and ensuite so Craig has direct access inside and also to the pool.

Step 1: Daniel and Tip had to chase the pipes into the wall, connecting to the pipes in the scullery.

Step 2: Mark from Bathroom Tiles and Decor in Willetton laying the tiles up the wall.

Step 3: Daniel and Tip came back again to install the taps and shower head.

Step 4: Craig giving the shower a test run (it's freezing outside!)

43. The Wardrobe

2015-09-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

At last we have had our wardrobe fitted out, almost 4 years after moving into our home!

When we built we had to compromise on some things and our walk-in-robe was one of these things. To tide us over we had the builder install a shelf and rail on one side of the robe and then on the other we just had two chest of drawers.

Craig spent last weekend removing the shelves.

Then repairing and repainting the walls, which was a bit of an epic tasks it turns out!

This week Mario from Lifestyle Cabinets did the fit out!

The whole thing looks great, I even have jewelry drawers and a rod from which to hang necklaces. No more tangles!

Now to fill it!

42. The Study

2015-04-17T07:09:00.003-07:00

Way back in November we finally got around to sorting out our study. This post is a little belated update as life just got busy in the meantime.

The "study" had become a dumping ground for unloved furniture and the kids' old desks. It was messy, mismatched and not very conducive to inspiration.

That's where Pinterest and Dave our Irishman came in :)

The first task was to clear out the room so Dave could actually move.

Aaaahhh a blank slate!

The benchtop is on!

Next the wall shelves.

Finished...well almost, I just need a TV on the left and a few of our pictures framed for the right.

We love this space and I have even been inspired to become a Stampin' Up demonstrator (who would have thought eh?) So feel free to contact me regarding your papercraft need hahahaah.

http://www3.stampinup.com/au

41. The Kitchen

2015-04-17T00:06:00.002-07:00

Well it has been a long time since I wrote anything about our home and to be honest, now that the building process is over, it is probably of no interest to anyone else! I am going to endeavour to update a few thing though as the blog has become a digital diary and it is fun to look back and see how things have changed.

Ok so today I saw that the lastest issue of Home Beautiful Magazine has a competition in it, Now this magazine was one of my sources of inspiration during the design and building process and I am a long time subscriber...but the real icing on the proverbial cake...a chance to win $10 000!!!!!! People's Choice is $1000 and there are 14 x $500 vouchers up for grabs at Temple and Webster (drool worthy), so I entered!!! I really need a bedroom overhaul and update (we still have our original bedhead and bedside drawers...27 years of marriage later

), this could be the sweetener I need to convince Craig that a shopping spree is required.

Anyway, while I had the camera out I thought I might as well add some photos in here so I have them as a record. Plus I love our kitchen! One thing I have realised, as I look around our home, is the number of "treasures" we have, gifts or finds that evoke memories of people and places. Its not so much the "stuff" as the emotions that are associated...maybe I am just sentimental too!

Look pretty amazing, but then again I am biased.

the competition is at

hb-beautifulrooms.com.au

Voting for the Viewers Choice is from the 12th May so anyone out there in "Blogland" please vote for us.

Flowers fresh from our own garden, we have vases of roses most of the year thanks to our very mild climate (and maybe over watering and over fertilising)

This fan was a Flea Market find by Jake...scrubbed up it now looks amazing above the fridge.

I have tried the fan in the lounge and study, it is the perfect colour to go anywhere in this house...but I love it in the space above the fridge.

These Ikea chairs were not my first choice...I had my heart set on the wrought iron ones from Le Forge, but that's a Lotto win away. Recently I saw some industrial type ones that I loved, but without a back, these are just too comfy to trade at the moment.

We spend most mornings at the bench as it is very rare that we all eat breakfast at the same time,,.when we do, it is usually the weekend and then we use the table or enjoy our bruch alfresco.

This little bird collection started with just one from Claire. I have always loved the traditional kitsch "Flying ducks" but hadnt been able to find just the right ones, until Claire gave me one for a birthday. More blooms from our garden, having flowers and plants around the house always makes me feel happy.

Just another angle. I love the butler's sink!

The scullery and some of my cake stand collection, Murray and Shelley started me on this path and Rhonda has also contributed with gift and ideas where to source things.

Our little compost bin is fantastic and is taken out to our tumbler outside. It feels good to recycle the scraps and the soil it produces it great for the herb and vege patch.

We picked our first watermelon recently. It was very sweet.

Cake tin from my sister in law, all the way from Italy. Thanks Rob

Ok, thats it, wish us luck and don't forget to vote please.

40. Afternoon Teal for Audie

2013-10-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

On the 13th October we hosted an Afternoon Teal to raise awareness of and funds for, Ovarian Cancer Australia.

