Tag: julia and sasha

Julia & Sasha final reveal: Bathroom, living & bedrooms

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 3, 2018
4 Comments on Julia & Sasha final reveal: Bathroom, living & bedrooms

It’s been fabulous following the journey of Julia and Sasha’s latest Melbourne renovation and this is the last instalment from the lovely Julia before the stunning Little Willow goes under the hammer this weekend.

There are some words I never thought I’d utter like, ‘Taylor Hanson actually gets better with age,’ or ‘Please pick me up from the party before 9pm because late nights are for suckers’. Alas, here we are and I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops – Little Willow is finished and finally on the market! It’s been a gruelling 12 months but the end result is to die for and I can’t wait to show you through. Hop on this tour with Realestate.com.au and I’ll meet you on the other side.

Bathrooms

Look, I’ll be honest. I haven’t always been a pro when selecting tiles but as the saying goes, you learn from making mistakes. Call me Kanye but our bathrooms are utterly divine and I bloody nailed it. Our general rule is to pick a certain material and use it throughout the entire home – in this case, marble. Rather than using the same tile however, we mixed up the shapes, installing a selection of rhomboid, diamond, and fish scale. The bathrooms feel unique yet cohesive and set the chicest tone, marrying well with the kitchen and laundry.

Another tip we employed is to use no more than three different tiles per space. Any more and you risk turning your bathroom into a confused, gaudy mess. We opted for mid-grey on the floor and white matt on the walls. Given they weren’t the focus, we used subtle grout in complementary shades so as not to elicit contrast. They allow the champagne gold tapware to shine and let’s be real, that was always the M.O. A shout out to the lovely folk at Beaumont Tiles for taking me back so willingly (or at least pretending to).

Living zones

Little Willow has two distinct living areas, one being the formal sitting room from the original house. The proportions in there are incredible and allowed us to reinstate the deep gutter cornice and ceiling rose. Of course the star of the show is that bay window, complete with bench seat and the most divine plantation shutters from DIY Blinds. The guys gave me a lesson in how to angle blades and it turns out I’d been doing it wrong my whole life. For maximum light, the blade should be slanting down into the room not up towards the ceiling.

Another hot tip when designing living rooms is to wire for infrared technology. We’ve done it in our last few renos and absolutely swear by it. Essentially it means all your cabling, pay TV boxes, and DVD players can be stored out of sight yet will still respond to remote controls. It eliminates the need for unsightly cords which is a big tick in my Virgo book.

Speaking of which, we wanted floating cabinetry to sit alongside the fireplace in the open-plan living zone. We were running with the Shaker theme so called our mates at Cabinetmakers Choice. They saved our skin big time on The Block and donned their shining capes once again. The joinery is beautiful and balances the space incredibly well, offering more than enough storage whilst appearing subtle and refined. You can’t tell but there’s a Foxtel box in there and it works without opening the door.

Bedrooms

There are four bedrooms at Little Willow and they’re all massive. The master sits at the front of the house and boasts the addition of the breakfast balcony. It allows more natural light into the zone and creates a feeling of indulgence. DIY Blinds provided the stunning sheer curtains but it’s the black rail I’ve fallen hardest for. Another lesson: never install a curtain rod directly above your window if there’s extra height to play with. Doing so will only shrink your space rather than making it soar.

The second bedroom is for little people, complete with the sweetest wallpaper and a whole lot of storage. Venture upstairs and you’ll find the third and fourth bedrooms finished with plush carpet and built-in desks. Thought we’d already used all the Shaker joinery in the world? Think again! Cabinetmakers Choice raised their hands a final time and created some truly exquisite robes. They boast the perfect blend of drawers and hanging space and are of the highest quality.

Front door and externals
We’ve been obsessed with colourful front doors for as long as we can remember. They exude a certain charm and give off that Notting Hill vibe we all love. I was set on lilac from the get-go but Sash wasn’t too keen given the general resentment towards all things purple. I’ve never understood it and am on a mission to alter the common misconception that purple is the devil. I’m pretty sure that accolade goes to yellow but that’s a fight for another day. Anyway, we eventually settled on the most gorgeous shade with a tiny hint of neon. It looks so SO good and the brass hardware takes it next level. See what I mean, jelly bean?

