Monday 15 December 2008

Welcome To Our House...

I picked up the old front gate from a demolition yard as having one custom made was way too expensive. This one cost a mere $40!!


I covered most of the exterior windows with black and white stripe awnings as above.




Here you can see the old part of the kitchen which is made in white laminex. We do plan to eventually change these cabinets but for the meantime I am very happy with the way they work. To dress the kitchen up I placed an Antique French Armoire in this old section which I use as our pantry and opposite it I placed an old chest of drawers I had which houses my large collection of napery. On top I placed a few of my favourite pieces of china and above it I hung a painting which was painted for us by a family friend and given to us as an engagement present {as below}.





Above is the new island bench we had made for the Kitchen with a white carrara marble benchtop.







In the dining area I was inspired by U.S. Designer Windsor Smith to use my 2 old black and white wing chairs as end chairs which I then paired with a collection of mismatched Antique & Vintage side dining chairs.




I had this large bookcase custom built to cover the entire wall at the end of our new room so that it could house my large collection of magazines, books and pieces. I had to let my husband have one thing in this entire renovation and that was having the t.v. in this bookcase. I'm usually not a fan of t.v.'s on show but I gave in!!










This loom sofa I had custom painted in hot pink. I bring it inside during the week so that we have extra seating in our lounge room and then I take it out on the deck on the weekends when we have friends over.








I wanted to use wallpaper somewhere in the house and as I have alot of artwork I didn't want the house to look too cluttered with wallpaper as well so I decided to use this Manuel Canovas paper in the W.C. to add some interest and fun to a usually not so interesting room!!


In the bathroom I selected white subway tiles with grey grout on the walls and white hexagonal mosaics on the floor. I found the old timber workbench on Ebay for a very small sum of money and decided to use it in the bathroom. I went for two Antique mismatch mirrors which I absolutely adore!




Hello again. I know you've all been waiting so patiently for this........

Finally here are some pictures which I promised to show you of our newly renovated home! As you can see there's lots of white with pops of colour and lots of vintage/Antique pieces of furniture....my favourite look!! We are just so excited and thrilled with the end result and we feel so lucky to be able to have our little dream cottage renovated just the way we like it.

We still have a few more things to do which include building a new garage pavillion which will also have a little room to house our treadmill, renovating the other bathroom in the house, doing some new cabinetry in the kitchen, planting some garden beds and skim coating the exterior brickwork of the house which we plan to paint white...but all in good time and anyway I think would get bored if I didn't have a little project or two going on!! I hope you enjoy sneaking a peak inside our home. Thanks for dropping by!

Oh, PS...I do have one more room to show you which I will post pictures of this week....it's another little lounge room which Harry uses as his play room but it was WAY too messy to show you pictures of today!

142 comments:

Manju said...

what can i say... would absolutely beautiful be too corny?

Amanda said...

My goodness Anna, your new little cottage is fabulous! I really don't know what to comment on first - but I LOVE your dining setting and you array of mismatched chairs. Beautiful! xx

Carina Dale said...

What a gorgeous home! Thanks for sharing it. I really love following your site.

Greetings from Norway

adelle said...

I love the miss matched dining chairs!! I have tried to do a similar thing with my dining chairs.. So much more interesting than 6 of the same thing. I also love those cushions!! They have inspired me for the cushions I intend to make for my couch... I just need to find some beautiful fabrics...

Brown Button Trading said...

Oh Anna, it is just beautiful, I love it all, as I am sure many others will. Thinking I might back up and move up to Brissy to live with you, that ok? Congratulations on such stunning and inspiration space, and thank you for opening her home to share with us all xx

Porchlight Interiors said...

Well let me be the first to say "Absolutely Beautiful work Anna" I love the white backdrop especially the white floors. The limoges tea set sits proudly upon the antique timber drawers and the pink wallpaper is very sweet in the toilet room. Great choice of tiles in the bathroom too.
Harry's room is really beautiful and great for a growing boy.
Morning tea sounds good too!
Hayley and Tracey x

Christine said...

wow...wow...wow....this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Christine

Lady of the Mote said...

one word"BEAUTIFUL"

KH said...

