shoe cupboard

 Well, Davey finally got round to fitting out my the main bedroom shoe cupboard! Yippee!!!!

 You'll note that there is no mirror backing or wallpaper inside as lusted for HERE.

It was deemed too frivolous and a waste of money. Oh, Poohey! Oh well, I win some debates; it was obviously my turn to concede defeat.

I must say that I have allot of shoes; not for long though...

Upon unpacking boxes that have been in storage for 5 years, I found shoe heights that I now cannot walk in (eek!) and others that have become too small. W.T.F ? !

My feet have gotten fatter along with me apparently and my shoe size has increased from a 6 / 6.5 to a definite 7 / 7.5! ^# %&* (& $#%&@  !!!!

Anywho, life's like that, isn't it?

Although I had visions of my shoe wardrobe looking like this:

...the truth and contents are far more mundane. And, to be realistic, if I throw my shoe packaging away, how will I store them if one day we move and I am sans cupboard?

I decided to keep them in their original boxes (less dusting too) but they look so damn shop-storeroom-like now. I considered photographing each item and gluing it on the front of the box for easy content identification or cutting a peep hole to view but...

 ...some boxes have seen better days..and I'd like uniformity.

 Soooo, along with a squillion peoples before me, I am in search of attractive shoe boxes.

My first bit of research led me to Pinklily and Howard's Storage World.

They were too exy for the quantity I'd require. The Big W versions were recommended by a friend and were the cheapest option at $1.50 per box, but I think they look flimsy. ? And images of robes with multiple stacks looks messy! Ikea versions are fabric which I think would get grotty . . .

Then my thoughts returned to the humble shoe box.

If uniform in size and colour....

...and I was shocked at how expensive they are too. Even if purchased in bulk / wholesale!

I needed to think / look 'outside the box', and be creative.

And then I found these...

KASSETT Box with Lid from Ikea. They're designed for the office but for me they're perfect for shoe storage...
Cleanable / sturdy; tick!

Uniform in size and colour (black or white); tick!

Can be re purposed should we move; tick!
Very well priced; Tick!

With labelling space too!

Guess where I'm heading on Monday? 

Have you got any other suggestions I should consider?

x KL 

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Thoughts on Flooring...Scandi style

I have lamented the drawbacks of renovating / building over an extended time period before. Many times in fact. I've rarely mentioned any positives though, but there are a few!

The best one is being able to let the house grow organically....one decision leading to the other with consideration to what has been done before. And, this accommodates aesthetic shifts in direction....

 I'm very attracted to Scandinavian Design ATM. Although elements of this are already part of my style; the minimalistic, clean and monochromatic, I'm further honing my love for stark contrasts.

When I started this blog, my decorating frame of reference was this:

Now, it's below: 

  Images from favourite blogs: HOFP, left and Stylizimo, Right.

Less formal yet still predominantly black and white. It's the percentage of each that has changed....

The 'gloss' level is downplayed and the floors are light...

Images like these have had me re-questioning the colour and finish for the proposed timber floors, re-examining all options as we get closer to having to make this crucial decision!
Today, I'm loving the following;

Much lighter in colour, wider in plank size and engineered in structure.
Such a mammoth difference to what I would have chosen twelve months ago!

As these boards are factory finished, building dust may also be a thing of the past for La Hacienda!
David was impressed with them when specified for a client's project and we laid them in Mum & Dad's recent reno too. We're still doing some homework but, they appear to be very stable, the finish being virtually indestructible and are definitely easier / cleaner to lay in comparison to solid timber boards.

All these images are of European Oak in various finishes / colours because that's what we've been seduced by. They're all wire brushed and matte finished too. *sigh*

Because they're wide though, our parquetry concept would have to be tucked back into the ol' memory bank for another house...

Oh well, too bad, so sad....

Eenie Meenie Miny - Mo! The lounge room and hall floor is COVERED with sample planks!

...I predict a decision announcement VERY soon. Yippee!

x KL

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You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback! 
If you enjoy my ramblings, perhaps consider following by Email, Bloglovin' or Google+. 
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Do I? Dont I? Yup, I did!

 When I mentioned this outdoor modular from Myer being well priced in my last post, I didn't know of their one day Super Saturday Special.....

 Glad I read Friday's late night e-mail!

Already reduced by 30%, they offered another equal-value item for FREE!

Basically 2-for-1 at the reduced price.

This means I paid under $1000, and got both sets! 

 They may not be designer pieces (Dedon still on the lust list) but will adequately fulfill both aesthetic and function needs.

 Most importantly, they were extremely budget friendly!

Sooo, that's the pool area furnished (I might re-upholster the cushions in white?) and the upstairs deck off the dining room. And previously purchased tables and chairs (all still in storage) will adequately provide seating for the other two patios; one off our main bedroom and another adjacent to the Playroom. More 'stuff' to store but these savings were worth grabbing!

Happy Days!

x KL

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whatchaupto?

 We're approximately at the half-way point of the school holidays here. 

Christmas / New Year celebrations and catch-ups with family and friends have dominated the last three weeks, along with lots of lazy sleep ins.

Below is a snapshot...

And here's the extended version for those that like deets!.....

A very well priced outdoor modular from Myer...do I / don't I?
The black and white combo is hard to find, as is the compact shape...
BUT, will it rust....?

POK cutlery tray $199 now $39. Good protection for my new gold cutlery, no?

There are good mags and ho-hum ones. Same goes for individual editions.
THIS one, THIS edition...W.O.W.! Don't miss out!

My head's still being turned by round, equestrian hardware mirrors.....
Have tracked down a 'maybe'. . .

