Taking stock

I think we are getting somewhere lately...

Somewhat at a two lolly-pop steps forward and one step back, kinda pace!

Keen eyes would have spotted in yesterday's post that underfloor heating has been installed in the two upstairs bathrooms. If I can get a crane here to lift the palettes of travertine off the driveway then I can order sand. Those floors can then be screed-ed and prepped for tiling! Yay!

Of course nothing much has gone to plan though. Our crane guy keeps cancelling. 

One of the recently installed dining room lights is 'crooked' and needs to be replaced. 

The dining room table saga continues; it was eventually delivered but with the wrong legs. 

David finds the new mattress too hot so we need to address that issue.

 I finally ordered my dream, bone-inlay chest of drawers but it's out-of-stock. 

The fabric for an upholstered bed I wanted has been discontinued.  

Ahhh. Life!

You may have also spotted in yesterday's pics some repair work to the upstairs hall area too. Unfortunately the dark colour we painted in this area showed up imperfect plastering joins. David is quite the perfectionist so sanded the area and re-skim coated the wall. Re-sealed, re-undercoated and re-painted too. One more coat to go... Whew!

I am soooo itching to get decorating and start living in this house!

Anywho, in amongst this I decided to unpack all the art work I have and take stock. This is as a result of being quite aghast that a key piece I'd anticipated in the hall, looks less than impressive in it's spot. No dusting is going to make this light box look better. Wenge + Grey =   #$@*%!!!

I really thought I could 'visualise' well. Obviously, I'm mistaken! 

So before we finish painting I need to ensure the pieces I have, have a correct 'home'. 

Some need framing so that's going to be my next project!  

Then to work out what's going where!

The items in the above images (with the exception of the OFFS tea-towel) all require framing.

 'Art History' silk scarf by Vuk Vidor. More info HERE

'Constellation - Explorer; Compass to The Southern Sky' Municipal Prints Company. Deets HERE

A new purchase: Archival Print 'Moby Dick' by Lisel Ashlock via Etsy

'Union Jack' wallpaper by Vivienne Westwood for The Rug Company. Info HERE

As do two David Bromley Quilts / Throws and a cheap Bali knock-off of some lass!

Not sure if I'll hang any of my own paintings. The colours are wrong and the big monochromatic piece has stagnated. Like wise, some favourite prints from previous properties are too 'beige' to work here.

Am unsure about the Marimekko fabric pieces as art...they'll be OK as 'fillers' if needed but I'm aiming higher now. The middle image below is a Rude Rider's Scarf which I'm considering framing for J's bedroom. ?

And I still need to find a location for my 3D pieces; skulls and Bamileke Headdress.

 And Mirrors! Don't forget that collection! Eeek!

 Glad it's a big house with lotsa walls!!!!

x KL 

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DETAILING: Lounge Room

The detailing for the lounge room has been the easiest so far. This room is located at the top of the stairs on the top level and has great ocean views through to Norah Head Lighthouse.  The picture below was taken from this room when H.M.A.S Adelaide was scuttled off Avoca Beach in 2011.

We've mostly stayed to original plans here, as seen below.

I've roughly added some red lines to show where we've dropped the ceiling height around the perimeter of the room in order to create cove lighting which I've mentioned before HERE. The stair hallway ceiling has been dropped even further to delineate that space and to link the heights is the other rooms on this level.

We've decided to install a customised Ecosmart Fire rather than gas (gotta love un-installing stuff! LOL!) and add a built-in bookcase to the LHS which was posted about HERE but I'll re-post the piccies again below. My attempt at a rendering, left. Bookcase inspiration, right.
I'm going to build the bookcase just shy of the end wall to create a niche into which the curtains can be drawn so when they're open, they don't obscure the window. That's the concept, anyway. LOL!

Poor Davey has already built the framing for a solid gyprock handrail for the stairwell but I've changed my mind and now want frameless glass to match the proposed exterior handrails. Eeeek! Here's an inspirational pic:

  I've found it hard to find an image that reflects our situation where the staircase is flanked by flooring either side on the upper level. I think glass will work well here because of the large expanse of wall behind the stairs which can be viewed from the lounge area and is perfect for art. Perhaps something like this:

Vivienne Westwood Union Jack wallpaper

I ordered this awhile ago from the UK and posted about my excitement HERE, and was planning to put it in J's bedroom but after spying this image, may relocate that treasured purchase! These will be exciting decisions to make! Can't wait!!!
 

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!

Happy Jubilee!

Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee celebrations have started in London this week.

I do love a nice union jack decorated interior and there's been a plethora to oogle.

Happy Jubilee Your Majesty!

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!

I spy 'my' union jack.... again!

Those that are familiar with my blog will know about my desire to own a 'perfect' union jack; preferably Vivienne Westwood's! My journey started HERE with my first post and has been mentioned too many times to count. It has culminated though in the safe arrival of the Cole and Son wallpaper version yesterday. Yippee!
I was having a wee squizz at some of my favourite blogger's, favourite blogs (hope that is easy to understand), and found the picture above at ATELIER Abigail Ahern via Japanese Trash.
It's my Vivienne's wallpaper again, this time unglued and simply hung to great effect above a bed as I intend to do!
Love, love, L.O.V.E!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment; I love receiving feedback! It helps me get to know you too!

Union Jack triump!

 I've blogged before about my love of Vivienne Westwood's Union Jack rug and cushion for The Rug Company. I simply adore the rug used as a piece of striking art as shown below. Unfortunately my budget is never going to stretch to owning one of these (even the cushion is exorbitant!) and I had toyed with the idea of painting my own canvas to get a similar effect.

Vivienne Westwood Union Jack rug used as a wall hanging

This is where patience can sometimes pay off! Today I found this gorgeous picture of Jessica Bettenay's dining room on The Design Files. "Jessica had the Vivienne Westwood wallpaper mounted and displayed." Did you read that???? WALLPAPER!!!! Now that sounds much more affordable! Hooray!!! 

(And it proves you should always read the text accompanying the pictures!!! LOL!)

Jessica Bettenay's Dining room - Courtesy of The Design Files

I'm thinking of using the wallpaper as mounted art in my son's bedroom after being inspired by Erica Cook's design for her sons room below. (Moth Design)

Master Moth's bedroom from Moth Design

I might hang it vertically though as it's so large! 2700 x 1500 mm! Do you like flags used in boys bedrooms?

x KL