Happy Australia Day!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Amazing progress in a week!

It always amazes me how the last few weeks of a project see so much 'come together'!

The joinery has started to arrive at the Point Frederic Project....

Kitchen and Family room:

Laundry:

And the lounge fire place, hearth and doors are now looking a bit more complete!

Will show finished piccies soon...I'm off getting the 'back-to-school' clobber!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Valentines Gift Ideas

We don't usually exchange gifts on Valentine's day here....it all seems very commercial and more suitable to young love but I found this great GIFT GUIDE over on Mimi + Meg.

If your looking for great ideas it's perfect; most sites are USA based but the ideas are universal.....a google for a local source would be easily done! I even found a few 'new' items to add to my birthday wish list, like this little fellow by Harry Allen....

Silver or gold?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

my diary = my family umbilical cord

 Well, you're either a diary advocate or not.

Black or White. 
I am, and it's my saviour.

"I have a diary, therefore I am." KL

(You can use this if you want.....he he!)

LOL!

I have a ratty old leather Filofax diary that I love and I spent yesterday updating its innards to 2013.
This way I remember birthdays, anniversaries, colonoscopies, mammograms and all manner or uncomfortable, medical prodding.

All those pesky school notes and information gets transcribed ASAP so we dont miss Crazy Hair Day or dress inappropriately for Wear your Favourite Footy Colours! I'm on speed dial for a few Mum's at school for accurate confirmation of school activities! LOL!

Children's assessment due dates, social engagements and hair appoinments are all in there.

Work rosters, Movie rental return times, Carnivals and Long term reminders (Passport renewal for example) are all recorded with precision.

I even have a page for passwords and ID numbers (not banking ones!) that are so easily forgotten.

 This system works for me and has become the family's 'bible!'

What methods do you use to contain information overload?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

New Year....new phone quandry....

It's time to update my mobile phone and I'm in a bit of a quandry.
I currently use an iPhone 4 and have loved it but I'd like to take advantage of the higher pixel cameras in the new release models. I think I'll enjoy the bigger screen and font too!
 I'm hearing that the latest iPhone 5 is experiencing battery life issues which I would obviously want to avoid. Have you got one of these? Any issues?


The other options I'm considering are the Nokia Lumia 920, Samsung Galaxy S3 and HTC Desire SV devices.

Does anyone have any of these phones? Likes? Dislikes?
Can anyone recommend a good comparison website?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

My (personal) MEGA luxe list

With my 50th birthday looming, I thought I'd compile a birthday wish-list and I guess any regular readers will have realised by now that I am unashamedly materialistic. (Expressed with more eloquence and more subtle terminology; that I really like nice things)

There are many blog authors that I subscribe to and whose writing I thoroughly enjoy that have reached 'purchase Nirvana'; they don't need / want anymore. God Bless....

I'm just not there yet.

My husband reached the 'buy what you need' stage of enlightenment perhaps 12 years ago, (coincidentally about the same time we met!) so I am posting this, my (personal)MEGA luxe list partially as w-a-y overdue Catharsis Therapy, and partially because it has been enjoyable to compile as a birthday wish-list.

Much more fun than the reality, which will no doubt be 'house' related.
Paint, render and tiles are most probable! LOL!

I may or may not achieve ownership of these items in my lifetime (the list is smaller than a decade ago) but I have enjoyed creating this manifest anyhoos. I even whittled it down considerably!

Of course this is all very arbitrary. 25 years ago the only thing on my personal wish list was a healthy baby which I was very blessed to receive and, in time, thrice.

I have a 'travel' wish list too....locked in the noggin. More post fodder.

Have you got a 'personal wish list'?

Come on, Spill....

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

milestones

This year is a biggie for major milestones around here.
Daughter # 2, A has just turned 21 as does my nephew, D
Mum (Nana) commemorates her 80th whilst
David and Moi hit the big half century!
And we have several friend's celebrating their 40, 50 and 60th birthdays as well!

Not a good year to become a tee totaler....

Looks like a busy but exciting year ahead! Yippee!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Blog Love & Top Interiors Predictions for 2013

I have a gazillion blogs that I follow, subscribe to, and love. 

Some are like mine; personal journeys of building, interiors, life or fashion.

Others are 'professional' specialist types and then there's the  'in-betweeners'!