There's good bedlinen bargains to be had...Drooled over this set at Adairs before Christmas and now it's even cheaper. But do I NEED it? (I'm trying to be good!)

I didn't know I needed this ottoman till I spotted it in a wholesaler's 'super specials'.
I think it will look terrific at the end of the Guest Bedroom bed.

David and I are still debating the upstairs flooring choice. Balancing budget / quality / aesthetics and what the heart wants is HARD. An ongoing, and time consuming quandary....

We're still 'puppy-sitting'. No complaints here...am a bit smitten (am cooking the wee thing special meals....WTF!?) J is in LOVE and enjoying every minute...
and he's away from gaming. Hooray!

He even made a dog kennel with David. On the tools. Highly supervised.
Boy heaven!

David goes back to work next week and had intended on doing lots here in his break; but didn't. 
One 'top coat' on the plastered lounge room walls (the last room to be done) was achieved though. Puppy play, beer and chillaxin' (his term!) distracted him somewhat!

The girl's bedroom wardrobes received handles....yay! and I got to vacuum, vacuum, vacuum.
Please note the carpet is temporary glamping....not the finished floor!

Daughter # 2 turned 22, which we celebrated at a Austrian Schnitzel hous and followed up with watching a new Disney production Frozen. Highly recommended.

"....do you wanna build a snowman...."

I've been trying to convince David that this method of Christmas Tree storage is the way to go since...I do it all. He thought I was nuts till I showed him this picture from a like-minded genius.
Maybe next year...

Congrats to my darling friend GB on his recent engagement. Woo Hoo !

Are you feeling pastels? Pink? Dunno why, but I am. Just a wee pillowcase indulgence ATM....

I hate finding a favourite dress is poor quality. I received a refund but I would have preferred to keep the dress. Even pure silk should be able to withstand more than one wear!

The investigation on main bedroom en suite flooring has begun. Marble, yes! White with black, Black with white..? Another quandary!

Nothing like celebrating the new year with an OLD friend! We've known each other for 48 years!
Emptied a few of these!

Love these pineapple lamps. Adairs tempting me again....

Camping; 'Over-safety cautious Mummy style'. Am I helicoptering? J and a mate didn't mind.
 It's a fun sleepover idea!

How's your break been...
Whatchaupto?

x KL

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Seeing the light....

 Well, the dining room lighting decision is made... finally.

...no more deliberating...I've placed the order!

I feel in equal parts, a bit sick and elated....

This particular interior specification process started waaay back with the embryonic house design in 2009. At that time, I envisioned a single stunning crystal chandelier over the dinning room table. A counterpoint to the proposed minimalistic architecture; a style I was personally unfamiliar with and a wee bit uncomfortable.

As posted HERE, David first vetoed, then approved of the idea, but only once I'd accepted it wasn't going to happen! The decision process thereafter has continued to be tortuous (a reminder can be found HERE and HERE)

As the house has formed though, and with growing clarity, I have learnt that I quite like clean lines combined with simply used traditional materials. The slow progress due to financial restraint, has been a blessing in disguise. . .

Sooo, here is a pictorial recount: the evolution of THE decision ....

Chandelier or Light Shade Shade Mooi

The initial concept was a traditional chandelier, then the combination of modern drum / chardy.
David disliked both. Humph.

George Nelson Pendants (love the Bubble Saucer)

I briefly entertained the idea of a Bubble Saucer fitting but when I realised they're made from fabric I shied away from the concept. A domestic godess, I am not!.

Dunlin Stanley Hammered Copper Pendant, Tom Dixon Copper Shade

My newly acquired love affair with brass and copper lead the search to these two beauties but I'm not sure they would look right as I do not have any other references in the half of the house already completed . ?

Roll & Hill Agnes. Jason Miller Modo. Bocci Lights

Ah....now these were all PERFECT....with the exception of their cost which was unfortunately, equal to a small nation's annual GDP. Damn that budget!

Christopher Boots Lighting

I didn't even investigate these stunning hand made pieces of art. I have drooled over them though. Lots.

Marcel Wanders Skygarden Luminaire

These then became the most likely contender. A nice mix of contemporary with the surprise traditional interior reference.

Revisiting chandeliers and a few other concepts...iron framed pendants, glass conical shapes and fabric drum shades.

More styles considered....if I'm still looking then I figure I'm not 100% certain...

Gold Lined, Black Drum Pendant Shades

...back to gold. This time for the interior. Nice. But a fabric shade problem again!

Tom Dixon Beat Light Stout

And then, HALLELUJAH! Modern  / Classic. Metal Durability. Gold interior 'surprise'.
Tom Dixon Beat Light Stout.

The search is over. I've seen and found THE Light!

x KL

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New Year's First Purchase!

 Have you been shopping the New Year's Sales?

 I have avoided them completely; and have surprised even myself, by my lack of bargain-hunting interest. I think I'm really happy with 'what I've got' and would like to focus 100% on the house this year...although it's always possible that I'll contradict these words tomorrow! LOL!

What I have bought though, is super exciting....

170 square metres of French Pattern Tumbled Travertine and matching pool coping pavers.

 It wont be laid immediately but it is a major purchase ticked off our very long house completion list. (8 pages long in fact!)

Slow, baby steps still, but they are starting to build up. Next major decision is the upstairs, study and stairs flooring. Parquetry? Solid timber? Pre-finished boards?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback! If you enjoy my ramblings, perhaps consider following by Email, Bloglovin' or Google+. Join this site via Google Friend's Connect so I can follow you too!