Displaying posts from December, 2011

Many of you will know that Australia started its colonial history as a penal settlement. Britain sent us all her worst best and along with our indigenous and immigrant population we have grown to what we are today. Convict settlements where tough to put it politely and the island of Tasmania had the toughest. Today’s stalking takes us to the Georgian era Bull’s Head Pub in Hobart, Tasmania now restored as two modern apartments. Look at the renovation though. Exposed beams, old floor boards, changes of levels and voids, modern conveniences and beautiful old brick. Did you notice the glass splash back over the old brick in the kitchen? There is even a cellar paved with convict bricks. Just where I’d set up my wine cellar with grand old table and racks of fine Australian wine. I’m dreaming remember. I’d add some stunning artworks, a bit more layering of textures, more fabulous rugs, ambient lighting and books, yes lots of books. Oh maybe the cellar could be a library. Thanks To Kelly for sending the link!

I’m taking a quick break from french studies (worst. thing. EVER.) to tell you that I don’t really have time to post much today – and my posts will be a bit light for the next week and a half until I get this freaking test done with. I managed to dig up a few favourite photos for your viewing pleasure, but before I get to those I thought I’d remind you all how you can keep in touch with the happenings of the blog and Jo and I.

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Homelife

Bolig Magasinet

Nuevo Estilo

Homelife

The Selby

Homelife

The Selby

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you …. that’s you lot… the readers! Sonia (who shared the amazing rowhouse renovation earlier this week) has a question…

We are venturing into our 3rd renovation, another rowhouse.  As is typical in our area space is adequate but not abundant. In an effort to be better designers we’d like to know how most respond to this: Given the choice of some extra space on your 2nd floor, which do you choose….an extra bedroom or an extra bath?? Suppose there is space enough for 3 bedrooms & 1 bath or 2 bedroom & 2 bath but no way to combine 3 bedrooms with 2 baths. Size of family is not a constraint — 2 bedrooms is enough for you and your nuclear family.  The 3 bedroom scenario gives you a good size master, a nice size bath and 2 smaller rooms with closets.  The 2 bedroom gives you slightly larger bedrooms, more closet space (but not a ton more), en suite bathroom and a washer dryer upstairs (vs downstairs in the 3 bedroom scenario).  In case it matters there is a powder room on the first floor of a 2 level structure in either scenario. In either case, finishes will be high quality so that’s not a factor either.

Something to keep in mind is that this house is being renovated to sell. Why is she asking you? Because she knows that thousands of design savvy readers with very set opinions come here every day. What a great resource to tap. And what does this next house look like now? Look away now if you are squeamish.

Phew! That wasn’t too bad but knowing what the other houses have looked like inside I shudder to imagine what this one is like. So what do you suggest? Scheme 1 or Scheme 2?

I am in desperate need of a vacation – well, a break from the chaos that is my life these days anyway. I’d love to spend a few weeks shacked up in this absolutely stunning vacation home in Trump Hollywood, in Florida. The model homes were decorated by award-winning designer Steven G. Here are some detials: The new 5,000+-square-foot Sky Residence, located on the 36th floor, is designed for those desiring the spaciousness of a private home and the luxury lifestyle of a turnkey condominium. The design palate, focusing on earth tones and rich, deep woods, is offset by an elegant travertine marble floor with unique tones of aqua and taupe. All the furniture was custom made for the residence, and a working fireplace in the living room sets a warm mood that is accentuated by magnificent Atlantic Ocean views. Now THAT is HOT. 

It’s Spring in New Zealand (lucky b*stards) and Sammy, a Kiwi and regular reader of this here blog kindly sent along some more links to homes there as the market is “exploding with gorgeous summery homes” as she put it. *still hatin’* One of the homes she linked to, located in Auckland, caught my attention. It’s got some odd decor choices here and there but overall I think the owners did a great job. I love the kitchen and the exterior is adorable (we don’t really have cute houses here in Ottawa). Link while it lasts. Thanks Sammy!