This is a charity that is very close to our hearts as my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in March 1992 and despite a brave fight, succumbed to the disease in April 1996.

It was a lovely afternoon spent with family and friends.

The grand total we have been able to contribute is $3708.

This certainly exceeded our expectations and I would like to pay tribute to the generosity of so many people. It really was a team effort, so thank you all.

xxx

Putting some bunting to good use.

We were so lucky with the weather. A wet weekend before and after, someone was looking out for us that's for sure.

We set up tables inside and out with almost 60 guest expected.

We received a very generous donation of wines from Larry Cherubino Wines

(thank you for organising that Julie)

Iced tea and "teal" punch.

Guest enjoying the afternoon.

More food!

THE CAKE!!

(Thank you for your amazing icing skills Amanda M, great colour blending Kate!)

Merchandise for sale.

We had some fantastic prizes donated to our raffle.

Ladies please be vigilant!

Well it seemed like a good idea, put personally I don't think teal toenails look that great. It was fun though.

Good advice for everyone.

Ovarian Cancer Australia

39. Garden Update: Spring 2013

2013-10-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, doesn't time fly!!!!

I have decided to keep updating our blog, long after the building process is over (actually, does it ever really end?) just to keep a record for ourselves really.

I found recently that I was getting a little frustrated with what I perceived as a lack of growth in the garden etc...but then looking back on old posts it is great to have a comparison and so now it is pretty evident that with a full growth season underway, there are changes everywhere.

The bare branches on our flowering plums down the driveway finally have a scattering of flowers, not the mass of blooms we were hoping for, but pretty anyway.

Apparently as these trees mature we can expect more flowers each year.

Ruthless prunning of the roses has yielded great results with an amazing first flush towards the end of September. I was able to fill the house with many vases of gorgeous roses which always makes me feel happy.
A second big show is just about to emerge.
Don't you just love Spring?

This little gerbera is a triumph of sorts. My Mum's favourite flowers were gerberas and so when we bought our first home in Geraldton she split some plants from her garden and gave me some gerberas of my own. This little guy is from that original stock!

Everytime we have moved house (more than 5 times), I have dug them up, split them and taken a few with me.

I have also distributed some amongst family and friends... it is nice to have the link I think.

Ok, dont let the environmentalists out there see this one.
Arum lillies...oh dear, a noxious weed apparently but so beautiful and another "memory" plant for me.

(The garden really is a little sentimental journey)

This is another plant that we have had at every home although unfortunately when we moved from our Shelley home into the rental to build, they didnt survive. New stock was "sourced" (thank you Craig) from the river behind the Maddington Homestead...thus another link was restored.

Although beautiful in vases, I won't temp fate or Nanna's wrath by allowing them inside!

The fern garden outside our bedroom is flourishing, however we chose a decidous creeper to run over the pergola. This isnt doing much at the moment so it could be a race against the heat.

We are hoping that the creeper will take off and so offer some protection to the plants below.

This may need a rethink.

The continuing saga of the citrus trees.

Disappointed at their lack of growth, we tore out the vine that was growing below them, (well actually we were fearful that the vine was going to overtake the whole suburb as it was so voracious).

Anyway after massive does of sheep manure and a few threats, the citrus have got the idea and are finally doing what we hoped they would...growing.

We are even excited to see flowers and fruit forming!

Between the citrus we have planted port wine magnolia, the same plants in the hedge below. These have a beautiful fragrance like the chewing gum or as the kids used to call them "juicy fruit trees". Although the hedge is doing really well I am not sure how the pw magnolia between the citrus will go as they will get a lot of radiant heat from the fence, so our first summer will be a test of sorts.

Our frangipanis grew alot last year and are just about to start their little journey again. We have several around the backyard and it is a little race to see which will reach the top on the fence first!

38. We Had A Dream!

2013-02-27T18:40:00.001-08:00

Ok...drum roll...the bookcase is finally in and finished.

Actually that could be a premature call, the bookcase is in but the "cornice man" is here now as I type, doing the last finishing touches.

After a few false starts with extreme hot weather, broken vehicles and difficult to coordinate timetables...the bookcase was installed last week.

Craig inspecting the progress

Trying out the ladder!

Now for the actual books...I might be crazy but I liked it better empty, kind of defeats the purpose though!

Just the cornices to go :)

Carl from Executive Ceilings has finished the cornice, just in time for Craig to paint over the long weekend.

(With my broken hand I have been banned from climbing on ladders, chairs, tables...anything really!)

Ok, I am adding a post script to update..well an overdue update :)

The cornices were done but I forgot to take a picture, until Gary reminded me that he needed one for his webpage. OOPS

(We have now got Gary drawing up plans for a TV cabinet and study/craft room furniture)

The finished product.

