STEP BY STEP: Downsizer Whirlwind
Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.
Last month I promised to introduce you to some new clients, and first up is Sue. Along with her husband Steve, Sue is downsizing to a resort-style retirement complex in North Turramurra. Their new apartment is a roomy three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a beautiful outlook over gardens and a pond. Sue has invited Kate Kerin Interiors to assist her with furniture and finishes selections, and to provide advice on a range of other interior design decisions.
We start with a two-hour in-home consultation, where Sue shows me around the empty apartment and outlines her plans. The home has been recently carpeted and painted, and there are good quality shutters in the bedrooms. The kitchen and bathroom are dated, and Sue has outlined her plans to fully renovate the main bathroom, update the ensuite and knock through a section of the kitchen wall to open the galley-style kitchen partially into the living space. Sue is super organised and has a very clear idea of what her new home should look like. She has already settled on a trade team which has worked at this retirement establishment in the past – this is wise, as they are already familiar not only with the management and body corporate requirements, but they have also done similar rectifications in other apartments. I am very happy to work with Sue’s chosen tradespeople.
During our consult we focus on furniture scale and placement; Sue is keen for me to procure some living room furniture including a pair of sofas and some armchairs. She will be combining existing pieces with some new ones, so we lay out tape to indicate the size of the existing furniture and possible locations for the new items. It quickly becomes evident that there won’t be sufficient space in the combined living/dining room for two sofas, two armchairs and a coffee table along with Sue and Steve’s existing dining setting. Sue also wants me to create a scaled SketchUp diagram of the covered terrace which is not rectangular, to decide on an outdoor dining setting to seat up to six people. I undertake to do this, and to think about the best options for the living room layout.
We talk about the bathroom renovation, and Sue’s preferred style of fittings and fixtures. She sensibly wants to maintain the existing plumbing layout, reducing the cost of the renovation. She will also re-use most of the fixtures in the ensuite but replace those in the main bathroom. I suggest that a soft brushed nickel finish would look great not only in the bathroom, but also on the kitchen cabinet handles and indoor door hardware. Sue agrees so we move onto the next decision; flooring. Sue is keen to use a light-coloured, hybrid floorboard in the kitchen and foyer area but to retain the carpet throughout the living spaces, bedrooms and hallway. We discuss the pros and cons of hybrid versus engineered boards, but following our meeting Sue decides to extend the boards throughout the living and circulation spaces of the home, removing the very light cream carpet. I think this is a practical plan, and the chosen colour is light and attractive. I provide some advice on matching the colour to Sue’s existing Oak furniture and she locks in her selection.
We are both moving fairly quickly as we each have travel planned for early October, and Sue and Steve are keen to move into the new apartment by the end of November. Sue is super organised, so it’s easy to make decisions and focus on getting the best value for money. Sue has a pretty good idea of the kitchen appliances she wants, so I add my suggestions and we lock down a great price and service from Nunda at the Winning Appliances Crows Nest store.
Before too long, orders are placed for the furniture (two gorgeous ‘Bondi Hamptons’ sofas with removable slip covers in grey with white piping, and navy blue with white piping). We also order a full range of Phoenix Slimline Oval tapware and bathroom accessories in a subtle brushed nickel finish, all purchased through The Blue Space which is my go-to bathroom supplier. We settle on some lovely ‘Decade’ brushed nickel cup pull and knob handles for the kitchen and bathrooms from Castella Handles and discuss a feature wall in the bedroom. Sue’s keen on a linen-look blue wallpaper but once I obtain a sample she’s unsure about the colour. It’s always a great idea to get the largest available sample of most products; often things look quite different to what you see on the computer screen. Everyone’s computer is different and nothing beats touching and seeing the real thing!
By the time I was engaged, Sue had already selected some gorgeous tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles in Willoughby, so my job was made easy; I just suggest some options for the tile lay (stacked for the wall tiles and a brick lay for the floor), provide some inspiration images and assist Sue in getting the best price and placing the order. Working with an interior designer provides some real benefits by taking the hassle out of time-consuming tasks, as well as allowing access to savings that would otherwise not be available to retail customers and broadening the range of available products enormously. I’m also able to confirm correct quantities taking into account waste and contingencies, and ensure delivery is arranged for a suitable time.
There are a million other small decisions to be made along the way, and we’re moving fast. But we’re on track for Sue’s builders to undertake the structural work while I’m overseas, and I provide a detailed Design Concept document that will guide them and ensure Sue’s choices are accurately reflected in the work of the expert tradies. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!
Our Collaroy kitchen is also coming along nicely – Alan and Michelle’s beautiful Caesarstone benchtops are now installed and they look like a million bucks. Check out my Instagram page for images of the process. Thanks to Sydney Stone Creations for their expert workmanship on this job and congratulations to Alan and his team who have undertaken the majority of the structural work involved in the kitchen, butler’s pantry and outdoor kitchen.
I’m about to head off to the United States for a break with my husband. I fully expect to be inspired and awed by the spectacular design and architecture of the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and other parts of the East coast of the USA. It’ll certainly be an interesting time politically to be there; I’ll post lots of images on social media and no doubt my next blog post will be all about the inspiration I’ve enjoyed on my break.
Image via Pinterest, Gradient Marine Subway porcelain tile (matte), itilemosaic.com
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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