Little Willow’s exterior was cute to begin with but now she’s a knockout. We wanted to blend the Edwardian details with a hint of the Hamptons so it made sense to use a fresher palette instead of something more traditional. We opted for a crisp white as it blends the two eras and works well with our cool-toned décor. Is it too… plain? No way. It’s striking in its simplicity, exuding an elegance and ease all its own. The two-toned roof provides more contrast than a Margaret Atwood novel and the landscaping continues to do its thing. Also, there’s light purple wisteria around the breakfast balcony so that’ll be all sorts of special come spring. #InstaWorthy

Well, gang, I think that’s a wrap from me. We were hoping to flip another property in Melbourne this year but life has a funny way of turning things on their head. A few months ago Sash was offered a job in Seattle and after much debate, decided to take it. It’s been an absolute whirlwind and we’re still trying to catch our breath. Once Little Willow has sold, we’ll reassess things. There’s ample scope to build our business in the US so that’s certainly on the cards. Our philosophy is simple – create something beautiful wherever you go. There’s no reason that can’t extend to the Pacific Northwest so watch this space.

Until then, thank you for showing Little Willow so much love. It’s been a pleasure sharing it with you. Now cross your fingers for auction day!

Final inspection and auction details.

Julia xx

Photography: Marcel Aucar and Urban Angles

Tags bathroom, bedroom, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interiors, julia and sasha, kids rooms, melbourne, reno, renovating, renovation, the block

Kitchens RENO ADDICT Smart Home The Block

Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 14, 2018
4 Comments on Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Photography by Marcel Aucar

Last time we caught up, our kitchen and laundry had just been installed but the finishing touches were a mere pipedream. Fast forward to 2018 and we’re done and dusted. If we’d ever questioned the notion of love at first sight, we don’t anymore. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations and we’re walking around with all the heart eye emojis. If you’re not yet familiar with our design and installation process, you can read about it here. Go on… I’ll wait.

Kitchen

Now we’re on the same page, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve always loved the process of fixing stone bench tops as it pulls the entire look together and adds an element of luxe. We opted for Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for its marble-like appearance and ability to blend classic meets contemporary. It’s also extremely low maintenance and more cost-effective than natural stone. At this point in the renovation, any saving is a good saving and we’re thrilled to bits with the end result. We opted for a frontal waterfall on the island as it defines the sink from the prep area and looks bangin’ to boot.

There’s still more than enough room for three stools and ample space to hang about. Our island measures 3000mm x 1200mm, the maximum when using only one slab of stone. We’re not big fans of longer benches as they require multiple slabs, resulting in an extra join on the surface.

We stuck with the same stone for the splashback in the kitchen but changed it up in the butler’s pantry. The zone opened up ten-fold by using a smoked mirror and we love how it defines the spaces. There’s still a seamlessness as the cabinetry and bench tops are consistent but the use of mirror adds depth and interest. It’s also really easy to keep clean which should always be the MO in any prep area (or so I tell a very messy Sasha).

Among our favourite things are the soaring Sierra cabinets in Matt White from Freedom Kitchens. The Sierra range is a beautiful Shaker-style profile which looks modern yet classic at the same time. We love a generously proportioned space and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking joinery sky high. The upper cabinets are readily available and measure 1250mm. There’s more storage than you can poke a stick at and they make the room feel infinite. It’s a great trick to implement if you have limited floor space but want to increase the grandeur of your kitchen. You can thank us later, alligators.

Drawers were always big on our list of must-haves and we crammed in as many as we could. They’re so much easier than cupboards when storing everyday items like crockery, containers, and pots and pans. I once did my back while searching for a mixing bowl which was very inconvenient as I had a party to attend and wound up sitting at the dessert table with my friend’s grandma all night. There’s no chance of that happening at Little Willow as we have drawers for days! Freedom Kitchens are clever folk and added some nifty storage solutions like cutlery dividers, a walnut knife holder, and our amazing spice rack. We could buy all the spices from the supermarket and still have room left over. Clever, indeed.

Of course, cupboards are still handy for those things used less often and they’re in abundance in the butler’s pantry. I’m crazy for the corner carousel shelves they installed in the corner cupboard, previously known as the place ‘where things go to die’. It makes such perfect sense and is also really fun to play with. The added depth of our island made way for extra storage in the seating area. Big props to our designer Jack for working so hard to maximise functionality by utilising every inch of available space.

Another big hit are the white sinks. When we settled on the gold tap, we knew we had to skip the standard stainless steel as it can be hard to mix metals. White was a natural alternative and the effect it has is seamless. The sinks are made of composite granite so they’re durable and virtually scratch-resistant. We’re more than happy to share the love so if you need one in your life, head to Reece and ask for the Franke Impact Granite Undermount in White.

On The Block, we were lucky enough to work with Gaggenau and we loved them hard. We didn’t think it possible to develop an affinity with any other appliance brand until NEFF came along. Golly gumdrops, they’re amazing! Our oven stack is so impressive – the doors actually tuck themselves away when you open them. If you haven’t seen them in action, hit up our Insta for a Boomerang demonstration. Our stack includes an in-built Coffee Machine, Compact Oven with Microwave, Slide&Hide Combi-Steam Oven, and Slide&Hide Vario-Steam Oven. That’s a lot of ovens for one house so the new owners best enjoy cooking. The piece de resistance is of course the FlexInduction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft. Rather than going up into a regular rangehood, steam is sucked down into the vent. How’s that for forward thinking?!

