Finishes Appointment - Laundry Selections

And, here are the Laundry selections.

In the tradition of my same-same; but different (I love that that saying has taken off, I've been using it for aaages!) approach to design, the Laundry follows the Bathroom theme, but with a Laminex benchtop.

Also here

I'm starting to get a bit excited!!

Kitchen Appliances

If there's one thing I'm not, it's a pro cook!  Husband is pretty good, but is also good at using whatever tools he has at his disposal.  So, for that reason, we've stuck with the standard appliances provided by our builder.

These are they...

Blanco FD9045WX Freestanding Cooker

In our last house, we had a glass and stainless steel canopy rangehood, but have reverted to a streamlined, easy to clean, slide-out rangehood this time.  Obviously, it will also result in additional cupboard space, and help the kitchen blend into the landscape.

Blanco BRS902X slide-out rangehood

Is it weird that I'm excited about having an integrated microwave?  Really, is it??

Blanco MF29SX Microwave with trim kit

There is also a dishwasher included.  We'll run with it for a while, and then maybe revert to our old faithful F&P Dishdrawer...  We'll see...

We are also in the market for a new fridge.  This one is the current front runner.

Kitchen.  Done.  Yay!

PS: Have reverted to Polar White for the kitchen cabinets.  But, you knew I would!

Finishes Appointment - Kitchen Selections

As promised, here are the kitchen outcomes of the finishes appointment.

Excuse my terrible photography, as I had to it tonight and couldn't get the lighting right.

Also here

I was hoping to do the cabinetry in a gloss finish by Formica, however was informed that The Builder wouldn't use that finish.  Ugh!  So, instead of choosing a plain white, I went with Alpaca, which is a very light taupe/grey.  I like it, but it wasn't what I was really after.  What do you think?  Would a straight white laminate look really cheap and horrid?  Would it be better to stick with the Alpaca?  Help, please!!

Our splashback is glass, and will be painted White Duck like the main walls.  Have I mentioned before that I really like the house to be a blank canvas?

Also pictured is the main floor.  Gooooorgeous bamboo!  We haven't finalised the supplier for this yet, but will provide details as and when.

Phoenix Argo Tapware

Lovely sink mixer, that matches the bathroom tapware.  I initially had my heart set on a huge industrial mixer, but now I think I'm happy to stick with this guy.

The handles were another bone of contention, as they only do one length.  Seriously, peeps!  So, this is what I chose.  I am still considering whether to go without handles and have Husband fix them later.  However, that would just be another task to add to his perpetual list...

Tekform handles

So, what do we all think?  As always, fingers are crossed, hoping it all works out!

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Finishes Appointment - Bathroom Fixtures

I got to celebrate my birthday by attending the Finishes Appointment for the new house.  Yay me!

As anyone who has built before knows, this can either be a source of extreme stress, or nice and easy.  I have to say, this was nice and easy.  I had everything sorted in advance, so it was really just an hour and a half of filling in lots and lots of paperwork!

I've been a bit strapped for time, and haven't had a chance to take photos of the kitchen finishes yet, so I've rustled up some pics of the bathroom fixtures for you in the interim.

Cabinetry details for the Ensuite and Main Bathroom can be found here.

These are all from the Phoenix Argo range.

Sorry, this is a bit boring, but it's all I can get my hands on at the minute.  Kitchen to come!

Shipping Update

I just had to check in and share this exciting news with you!

Firstly, I placed my Christmas order with Nordstrom this evening.  Sure to their word, shipping was only $19.95.  Fantastic!

Then, I thought, why don't I just check out West Elm and see if they've been reading this blog.  What do you know?  They must be reading.  They are currently offering half.price.shipping.

Just for fun, I looked at Williams-Sonoma, who also own(?) Pottery Barn, and they've cut their international shipping fees also.

All of these companies use Fifty One, so maybe someone there is reading along.

Moral of the story: Never underestimate the power of the blog!!!

(Yep, I know they don't read the blog.  But we put it out there, and our shipping wishes have come true).

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Firstly, I have to say thank you so much for all the gorgeous birthday love!!  I had a great day (I'll share that in another post), although sadly Husband wasn't home to join in the celebrations.

Welcome to our new followers and Facebook likers.  Thanks for joining us and coming along for the ride!

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for.  I had two of my little housemates put all of the entries into a bowl...

And, draw out the winner...

And the winner is...

Congratulations, Penny!

So, Penny, if you could please e-mail me at 2beaches1lake@gmail.com, we can organise delivery of your new friend, 'Little Hoot'!

Thanks again everyone!  The results of my Finishes Appointment are coming to a blog near you soon!

Birthday giveaway! - ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED

It's my birthday, and to celebrate I thought a little giveaway was in order!

In honour of turning an older version of old, I thought a wise owl would be a lovely gift for one lucky reader.  Check out this guy, available from Decorating Emporium.

There are three ways to enter:
1.  'Follow' Two Beaches and a Lake and leave me a comment on this post stating that you are a new follower.
2.  If you already follow the blog, leave a comment on this post.
3.  If you would like an extra entry, 'like' Two Beaches and a Lake on Facebook and come back here and tell me about it by commenting on this post.