Gary added his logo..we love it!

37. Dreams DO Come True!

2013-01-28T01:23:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember I have always had a dream to have a "library".

Luckily Craig is also a Bookworm and so now we are finally indulging this fantasy.

Due to the shape of our block and house, we had a kinda "dead" space in the middle...we toyed with making this a store room, a robe. a TV/Theatre recess etc. It is not very big, but could open onto the lounge or family areas...thinking ahead, the designer suggested this could be s suitable space for stairs if anyone ever wanted to add another storey on later.

Craig and I seized this space for a "Book Nook"... (library sounds pretentious)

Currently our pine bookcases and piano fill up this space, but look a little sad and lost.

We wanted something big that would fill up the whole space, we also wanted white as this little nook has no windows or direct light. We searched high and low for bookcases. We found some gorgeous ones at Maison Living, Provincial Home etc all over East but nothing that would fit the whole 3.6m and go to the 3m ceiling.

As luck would have it there didnt seem to be many people that would do custom made bookshelves in Perth...then we stumbled upon Gary Peakall from P'Que Timber Craft

http://www.handcraftedfurniture.com.au/

Gary is currently constructing our dream...but I am too impatient and excited to wait and hence the sneak preview.

Let me tell you about Gary...he is patient, but he also gives too many choices!!!

We have spent hours deciding door profiles, which routing to have on the shelves, not to mention the mouldings, shelf spacing and knobs etc. A visit to his workshop is like being in a candy store.

Oh I do wish I that I had done woodwork at school!

The easy decision was colour..we are going Antique White USA to match the skirting, doors etc.

Ok here goes:

The cupboards:

The door moulding (there are 8)

This is actually a picture of an amazing kitchen that Gary is building..drool drool.

The bookshelf under construction

With Craig, to give an idea of scale.

Detail of routing (Gary sends me updates..he knows how excited we are)

The almost completed bookcase, with door mouldings...sanding then painting to go.

Painting has now been completed..lots of coats and by hand. Not sure I would like that job, but I do love the smell :)

It looks like a giant jigsaw puzzle on the drying rack.

Due to the hot weather, paintimg has taken a little longer than anticipated.

Installation at the end of this week.

xox

36. Our First Year

2013-01-28T00:17:00.001-08:00

Recently we celebrated our first year in our "not quite so new anymore" home. It is fun to look back on the photos and see how far we have come on this journey from the block full of weeds to an almost finished house. Our first year has certainly been eventful so we are looking forward to a more restful year to really enjoy our new space.

So what has changed? Well the garden is coming along and inspite of the hot weather, everything seems to be thriving.

Hmm maybe not the hydrangeas. I grew these from cuttings (rather than pay $20+ a plant), we don't really have an ideal spot (but I do love them) so I am going to persevere and hope that with a summer under their belt and lots of TLC they will toughen up. I have fond memories of Nanna growing hydrangeas in Maddington, great big blue blooms. They are also gorgeous in vases.

The vege patch has been productive. We have enjoyed beetroot, eggplant, capscicum, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and chilli. I am still not convinced that this little patch is productive enough to warrant the effort and expense though. Perhaps a nice timber deck/daybed in its place??

We were very excited when our rear neighbour finally agreed to cut down the gum tree that was hanging over the back fence. It was constantly dropping leaves, sticks, nuts, berries and flowers into the pool, which was annoying and expensive. (Nuts got stuck in the filter and we had to have it repaired)

The citrus trees are slowly coming along, a little too slowly for my liking but I am reluctantly learning to be patient.

The groundcover/creeper that we planted underneath the citrus is crazy and grows before our eyes. If anyone has a bare spot that needs filling...come and help yourself!

We trimmed the creeper (forgotten what it is called) back before the holidays...this is how it looked by January!

Trimmed back again :) I even trimmed the citrus to promote bushy growth. Anyone have suggestions as to what else we could plant here? (low maintenance, doesnt drop stuff, no invasive roots, fragrant)

The herb garden was going really well, until Lily discovered coriander. She likes to eat it, lay on it and dig it up. Very frustrating.

In September the first of a very few flowers appeared on the plum trees alonng our driveway.

Whilst we were very disappointed with the show of flowers, the actual plum trees have flourished and are getting lovely and bushy. They seem to be happy in this spot as do the roses, this is nice as there are always enough blooms to pick to bring inside.

These are Iceberg (driveway) and Serenity (front verandah) blooms.

