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Julia and Sasha’s Little Willow reno: update 2

By Jen Bishop • 2 Comments

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Last week, we introduced our new series with last year’s Blockheads Julia and Sasha, following their new Melbourne reno. This week, Julia’s talking about the phase before settlement, designing the house and locking in trades.

We bought Little Willow in November last year. The Block had just wrapped and for some strange reason, we missed the adrenaline that goes with having to make a million decisions when you’re tired, stressed, and living off Pot Noodles and Mars Bars. We’ve been told The Block’s like childbirth: hell at the time but a few weeks later you’re all rose-coloured glasses and ready to go again. We’d clearly been downing the Kool-Aid because we were eager to jump in and get cracking. However, the silly season was about to kick off so we cooled our jets and asked for a longer settlement. This was wise for two reasons. One, it gave us time to actually sit down and plan every detail and two, it meant we didn’t have to pay the mortgage for four months. Merry Christmas to us!

Julia and Sasha

The previous owners of Little Willow had already vacated the property and were very kind in giving us access on a few occasions. We had a pretty clear idea of what we wanted to do, and it was made easier by visiting the site before settlement. We engaged a draftsman straight off the bat and worked together on the floorplan. This process typically takes a few weeks but if you’re a Virgo like me (read: super critical/nightmare), expect it to blow out.

Our first renovation took place in the street adjacent to Little Willow so we knew the area well and had an understanding of the buyer we’re targeting. Elsternwick is a family-friendly suburb with excellent schools, shopping, and transport links. It’s only nine kilometres from the CBD and within walking distance to the beach. With this in mind, our best bet was to create a four-bedroom home with enough space for a young, growing family. Easy, right? Well, yes and no. The site is only 360sqm, standard for the area but challenging when you’re trying to wrangle enough space for the Kody Brown clan. So, what were two girls and their draftsman to do? Our aim was to maximise the footprint without creating a monolith. We were determined to keep the front façade, with the addition of French doors and a sweet veranda. Beyond that, anything was possible and after a little to and fro (OK, a lot) we finally agreed on a floorplan we love.

By the time settlement took place, our design was shipshape and ready for the surveyor. One of our primary considerations was council approval, or lack thereof. Given we’re flipping the property, we needed things to move forward at a rapid rate which meant abiding by all regulations including boundary setbacks and window heights. In doing this, our surveyor avoided having to go through council as we only required a building permit. Typically, these are granted within a few weeks so we were off and racing.

As anyone in the property game will attest, budget is everything. Structural renovations don’t come cheap and there’s no point spending squillions if you’ll never get it back. The only way to stay on track is by having a super organised person on your squad. Someone who loves negotiating, paying invoices, and documenting it all in spreadsheets. Enter Sasha. I swear she was an accountant in a past life and knows every damn trick in Excel. (Truth be told, she probably needs to get out more, but that’s neither here nor there.) We set our budget early on, taking into consideration how much we paid for the house and the proposed building costs. Of course, we have a budget and then we have a budget. Builds are famous for exceeding fiscal expectations so we set a reasonable limit then another that’s a-bit-of-a-stretch-but-at-least-we’ll-still-be-able-to-feed-our-dog kinda limit. Once this was locked and loaded, it was time for the nitty gritty: employing trades.

Demo time!

If we’ve learned one thing, it’s this: get as many quotes as possible. They vary so much and it’s important to give yourself enough time to consider your options. We created a scope of work that allowed us to compare apples for apples. It pains me to say but construction’s still a man’s game and we’ve been taken for a ride on a few occasions. It’s a good thing we don’t suffer fools however as those rides were short-lived!

Frank Lloyd Wright wasn’t lying when he said trades make or break a design. Every build is dependant on skill and communication and these traits were top of mind when engaging our team. We developed a great relationship with our builders before they signed on and were upfront about our needs and expectations. Given our tight timeline, delays are an absolute no-go so we’ve been insistent on sticking to a project schedule.

Sasha on the tools!

All in all, Little Willow’s off to a pretty good start but I’ve got lots of dirt to dish in coming weeks. Even with two renovations under our belts, there’s so much to learn and we’re the first to admit we’re still guinea pigs.

Send through any questions you may have and I’ll see you next time!

