Build a Dream House

Steps to build a Dream House

One of the most sought after question that comes to the minds of the people while thinking about a home is whether to buy it or build it. The answer depends upon the situation and procedures. If all one needs is a shelter to live under then they might compromise on some features and if one has a vision of a comfortable and easy living, then they would plan to build a home.

Hgtv Dream House: Build it!

The following steps will ensure that you get everything you want in your dream home, these need to be followed to have that dream home you have been thinking of making from such a long time.

Hgtv Dream House: Make your Dream House

1) Prepare a Sketch: one does not needs to be an architect, a little artistry will do
Wonders in making a rough layout of the whole dream home or simply jot down
The features that you want in your dream house.

2) Decide a Budget: Get a pre-approved mortgage for your dream house to make a
Rough estimate of the amount of money you will need in order to make
Your Dream house special.

Hgtv Dream House: Make your Dream with Swimming Pool

3) Purchase Land: Find and buy a plot that provides you with ample space to build
Your home and some extra space that you might require for making a swimming Pool or garage.

Hgtv Dream House: Dream View

4) Start Building: Put the building work in the hands of a professional company and
Do a research around to make sure you are getting the right price and are dealing
With fair contractor.

Rug Love

I have been obsessed with this Matthew Williamson rug from The Rug Company for a little while. I would love one of these for our new house but I think it will definitely be way out of our price range. The colours used are divine and I just love the pattern. Doesn't it look beautiful with that pink sofa and I especially like it placed on the white painted timber floors!

Set of Vintage Plates

A pretty set of plates are available on Vintage by Lou Lou's Ebay store as above. Don't they look wonderful hung on that aqua wall?!

Christie Brinkley's Dining Room

I adore this image {above} of Christie Brinkley's dining room as styled by Kim Ficaro. In particular I am in-love with the April Gornik painting hanging in the background with those gorgeous silver vases filled with peonies on the dining table. Such a beautiful composition!

Love the fabric on her sofa too!!

Happenings

Life as I know it just doesn't seem to be getting any slower or less hectic. Sometimes I crave a more subdued life but I suppose that's just not me. I am one who loves things happening and if I wasn't complaining about how hectic everything is then I would be complaining about how boring and uninteresting everything is.

You see, I am juggling a few large balls in the air at the moment along with being pregnant with our second child, due to arrive early May {thought it was about time to disclose this information as clients have been looking at me in a strange way too scared to say "have you put on weight or are you pregnant?"}, we are renovating the shop which is very, very exciting. After being there for 10 years now, it is time for a freshen up and as the business has grown we are desperate for more space.

We have taken over more floor space in the upstairs section of our building which will accommodate a large client meeting room, my new office which I will share with Kelly who project manages all our work, and a large fabric sample room. This will enable the shop downstairs to extend through to the back of the building where my office and client meeting room is currently. With the arrival of our beautiful Stuart Membery pieces of furniture due late April/early May this extra shop space is going to be wonderful!

Here's a sneak peek above of upstairs. I took this photo on Friday. The painters are almost finished. The floors are still to be sanded and painted {white gloss} and lighting installed. We should be up-and-running upstairs sometime within the next month. I can't wait to have a special room to meet clients in. Downstairs has become so crazy and jam packed...an obvious sign that it was time to expand upstairs.

Not only are we renovating the shop, with the arrival of a newborn on the horizon, we have bought a new house which is larger than our current cottage with more land as well. Although I will be so sad to say good-bye to our little house {and the fact that I didn't really get to finish it off the way I wanted to} it just won't accommodate our needs with our growing family. The new house, which is actually a very old house and was built in 1887, is going to be a wonderful project which I will keep you all updated on as we move forward.

So, with all that is going on it was nice to spend some time pottering around the cottage this weekend. I was inspired by the vignette I posted on Friday to move a few of my things around. I purchased some orchids and clustered them on our entry table on a silver tray my mother gave me. Whilst I pottered around, Ned just couldn't help but bring lots of mud into the house on the white floors. So many people ask me how I feel about our white floors. I must say they are so hard to keep clean with a big Golden Retriever bouncing in and out of the house but I do love them and continue to put up with having to have them cleaned 3-4 times per week.

Anyway, that's it from me for now. There are a few more very exciting things in the pipeline but those things are for another day. I just thought I would bring you up-to-speed with what's been happening in my world lately.

xx

Anna

all images - anna spiro

Pretty Table Vignette

I love a good table vignette and this one by Kim Ficaro certainly ticks all the boxes for me. So pretty! Have a great weekend. See you next week.

Image - Kim Ficaro Stylist via Aubrey Road

Working On

Here's a little scheme I put together today for a client who lives in the country. She is wanting a simple, classic look. She loves blue and white and natural but wanted me to inject some colour to liven the look a little. These are the fabrics I selected for her for some new cushions, curtains, blinds, recovering of 2 chairs. Her room is all-white and she has timber floors....a perfect backdrop. We are going to use a sisal rug on the floor in the lounge area and some colourful accessories mixed with piles of books in the new built-in bookcase.

