I like this.... And I like this too!!!!

What the hell is going on!?

L.O.V.E. each of these....equally.

But am totally being drawn towards....(back towards?) a modern interpretation of the 'country', 'hamptons', 'australian' beach house.

 Maybe for the next project?

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

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chandeleirs and compromises

Beacon Lighting's, enormous chandy (even at $700) to stay a dream...

If you've been following my build for awhile, you will already know that I have had my heart set on a large, sparkly Chandelier feature light fitting for our formal lounge room. Although the house is quite contemporary and minimalist in it's architecture, I've always loved the juxtaposition of new and old, antiques and 20th century design icons. Dear hubby however just hasn't 'got' it when I describe my eclectic decor plans!

I have found and shared many beautiful examples of my aesthetic ideas for this build...

 

And many Chandeliers - at all price points, to woo hubby.

And in a very brief 'moment' he agreed.

Now.... it's a funny thing, total acquiescence's.

It has made me argue less and think more. And the more I think, the more I am convinced that perhaps I was infatuated by the idea or desire to do this in my space.
(Of course, I can equally argue that I have perhaps matured, come 'round' to his way of thinking or am predicting the end of a design trend!!!)
Without psychoanalysing myself into an institution, I think I'm done with the Chandelier idea.

(Except for a more appropriately placement in 'The Farm' drawing' room! He He!)

x KL

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I'm b a a a c k!

Hello again....and apologies for being M. I. A.!
David, J and I decided to spontaneously jump on a flight to Queensland and try our hand at some R & R. Although we live in a holiday maker's paradise, downing tools in your own home is a feat we have NOT mastered, even when we have the best intentions!

Luckily, we have family who live on acreage in the magnificent Tallebudgera Valley. When we lived at Avoca Beach we loved their annual visit to us but this summer they generously provided us with everything we needed. Beautiful accommodation, stunningly pool, transportation and the very best inclusion; wonderful company for us all. (Including a same-age cousin for J to play with + sheep, dogs, chickens and peacocks to chase and bush to explore!) Heaven!

It's a hard day, drinking Coronas at 10 am on a pool float!

The 6 week age apart cousins re-bond first late night, watching...wrestling!? Eeek!

The big boy's daily ritual was of meeting the trawlers at 6 am and getting the freshest seafood for lunch and eating a 'breakfast' pie hot from the baker's first batch! (I sooo loved the sleep-ins!!!)

A tad of shopping was done - I wish this bronze by a local artist would fit in my luggage allowance of 10 kg!

Found some really inspiring multi media artwork too! Drool!

Getting a photo of J at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary to match ones Davo & I each have of us at a similar age.

Holidays mean real-estate stalking too! I love the part sand-blasted glass railing on this stunner at Flat Rock.

'Farm' inspiration! Could imagine ourselves here in a heart-beat!

Dining luxuriantly at another stunning locale!

What a view for breakfast!

We had such a great time away that we have already booked our return flights to celebrate my Sister-in-law's 50th birthday in six weeks time! 

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!

'The Farm' dream

Do you have a secret "I wish I had " place? My husband and I build contemporary homes but we both long for a farm. Just a little one.

Only a few hours away so we could escape easily on weekends. Surrounded by picturesque natural bush for our son and his mates to explore, run wild and be boys!

With a little cottage and a huge bunk room for loads of visitors. A fire pit. A 'real' garden that grows veggies and abundant flowers for the house!

A traditional country kitchen for family scone making and hearty breakfast eating. Big, sleep -in-till noon beds and no telephones, television or PlayStation! Books - everywhere! Old furniture that tells its story though each mark; simple, honest and not pretentious.

And don't forget a big, junky shed for fossicking!
Oh!!!! The bliss!!!!
We're committed to the dream. We throw nothing out! Instead we have in storage the seeds for the reality. A cedar hall stand, armoire, old javi-lounge, gramophone, meat safe and old Royal Doulton, rose covered dinnerware. The list goes on. One day we hope to unpack it all in a place worthy of it's moniker. "The Farm".
x KL

Mirror, mirror on the wall!

I think I mentioned once before that I have occasional decor 'obsessions'. Months where I'll fixate on one item and buy multiple examples of it! Well my Mirror obsession is over! I thought I'd share pictures of my favourite ones with you. Some are my pictures and others are uploaded as mine is still in storage waiting for walls!!!!

This was the first Venetian mirror I bought. So sweet!

My last purchase in situ in the shop where I bought it. And I'm decorating a contemporary house!

I have a large Venetian mirror like this, waiting for a home!

 Perhaps I'll use it in my WIR as a make-up mirror like this?

A more contemporary mirror from Tantra

We have hung it in a custom sized recess in the guest bedroom.

Daughter # 2's bedroom mirror.

Bought for my eldest daughter's bedroom but she doesn't like it! I'll put it in the pool bathroom.

These are two mirrors seen in an Elle Magazine. I tracked them down! Mine are charcoal metal framed.

All my 'old' mirrors, one temporarily hung here, will be stored for 'The Farm'.

Well I say my obsession is over but..... I do like mirror!!! I think I might repeat the mirror - under- kitchen island look like we used in the last house, but perhaps use dark smoke mirror. And I love these furniture items too!!! Here I go again!!!!

Our last kitchen. I like how the mirror under the island makes the stone 'float'. I might repeat this concept.

Mirrored furniture from Tantra.

Definitely on my 'wish - list'!!!!

x KL