Light up my life

We're now preparing the preliminary schedule of fixtures and fittings. I have everything pretty much sorted - everything except for light fittings. I really love pendants, and we're lucky that we've got high ceilings, so I think they'll look fantastic.

I really like these George Nelson pendants (who doesn't?)

Basic white, beautiful shapes, delicious - perhaps in the dining room or hanging beside the bed in lieu of a bedside lamp, such as this example:

Lachlan Moore Photography

But I also like the black Moooi Non-Random (which is also available in white.)

 For a bit of rattan, the Gervasoni Bell 95 is my pick (black or natural).

Or there is also the option of traditional pendants, which I think would suit the rooms located in the existing cottage. Here are some photos of Stuart Vokes' place (from the acclaimed Owen and Vokes) where he has used simple, traditional lighting. I love the fine detailing in his house: they certainly don't make them liked they used to.

breaker brothers - weekly event

How can something sooo cute be sooo destructive?

My boys are like human wrecking balls or the Brisbane river during a flood - they destroy everything in their path. I don't know why this is so. I'm thinking I should put the whole reno on hold and wait until they have left home. Or maybe I should just construct a building made entirely of concrete - that way that can't break anything and I could just hose it out at the end of the day. Perfect!

I went to a lot of trouble (and money) decorating their rooms. Not long ago, my boys destroyed their beautiful Red Plum Linen lamp by tipping over the tall boy it was sitting on and crushing it. I reluctantly replaced it.

Yesterday morning, No 2 decided to turn his bedside lamp on, turn it upside down and stuff it with items of clothing. I was woken at 6am by our eldest (who happens to have the nose of a bloodhound) screaming that there was a smell of burning muffins in his room, which he happens to share with No 2. His new woollen beanie was just starting to "singe". Luckily it didn't end up being a catastrophe, but the lamp has been now been removed.

Are all boys like this?

Lost in Space

The average new dwelling in Australia is the biggest in the world, while at the same time, the number of people living in our houses has fallen.  So if we measure how much space we have each in square metres per person, it averages at 100 square metres. Does that seem like too much?

So how much space do we really need? I was listening to a program recently where Stuart Harrison (a Melbourne-based architect and the author of Forty Six Square Metres of Land Doesn't Normally Become a House) suggested that 40 square metres per person should be sufficient, provided that there is adequate outdoor space as well.

So if I take this advice into context for my situation, I would need a house of about 240 square metres. I estimate that our total living space will be about 195 square metres, which falls somewhat short of the suggested amount. Does this mean our house will be inadequate? I'll have to let you know.

Stuart's book is a very interesting read - it showcases 45 examples of space-challenging housing and demonstrates that bigger is not necessarily better.

FIESTA

The West End State School Fiesta is on again this Sunday 3rd of June. It will feature live music, multicultural food (courtesy of the families whose children attend the school - including myself!) and heaps of rides. There's also a recycled treasures and book stall too.

This is a very worthy cause as every cent raised goes back to the school. So put this in your diary, if you haven't already, and I hope to see you down there!

Moving right along

Now that the schematic design is underway, it's time to enlist the services of an engineer to conduct a Structural Conditions Survey. This basically consists of a dilapidation audit of the existing structure and a structural condition report. The cottage is pre-1946 or pre-war, so it's around 70 years old. The house is currently sitting on a mixture of concrete, steel and original timber posts. I haven't had a good look at it since we first bought it, so fingers crossed the white ants haven't moved in. Let's hope it comes back with a 'clean bill of health'.