Features

From the moment we knew we were taking on this project, we've both been keen to re-instate as many features as possible throughout the house which had been lost. We're looking to install working fireplaces in the living areas but decorative fireplaces in the bedrooms are also on my wishlist. Let's see how many I can get away with!!

I snapped the photo on the left at a local fireplace dealers a few months ago. I'm pretty certain the daisy fireplace was late Victorian and tended to be used in the bedroom so I'm really keen to use these in the house - I'm just hoping they have some on my return trip! We also snapped up the other on a visit to one of our regular shopping haunts. Whilst the detailing is definitely more Art Deco, I fell in love with this fireplace and can't wait to get it cleaned up.

Images via: Rue Nicolo, all others my own.

Little steps forward, little steps back!

'Dusty' is perhaps the best word to describe this week.

On my laptop, up my nose...we've all been sneezing, including the dog! That's pretty much most of the demolition work done though, so we're slowly but surely getting there. 

The major part of the work this week was the breaking up of the concrete slab which lay under the glass link above.  The link currently joins the house and our office outbuilding, but we decided extra outdoor space would be preferable in the long run so it's coming down early next week.

In a few ways we've had to go backward to come forward. We spent time transforming the yard from an overgrown mess (top left) to a nice area to sit during the summer months when we first acquired the office and it now looks messier than ever.

So, if you live in Newcastle and happen to be passing our office, apologies, it doesn't usually look like this!

More snaps of the rest of the house to follow tomorrow 

and nice imagery to come next week I promise. x

All images: my own

Progress

The laying of the carpet was finished today. We opted for a durable coir from Kersaint Cobb with a herringbone pattern. We had thought about simply painting the floors, but with extending our office into the basement we decided to go for the warmer option!!

With regards to the decor I'm looking to keep it simple, opting for a classic black & white combo with the addition of some natural textures. I don't think I could ever tire of this look and it's versatility. Like most people, I'm prone to phases of being drawn to particular shades and colour combinations, so for me, keeping the bones of a space fairly neutral is a must, to which I can accessorise and add colour depending on what's inspiring me at the time. 

I've had the image above in my 'workspaces' file for a long time, still not sure of the source unfortunately (so please help out if you can!) but I love how the simplicity of the room lets the decorative furniture do the talking. Simply replacing the flowers and type of vase would be an easy, yet effective update to the space.

All in all, some lovely workspaces where I'd feel right at home.

Images (clockwise from top): The New Anthology, Solid Frog, {oops!}, Sacramento Street, Mackin Ink

L.O.V.E

To say I love these insanely beautiful chandeliers is an understatement. 

However, something tells me I wouldn't quite be able to afford the price tag, but I'd be a very happy bunny if I happened to own one! 

Stumbling across these beautiful images is precisely why, at times, random web surfing is productive and not a complete waste of time! 

Found over at a lovely blog African Daydreams....somehow!!

I'm completely in agreement with Tapiwa, the author of the blog, describing them as 'gently floating creatures from the deep'. These beautiful fittings reminded me straight away of giant squid or jellyfish. Very elegant and ethereal ones at that!!! If you simply can't live without one, take a look at Willowlamp's website and I wish you all the best making a decision!!! 

Happy weekend everyone! x

All images: Willowlamp

Things are a changin

Beginning right here.

Those of you who know us, or those lovely people who have been following this blog, will know that just over two years ago, both Steve & I set up our practice, Coachhouse 8 Ltd, leaving behind 26 cumulative years at a local architectural practice.  What was both an extremely exciting and also slightly daunting time, has turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made and has also opened lots of doors for us in the process. 

This lovely Victorian terraced house is one of them and will be keeping us extra busy over the next few months as we will be converting what is currently an old office into a lovely family home for us both. This is another exciting stage in our lives which we're really lucky to be embracing and I'm hoping the diary of renovations will also become a refreshing new phase on this blog. 

I really hope you stay tuned to follow our progress and I'll be sure to keep you up to date with the day to day decisions, and knowing Steve & I, disagreements!!! 

Thanks for listening. xx 

165 days later...

Hey there, remember me?!

No, I really don't blame you! Things have been pretty busy these past few months and I'm not even going to pretend I'm great at multitasking, so this little blog right here unfortunately slipped by the wayside, (again!!!)  

No more I tell you, no more! From now on I pledge to be a better blogger (I know you've heard this one before), a better multitasker, and I promise to post more exciting images to make you wanna pop back for more!

I'll be back tomorrow to let you know what's happening round here as we've got a few exciting things coming up, but in the meantime, here's some happy memories of the past few months.

Not one,

not two,

but three awesome weddings of three very special friends!

I was so happy to be a part of these special days, each and every one amazing in their own unique way.

xxx

All images: my own