I've been following Jen Bishop of Interiors Addict for a long time and always read her posts with the greatest of interest.
(She started as an in-betweener and is now a professional, you can read her blog's pedigree HERE!)

Jen's blog has a finger on the pulse of interior design and her posts are always very fresh and informative. I often 'hear it first' through this site.

Anyhoo...thought I'd share her latest post: Top Interior Predictions for 2013.

Jen asked some of Australia’s best interior designers and stylists for their opinion of what 2013 will bring in terms of interiors trends. Here’s what they had to say: 

"Steve Cordony, interior design editor, Belle magazine, and stylist: “This coming year I think we will see lots of natural materials such as marble, timber, brass, copper and cut glass which evoke a sense of calm and grounding. Using different shades and tones of trending colours such as blue, green and orange will inject warmth into our spaces. Quirky pieces (think spiky sculptures and animal shaped ceramics) and one-off finds will add a sense of interest and adventure into our interiors.”
Stylist and author Megan Morton: “People are now understanding the value and inherent beauty of interiors that are created with hand and heart. This explains the rise and rise of the craft and handmade movement. I predict we will see an even richer combination of made and bought, providing even more delicious spaces.”
Interior designer Greg Natale: “I see Memphis Milano becoming an influence on design again. Memphis was a design movement and furniture company started by Ettore Sottsass in the 80s. It was a reaction against Modernism and I think personally, they were trying to create warm interiors again by injecting humour and colour. What I like about Memphis is the asymmetrical shapes, black and white stripes, strong colour and wit.”
Stylist Jason Grant: “I like to encourage people to find their own style, to buy what they love and not to to be a slave to trends.”
Interior designer David Hicks: “2013 will see individual style flourish as we continue to head in a non-conformist way. Regency, bold patterns and extravagant designs may give way to the liveability of more subtle, tactile designs with pops of pattern and colour.”
Interior designer Aaron Wong: “”I feel that interior design is taking a bigger interest in not just what fills out the room but how the walls and ceilings are treated. I think there will be more interesting finishes for walls and ceilings that go beyond your standard paint and wallpaper. Oh, and brass!”
Stylist Jane Frosh: “‘Gold, peach and dusty emerald confetti bomb explosion. Boom! (How much fun would that be?) Rockstar glam slammed back to earth with natural linens and textiles.”
Home stager and stylist Naomi Findlay of the International Institute of Home Staging: “Geometric shapes will still be in, and lots of textures. I also think wallpapers are making a bit of a resurgence too.”
Interior designer Chelsea Hing: “Colour will be big this year as more and more people grow tired of a neutral palette and come over to the dark side. We’ll see loads of experimentation, burning of the rule books and a total embrace of individualism as we realise the path to self expression is through embracing what really makes us happy.”
Stylist Jacinta Preston: “High technology collides with the handmade: our homes are smarter but the trend for a more personal connection continues. Our homes are a self portrait of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going. Mother nature and the natural world merge with the machine-made to change our ideas on material selection, decoration and craft.  Colour crush: blue. Blue is the Hugh Jackman of colours! Everybody loves Hugh and everybody loves blue.”
Stylist Emma Blomfield: “Be bold and brave. It’s easy to be beige so take a risk with the smaller stuff and go nuts with soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and throws. Pops of colour dispersed through the room will give you something to look at instead of everything blending together. Splash out with some digitally printed canvases, watercolour cushions and dyed cow hide rugs.” "

Fascinated? Impressed? ! Interiors Addict has to be one of my most favourite sites. If you haven't already; bookmark, subscribe or follow NOW!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Florence Broadhurst new releases

I love designer fabrics.
Marimekko and Florence Broadhurst are two of my favourites so I got a wee bit excited by finding the following, new affordable releases.

Japanese Floral

Chinese Keys

The Cranes

Exclusive to Adairs bedding are these beautiful quilts and coverlets from the Florence Broadhurst collection. An exquisite homage to this iconic designer. And they're currently on sale!

12. 2. 13 ADDENDUM: Only the FB Japanese Floral in Black is exclusive to Adairs.
All Stockists of the range can be located HERE.


 Home textiles label Rapee has collaborated with Signature Prints to release a Florence Broadhurst collection too, which will be available in June.

Their collection will have five stories and a number of colourways extended throughout outdoor, indoor living and dining and kitchen and will be centred on 11 archival prints. Click HERE to read more about the collection where I first heard the news, over at Interiors Addict.