Well thats our garden round up :)

A sneak peek at our Christmas present to ourselves, which may explain why we have spent most of the holidays being lazy at home (oh, plus my broken hand means I am "incapacitated" and had lots of appointments)

35. Ten Months and Counting

2012-10-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

Wow I can't believe that I haven't updated our blog since March!!!! Actually I can, life has been pretty busy, hectic and crazy. Blogging hasn't really seemed that important. Anyway, I am now inspired for a few reasons:

a) I found a stack of pictures on my camera
b) We had visitors recently that remarked how they couldn't believe we had only been in the house such a short time ( we kinda forget how far we have come)
c) We are really enjoying watching Murray and Julie's house progress via their blog
d) We are on holidays and for the first time in so long we haven't had hundreds of things to do and so have just enjoyed being in our home.

The family room was looking a bit bare so Craig and I searched for something to break up the long wall.

It has to be at least 4m long, not too deep or busy and with a bit of colour.

We have had a mixed reaction but we think it does the trick.

Another development during July was the wallpapering in Niki's room.

We bought the wallpaper online last year (Norwall- Tuxedo) We were able to source the paper from a supplier in America at a great price. (Discountdecorating.com)

Poor Niki had been very patiently waiting to get her feature wall done, which we did as a suprise for her birthday.

Niki had Uni on the day of her birthday and so as soon as she left, we called the decorator to let him know "the coast was clear".

He was here within half an hour and finished about 4 hours later. We resurrected her room just in the nick of time (excuse the pun).

We have added a few more pieces here and there. Our house is feeling very mch like OUR home now.

I did try to grow herbs in this planter, with no success, I guess they didnt get enough sun. The herbs outside are growning well so I am cheating and trying indoor plants.

The washboard on the wall was a "find", it was hidden in a cupboard that we were looking at in an Antique Store and the tin sign was a recent purchase on our girl's trip to Melbourne.

That's all for now, next I will try to show our garden progress.

xxx

34. Almost Done

2012-03-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Well we have been enjoying our new home for almost 4 months now and are onto the last few jobs outside.

The final boundary fence was completed last month and the garden down the driveway garden has been planted.

BEFORE

DURING

(Craig and Jan chatting down near the road)

AFTER

We have planted Crimson Spires (flowering plums) with iceberg roses in between.

The poor spires were so happy to finally be in the ground that they are already sprouting like crazy.

Out the back we have been busy installing the pool fencing.

Last weekend Darren generously donated his time and expertise to build a pergola outside our bedroom. This is on the west side of the house so gets afternoon sun.

The pergola should provide a little protection but will also enable us to plant a shade garden or fernery just outside our bedroom. I do miss having a garden for shade loving plants.

Craig painting away (I did help..just a little).

The actual painting took longer than constrction!

The plants are in (they look so tiny..but just you wait!!!)

Craig untangling the garden hose in the background, fresh from a dip...hmm..ok the secret is out...

I CAN NOT ROLL UP HOSES!

I don't know why but I have inherited some kind of gene that renders me incapable...

Craig to the rescue..again.

Our favourite mulch..sheep manure.

Looking out from our bedroom...use your imagination and picture a lush tropical rainforest...in a year or so.

Whew thats it now..the outside is done...well, almost :)

* ----- *

33. A Home at Last

2012-01-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

Now that the festive season is behind us, we finally feel settled and that this is indeed our home.

We are very lucky to still be on holidays and it has been great to have a few days to potter around and get some of the less urgent chores done.
Or...just do nothing....hahah, like that would ever happen!

Today I plan on conquering the study, which still has a few boxes to unpack...however the fact that I am writing this is evidence of my procrastination perhaps.

Our garden is going really well inspite of the hot weather. Those poor roses that have lived in pots for two years have taken off and are flowering like mad.

I do think the 20 bags of sheep manure have been a wise investment as the plants are thriving.

The front is almost done now. We are just waiting on the fencing contractor to replace the super six with the colorbond that is cluttering up the garage.

We can then plant the flowering plums (Crimson spires) down the driveway garden.

The back is coming along also, even tho summer must be the worst time to plant a new garden.

Progress in the vege garden, two tiny capsicums already :)

The herb garden has already been used quite a few times!

Today Craig put up our weather vane.

A neighbour at our previous house had a similar weather vane that I admired, Robyn had this gorgeous copper vane shipped out for us from Italy.

He is beautiful and already starting to take on a lovely verdigris patina.

Inside we have started putting a few things up on the wall and it is starting to feel more homely.

Our rug that Greg and Rhonda brought us back from Saudi had been given a new home.

We even have a bed...haha..sorry Muzz, the pillows are a bit messy!

A final shot, we are loving the blackbutt floors. Great call Craig!
(I have to admit that I was keener on travertine but am VERY glad we went with wood)

32. Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.

We are thrilled to celebrate Christmas is our new home this year.

Although it seems like it has taken such a long time, the reality is that we are in and almost settled.