I can't even begin to decide what to comment on! I adore the chairs, and the splashes of pink, and the awnings, and the gate...love it all!

Zita said...

Your house is absolutely beautiful. Just gorgeous!

Villa Anna said...

I am absolutely speechless!

Anna :)

Pineapple Villa said...

Hi!! I absolutely and LOVING your house and wanted to tell you how gorgeous i think it is!! Makes me want to clear out and start all over again. I am so wishing now that we painted our q'lander white and black/white awnings (copy cat !!)oh well maybe down the track...sometimes i really do RUSH things. This is just beautiful...every room sings! Mel xxx

Sharnel said...

Positively divine!
My favourites - the amazing bathroom. I adore the different mirrors and the old farmhouse bench.
My second fave is the antique dresser with all your napery and china.
xx

Maison Fleur said...

WOW! Your home is stunning, it is so polished, yet still looks like a family home... you don't see that too often! I love your work, it really is beautiful!

MaryBeth said...

So so lovely.
I also fell in love with Windsor Smith wing backs and have decided to do that in my dining room. But there is a shot of a mirror that is barely visible a dark wood divided, please could you give a better shot? Thanks for sharing all the wonderful designs, best of luck in your new home. xo, MB

Michelle Parks McCourt said...

Just gorgeous. I love the whiteness to the house and the black and white shades.

LoL7o7 said...

Wow....white, bright and gorgeous. Luv it. Lolita

Sarah Bradley said...

Your house is beautiful! It is polished yet you can definitely see that a family lives and loves there!

Erin Gates said...

FANTASTIC!!!!

TIG said...

Anna, it's stunning! The awnings, the pink, everything!

gretchen said...

Anna, you are a genius. Your home is gorgeous and exciting and warm and homey and comfortable all at once. Such great energy and cheerfulness. I wish you could help me with my house all the way over here in connecticut. Thank you so much for sharing the beauty. Love it all.

stephanie said...

divine. stunning. breathtaking. beautiful... wow!

la la Lovely said...

Anna dear, my assumptions were beyond right I think your house is my dream house.. If only I had your talent! But thank you, thank you for such beautiful inspiration. Your use of color, white, beautiful pieces of furniture and artwork is perfectly lovely. Where do you find all of your beautiful artwork??? I absolutely love the old chest in the kitchen with gorgeous painting and the beautiful teapot and tea cups!

LaurenFaythe said...

Refreshing and beautiful!

Isabelle Lafleche said...

It is gorgeous! I love your kitchen's clean lines and the light touch of pink. I just adore the black and white stripes on your awning!!

Julia said...

It is stunning! Chic and very personal at the same time, (not easy to achieve). I adore the bookcase and the large nude! You have great taste in art. I have just become a representative for an artist you may enjoy. I think I'll email you some pictures. Thanks for opening your home to us!

Katy said...

way to go! your home looks amazing!! thanks for sharing it with us.

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

wow, this is so so gorgeous! how do you do it anna? it's absolutely amazing, much more beautiful than any 5 star hotel!

Unknown said...

Hi Anna
Your house is looking beautiful. I love your black and white awning and those pink barstools rock!!
Nicely done.
Seasons greetings to you.
Patricia

monologue said...

Anna-

What a pretty cottage! And I love that you painted your wicker sofa pink! :)

Martha B.

corine said...

I would move in today if you'd let me :-)

My Decor Style said...

You are sooooooo talented!!! Your home is beautiful and unexpected and clever and fresh. I love it! I like the pink wallpaper in the w.c. and the two white tole chandeliers over the table. I also like the few dark antiques scattered here and there. And your artwork inspired me to pick up the brush again! Thank you so much for the tour - lovely!

Fargerike Dagny said...

Ok, so I'm really loving several things here:
The front gate (stunning, what a find!), your blue/white Chinese "vases", the over the top mirror in the entry hall, the painting in your dining room, the small mirrored side table, and on and on and on! The house is a success! Congrats :)

Nettan said...

Wow!! This is just amazing! Sooo beutiful!! Ju have great taste..and i can se that you are a professional!! Thanks for the inspiration!/Nettan

paula said...

your home is beautiful. truly amazing, really.

style and grace said...

Gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

Chelsea said...

I love the tiled bathroom. You have an absolutely beautiful house.

annechovie said...

Anna~
I thought your old house was gorgeous, but you have really outdone yourself with this reno. I am crazy about all the color tempered by the white and it is so bright and cheery, with just the perfect balance of warmth and character! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!

Chelsea said...

So gorgeous! I love it.

Turquoise said...

Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

Leciawp said...

What an incredibly beautiful - and personal! - home you have. I'm going to have to bookmark this page for future inspiration. I don't even know where to begin with what I love - the pink barstools, the painting, your chandelier, your bookshelves... thank you for sharing.

LindsB said...

I am speechless...I seriously just picked up my jaw from my desk! Your house is beyond amazing...I LOVE everything about it!!

Taytu and Co said...

I love the mismatched mirrors in the bathroom. Actually the whole bathroom is so elegant and yet so simple!

Pink Wallpaper said...

so pretty! when i saw your DR i thought of windsor smith :) love the white floors and the bathroom w/ the ebay vanity and mismatch mirrors! great work!

Ms. Katee/e-polishblog said...

OMG your decor is absolutely fabulous! The prefect mix of modern, classic and whimsy. Can you come over to my house please?

Piper Jacquelyn said...

You've done a wonderfully fantastic job (of course) - it's so gorgeous and colorful, but still looks very livable and comfy at the same time. You must be so proud and happy to go home every night!

Unknown said...

it's dreamy!

Renée Finberg said...

what a great place to live.

it is warm, so very stylish , and branded by you .

it really does speak. i love it

Jill said...

wow! your house is truly amazing. i especially love the contrast of the art/white walls. what a beautiful backdrop.

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks Everyone for your very kind comments and continued interest in my work!
x
Anna

RP said...

You know how in cartoons everything is exaggerated, like when a male character see's a female and his eyes pop way out of his head? That was literally me seeing your decor pictures for the first time! Its crazy how gorgeous your home is. Congratulations on the renos Anna!
MrsP
xx

Anonymous said...

you have such a lovely home! I love the pops of pink everywhere!

Kasey said...

where did you find that settee??
I'm in love. love it all.
what a beautiful place.

cotedetexas said...

It is SO you! I love it - I knew you would create something that was all you! I adore the punches of pink in the kitchen island room. The black and white awnings peeping through the windows is genius! I love the white walls and white floors!!! AND the best? The pink wallpaper!! To DIE for! I adore the bathroom with the gray grout -!!! another genius stroke. Anna - I am green with envy over your pink and black and white home!!!!! Use it in good health!!!!!!!! Adorable, just like you!

dee said...

Congratulations!! It is beautiful. Your exquisite taste is apparent in every nook and cranny of the home. I love every detail, right down to those pink and yellow jewel boxes on the bookcase and the gorgeous pink wallpaper in the bathroom. Impeccable!

Unknown said...

WOW WOWWWWW. Speechless. Amazing.

Unknown said...

Just stunning! Perfection! There are too many things I love to list them all! You are truly talented.
Judith~

Anastasia said...

your renovated home is just gorgeous!! i love the colours and teamed with white - really beautiful, it so you!!! great work on the decorating too!

Velvet and Linen said...

Gorgeous. Well worth the wait!
The bathroom is fantastic. The mismatched mirrors and your tile selection are perfection.
Your wing chairs are wonderful mixed with the other side chairs.

Fantastic job. You should be so proud. What a serene place to live.

xo
Brooke

Suzy said...

It's stunning Anna! You must be thrilled.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design said...

I love your site and your work! Your home is amazing and I especially love the striped Bergere...it's sort of Diamond and Baratta-esque! The white settee with Fab pillows is tres chic too!
Tobi

Stacy said...

I love the mixed chairs at the dinning table.

Girly-Girl said...

Gorgeous. I don't know where to begin? I love it all. You have amazing taste.

Girly-Girl said...

Gorgeous. I don't know where to begin? I love it all. You have amazing taste.

Villa Anna said...

I sure hope Vogue Living or Home Beautiful are paying attention to this post as I know I would treasure these images in print!

