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From hatred to love in one weekend: My spare room transformation

September 20, 2012

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I know, I know, the title of this post sounds terribly melodramatic, but it’s a true reflection. I really HATED our spare room until the weekend. It upset me because it’s too small, too narrow, has built-ins I don’t really need but can’t remove (renting), a view of the house next-door and no redeeming features whatsoever. We have lived in our apartment almost a year and the spare room has been the bane of my life, particularly as I’m uber house proud, love socialising and having friends to stay. BUT… look what happened!

When Freedom offered me a $500 voucher to fix a problem in my home and blog about the experience, it was glaringly obvious that I had to give the spare room a go, especially as my dad is due to arrive from the UK in a fortnight. And look what I have managed to create. Can this really be that room that made me want to cry (I think it was hormones) because it was so ugly and useless?

I’ve blogged before about how much I hated the spare room. One of the reasons it’s taken this long is that I was trying to work out the best way to make it work as an office and a guest bedroom. When I finally accepted this just wasn’t possible (after countless discussions about trundle beds, sofabeds, day beds and more), things got a little easier. With multi-use rooms, I think you really need to weigh up your priorities. In my case, I’m from the UK so I often have friends and family visiting and it’s important to me to give them a nice guest room. My boyfriend and I both have laptops, which, more often than not, can be found on the dining room table or the lounge, so we don’t really need a home office. Of course it would be nice, but you can’t have it all…

Of course I didn’t do the entire room for $500. I already had the bed and the prints on the wall are from Keep Calm Gallery in the UK (they ship to Australia). They lived in the lounge room in a previous apartment but they didn’t ‘go’ anywhere here so I’m really happy to have found a new space for them!

Everything else though, came from Freedom. The bedsides are their off-white painted timber Nudle stools. They were 54.95 for the pair in the sale. Space is tight, as you can see, so I couldn’t have anything too wide or heavy looking. These fit perfectly. Massive bargain! The two Alli touch lamps, complete with taupe shades, were just $19.95 each (I had my heart set on these pale blue ones but they were far too big unfortunately). The vase (I cant find it on the website but it was $39.95) is the only thing I let the other half choose and I’m still not 100 percent on it, but I’m loving the faux hydrangeas ($22.95 each).

It’s really all about what’s on the bed though:

  • The linen Mazarine comforter set (quilt and two pillow cases) which (how annoying?) has been reduced from $159 to $99 since I bought it on Sunday! I love linen and palest blue together.
  • The white and beige striped quilt cover (queen size, with two pillow cases) was $79.95. It’s brand new and not on the Freedom website yet, but also comes in navy and white. I preferred the Mazarine white and linen striped quilt cover set but unfortunately it doesn’t come in queen size. Check it out though, it’s lovely.
  • Two pale blue Lineum cushionsย ($39.95 each).
  • A Fraiser stripe cushion ($29.95).
  • The blue animal print cushion was a gift from Steph & Gaia. I’m so happy to have finally found a home for it. It would set you back $79.
  • There are also two white Euro pillows in plain white covers at the back which I already owned. The two standard pillows (also already owned) are in the linen cases from the comforter set.
  • The candles on the bedsides are from Palm Beach Collection and ย Circa Home (both gifted).
  • I bought the two map print cases on the floor from a Temple & Webster sale some months ago.
Here’s a close-up of the cushions. You can never have too many, right?

Finally, I wanted to add a bit of texture with Freedom’sย Madras sisal rug ($99) which happened to be the perfect size!

I also changed the boring ugly silver knobs on the built-ins with glass ones from Zakkiaย ($7.90 each).

Here’s what it looked like on Saturday. All bed, no inspiration. It made me feel ILL.

So how much did it cost? Not including the things I already owned, it came in at $493.20. Not bad eh? I love this new, calm space. I usually pick much bolder colours but I wanted the guest bedroom to be more classic and serene. The only problem is I’m worried it looks better than my bedroom now!