It's easy peasy, lemon squeezy, and who wouldn't want this super cute little owl on their desk

Entries will close at midday (AEST) on Thursday, 24 November 2011, with the winner being drawn on Thursday night.

Enjoy my birthday!

Entries in this giveaway have now closed!

Hot or not? - Wallpaper in the Laundry

Welcome to 'Hot or not?', your weekly/fortnightly/maybe monthly (?!) opportunity to tell me what you think of a particular design idea or trend.

This time, we're talking wallpaper in the Laundry.

You may be asking why?  Well, our Laundry is not massive, worse luck, and I want it to look kind of fancy.  Our tiling, a simple gloss white, will run up the wall to splashback height.  On top of that, we may or may not add some wall cabinets at a later date, but in the meantime, I'm thinking a pretty floral or geometric wallpaper would add some interest.

Here are some images to get you thinking...

Via 

Via

Via

Via

Via

Here are some wallpapers that I love...

   

  

All wallpapers available here.

So, peeps, hot or not?????

Christmas Wishes...

So, I think my feelings on shipping costs are pretty clear...  Yes?

Well, today for some random reason I decided what I wanted for Christmas.  I knew where I could get it, (Santa, duh!) but didn't want to fork out for postage.  However, I looked anyway.  Woo to the hoo, Nordstrom are offering $19.95 shipping to Australia until 24 November.

I thought I'd better check with Husband before ordering, and he said yes.  Double woo hoo!

Now I'm sure you're wondering what will be wrapped up under the tree for me when I wake on Christmas morning...

Here

Here

As you can see, it isn't all about the house...  But really it is!  Now we just need our friends at West Elm to jump on board the cheap shipping train!  Should we start lobbying???

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend!

Anxiety Central!

This is where I am today - Anxiety Central!

When I first received my finishes selection paperwork, I attacked it with gusto.  Now, just three sleeps away from the Finishes Appointment, I've fallen in a heap.

I'm questioning every decision.  I'm worrying that I've chosen from the wrong range.  I'm freaking out about windows. I haven't drawn up the electrical plan (although I know what I want/need and where).

And you know the funniest thing, I do this every.single.time.we.build.  I have learnt that the first decision is usually the right decision and that is what I must run with.

I will ask your advice on one thing, however, based on the following information:  Our roof will be Woodland Grey, as will the gutter and fascia; the render will be Dulux White Duck; all timber trimmings and the entry door will be Dulux Intergrain Stain in Charcoal; and, we've chosen Caoba for the garage door.

But, what colour should the windows be??????  Choices are White, Silver and Woodland Grey.  All of the windows across the front of the house will be dressed (internally) with dark timber shutters (eventually).

All images - here

Please help me!!!!!!!

I hope your day is as beautiful as the one Brisbane has turned on for us today.

Paperwork Schmaperwork

Our plans were sent off to the Certifier yesterday.  Then, I had a call saying that our Council has added a new approval form that needs to be completed!

The Builder was very quick to tell me there was no cost involved, but it was just another annoying piece of paper getting in the way of our approval.

Anyhoo, I completed it straight away (so glad I work from home) and sent it off.  Hopefully certification and council approval won't take too long and we'll see a stamp like this quick sticks.

Here

I'm sure they want to get all their work done quickly at this time of the year, so that it isn't sitting waiting on their desks for them when they return from Christmas shutdown (that's positive thinking right there).

I'm going to be asking for your advice and assistance over the next week or so, so steel yourselves in anticipation...

I hope you have a happy Friday!

Thankful Thursday

This fortnight I am extremely thankful for the safe arrival of a precious new baby (not ours!)

I am also thankful for the general goodness of the awesome people in my life.  And, for the greatness that occurs when the nasty people are silenced.

So, here's to my 'besties' (that truly is a horrible word, isn't it?!)

Source - me!  Can't you tell?!

What are you thankful for this week?

Have a great Thursday!!

'Formal' Lounge Room

I'm not sure about you, but I really value having a 'formal' living space that is just for me and Husband.  The one room I can go into and not worry about toys or mess.  I say 'formal', but that's probably not accurate.  Comfortable and quiet are the key descriptors for this room.

So, this is my Concept Board for our Lounge Room...

Now, this room won't be a priority, but we already have most of the furniture we need.  We have a faux leather sofa in similar tones, which will go in there until we decide to buy the lovely sofa pictured above.  We have a similar TV Unit and Buffet, and the side table pictured above is also already in our possession.  Our lovely piano (which I inherited as a very small child) will also live in this space.

My question for you is the wall art.  I am in a long term love affair with my fair city, and have been in love with it more since I had to leave it for a year a little while ago.  I would really like to pay tribute to Brisbane on the walls of this room.  I don't want it to stick out, though.  I want some small prints in sepia tones, to match the muted colour scheme.  The image above is from here, and they have smaller versions as well.  I'm thinking I'd prefer something framed than on canvas.

What do you think?  And, do you know any reasonably priced photographers selling beautiful images of old Brisbane town?

Hope you're enjoying your weekend so far.

Remembrance Day

We remember today.

I count my blessings every day.

Lest we forget.

here

I've been choking back the tears most of the day.  Time for a teaspoon of cement...

Have a great weekend everyone!