Light, bright and happy space to work in!

Looking back towards the laundry.

Finally our kitchen reno is complete... and I can't tell you how happy we are with the end result.

It was a challenging project, with us undertaking the design, electrical, plumbing, tiling, plastering, painting, building, installation etc. We did employ the services of our floor sander guy to keep our floors consistent throughout the house.

Definitely a hard room to configure considering there are two doors and two windows to work around. But I am pleased with the layout, and the fact that we managed to preserve one wall of the original wallpaper! My big sparkly new white stove is also a winner!

Incorporating my old meat safe was a brilliant idea. It breaks up the white, but it also adds a bit of character helping the kitchen to not look so modular!

So overall, all I can say is happy happy joy joy. Thank you to my clever husband Denis for all his hard work and long hours to complete this tip top job! Love ya!

Take the photo tour here >


PS: Cupboards, shelving, bench tops, sink, tap and handles all IKEA.

Removing the 1970s wardrobe.

Sketch of the proposed floating cabinets and shelving

On the weekend just gone we had the opportunity to finish off all the last niggly jobs still left to do in our kitchen - paint touch ups, some filling, lighting etc. So I am excited to say the kitchen is finally complete! I just have to do those long awaited before and after photos... will get onto it this week, promise!

So what is next on the agenda? Well I have started to design our TV room which was originally a bedroom at the back of the house. We prefer to have the TV away from the main living area so it isn't the main focus, and this room is a cosy space for us to curl up on the couch and watch must see shows like Grand Designs!!

Using the BESTÅ TV & Media Storage Planner on the IKEA website, I have selected some floating wall cabinets from the "BESTÅ" range. Our plan is to wall mount them on the wall behind the door where the old wardrobes were, and then hang book shelves running the full width of the wall (3m) and right up to the ceiling. This will give us some great storage but in a streamlined and unobtrusive way.

The cabinets are waiting patiently in our garage to be assembled and installed, but before we get to that step there is a wee bit of prep to do. This room is situated on the south side of the building so it is lacking natural light. I just want to brighten up this space with lighter walls so the room feels fresher overall. So say good bye to the dark wooden window surrounds and wall paper, and hello to nice clean fresh paint! (Colour TBD) Even though I love the wall paper, I'm sorry but it really has to go...BTW it is not the original wallpaper from when the home was built.

More updates to follow on the "The Den" project!

My Print Featuring Georgia's Living Room

The Original Lino

Artist's Tools

My friend Georgia Cheesman is a wee bit talented in the area of lino printmaking! Her style very much focuses around reproducing interior spaces - a pretty cool subject! Previous works have included private interiors from the Croydon area, as well as a detailed series of the Wheatsheaf Hotel called 'Before the Crowd'. She is currently planning her next exhibition which will feature a collection of creative studios/work spaces.

Georgia shares my love of mid-century furniture design and decorating, so this style is often found in her compositions. I am the proud owner of a piece from her very first exhibition, Georgia's own living room, and I must say it really is the perfect match to my own retro interior. 

If you would like to have a try at creating your own Linocut artwork, Georgia runs an evening art class throughout the year at Ruth Tuck Art School in Burnside. See the website for details >

Toodle-pip!

I spy a little Retro Delights mention in the latest SHOP 4 Kids mag! How awesome! Thank you SHOP 4 Kids! The "Sleep Tight" print is part of a trio. View them in the little Retro Delights store or they can also be found at E for Ethel, North Adelaide! Sweet As!

Chinese Girl

My first sighting of a Tretchikoff print (Chinese Girl) was in the home of one of my friends in Auckland. At the time I was curious of the art choice, but I have to admit it did look amazing in a room that had touches of glam, and a high quality reproduction gold/mustard modular couch!

Lady from Orient

One of his most famous works, the print above titled 'Lady from Orient'. I have even started to spot this artwork on cushions and coffee mugs of all things! But to be respectful to the artist, if you are looking at purchasing a reproduction for yourself do visit the authentic Tretchikoff website. The website also has an amazing Bio in a timeline format that steps through Tretchikoff's life in great detail.

Lost Orchid

I have also discovered that Tretchikoff was a very innovative marketeer in his day too. Tretchikoff was the first artist to make and sell lithographic reproductions of his work, making it affordable and accessible to the ordinary person. At the time, art critics objected, saying he was devaluing and commercialising art. To which he responded, "Why should my art only be available to the rich and famous? I want everyone to enjoy my art." 

Ballerina