Betsy's Office

I know everybody has probably seen this but I just had to post it. I absolutely ADORE Betsy Burnham's office as featured in this month's Lonny. It is very much in tune with the look I love.

Hgtv Dream House Helps...

HGTV Dream house helps in building your dream home

If you are thinking of your dream house to be the most beautiful home in comparison with your neighbors and friends, then the HGTV dream house provides you with the opportunity of building your dream house with ease.

Hgtv Dream House: Your Room

The shows at the HGTV dream houses exhibit the latest and the stylish trends for laying the solid foundation of your dream house. This is for sure that you want to make your neighbors and friends jealous with the ultimate home.

Hgtv Dream House: Decorate your table

While watching the show of the HGTV dream houses you will be able to know some of the important features that one should incorporate while building their dream home. The HGTV dream homes will provide you the basics such as improving your home with the makeover of the upper floor to the makeover of the basement.

Hgtv Dream House: Dream House

The expert people will suggest you whether you should go for replacing the windows, how to fix the leaking roof, or even adding another room in your house. These projects require some of the expert suggestions which are given by the specialists.

There are other projects which also include the remodeling of the master bedroom or updating the kitchen or improving the space of your living room to add in the beautification of the house. Apart from the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and the bedrooms the HGTV also helps you to improve your backyard and the beautiful gardens.

Hgtv Dream House: Kitchen

The main objective of the HGTV is to provide you with all the necessary information, the inspiration and the innovative ideas that will help you in redecorating your home and fulfill the dream of building your ultimate house.

Rita's Sofa Update

Sofa Before

It really is amazing what some new fabric on a sofa or chair can do to a room. Look at Rita Konig's sofa update above. I think the fabric she chose is perfect. Doesn't it make a difference?! I often encourage clients to recover existing pieces. It's one of the most effective ways of updating a room along with adding some beautiful new cushions and maybe a few accessories as well.

Rita Konig now writes a blog for the New York Times. She is the daughter of Nina Campbell fabric designer. Images by Rita Konig.

Today I Love...

I adore the photos Julie posted of her home today. I have posted a couple of photos above but you must visit Julie's blog, Shelter to see more!! It is stunning!

Colour Connection

There is certainly lots of things to love about this month's Vogue Living which I just received in the mail today. In particular I loved this shot of Hamish Bowles' living room and thought it went so well with the beautiful child portrait photograph at top by Jenifer Altman.

image 1 - jenifer altman photographer, image 2 - stewart shining photographer for vogue living

Thomas Meyer Portrait

Today I was searching for some pieces of art for a client for a cluster wall we are creating in her lounge room and I came across this gorgeous piece by artist Thomas Meyer via Jamie Shelman's website.

Pink & White Roses

Instead of just one lovely vase of pink and white roses {my favourite} I divided my Valentines Day flowers into three and placed them in some old floral jugs I have....I will absolutely love looking at these pretty flowers all week!

Happy {Love Filled} Weekend!

I thought these lovely aqua and pink images were perfect to post for Valentines Day. Aren't they just the prettiest pictures?! Have a wonderful weekend!!

image 1- Marcus Hay via Delight by Design, image 2 - Lynsey Fryers via Pat Bates

More Photos As Promised

Here are some more photos of our Kathryn Ireland book signing which we held at Black & Spiro earlier this week.

Loving

I am completely in love with these gorgeous purple spots. Top image is new Megan Park via Marie Claire magazine and bottom image is Lilly Bunn Weekes, head designer at McMillen Plus as profiled by Vogue which I found over at Peak of Chic.

HGTV Kitchen Lighting Designs

HGTV kitchen lighting designs

Lighting a kitchen properly, is not a daunting task. All you need is, keep certain things in mind and your kitchen can look full of life as never before. Among the most common mistakes committed while choosing kitchen lighting is getting one fixture in ceiling center.

Hgtv Dream House: Ambient Lighting

Effective lighting of kitchen involves layering. Four layers should be blended together – ambient, task, decorative lighting and accent. By using layered lighting, you can create an inviting environment for your kitchen.

Hgtv Dream House: Kitchen of HGTV

Task lighting is the first type that comes to anyone’s mind at the time of designing as it is important at the time of preparing food. But if this light is misplaced then it can lead to creating a hindrance in the ability to work properly, throwing shadows to the work place. The ideal place for getting this light fixed overhead cabinets. Anywhere you will be slicing, reading recipes and chopping.

Hgtv Dream House: Design your Kitchen

Ambient lighting is another important lighting layer for a kitchen that is usually overlooked by people. These lights create warm and inviting effect in kitchen. Ambient lighting fixtures may include pendant hangings; flush mounted lighting fixtures and adjustable track lights. One of the least common layers of lighting is accent lighting.