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Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop
#creatingbeautifulspaces #homestylingdesign
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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
Get to know me! I haven't done one of these in YE Get to know me!

I haven't done one of these in YEARS so there's possibly thousands of you who don't know my back story. Here's a few things you may not know about me!

โœ”๏ธ I'm English ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ and I moved here (just for one year) back in 2008๐Ÿ˜† 

โœ”๏ธ I can't end the day without a bath, even if I get home really late or on a really hot day. It's a mental health thing and my happy place. ๐Ÿ› 

โœ”๏ธ Before becoming a blogger and running my own small business, I was a journalist from the age of 18. My favourite news gathering times were as a newspaper crime reporter (bit different to interiors!) ๐Ÿ““ 

โœ”๏ธ I once worked at New Scotland Yard in London ๐Ÿš” 

โœ”๏ธI had an interview at Oxford (didn't get in!) but chose not to go to uni at all after being offered a job on the local paper #universityoflife ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My mum died when I was 3, I have an excellent dad and one sister (younger) in the UK โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 

โœ”๏ธ At school, my favourite subject was French ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท and I was head girl ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿค“

โœ”๏ธ I'm addicted to โ˜•๏ธ , long hot baths and๐Ÿ’„ (been wearing it since I was about 14!)

โœ”๏ธ I'm not a phonecall person and will never ever pick up an unknown number. Ever. They can leave a message ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My favourite cuisine is Japanese ๐Ÿฃ ๐Ÿœ and Damian and I honeymooned in Tokyo and Venice 

โœ”๏ธ I have zero design qualifications. I just started blogging about my passion, which is trying to persuade everyone to #heartyourhome That was 11 years ago...

โœ”๏ธ My favourite tipple is a good GnT or๐Ÿท 

โœ”๏ธ Cheesy as it sounds, ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธbeing a mum is my absolute biggest joy in life ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿ‘ฆ

โœ”๏ธ I will never give up my old school paper diary! Has to be A5 and week to view ๐Ÿ“– 

โœ”๏ธ My official surname isn't Bishop. I kept my maiden name for work after I got married but changed it for everything else. Often confuse myself!

โœ”๏ธ I didn't get my Ps until I was 37 and I'm still a terrible parker ๐Ÿ˜ฏ ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ

Hope you feel like you know me a bit better ๐Ÿ˜˜

๐Ÿ“ธ @vanlowvanlow
Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ @nood_co coloured con Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ 

@nood_co coloured concrete basins is a great Aussie business success story. Although co founder Matt Di Costa first found fame as one half of Matt and Kim on The Block, he hasn't relied on this to build his brand.

โ€œWe are very honoured to have been a part ofย The Block, and all they have done for us. I am, however, a believer in letting the product take centre stage,โ€ he says.

Read our interview with Matt via link in bio now.

๐Ÿ™Share your favourite colour basin in the comments!

#colouredconcrete #noodco #colouredbasin #blockheads #the block #bathroomtrends2022

Pic 1 by @naibudesign_ and 2 by @twostyleinteriors
I'd love to see more colour in Aussie interiors! I'd love to see more colour in Aussie  interiors! ๐ŸŽจ 

At the end of the day though, it's a matter of personal taste. I love pops of colour but it's not for everyone. 

We couldn't resist featuring this Canadian house tour today. The amazing Kelly Green  hutch (swipe) was an upcycled $200 find ๐Ÿค—

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the rest including one of the best playrooms we've seen in ages!

Project by @in.house.design
๐Ÿ“ธ @philcrozier
Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis o Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis on light and nature.

That was the brief for the conversion of a corner shop and a warehouse bakery into a luxury family home in Sydney's Newtown. And how about the library?!

Take the tour of this very special @annacarindesign project on the blog now, via link in bio.

Pic: @justinalexanderphoto
The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ N The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ

None of us enjoy laundry (OK, there are a few of you out there who do. Weird!) but we have to do it. And often. So if your laundry bin can be as good looking, functional and space saving as this, then why wouldn't you?!

