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Julia and Sasha’s new reno, update 4: making the big decisions

November 8, 2017 1 Comment

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It’s instalment four of our exclusive series with former Blockheads Julia and Sasha and so much has happened! Read on for Julia’s warts and all account, some exciting developments (and, let’s be a honest, a few fails!).

We all have those friends we text from time to time saying: “We must catch up!” But of course, we never do. I feel like that’s been us of late so sincere apologies, we’ve been swamped. The good news is there’s a lot to catch up on and I’m on my third coffee and ready to overshare. Let’s go.

Building a two-storey house is no cakewalk. It’s not as easy as whacking on a second level and wham bam, thank you mam. Oh no. There’s scaffold to build and trusses to move, roofs to attach and money to lose. (Dr Seuss, who invited you?!).

After shelling out a small fortune for staging equipment, it was time to settle on our biggest decision to date – the exterior colour scheme. I’d been extremely decisive up to this point but everyone has a catalyst for change and this was mine. I cannot tell you how many hours I spent driving around the neighbourhood gawking at houses. An elderly gentleman actually asked if I was checking him out and I awkwardly said: “Yes, indeed I was,” because I didn’t know what else to say. Truth be told, he had a lovely abode and I ended up pinching the colour scheme for Little Willow.

Exterior inspiration. Credit: The Block, New Zealand

Whilst most heritage homes boast galvanised iron roofs, we had our hearts set on something more intense. There were the traditional offerings of course, but they were all a bit blue or brown and we couldn’t embrace them. Enter Basalt, a perfect mid-grey reminiscent of lead. Our first instinct was to lock in matching gutters but our roof plumber called us ‘boring’ so we buckled and went with contrasting Monument. Opting for the two-tone effect was a risky move but my nickname as a child was ‘Drama Llama’ and as they say, if the name fits…

Basalt and Monument Roof

Choosing the right white can be an absolute mine-field. The first question you need to ask is: “Am I a warm or cool kinda person?” We’re obviously very cool and prefer whites with brilliant undertones. They elicit a sense of calm and are widely appealing, thus perfect for Little Willow. We tested a million paint samples before deciding on Crisp White by Taubmans. It’s the perfect stark-but-not-too-clinical shade and sets a lovely tone for the property. Pro tip: Only swatch on materials you are not actually using. I went to town on a sheet of plasterboard that ended up being redundant because the samples would forever shine through.

Sash helping weatherboard

Little Willow was built from the top down to allow for full scaffold and a safer worksite for our crew. Once the upper roof was secure, it was time to attach the weatherboards. I know people go mad for brick homes but they’ve never been my thing and seeing Little Willow clad in the good stuff made my heart soar. The painters did a stellar job and for the first time in a long while, she beamed again. It was like she’d spent an afternoon at Sephora sampling Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation. She was literally flawless.

The top storey

Of course, things aren’t always as they seem and it’s what’s on the inside that counts. With the top level watertight, it was time to draft the electrical plan. Can you sense the excitement in my voice? No, no you can’t because there literally isn’t any. Lighting is so not my jam and I’d been avoiding it like the plague. As it transpires, it’s the stuff Sash’s dreams are made of so I handballed it quick sticks and got back to Younger. She spent hours marking out a legend with six different highlighters and proudly presented it to our electrician. Sash often says her biggest achievement was winning the Under 11 70m hurdles at Camberwell Little Athletics, but this almost pipped it. She opted for a mix of pendants, wall sconces, downlights, and lanterns but left me to supervise come rough in. That was an interesting day but I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say I’m now an expert at laying under-floor heating because we all learn from our mistakes, don’t we?!

After what felt like eons, we were finally ready for plaster. Anyone who’s ever built or renovated a home will tell you this is by far the best bit. For the first time we could see the interior take shape and make sense of the space. In a nod to the home’s heritage, we reinstated the original gutter cornices. It really is next level and adds to the luxe vibe throughout. Sash left me to my own devices when selecting the ceiling roses for the formal rooms and immediately regretted her decision. She thinks they’re too elaborate but in my world there is no such thing so, next!

Cornice and ceiling rose

Whilst we were busy bickering, our trades made the great escape and started tiling the upstairs bathroom. Selecting tiles has never been my strong suit but I’m going to toot my own horn and say I absolutely nailed this choice. The marble rhomboid from Beaumont Tiles is the perfect focal point, balanced by soft grey on the floor and white matte on the walls. Our rule of thumb is to use contrasting grout on feature tiles and matching on all others, so we opted for white on the rhomboid as it really makes them pop. Given we’re all about consistency, we’ll be incorporating marble into all wet areas, albeit in different shapes. It’s worked a treat for us in the past so stay tuned for all the inspo.

Tiled bathroom

Now the majority of the building work is complete, it’s time for the fun stuff! In the next instalment we’ll reveal our kitchen and laundry design, courtesy of our dear friends at Freedom Kitchens. They’ve helped us create three stunning spaces in the past and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve come up with this time. They’re real show-stoppers so get ready to pin all the things.

Until then,

Julia xx

Missed a bit? Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness 😉

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

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Comments

  1. AvatarGevelwerken says

    November 9, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    Great job !! Loved the ceiling rose you have used. Waiting for kitchen and laundry design.

    Reply

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