Yard update: Easter makeover

So over the Easter break, we spent a lot of time in the yard. Last week we completed the landscaping of the Western side of our house, complete with stepper stones and pebbles in the same vein that we did the other side (so it's matchy-matchy). This means much less maintenence and a better looking side yard.

Before shot: mud and grass  

After shot: We used charcoal stepper stones and a pebble mix called 'Fruit Salad'

Very happy with the finished result

So at Easter, it was time to tackle the front yard. We decided that we would fill the front trough with larger pebbles so that it would eliminate weeds or any growth around the front of the house, keeping it much neater (and much less hassle work-wise to look after).

We used a medium river rock called Autumn Gold, which has golds, cream, charcoal and brown shades. These pics were taken just after the rocks were hosed down, so they look a bit darker than they really are.

After that job was complete, we set to work designing our front garden. We started by cutting out the existing turf and making a shape for the garden bed. Then after much shovelling and lifting we dumped (a lot) of soil into the bed and planted our beautiful Little Gem Magnolia which sits in front of our master bedroom window.

Next weekend we will get another delivery of soil so we can put more plants and grasses in. We'll be using stones and larger rocks in this front garden as features as well... next time I think I'll employ the use of gardening gloves, as I still have quite a lot of dirt under my fingernails - not pretty.

Industry chic

With Easter days away, I've been thinking about plans and what we're going to do with our bit of extra time off work. I've come to the conclusion that I am going to spend the whole four days dedicated to our home and garden.

Now that we've pretty much nutted out a scheme for the house (industrial with hints of natural material) I have been googling colour schemes for feature walls, as well as decorator accents, lighting and furniture.

There will be a few trips to Bunnings, I dare say, but I am looking forward to devoting my Easter break to beautifying our abode.

Below is some inspiration I've taken from my online searches. Let's hope 'industry-chic' can be pulled off!  



Dulux's Re-Set colour template

At home - yard

So last weekend we finally got around to starting our landscaping. We ended up getting a whole side done, which is more than what I thought we would achieve!

For both sides of the house, we've decided to put down stepping stones and pebbles to cut back on the amount of mowing etc we have to do. Also I just think it looks prettier!

We've gone with a mixed pebble called "Fruit Salad" which has white, charcoal, beige and brown tones. The stepping stones are a charcoal colour with a matte finish (see below). They are 40cm x 40cm.

 

Once these were laid, the pebbles went down over the top. The pics of these show very dirty pebbles (they look more like a rusty brown colour) and don't show the true tones yet (I think we need a downpour of rain to give them a good clean).

The pebbles were put down in and around the stepping stones

Our neighbour's pool is on the other side of that fence, so to avoid sloshy muddy grass down the side, I think using stone down this side especially, is a much better option and it gives it a clean finish.

We really only go down this side to access the bins (they are sitting on a slab of 3 x 3 stepping stones) but we might get some potten plants to sit between the fence posts down the track to liven it up a bit.

 

The finished product!

I am excited to start the other side (clothesline side) next weekend where we will be featuring the same pebbles/pavers but in a different juxtapositon.

Decorating for Christmas

I am so freaking excited about Christmas.

Reasons why:

1.                  I just love Christmas in general – it’s my favourite time of year.

2.                  We get to celebrate in our new home this year (YAY!)

3.                  It’s summer, which is my favourite season, and I love nothing better than entertaining and being with my best friends and family relaxing and celebrating the year that was.

4.                  Christmas means that New Years is just around the corner, which means even more celebrating!

Although, I must say I am starting to get a tad stressed out about shopping for gifts. I really don’t like the Christmas rush and the bedlam that is every single shopping centre from about now until the end of the Christmas sales in January…

I like the idea of Secret Santa – you only have to buy one gift if you do it with your family, and you can do it with your friends too. It takes the stress off having to buy dozens of pressies for people and breaking the bank so to speak.

One thing I will be hitting the shops for however, is Christmas decorations for the new abode. I love decking out the house in festive ornaments and will dedicate this post to yuletide inspiration for the home.  

Love the pink and green - cute!

We have always had stockings hung over my parent's fireplace - doesn't feel like Christmas without them!

Turquoise and greys are a surprisingly good Christmas colour theme

I can't wait to start decorating - I am not sure what colours we are going to go with yet, but I am excited to start making our home feel Christmasy!

Home inspiration

So as we get closer and closer to our house being built, I am starting to look at certain colour schemes and furnishings that might look good in our new home.

As we are doing a grey/charcoal and white colour scheme (on the interior and exterior) I need to ensure any colours that we are adding to our predominantly cool base are a perfect match and complement our scheme perfectly.

I want to utilise feature walls where possible and include statement lighting to really give the main living areas a real wow factor.

Adding splashes of colour like mustard yellow and aquamarine with blacks and greys really add something different from the norm - I love the below looks. 

We have chosen a dark charcoal tile that will run throughout the entire house, bathrooms/ensuite and alfresco areas, however wall tiles in the wet areas will be white. We have decided against using a feature tile because we think they may date and are trying to keep our 'shell' as neutral as possible. 

I think the use of feature wall paper makes a fabulous statement, especially in an entrance or wall in a master bedroom. I love the patterns, especially stripes, but I think that adhesive wall art also looks really effective.

For little touches, I want to incorporate candles, fresh flowers, rugs, throws, cushions and mirrors where possible to make our new house feel like a home and add atmosphere.

For now it's all ideas... until we can move in around September!