(Just don't look in the storeroom or garage)

The driveway has been poured and now apart from the gardens, we are at least "sand free".

Our furniture has arrived and the house is starting to feel more like a home.

The chair collection is complete.

The reticulation is almost done (just a problem getting the required length to go around the back..hopefully they will finish this week)

Roses and hydreangeas out the front.

Our token lawn area, just a little section for the dog really. (Lily's Lawn or the Piddle Patch)

Our new gate..made by master craftsman..Ryan! Thanks Ryan, we know how busy you are, we are very happy to be able to have our pets home at last.

Snowbushes and magnolia.

Our beautiful gingerbread house made by our clever niece Taylor and her friend Tori. (Orders taken for next Christmas :)

Well that really complete the journey of our house construction over the last twelve months.

We would like to say a big thank you to our family and friends for all your help and support throughout this undertaking.

Merry Christmas.

31. We Are In!

2011-12-11T16:47:00.001-08:00

Yay..we are now sleeping in our new home..well some of us are anyway!

We are still waiting for the container with most of our furniture to be delivered and so the kids and pets are still at Dad's.

We were so lucky to be temporarily accomodated in luxury with Chelle and Rob but it is nice to unpack and be in our own home at last.

We moved out of our last home in September 2009 and been in rentals since, so it has been a while.

French Champagne and delicious pizza with the Mason's for our first night.

So to update: The floors were finished last week and the fireplace installed Monday.

I am very excited to finally have this fireplace installed. It is a sentimental piece as it is from my grandmother's original farmhouse in Maddington. It has travelled to Denmark with Nanna and Reg, then back to Maddington before coming to us to be finally installed in our new home.

It is an expensive indulgence but we love it, bring on winter!

As soon as the firplace and skirting boards were finished and painted we could have our blinds, curtains and shutters installed. (Thursday was a very busy day),

The Christmas tree is up and it is beginning to feel like home.

Our new sofa, we worked out that our previous sofa (that has gone to live with Hannah) was over 16 years old...about time we updated!

It is so nice to unpack at last.

Just when everyone is thinking we are so organised...a few snapshots to bring us all back to reality.

We are sleeping on Jake's matteress on the floor until our container arrives Friday.

Still unpacking our clothes (this is tidier now :)

Our main TV is still in the storage container.

The front area still looks like a bomb site. This is Craig loading up the rubble and rubbish to take out to the skip bin on the verge over the weekend.

This week the driveway will go down, then fences (to keep pets in) and then finally on Friday (the first day of our holidays) we will have the furniture that we have had to store, delivered.

Hope to be all sorted by Monday (too optimistic?)

Reticulation, gardens etc will just have to wait until we have some time...I need to get organised and start baking for Christmas!

30. It Is All Coming Together

2011-12-01T01:40:00.001-08:00

We have had a very hectic fortnight that has seen us move out of our rental property.

Unfortunately the owners of the rental would not extend our lease for another 3 weeks and so we have had to put our furniture into storage and "Couch Surf" until the wood flooring is finished.

This is not quite as tricky as it seems as the kids and pets are being accommodated (and spoiled) with Dad and Craig and I have taken up residence with Chelle and Rob in "the Mansion".

If you have to be temporarily homeless, this is a pretty good way to do it!

Since my last update we have been working on the outside while the team from Floors Of Distinction have been sanding and sealing inside.

Levelling in preparation for "The Big Pour".

Mark and his team started work early yesterday to set out the form work, another early start today and the limestone around the back and verandah has been poured.

We popped over this afternoon and the guys were just finishing off the texture and putting in the cuts and expansion joints.

Here the verandah has been freshly poured, awaiting the finishing touches.

Tomorrow the guys will clean the limestone and seal it, we will be allowed to walk on it by the weekend..so looking forward to no sand and getting started on the gar

By Monday the floors should all be done and so the skirting boards, carpet, aircon and window treatments will follow. Another hectic week scheduled so we can finally get the driveway done and then have our sea container delivered and actually move in.

29. The Fit Out

2011-11-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

We have keys!

Tuesday morning we went thru our list with John and took possession of the keys, very exciting!

Straight away the flooring guys got started painting on the moisture barrier so by Tuesday afternoon that was finished and we had shiny concrete floors.

By Tuesday night the wood had been delivered, and the garage smelled beautiful!

Wednesday the guys started laying and so by the time we popped over to peek in the afternoon the halway and familyroom were almost done.

Saturday afternoon and the floors are down.

We are very happy with the look and now we wait for the resin fill this week before the sanding and sealing starts.

(For those interested the wood is NSW Blackbutt- feature grade)

This one is for you S and M, featuring our gorgeous housewarming gift of a beautiful cake plate.