Hgtv Dream House: Lighting in your Kitchen

It is popular among people who spend a lot of time in casual entertainment in kitchens. By hanging pieces of artwork on wall behind breakfast tables or tile splash back over sink can be a decorative focal point in your kitchen. Up lighters, track lighting, wall sconces and directional eyeball lighting are a part of accent fixtures.

More Photos Coming...

Our Kathryn Ireland book signing went very well yesterday. I have more photos to share on my other camera so do bear with me...I will post more photos during the week. It was so inspiring listening to Kathryn talk about her love of colour and how she gets her inspiration for her beautiful fabric collections.

A Tidy Up

We have a little sun room off our bedroom which, since we have been living here, I have used as a dressing room. Although I try to keep this room tidy, it always ends up looking like a bomb has hit it by the end of the week.

I was prompted to have a big clean up recently when Harry came into my dressing room one morning as I was getting ready for work and just shook his head in disbelief at the mess I had got myself into. I had shoes, bags, clothes and jewellery sprawled across the entire room. It started to occur to me that when a 7 year old boy thinks it's bad, then it must be bad!

After a few intense hours of tidying and sorting, it was so nice to see the top of the built-in drawers again. To celebrate my clean-up I purchased some fresh flowers, arranged them in an old crystal vase my grandmother gave me and placed them on the drawers with some magazines and other little bits. I also decided to bring home an Antique still life oil painting which has been in the shop for well over 6 months. Nobody else wanted it and I loved it from the moment I found it, so home it came. It really is amazing how great a tidy up can make you feel. Hopefully I will be able to keep it this way...well at least until next weekend.

HGTV dream house 2009

HGTV dream house 2009- overview

The HGTV dream house 2009 is ideally placed in stunning Sonoma, which is also dubbed as California Wine Country. The place is famous for outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, rejuvenating spas and most obviously for its delicious wine.

Hgtv Dream House: Live in Sonoma

2009 HGTV dream house’s layout

The 2009 HGTV dream house is a grand two-story residence in the farmhouse style and covers around 3600 square feet of well-situated and comfortable space of living. The first floor of the 2009 house boasts family area, living rooms, dining room and gourmet kitchen along with a study room. On the second level of the house, there are two small bedroom suites, master bedroom incorporating splendid spa bathroom and personal sitting and laundry area. As well, there is an unattached two-car garage too.

Hgtv Dream House: House in Sonoma

HGTV 2009 dream house’s kitchen

The designers of the 2009 HGTV dream house have adequately utilized the attractive beauty of Sonoma, California for emphasizing and entertaining family. The kitchen of 2009 HGTV is extremely huge and includes two islands to prepare a big party simpler. Couple of refrigerators within the kitchen area makes the food storage a lot easier both before and after you fete. As the 2009 HGTV dream house, is in the country of wine, two refrigerators of wine are in the
kitchen too.

Hgtv Dream House: Sonoma

HGTV 2009 dream house’s exclusive features

Sonoma in California is an amazing and eye appealing wine country and HGTV dream house takes full advantage of the striking settings. There are bank and front wraps near the porches, where the nature can be enjoyed at its best. The master bedroom of the HGTV 2009 dream house is perfectly lined with glasses appearing out on rolling hills and forests.

Reminder

A reminder that US Interior Designer Kathryn Ireland will be at Black & Spiro this Monday 8th February from 12 noon to launch her new book, Creating a Home.

If you would love to meet her and grab a signed copy of her beautiful book do pop in as everyone is welcome. We will also have some of her divine fabrics on display which can be ordered by the meter.

Flooring by Hgtv

Right method to get ceramic tile flooring-by HGTV

Getting ceramic tile flooring can be a daunting task to accomplish. For making this process easy, HGTV presents right method to get ceramic tile flooring. The top ticks and tips for installing ceramic floor tile include:

Hgtv Dream House: Flooring

• Bigger is not necessarily better however, it is definitely simpler. Bigger tiles are easier to install than the small ones. Large tiles commonly are used for the bathroom walls and great for other rooms and kitchen too. The small size tiles will take much tile to set.

Hgtv Dream House: Eco Flooring

• What is not visible, may hurt you. If you do not have flat sub floor, you will not have a good install. Self-leveling sub floor compound is great as well as east to install. Various other options are cement and plywood backer board.

Hgtv Dream House: How to make...?

• Squaring the room is extremely simple. The finest way to square a room is through using 3-4-5 triangle. Measure about three feet against a wall, four feet from the room’s center and link the two lines for making a triangle with five-foot line. Mark off the lines through snapping the chalk line along with measurements.

Hgtv Dream House: Make your Floor

Also, fully use the sticky situation. Thin set not just keeps the tiles on floor, but also it is the best way to make up for small imperfections in sub floor. Numerous thin sets are there for all tiles application, but for the ceramic tile, utilize latex modified thin set. The best part about latex modified is that it required only water. Always keep in mind to mix only what can be used within an hour, or else the job will become tougher.