Size Matters...

David and I have been building / renovating for quite some time. 

As David's reputation as a builder has grown, so has the size and value of the projects he undertakes both professionally, and for us personally.

So how challenging can a small project be?

As I am quickly discovering...very!

Generous spaces usually allow several options for lay-out, style, fixtures and colour. Not so the small space. Every centimetre has to prove it's worth and vie for position; functionality must take precedence over aesthetics. This often translates to one 'best' layout and flows through similarly to other design elements which become decided through practical elimination rather than by choice.

Add to such a project brief a limited budget, catering for the special physical needs of the client and the emotional attachment of said project being for a friend or family member, and the challenges increase exponentially!

Eons ago, I worked for a furniture manufacturer & retailer who taught me a valuable lesson in relativity. Regardless of the size of a table for example, the workmanship was the same in the construction of the 'expensive bits' (mortise & tenon joints, hand turned legs) and therefor the cost of  any additional length to the tabletop was relatively minor. Half the size is not half the value and so too a small house is more expensive than a large one on a per square metre ratio, regardless of whether building new or renovating.

 The Terrigal Project provided many challenges such as these which were successfully addressed. (The full project conclusion can be seen HERE) My own parent's house is our current project and as my childhood home it's as emotionally charged as they get!

 Small house = Big design challenges!

Stay tuned!

x KL

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Handover Time!

The Terrigal Project is at completion for interior building works so I thought I'd do a BEFORE & AFTER post as we hand her back to the owners.

 The two level lounge was made into one larger room, the fireplace was removed and existing Ikea Expedit bookcases (one more to be added) recessed into a purpose built niche. New solid Spotted Gum flooring was added and extended to dining, kitchen and entry areas.

  Removal of the fireplace allowed a niche to be built to house a new flat-screen television, surround sound equipment and the all important change to roof line, with windows added to capture 180 degree ocean views.

 Handrails in frame less glass are still to be fitted to the dining area above right.

 The kitchen came 'out of the closet' so to speak and now gives the owner a connection to the house and that awesome view! A mirror splash back is still to be fitted below right and dah dah...shown finished below!

The new laundry provides a washing machine at a height requiring no bending and a hanging area (rod to be added) for internal drying of delicates over the bench.

The children's rooms were re-jigged with new robes and desk nooks whist the main bedroom was re-purposed as a playroom / guest room.

A flat panel T.V will be wall mounted now the door is out of the way. Loving the deep, plush Charcoal carpet! The main bathroom had a fair bit of cosmetic work done too!

As did the stairs which were re-configured to allow access to the new top story whilst accomodating a study nook and small bathroom. I love it when I can jiggle lots of 'wish-list' items into previously wasted space! Tonnes of under-stair storage was created too! Yay!

  The main bedroom WIR and ensuite are now in a new top storey extension, taking advantage of those views again!

 Please ignore the temporary timber 'sticks' under vanity mirror. It had only been installed seconds before this shot was taken! Below is a new Powder room for guests.

It is amazing what a difference small changes make too. A new front door for example!

 There are lots of other improvements too, heated towel rails, dimmers, stair lights, ceiling fans, ducted vacuum and new covered, outdoor entertaining decks but my favourite bits are these:

A massive WI Pantry behind the kitchen and a work station for all those notes and paraphernalia that a busy family seem to breed!

Happy house moving guys! Hope you enjoy your 'new' old home!

And now this project is complete, perhaps I can find time to do some improving to my own home!

x KL

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Family Time...

 After 'losing' the first week of the school holidays with David back and forth to hospital, we decided to take some 'family time' with a brief trip to the Hunter Valley. Another family came with us which was great as J had some same-age company.

Thought I'd share a trip synopsis!

We stayed at the Mecure Resort which had the most gorgeous open fires and a terrific pool table which kept J and his mates occupied for hours.

It is a stone's throw from the Hunter Valley Gardens which has been on a planned destination 'wish list' for quite some time. The gardens feature a 'Snow Time' event at this time of year and it was great fun! Snow ball fights, ice-skating, tobogganing and 'snow-boarding'; all courtesy of faux snow!

Amazingly, we didn't get to spend time in the magnificent themed gardens as it started to rain heavily after we finished up in the snow garden. Another trip definitely needed!

J and David squeezed in some fun at the Aqua Golf driving range though. One of our friend's won a free lunch so we headed to Harrigan's Irish Pub for some tummy warming fare and a roof!

 Of course no trip to The Hunter would be complete without a few wine tastings. We visited McGuigans, Tempus Two and Brokenwood (3 out of 120 Cellar Doors available) before the children called a halt with cries of boredom!

(But not before they each consumed their own body-weight in sampled cheese and sorbet!)

I think an adults only Hunter weekend will be added to that 'get-away' wish list too!

I fell in love with the architecture and facilities at Tempus Two, pictured above and below.

We spent a beautiful winter morning checking out the cute shops in the HVG village. The British Lolly Shop was a universal favourite with everyone!

And we popped into the Potters Brewery for lunch on the scenic tour home. Great food and atmosphere! It is on the site of the Hertiage listed Brickworks which are still standing within the grounds and had another welcoming mammoth fireplace!

I really enjoyed our mini break. I spied a gazillion stunning country cottages which has reignited my love of this very Australian and heart warming architecture style.

The 'Farm' dream is definitely growing legs!

J is back to school next week and I only have days before The Terrigal Project is due for handover. I'll take some snaps to share. Carpets are in, Spotted Gum floor sealed and bathroom fit-outs complete! Count down commencing!

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!