Another busy week ahead: Electrical for garden lights, replacing drain lids in driveway (where the bobcat dented them), tiling the outdoor area, bullnose headers for the pool and prelaying retic.

28. The End Is In Sight!

2011-11-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

After a few hiccups we think things should be on track for handover this week.

Let's hope so anyway, as the flooring is starting on Tuesday and we are really under pressure now to move out of our rental and also to be settled before Christmas.

So much to do but at least I have started the shopping!

It is all about priorities :)

I was talking to my SIL today about some of the things we have been doing to get ready for the new place and people have asked about my obsession with wooden chairs. So I thought I would share a few projects that we have been working on.

We have a beautiful old table for the kitchen that has been in our family for well over a hundred years but unfortunately we don't have matching chairs.

This is where my obsession has come from. Over the last two years we have steadily collected from the verge pick ups, Gumtree, Ebay, OP Shops or been given- (thanks Chantelle) a selection of wooden chairs. All different.

The idea, (which has yet to come to fruition so the jury is still out whether it is a good idea or not) has been to collect the chairs and then paint them all the same colour (they are all different styles and types of wood) so that they look like a set, albiet a mismatched set.

Each chair has been sanded down before painting, some have been absolutely beautiful wood and it has seemed a shame but the colours are just too different. After painting they have been rubbed back (for a shabby finish) and varnished.

Some have even been upholstered...some are still waiting to be upholstered.

This is a sample of one of the chairs after sanding...aaah. I always forget to take before photos as I am too eager to get started once we make a find.

Some of the selection of chairs piled up in our lounge.

The colours look a bit weird because of the flash perhaps.

Anyway, this has kept us busy and may prove to be a really individual feature or a big waste of time.

If they look silly or crazy..I guess they can go back to the verge or Good Sammies.

Some more "projects"

In our last home we had a lot of pictures in wooden frames, many painted by the kids. Being a big softy I can't bare to part with them all so I have given a few frames a work out with the spray can.

We shall see how this looks...still a little undecided.

Today we have been madly sanding away a few pieces.

This ugly old bench seat is currently undergoing a transformation to change it from rickety blue with spiders, to ... well we shall have to wait and see.

Another verge find that is going to be repurposed and a new home.

This little table was covered in thick yellow varnish when we bought it for a song at a secondhand store.

I ~~conned ,~~ ~~bribed,~~ ~~begged,~~ asked Craig to sand it down for me..here it is half done

(I always forget to take before pictures).

He has done a fantastic job and it is looking gorgeous.

I am hoping that this table can take up residence in our entryway.

Way back in probably January, I came across two chairs during a verge collection in Bullcreek, perfect for the verandah I thought! Both were painted in several coats of paint with an olive green on the outer layer. I was hoping to restore them to natural wood but after stripping them back it seems that one had been exposed to the elements more than the other so they were different colours. Luckily I love white and so they both got that "shabby chic" treatment.

There have been a few other little bits and pieces but as I am so impatient I forget to take photos.

Two cupboards from Uncle Bill's have been given new life. One looks like a bathroom cabinet and the other a buffet, both were out in a shed sans spider and rat poo.

They needed lots of work and took weeks before being finished with lavender wax to get them smelling sweet again.

Another verge find but I am not sure what to do with it... I love wooden boxes but not sure about a metal ammo box.
I think this is destined for the garage sale.

One last pic of our little Lily who watches patiently and brings her ball for a play while we paint and sand.

27. Almost there!

2011-10-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

This week we are looking forward to our final inspection and then hopefully is all goes well...

... handover and keys.

Luckily we have had pretty regular access to the house and so have been able to draw our builders' attention to any minor things that need attention, with luck this will speed up the process.

The painting is now complete and the cleaners have started working their magic.

Oh, loving the kitchen, can't wait to fill all those cupboards!

Freshly painted doors (Antique White USA)

Over the weekend Craig and I did some work on the outside.

We hope to start the retic in over the next fortnight and get some plants in as soon as the limestone goes down.

We deliberated for some time over whether to paint the front doors or leave them as wood and varnish.

We are happy with our decision.

Everything is looking great, or we think so anyway which I guess is to be expected as we chose it :)

One item that is causing mixed feelings amongst our visitors and family is the ceiling fan in the alfresco! Before I reveal the photo, let me explain....it has to be an outdoor fan, marine grade stainless steel...

and there isn't a lot to choose from.

We could have a stainless steel metal job, a bamboo style or...

Ok..opinions are as follows:
Against (Dad, Greg, JP, Murray, Jade, Lisa)
For (Craig, Muzz, Shell, Niki, Jake, Linh, Sarah, Johanne, Andrea, Dell, Lidia, Amanda and Sheldon, Rhonda, Taylor, Hannah)........me???
Well I am still not so sure :)

What do you think? Opinions welcome.