Julia xx

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August 14, 2017

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Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) 😜

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror abo 😍 Not sure what's better: the custom mirror above the fireplace in this Art Deco one-bedder or the wallpaper in the kitchen (swipe)?!

It's been a while since we featured an apartment makeover on IA. Would you like to see more apartment interiors? Head to the blog now to see more of this one. Via link in bio.

#artdecoapartment #artdecointerior
#artdecomirror #artdecofireplace #artdecomelbourne #artdecofurniture #artdecobuilding #artdecointeriors #apartmentrenovation #apartmentinterior #smallspaceliving #melbourneapartments #melbourneairbnb #kitchenwallpaper #wallpaperaustralia
Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sh Low tox and planet friendly laundry liquid (and sheets and soap and powder!). We have a great roundup of the best options on the blog today. 

A whole host of brands are offering eco-friendly, low tox alternatives to the more chemical-laden ones. Not only that, they often smell amazing, look good on your shelf and come in recycled or recyclable (or even better, both) packaging. 

Good for your skin, your clothes and the planet: what’s not to like?

Do you use any of these?

COMPARE THEM ALL VIA LINK IN BIO NOW.

#lowtoxliving #lowtoxlife #lowtoxlifestyle #lowtoxhome #lowtoxlaundry #lowtoxswaps #naturallaundry #naturallaundrydetergent #naturallaundrysoap #ecolaundry #lowtoxcleaning #ecofriendlyhome #ecofriendlyhouse #laundryliquid #laundrypowder #laundrysoap #naturalcleaning #chemicalfreecleaning #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Play room goals!👌🏻 This is just one room fr Play room goals!👌🏻

This is just one room from today's real house tour which I really love because in employing interior designer @issyandhcreative the owners weren't looking for a complete rip out and re-do but rather to work with what they had in their new suburban home (including a dated kitchen) and give it a largely cosmetic glow up with styling and new furniture (some of which was upcycled). 

The brief was to create a family friendly home. "They weren't looking for perfection but rather a warm and relaxing retreat for their busy young family." This playroom though? Pretty close to perfect! And the mum did the colour coded books herself. Love that😁

Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#playroomideas #playroomgoals #playroomdecor #familyhomes #kidfriendlyhome #kidfriendlyinteriors #familyhomedecor #sustainabledecor #affordablerenovations #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #beanbagchair #beanbags #colourcodedbooks #colourcoded #toyroom #kidsroomdesign 

Pix by @tealily
All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍 Hea All the heart eyes for this little setup 😍

Head to the blog to shop this and two other gorgeous styled images from @greenhouseinteriors 

The stunning @mrsniceart artwork has already sold but the good news is, you can still get prints of it!

Styling by Aisha Chaudhry for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Nikki McGar, Kylie Harris, Rachael Blake and Max Green. Photography by Stephanie Rooney. 

#poolart #sideboardstyling #buffetstyling #consolestyling #vignettes #greenhouseinteriors #barcartstyling #shopthelook #bluehomedecor #poolumbrella #beachumbrella
Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛 Seb an Bookworms need a cosy book nook! 📖 🐛

Seb and Charlie had one of those kid size couches in their playroom but frankly, they'd outgrown it! I picked this Aussie made compact 2-seater Ruby sofa from @fantasticfurniture 

I'd usually go for grey to keep it neutral but as it's in a kid's room I went for this heather blue fabric to make it a little more fun while still classic. There's more than 50 fabric choices for Fantastic's Aussie made range so good luck choosing 😂 

I left the legs off to keep it below the windowsill. I'm super happy with the quality. It looks a lot more expensive than its $699 pricetag 👌🏻

Books, natural light and a cosy couch = happy boys! And let's not pretend they won't be watching the odd movie on there too 🍿 because #keepingitreal

#FantasticFurniture #FantasticFamily #booknook #booknookstagram #booknook #bookwormsofinstagram #littlereader #littlebookworm #cosycorner #cosycorner #playroomideas #toyroom #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #aussiemade #aussiemadefurniture #twoseater #kidssofa #kidscouch #bluesofa #loveofreading
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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 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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Comments

  1. AvatarMarg says

    August 14, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Looking forward to seeing more on this. More pics of the house would be good.

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      August 14, 2017 at 1:10 pm

      All in good time! 🙂

      Reply

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