Anna :)

Bel said...

Your home is amazing and so gorgeous - thank you for sharing it with us. I love the wallpaper in the W.C....absolutely no reason why that room should be neglected! ;o)

Tracey said...

Lovely, gorgeous, divine... I love your bookcase, I have one so similar but it always looks so messy. Will carry my computer to that room and try and copy your styling. I have to say though, that I painted my whole house vivid white throughout, but am now (after 4 years) having second thoughts and thinking of painting all the rooms different colours (I have already with my tv room - a very very dark brown, and my daughter's study - a donkey grey). I am thinking of painting my lounge a french grey. What do you think? Also, as much as I adore your house, just one honest dislike (I must be the only one) but I'm not sure about the bar stools - won't they get so dirty?

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks for your honesty Tracey but I had the barstools made with slip covers so I can just whip the covers off and wash them when they get dirty and I was also thinking I might even get a few sets of covers made in different fabrics so that I can alternate them! The pink barstools are actually one of my most favourite things!!
xx
Anna

Natalie Walton said...

Oh, Anna. You've done a fabulous job. My favourites? The pink stripey chair in front of the bookshelf. LOVE that fabric. The toilet - yes, def agree that this room of the house is somewhere you can have some fun. And the bathroom with the vanity made out of a workbench and the tiles. Brilliant ideas. You clever, clever thing. x

Nicole Cantero said...

Anna, your house is beautiful, I am still devouring every photo. There are so many amazing things, your chairs, the wallpaper, the dining table the cushions, your collection of books, teaset, so many things I love, I can't even begin to choose a favourite. I am going to go and have another look. Thank you for sharing.

pve design said...

May I be your pet? I would curl up right there, and never leave. Gorgeous spot you gorgeous gal!
Thanks for the tour. You should charge for home tours.

*Silvia Alencar* said...

I love your blog ...
I love your house, beautiful and comfortable ...
I like the way homes, with personality!

Bay, bay...

Sharon said...

I want to say... Absolutely beautiful!!Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational home tour

Unknown said...

you did a beautiful, inspirational job on your home!
thank you for sharing!
xox

Holly @ Maison James said...

Bravo on the whole house. I love how light and bright it is. I think my very favorite is your white bathroom and your skill with bookshelf vignnettes - you did an amazing job with them. It's so visually pleasing and inspiring.

samantha hahn said...

oh so beautiful Anna,

Thank you for inviting us into your wonderful home...

Unknown said...

Loving your home. I'm on a "white kitchen kick" lately, so I love it! The awnings are adorable, too. I need to find a demolition yard in my area... if finds like that gate are there!

Thanks for sharing!

Veronica
www.theprinciplesofpleasure.com

Habitually Chic said...

I LOVE it! But then again, I love everything you do! I think the best part are all the vintage touches. Just goes to show that you don't have to spend millions of dollars to create an absolutely beautiful home!

Lauren said...

So gorgeous!! love all the splashes of pick!

Irene said...

So stylish, very you! Wishing you health and happiness in your new home.

Jenny Slingerland said...

Stunning! I love everything you've done! I love the splashes of color throughout! Thanks for sharing!

The House That A-M Built said...

Beautiful Anna. Spectacular WC! The neatest, prettiest bookshelf I have ever seen. LOVE all the white and mixing of styles....exudes design confidence. It's a very 'brave' approach and that's why everyone LOVES it.... we are all too timid to even attempt what you have achieved. A-M xx

Karena said...

Starting at the front gate, it is everything I thought it could be. Your great style shines throughout! A very happy home.

Anna Spiro said...

Again, thank you so much to everyone for your super kind and encouraging comments!! You have all made my day!
xx
Anna

Beth said...

Beautiful art, fabrics, display...
All of it, gorgeous!

Keren - The Brown Trading Co. said...

hhhhmmmm ok where to begin, the striped awnings, the chandalier over the marble benches, the pink sofa, the bookshelves the mismatched mirrors in the stunning bathroom, the old workbench....I'm so in love....aaahhhh sigh.

You are one talented cookie Miss Anna <3

lily-g said...

okay I'm comment 88! gorgeous and I agree with all other 87 comments, most of all I love how you find inexpensive treasures and make them look like a million bucks x

Pieter said...

