STEP BY STEP: Renovation Heaven
Step by Step documents the projects that I’m juggling alongside setting up my interior design business, Kate Kerin Interiors, based on Sydney’s north shore. My clients Joanna and Pam have kindly agreed to being the subject of this blog, and I thank them for sharing their projects with readers.
Petersham Project – bathroom reno
We are marching ahead on Joanna’s bathroom renovation, and the completion date is well within sight. The bathroom has been expertly tiled, with our gorgeous Safi Mint Gloss feature wall laid in a basketweave pattern and the Nazari Ifrane rustic wall tiles (both from Earp Bros) also on display. Builder Stephen Hughes’s team of waterproofers, sheeting experts, tilers, grouters and caulkers have all been excellent. In the coming days the electrician and plumber will return to fit off the fixtures, and we’ll be ready for the finishing touches like painting and wallpapering.
The custom vanity and mirror from Three of a Kind Furniture are being carefully stored in a spare bedroom – one of this week’s most exciting tasks will be their installation into the bathroom, along with the tapware, toilet and shower screen. Once these items are located in their new home the room will be virtually complete.
Our attention has turned to the wardrobe that is being custom designed to fit in the space that once housed the shower. Stephen’s crew have closed in the opening on the bathroom side, and opened it into the second bedroom to allow for a spacious built-in wardrobe. This closet will have a barn door, but the wall is not load-bearing and won’t support a very heavy slab of hardwood. Joanna had hoped to match a beautiful Tasmanian Oak piece of furniture in that bedroom, but it’s becoming clear that could risk disaster. Luckily Joanna is flexible and willing to consider alternatives. I have drawn up the internal design using SketchUp and we are focusing on functionality in addition to aesthetics. SketchUp allows us to visualise the wardrobe, and for Joanna to choose the number of hanging spaces, open slots and drawers she wants to have. It also enables the joiner to see precise measurements in various elevations.
The coming week will see all of the plumbing fixtures installed, painting and wallpapering and then styling for the final reveal. Can’t wait!
Greenwich project – Seniors’ Resort refresh
Pam is now playing a waiting game, as some of the final elements to her apartment refresh are on order but not yet delivered. Her custom rug is due towards the end of July, and replacing the carpet throughout the apartment is delayed by the need for a new skylight which will require scaffolding (not ideal to erect on top of a brand new carpet!) Meantime she’s enjoying her newly styled storage unit and lovely new living/dining/foyer furniture.
As I go about my other design jobs I’ve procured a few bits and pieces that match beautifully with Pam’s chosen feature colours. First I selected a gorgeous olive-coloured kettle and toaster to liven up the kitchen bench. Then, while attending the Affordable Art Fair in Sydney I came across an exquisite, small oil painting of two figs which absolutely lights up the room. Artist Lynda McKay (represented by The Toowoomba Gallery) has created a tiny masterpiece that is just perfect for this space. Pam has asked me to source some additional artworks for her kitchen area and bedroom, so the hunt is on.
Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly older people who are downsizing or live independently in lifestyle resorts. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.
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