That is all for now...the next photos will hopefully be of the flooring going in and the limestone going down.

26. Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-10-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, it is a lame title, but this week there has been plenty of action- we have painting, taps, bathroom fittings and lights!

The ensuite, grouted, fitted out, just waiting for a clean.

We had to reselect our taps as the ones we originally chose are now discontinued.

It is actually quite unusual now to have taps in a bathroom, most people go for a mixer apparently. What can I say? I'm just an old fashioned girl :)

This heated towel rail caused a few problems for our very patient electrician because this wall also houses the recess for our "cavity sliders". Dell, you are a legend.

We even have a shower head!

The kids' bathroom is now also ready for cleaning.

It is very tempting to take my bucket etc. over to the house and get stuck into a big tidy up but I know this is best left to the professionals.

They will work their magic next week.

Progress photos of the tiling in the kitchen, all finished and grouted.

The butler's sink, our baby!
I was so anxious about how this would look as

we had seen hundreds in magazines but none in "real life".
We took a risk and purchased this online about a year ago, so the wait to see it installed has been a nervous one.
We love it!

We have lights!

We have appliances!

The lights work and so does the alarm thank goodness!

Checking out the painting.

Preview of some more lights, the "jam jars" are outside and the other is in the lounge.

Craig even took a dip to fish out some debris from the bottom of the pool. This was brave, murky water on a rather chilly day.

The pool is looking much better now and is all set for handover next week.

25. We Are Getting Close Now

2011-10-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Well the new house has been a hive of activity this week as the completion date gets closer.

Everyday there is progress.

We are now under a bit of pressure as the owners of our rental need to move back into their home. Although we don't have a firm date, handover is looking at being around the end of this month.

We are busy scheduling in the flooring, window treatments, retic and driveway so that we can move as soon and as smoothly as possible.

Ok, so what is new this week?

The external render has all been finished and the inside has had a coat of paint.

The friezework has also been added.

We are loving the archway and think the change in dimensions was a good call.
What do you think?

The frieze continues inside to the lounge area as well.

Ok, enough with the frieze...onto the kitchen..yay!

We have a benchtop at last (Cracked pepper...which is a grey, white, black and taupe mix)

The overhead cupboards and rangehood going in.

The bookshelves that sit either side of the kitchen, next to laundry and pantry doors.

Ta dah! Although there is a cover on the bench, the splashback is yet to be tiled, no electricals or tapware..you get the picture!

I can't wait to fill up those cupboards.

Ok, enough of the kitchen obsession...the kids now have doors on their wardrobes.

Poor things have had small cupboards for so long, especially JR so they will love the space.

Our light fittings are almost all done and Sam started painting the woodwork today.

Looking forward to the tiling being finished next week...we are on the home stretch now!

* X *

24. It's a New Kitchen!

2011-09-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hooray! The kitchen is done and ready for Vic to install tomorrow.

A quick dash out to Empire Cabinets today to finalise the placement of door handles then Justin and crew had the kitchen ready to go.

Justin very kindly taped the handles in various positions for us to decide.

The kitchen, still in the factory but without knobs. Hi Niki!

This is the panel that will sit over the cooktop.

Sweeping out some of the dust..waiting for the "special delivery".

IT IS HERE!

Fitting tomorrow, the benchtops measured etc Friday.

I just had to try and picture what the lights will look like, luckily Craig is used to humouring me.

PS:Need light fittings?

Try Stefan and Jo-Ann at Boardwalk Fans and Lighting, Ranford Road, Southern River.

They are so helpful and well priced.

Tell them Linda sent you :)

A little update...thats Vic working behind the ladder.

Now we have to wait for the stone to be cut and polished before the cooktop and OH cupboards can go in place on that back wall. The bottoms drawer faces are still to arrive as well.

By the way, that paint is sealer, not the actual colour we will have.

This room is going to be painted Dulux Buff IT!

A little progress was also made in the bathroom today..mirrors and shower screen.

This one is for you Muzz.

23. Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day! (please)

2011-09-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well just our luck that this year decides to be the wettest Perth winter in recent history.

I guess it is selfish to complain as we certainly need the rain but I just wish it would rain at night time and give us clear daytime skies!

Monday was the big day that the team started rendering with the texturecoat, an exciting delevopment for us!

(FYI: Dulux Hog Bristle 200%)

Unfortunately Mother Nature wasn't in on this plan and so with constant drizzle, the guys had to pack up and head home.

The inside of the garage is done so at least we can see how the colour looks (very happy with this choice) but unfortunately this means a delay, for not only this team, but also the guys doing the frieze, electrical work and external plumbing.