I die (yikes! You've forced me to go all Rachel Zoe on you) I've followed you're blog from the beginning and it's great to see your style evolve and grow. Your home is beautiful (mag spread anyone?) I covet the stripey chair (Homereno-7.jpg) and the two mismatched mirrors are brilliant! Congratulations!

Tamara said...

Absolutley Beautiful....of course.

Well done on a stunning peice of work.

SimplyGrove said...

WOW! Love it all:)

Salon de Sucre said...

oh and by the way.. im blogging about it!

bristi said...

Hi,

I am mailing this to u from india.Simply luv everything that u paste on the blog.Hope some day I will be able to open up a store and have all such beautiful things to sell.ur blog is serioulsy an inspiration to me. and luved ur home.it is simple and elegant.

Kwana said...

All I can say is WOW!! Simply gorgeous. Your simplicity with the most beautiful pops of color takes my breath away. Very inspiring.

Alya said...

Its beautiful!! I saved every image for inspiration :)

Mark Newman said...

Nice. Trade you an Upper West Side brownstone apartment in New York City for it. (If I weren't renting)

Daniela Valdez said...

How nice! I would love to live there! When I was decorating my room I used to watch your blog for inspiration, I love it!

Daniela Valdez said...

How nice! I would love to live there! When I was decorating my room I used to watch your blog for inspiration, I love it!

Adrienne said...

I love your home, thanks so much for sharing!

nadia shea said...

whimsical, colorful, playful, young, inspiring, french, antique, shabby chic, I'm in love!

Tracey said...

Hi Anna
I have just looked at Room Design Studio (2 above) and they have gorgeous pictures of a tea room in San Fransisco which you will just love. Scroll down half way.

c said...

i think after all of the other 93 comments on this post i need a thesaurus to find another word for 'beautiful'

and here we have it:

good-looking
gorgeous
stunning
striking
fine-looking
attractive
handsome
lovely
picturesque
delightful
charming
wonderful
exquisite
pleasing
superb
magnificent

there..that might do the trick. It’s fantastic. I especially like the table and chairs bit. x c

Bethany said...

The his and hers mirrors are BRILLIANT. Oh My.

Style Court said...

It's really a triumph Anna! I love how your art works in this house, and all the white reminds me of Carolyne Quartermaine. I can see a little Windsor Smith too. But mostly it's pure Anna.

Congratulations. Oh and your flowers in the blue and white pots are wonderful.
xo
Courtney

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks Courtney! So lovely to hear from you!
x
Anna

Anna Spiro said...

Wow - I just wish I could thank you all personally for taking the time to comment here on this post! You have blown me away!
xx
Anna

Fifi Flowers said...

I ADORE the pink stools and I soooooooo need those black and white awnings!
LOVELY place! Gate is GREAT too!

Barbara said...

Beautiful. I especially love the pink chairs.

Blair Friedeman said...

I know, you now have over 100 comments on your home but it is honestly stunning. You have AMAZING taste!!!

Blair Friedeman said...

I know, you now have over 100 comments on your home but it is honestly stunning. You have AMAZING taste!!!

Chantelle {fat mum slim} said...

Your house is... perfection. Thank you for sharing. xx

marthalena said...

I knew it would be pretty...but it's STUNNING. This really does deserve a magazine spread!

Victória T L said...

oh my god, your work is PERFECT!
truly inspiring!
from a brazilian admirer :)

katiedid said...

VERY late to the party, but wanted to tell you how "absolutely beautiful" your home is! I makes me happy just to look at it. AND I get such great ideas for myself! I am glad you liked the Bolgger Trees poat! I think I will do another...there are so many great ones out there! Yours is definitely up at the top!

{S.T.U.F.F.} said...

I {luv} the bursts of color that are subtlely infused into each room. The pink slip colors...I'm in luv...the black and white chair covers...oh la-la...the beautiful chandelier...I want that!!
ah-h-h-h...

Pearls Of Wisdom, LLC said...

What a design inspiration! Every room is breathtakingly refreshing

lilybeach said...