I'm starting to imagine a new bedroom decorating plan incorporating Florence Broadhurst wallpaper lined robes, (idea posted HERE) with co-ordinating bed linen. Whatchathunk?

What exciting releases! I'm heading to Adairs to have a squizz at their range ASAP!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Work: The Point Frederick Project

 I thought I'd give you a wee peep at a house David has been building ... he's about 8 weeks off hand over so it is starting to look a bit interesting! I posted about it HERE once before, regarding the stair design. This is where it's at today...

The inspiration picture is above left whilst the installed stairs, still protectively covered, unstained and without handrails are right. All walls are sealed / undercoated only.

Mammoth entry door with alcoves, either side for joinery, below.

The gas fireplace is framed and the floating plinth constructed. The cost of the plinth in poured concrete was so prohibitive that it was nearly deleted entirely. Instead it will be faced with a concrete-look render which is then polished to look like the real thing. Hopefully! I investigated having an Axolotl finish in faux concrete which was very competitively priced. (see my address book on the right tool bar for details) I am very interested in seeing this element completed!

The concrete plinth references and ties together the concrete flooring used in other areas. The formal lounge and dining having solid black butt flooring whilst the bedrooms, tonal grey carpet.

In the picture below you can also see the built-in blind pelmets and frameless sash windows which feature throughout the house.  Looovely!

The bathroom areas have matte grey floor tiles, selected to visually reference the polished concrete used in the entry and family room areas. They are very dusty at the moment but look great! Hydronic heating will keep all the floors toasty in winter.

With the addition of custom made stainless steel drainage, the concrete floors continue on the same level both inside and out. Poor iPhone pic... sorry!

 The floor plan created a nifty external courtyard between a guest wing and the family room. The doors from each area being secreted 'pocket' style so when open they literally disappear. 

The kitchen is being installed today so there will be more progress pics in a follow-up post. 

I'm not involved in the specification of this project, the owners are more than capable but I think David has made some excellent detailing calls to help them achieve their vision. And of course his workmanship is very evident too. *pat, pat* LOL!

Hope you enjoyed this little tour of the stuff that takes precedence on us finishing Le Hacienda!

x KL

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On My Radar: Gold Highlights

 Are you conscious of Metallic Gold making a reappearance into interior design?

It seemed to fall by the way side in the past 15 years or so but I'm noticing its warmth being added again. Shiny, matte, copper, rose or gleaming yellow are all increasingly being selected;. adding a subtle touch here, a pop of glint there.

I still love silver as a contemporary highlight but am really loving these inspiring images. It's like a breath of fresh air. Of course all the pictures here also feature my favourite Black and White palette!
You know it's a big trend when the high-street stores include it in their new collections too. Country Road have stayed on the fence and have both options available!

 Silver or Gold....
Any preference?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Ready for a new season????

Are you getting New Season fashion adverts in your inbox?

Whilst sweltering in 40 + degrees I'm being inundated with Autumn Winter look-books containing jumpers, jackets and jeans! 

W. T. F. ?

I was not even remotely interested in buying heavier clothing at the moment but I then received Wanted Shoes New Season catalogue. It can't help to LOOK, can it? 

Below are their Bronte (left) and Buddy (right) boots.

Remind you of anything???

Isabel Marant Jenny (above left) and Rivet ? (right).

Blatant rip-offs but affordable at considerably less moolah than the original designer's item.
(Like, h e l l o.... under a quarter!And still made from leather!)

Till 'The Money Pit' is finished here, the real deal will have to provide inspiration only!
Sorry Issy...I dream of one day making it up to you....

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Lustworthy Wardrobes!

Although upstairs is now sheeted, with the setting, painting, tiling, fit-out tasks still to do means we're a long way off from inhabiting the area.  In all fairness, the area is equal to, if not greater than that of an average 3 bedroom home!

I've asked David if he can prioritise the setting of our main bedroom wardrobes so that I can utilise the space sooner than later. 3 years is a  l o n g  time to have clothes on portable racks and shoes stored in removalist boxes!

This brings me to lust worthy ideas for wardrobe fit outs. I first saw this mirror idea over at B is building a house.

I love everything about this robe; the contemporary hanging rails, chandelier lighting and crisp gloss two pack but it's the mirror back that makes it spectacular and visually doubles it's size.