We have had a few other hold ups since my last post so not much in the way of news to report.

Our kitchen was meant to be installed last week but unfortunately the doors were the wrong ones..this has delayed the tiler, plumber and electrician as well.

"This is building" I am told.

The doors have now arrived at the Justin, cabinet maker's and we should have a kitchen by Wednesday..fingers crossed.

Can't wait to see the kitchen sink!

Laundry and pantry tiling now done, apparently the grouting will be finished when the kitchen goes in.

( I am already drooling over the linen cupboard, can't wait to unpack!)

The bathroom tiles are done too!

Craig trying out the bath, hahaha..he will kill me if he sees this pic but luckily he doesn't read this blog so will never know. (Imagine an evil laugh here) Sssssssssssssh don't tell him!

Waiting on taps etc to finish off the bathrooms now. I think this should all happen next week.
We have bought all of our plumbing stuff from Beri Distributors, Port Kembla Drive, Bibra Lake.
Ask for Chris and tell him Linda sent you....(he may try and hide but trust me he is very patient!)

We are starting to get a little excited and even impatient now as crowding is a definite reality at our current abode, adding to this the owners have had a change in their situation and would like to move back in asap.

The loungeroom with chairs, beds, lights, hotwater system, boxes of linen, a table, a fridge, saucepans, piano, fireplace mantle and more...just about everything except the kitchen sink!

(This has gone to the cabinet maker now)

We still can't pin down an actual handover date until the weather clears and the outside can get done, but we are probably about 4 week away from the big move!

Stay tuned...this is going to be a BIG week.

22. The Inside is Starting to Come Together.

2011-09-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

It is amazing what a difference a coat of paint makes, even if it is undercoat/primer.

Dulux and Solver have made a small fortune out of us, these are just SOME of the colours we are trying to choose from (We have a comprehensive sample pot collection). Any suggestions?

Trying to choose a "white" for the skirting, sills and doors is aslo proving difficult.

I didn't realise I was so indecisive.

The tiling has been well underway for a couple of weeks now and Ralph has done an amazing job so far.

Our ensuite, looking a little bare without the taps or mirrors but still taking shape, can't wait to soak in the tub!

The kid's bath is looking alot more secure now, Ralph will probably finish this off Monday

The new bench top has been fitted in the laundry, I really love how this goes right up to the window.

More cabinets.

This afternoon we delivered the kitchen door knobs to Justin and got a sneak peak of the kitchen cupboards, this was exciting.
He is just waiting on the doors to come and expects the kitchen to arrive on site next week.
Can't wait!

Not sure about this frieze at all..it will go the full length of the verandah, but still not sure of it's proportions.

Well that is about all...we need to finalise the paint colour selections this week and will have the solar panels installed Monday.

Guess the kitchen and render are the next big changes ahead.

21. The Fit Out Starts!

2011-08-02T02:38:00.000-07:00

Being locked out is a little frustrating that is for sure...

...but it also means that things are happening inside.

The internal doors have been fitted and look terrific..even if I do say so myself.

Pantry door on right, laundry on left. Cornices finished around the bulkhead.

Family room, looking towards front door.

Today I met with the electrician to finalise the placement of the lights so that the holes could be cut for the downlights and fittings.

This was done by the time I popped back this afternoon, when the ceiling sanders were busy at work.

The carpenter has started the linen, pantry and wir cupboards now.

Pantry

Laundry Linen

WIR

This week (8/8/11) the fit out continues in earnest, beginning with the bath in the ensuite.

Vic has been busy, here he is installing the vanity unit in the ensuite.

The Bathroom is also coming along....hope the bath will be a bit more secure soon!

The laundry, well one side anyway..the bench under the window is still to be fitted.

The window sills are also done so hopefully next week the tiling will begin.

Ooops, almost forgot the ceiling in the outdoor area.

20. Lock Up!

2011-07-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

This week we reached "lock up" which is an exciting milestone..but also means that we can't just

"pop in" whenever we feel like it!

The front doors were fitted on Moday but unfortunately it was dark when I tried to take a picture so it is a bit blurry.

The following photos are from the last week.

The front doors, stacked ready to go on.

The plastering has all been finished now..they did a lovely job too!

Everything is looking so much lighter now with the white walls.

The family room.

Although this photo was taken about a week ago, things have already changed in the kitchen.

The cornices around the bulkead have been done and everything looks neater.

Today we delivered the bathroom sinks, rangehood, butlers sink etc to the cabinet maker,

(the ovens and cooktop should arrive soon).

He has already made the carcasses for ensuite, bathroom and laundry cupboards do things are progressing quickly.

Next week the plumber will install the baths etc!

The end is in sight!