Vanity - Created!

Our new ensuite bathroom has been created by combining 2 separate rooms - the old main bathroom, and the separate toilet room. As a result, it has given us quite a big space. I do love white in the bathroom, but I also didn't want it to feel too surgical. It needs to be inviting!

I decided to incorporate a couple of features, and use timber in the room to break up the large expanse of tiles, and add some warmth.

One of my FAVE shops, Recollections, had some great vanities, but they were around $2500 and we are trying to stick to SOME kind of budget. These were my inspiration.

All vanities from www.recollections.com.au

After some online searching, I found a hardwood buffet very similar to the vanity above for a crazy price of $299. We had to drive a couple of hours to Sydney to collect it, but I think it's worth the trip! As the unit is a buffet, it is only 420mm deep. This meant I had to find 2 suitable basins that were no more than 400mm in diameter. I originally purchased 2 top mount basins, but the buffet is quite tall, so really needed drop in basins instead.

After a little more searching, I found 2 perfect basins. Our builder got to work, and jigsawed the top sections out and installed the basins, finishing off with silicone. We then purchased the necessary plumbing, and added the "lollipop" tapware, which Im SO happy with.

The last touch was a good coat of Marine varnish to protect the timber top. The basins have a nice scooped shape, and are a perfect fit.

I love how the feet give it the appeal of being a piece of furniture, 

rather than just a vanity

He was even clever enough to save the 2 end drawers that have been replaced by the basins, I love it! They are a good size for all the little things like hair pins, or a toothbrush etc.

What do you think? I will post some pics of it installed in the new bathroom soon.

Mini Makeover

There were several pieces of furniture left in our place when we bought it, including this chest of drawers.

Yes, it's a bit mank looking, but I figured I could do something with it, as it seemed a shame to just throw it out. We have way too much space, and very little furniture to fill it!

The timber was in average condition, so I started by giving it a light sand all over.

I wanted a nice crisp white to match some of my other furniture, so opted for Taubmans Éasy Coat Acrylic in Gloss white.

A couple of coats, and it was looking much better

I then added some new handles, keeping with the classic style.

And the finished product. Looking much better! I now have some extra storage and something to fill the empty walls with.

Total Cost of drawer makeover: $50 for handles. Paint used was for existing renovations.

Renovation Madness

It’s been so long since I posted! I have neglected my blog, and sadly have not been getting my daily dose of all the lovely bloggers I follow. My husband and I have been so busy with renovating our place, but the good news is I have lots of updates and photos to post!

I have also started a new job, so have been very preoccupied! I now work from the most amazing display homes. I have made the move to work in an area closer to the heart, and home, meaning I work with houses every day. With so much eye candy, I am in idea overload for our own home.


I can hardly believe how fast this year has gone, and we have got so much done. There is still a LOT to go, but finishing a room here and there is my inspiration to keep at it! Don’t you just love that feeling of making something new again?


The first room that we finished (except furnishings - I have to save up for some key pieces!) is the dining room.


BEFORE

The framed section to the left is where we have enclosed the old hallway. This is now our new closet! The opening to the right is the new hallway.

We had a VERY rough room to work with. Old grey carpet, wine coloured walls (??!!), a black coffered ceiling, and a chocolate brown aluminium slider door.

New gyprock ceiling in progress...

You can see where we enclosed the old hallway, and created a new doorway

and linen closet below. This new hallway leads to the master suite and office.

Below is the room painted and ready for the bamboo floor to be laid. We chose bamboo as it is extremely durable.

Here it is being laid. Like most floating floors, it is relatively simple to lay. You just need a good quality underlay, and clean cuts in the bamboo, ensuring to allow at least 10mm each end or so for swelling and contracting.

Almost there....Here you can see my hubby and our builder doing the finishing touches. Hubby working barefoot - as usual!

And finally, TA DA!! Completed, with architraves. The wall colour is Dulux "Musing"in half strength. It is a great muted tone with a grey/brown base, and it adds some warmth to the dining room. Master Oliver is quite impressed...

We purchased this ceiling fan from Beacon Lighting. I really wanted something different for this room. Many of the other rooms have pendant lights, however I felt this room would look too cluttered with pendants AND a fan, so this fan serves as the feature.

We also installed down lights, but kept it to a minimum so the lighting is not too intense for a dining area.

Finally, here are the new french doors finished in Dulux "White on White".

The room tends to swallow the dining table a little, so I am on the hunt for some extra furniture and a buffet.

You will also notice the doorway leading into the kitchen is quite small. When we eventually renovate the kitchen, I plan to open this up to adjoin the dining room. What do you think?