It also makes it one very expensive fit-out!

My alternative idea? Wallpaper backing.

Whilst nowhere near as arresting, it still adds a lovely surprise to the inside of the robes and lifts them out-of-the-ordinary. David's not sold on the idea..."Why.hide expensive wallpaper? Paint is cheaper"

What are your thoughts?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Rubber Duck!

Both my daughters were coincidentally treated to the weekend away by their boyfriends; one to celebrate her 21st, the other their 8th year 'together' anniversary.  Awwwwh! They all met up on Sunday in Darling Harbour to see Ducky!

Internationally-acclaimed artist Florentijn Hofman from the Netherlands contributed his installation to the 2013 Sydney Festival. The bright yellow inflatable is five storeys high and five storeys wide and has been popping up in various cities around the world since 2007.

I feel weirdly ... old.

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Hot!

 One of the greatest benefits from living on the highest peak in Copacabana is the summer temperature. Whilst elsewhere sizzles, we always get respite via cooling ocean breezes. 42 degrees elsewhere is 32 here. Ahhh....

It was a major factor in the way we designed the house; air conditioning deemed unnecessary. 

Until last week.

So severe was the forecast Australia wide, that the Bureau of Meteorology extended its palette range (adding purple; 50 - 52 degrees) to cope with the unprecedented heatwave!

Whilst the heat in the interior fell just shy of the forecast, we had a rare day of extreme discomfort here. It was my second daughter's 21st Birthday (a separate post to follow!) and at midnight it was still 42 degrees Celsius (108F!). The breeze was like standing in front of an open fan-forced oven. Seriously.

Bushfires have been rampant and I think the most heart stopping picture has to be this one from Tasmania:

 

"Five Australian children were reunited with their parents after their grandparents helped them dramatically escape from blazing bush fires by clinging to a wooden jetty for three hours. Grandfather Tim Holmes alongside his wife and and his daughter's five children had to shelter in the sea to survive the potentially deadly inferno that raged on the shore. Picture: AP Photo/Holmes Family "

Tomorrow we've been advised that Mother Nature is staging an encore.

How are you faring in your part of Australia?

x KL

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Compulsory R n' R

We chilled out and escaped the plaster dust today.  We were fortunate to not only enjoy the terrific company of some wonderful friends, but to also play all day on their jet ski.

The weather was perfect as was the champers!

Life's good....

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

No rest for the wicked....holiday help required ASAP!!!!

 Davey was up and-at-it this morning. Apparently the plasterers aren't back from their break till 
mid February!!! (we reckon they'd need to spend all that time at the Chiro / physio)
so...he's giving them a head start.
I'm not complaining but am struggling to justify a 10 am sleep-in for Moi whilst he's all Gun-ho.
Damn and Drat!

He's even made his own 'long-dog' saw horse to assist...clever boy!

David won't take a break at home, even though we live in everybody's holiday paradise, so I'm thinking about booking a wee trip....

The criteria:

3 - 5 nights, 4.5* minimum, 2 adults 1 child, activities like pool, tennis, walking etc...

Budget under $1000 and before Jan 30 as J returns to school on that date.

Oh, and a max of 3 hours away from Central Coast NSW. (any direction!)

Any ideas????

x KL

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Plastering Fīnālis!

After another mammoth day, the lounge room plastering is finished!

That completes all the areas upstairs. Whoop Whoop!!!! The most exciting thing though was watching the creation of our fireplace...it's going to be a beauty at just over two metres wide!

(The idea for it posted before, HERE & HERE)

Hopefully David can tave a few days R & R now...

x KL

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New Year...new progress!

 We've started the New Year with a continuation of the upstairs plastering....The Main Bedroom Ensuite is ready for setting

as is the Main bedroom, WIR and shoe cupboard.

and today, David has made great progress with the lounge!

It's slow and tedious with David doing it alone (with the occasional assistance of Moi) and more so because we're taking frequent breaks catching up with friends and allowing ourselves leisurely sleep-ins during the holiday break. 

It looks so much more 'finished' with the walls lined and I'm starting to feel a wee bit more enthusiastic about the whole house project again.

Tomorrow should see the lounge, dining room and hall finished ready for the professional plasterers to set when they're back from their Christmas break.  
Yee Ha!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!