I've lost track of how many baskets I've thrown out because they've gone soggy or mouldy. They look pretty, sure, but they're not fit for purpose and they're often messy and overflowing.

Here's what I love about his @brabantia_australia one:

โœ”๏ธ ventilation holes
โœ”๏ธ no need to remove the lid for small items plus it hides your dirty laundry from view
โœ”๏ธ easily removable and washable inner laundry bag that velcros back on 
โœ”๏ธ corrosion resistant so fine in bathroom or laundry 
โœ”๏ธ Brabantia make things as sustainably as possible
โœ”๏ธ compact, sleek, European design
โœ”๏ธ 10 year warranty
โœ”๏ธ tall and skinny so takes up less floor in my tiny laundry

The Rolls Royce of laundry bins? I think so ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

TOLD you this was going to be exciting!

Now I need to know, do you have your laundry basket in the bathroom, the laundry, every bedroom? We used to have one in each bedroom but moved to the laundry-only situation which I much prefer (one for colours and one for whites). My boys know to put their used clothes in the bin in the laundry each night and they're 7 and 3!  #raisingfuturehusbands

#gifted
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarBarb Fisher says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Gorgeous! I’m absolutely positive you can sleep better at night now. My spare room? Diabolical disaster zone. You have inspired me Jen.

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you Barb!

  2. AvatarAllison Sharp says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    It looks fabulous Jen! Well done, those side tables were a BARGAIN! I love the jute rug too… they are my favorite! Love the colors, they are what we have in our bedroom. Nice and soothing ๐Ÿ™‚

    xx

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks! It makes me want to tone down all the other colours in my apartment now!

  3. AvatarMichelle says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    Wow Jen, this is looking fantastic! Totally understand your wanting to move into it now. Well done!

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks Michelle ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. AvatarRachel says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Looking forward to parking my backside in that bed in November! But very worried that I’ll make the place look untidy! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:52 pm

      Don’t worry, there’s not enough space to get untidy! LOL x

  5. Avatartessa white says

    September 20, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    It looks fabulous, I love duck egg blue and grey hues for combos..

  6. AvatarSally Byrne says

    September 20, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Jen it’s beautiful. You’ve been so clever with your budget. I’m just off to look at the Freedom website now, armed with a few of your good ideas….

  7. AvatarK-L says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Beautiful! Love the colours; very calming. Your Dad will be very comphy!
    x KL

  8. AvatarEmma says

    September 20, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Nicely done Jen! Very calm and tranquil – perfect spot for those UK visitors to get over the jet lag too.

  9. AvatarLauren says

    September 20, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    Thanks for sharing a room from your own home Jen! Your guest room looks lovely and tranquil!

  10. AvatarNicky says

    September 22, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Was your bed a double Jen (with a Queen quilt cover) or is it actually a Queen bed? Trying to get perspective for a similiar room in our place! (Lurverly job btw)

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 22, 2012 at 6:25 pm

      Very good question! It is a double bed with a queen quilt!

      • AvatarNicky says

        September 24, 2012 at 3:14 pm

        Thanks Jen perfect!

  11. AvatarSara says

    September 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    Love it! Love the colour scheme and the prints on the wall โ™ฅ

  12. AvatarVictoria says

    September 24, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Looks quietly luxurious. Love the touch of Temple & Webster, of course!

  13. AvatarKristi says

    September 26, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Looks so inviting! I’m a blue girl at heart, so love a room with soft blues and linens. What is the name of the wall paint?

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      September 26, 2012 at 12:14 pm

      It’s actually just plain old white Kristi (renting)!

  14. AvatarAngel says

    September 29, 2012 at 9:01 am

    What a transformation great job ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. AvatarJulie-Ann says

    October 9, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    The room looks gorgeous:). This is one of my favourite colour combinations – so reastful. Well done:)

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