I'm an American who reads your blog nearly every day, but I've never left a comment. Well, now I must! Your house is extraordinary. Your use of bright pink is an absolute revelation! So unique and fresh. You know how you see something and you say, "I wish I could redo my entire house to incorporate that idea"? Well that's how I feel seeing pictures of your house. Thank you for sharing it.

Camilla said...

It seems its all been said! Yay to you!!

So Haute said...

Hi Anna! WOW! Amazing job! Every detail is perfect! I absolutely love it!!!

steph anne said...

I am absolutely in love with your house...every piece of it! I wish my husband would allow me to go crazy with pink. I can't wait to move into our own house and decorate it... but it's not going to be as good as yours!

SERENDIPITY said...

yr house is amazing !! I love it .. I seriously do <3
each & every corner .. yr touches in colors .. furniture pieces .. each & every detail ...

Michelle said...

Anna,

Have just read your post and am blown away...I have a new love for white floors, and wondered what you used for yours...they look great, and so so fresh!

Thx
Michelle

CHIC Sensibility... said...

Love the place. It's absolutly divine. Great inspiration.

Michelle said...

Ugh! It is STUNNING!

Diva Style said...

Wonderful! Reminds me of a house by the beach...seems very airy and laid back. Very nice!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

NOT SURE IF I SAID IT BEFORE BUT I LOVE your home! : )
It has INSPIRED me to re-decorate...you have such a great sense of style and knack for putting colors 2gether.

Jen Ramos
'Cards & Prints You'll Love...'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Courtney said...

This comment is now long overdue, but I wanted to say how incredible your house looks! It seems warm, welcoming, and just a bit eclectic, which I think all the best homes are. I love the white with the pops of color, and the bathrooms both look divine.

SoJo said...

I would def hire you to do my place, very well done

Christine Oertel said...

It is beautiful. I love the pink chairs in the kitchen and the colourful, striped chair in front of the bookcase.

Paris Hotel Boutique said...

Anna, this is stunning! My jaw has dropped! I want to move in! I love everything. The dining chairs are amazing, the pink and white combo is divine! Thanks for sharing and have a great New Year! Lynn

Yvette said...

Your House is Absolutely Beautiful, Anna. Thanks for this post!!!

Unknown said...

I just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration! Your ideas have my brain spinning with new & clever things i'd love to do to my home this year. A must do: Incorporate bright & cheerful colors to every room. I've already started & let me say, the change is amazing! Happy new year and i love reading your blog.

- Aubrey

Ludvigsdal said...

I just love your home! Couldn´t you come to Sweden and style my home ;D. Anette

dolce chic said...

Your home is beyond gorgeous! I'm currently remodeling my bedroom, and have been wondering what color to paint the walls, and I love that yours are white.

Style Maniac said...

Fantastic home, wonderful site--so fresh, happy and pretty it's like taking a vacation!

Unknown said...

Anna, the pink Manuel Canovas paper in the water closet was very inspiring! I absolutely adore his prints & your style!

B.

Ianny said...

I see you enjoy art. I mean, look at that variety of beautiful pieces you display in the different rooms!

I love gawking at art, too. Here's one online site I frequent - to pause and 'smell the roses': Splash! Posters

iheartart said...

Anna - love your Blog & adore your home. want to paint my floors white but am terrified about keeping them clean (3 sons & 1 large dog), do you have any advice? Thank you for the continual inspiration.

Alkemie said...

Such an amazing eye and house! Definitely going on my inspiration board!

Karen O.

Connie Lilleengen Libekk said...

Everytime (like...4000 times) I see youre wing chairs in youre dining room, and i feel like crying. It's Impossible to find something so amazing, pretty and fantastic in Norway, or even a online stoore with EU shipping.

These would be my dream, DREAM, DREAM! item for my dining room..

*cry again*

Anyway, Love from a fan. Connie,21, Norway.

DYAMOND WOMAN said...

I love the w.c wall paper

Jeffrey Muthanna said...

Anna, do you remember in a long ago post saying that one day you would have a home with black and white striped awnings? I do! So cool to see this envisioning come true!!

taramichele said...

I have to say the black and white awnings are the clincher. Love them.