The kitchen is complete with two NEFF dishwashers and our double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Where are they, you ask? Hidden behind four integrated panels right near the island bench. It’s such a great way to dress large appliances and something we’ll be doing in every property moving forward.

We utilised the working triangle when designing this kitchen and it really does make a difference. The general rule of thumb is there should only be a few steps between your sink, cooktop, and fridge. Ours are positioned just so and the space sings because of it.

Of course, we’re all about lightness and brightness so we decided to splash out on three VELUX skylights. They let in a phenomenal amount of natural light and we can’t recommend them enough. Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, it’s worth considering adding a few throughout your home as they truly offer bang for buck. They’re such a focal point and amplify everything in the space, including our White Smoked boards from Royal Oak Floors. Together, they bounce the light around and are a match made in Heaven.

Laundry and Mud Room

If there’s beauty in simplicity then this is it. We carried through the Sierra profile to maintain consistency and added functional shelving to break up the look. Our penny round tiles from Beaumont work so well with the Intense White bench top from Caesarstone. The gooseneck tap from Sussex pops against all the white and marble and collectively elicits the most serene vibe. There’s a high chance I’ll be rolling around in dirt just so I can use this space. (OK, maybe not rolling around but I won’t crack it if I spill coffee on my white dress, that’s for sure).

It’s hard for me to admit but Sasha’s mud room came up trumps. Originally I wanted a whole bank of cupboards but she insisted on creating an Insta-worthy space so I relented and let her at it. It’s such a usable zone with outdoor access so there’s no reason for muddy footprints to be dragged through the house. After endless harping, I managed to get my way with tropical wallpaper and I love how it pops against all the white.

I’m calling it – of the four kitchens and laundries we’ve created, these are my absolute favourites. They’re so striking and functional. Some people think all-white spaces are boring but I truly believe there is nothing better. They have an elegance all their own and give off a feeling of light. As Bill Murray said, ‘There has to be a lightness; you have to be as light as you can be and not get weighed down and stuck in your emotion, stuck in your body, stuck in your head. You just want to always be trying to elevate somehow.’ Sure he was talking about something deeper than kitchens and laundries but his advice rings true. We have all the lightness there is and I hope you love our spaces as much as we do.

Our sincere gratitude to all our suppliers for working tirelessly with us. Their knowledge and commitment has made all the difference and we’re forever indebted for the time, energy, and care they’ve shown. There’s something extra special about companies that not only supply product but eagerly anticipate the end result. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to come by but they have it in spades.

Until next time,

Julia xx

More kitchens and bathrooms | Jen’s kitchen reno

Tags appliances, blockhead, bosch, caesarstone, freedom kitchens, julia and sasha, kitchen, laundry, little willow, mud room, NEFF, renovation, the block

Designers Kitchens RENO ADDICT The Block

Julia and Sasha’s new reno, update 5: kitchen and laundry week

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date November 23, 2017
1 Comment on Julia and Sasha’s new reno, update 5: kitchen and laundry week

It’s instalment five of our exclusive series with former Blockheads Julia and Sasha and so much has happened! Read on for Julia’s warts and all account, some exciting developments (and, let’s be a honest, a few fails!).

Kitchen Week was by far our favourite on The Block and it was no different this time around. I mean, what’s not to love? We got to create the space of our dreams with the help of our dear friends at Freedom Kitchens. Because they’re so fab, they also mucked in with our laundry and trust me when I say she’s a beauty. You want to stick around for this one, folks.

The kitchen is indeed the heart of the home and we started thinking about what she might look like early on. One of the best ways to maintain consistency in a property is to utilise the same cabinetry throughout, so what we installed here will be mirrored in other rooms.

After considering our options and starting way too many Pinterest boards, we settled on our trusty fave – the Shaker profile. Yes, yes, I know. We’ve used it before so why not do something different? Short answer – because it works. I’ve never met a Shaker I didn’t like and that goes for most buyers. Elsternwick is a conservative suburb so it didn’t make sense to risk the eventual sale price with anything too out there. The Shaker provides the perfect blend of classic meets contemporary and appeals to the widest market. We opted for touch joinery over handles to add a modern twist (and also because the drawers are just really fun to open).

Julia and Sasha’s other Block Kitchen. Credit: Freedom Kitchens

Once this decision was locked and loaded, it was time to think about layout. Our kitchen is the star of the open-plan space and boasts a north-eastern orientation. It needed to cater for a growing family so a butler’s pantry was a must. I fell down a rabbit hole when researching island benches before settling on a design with multiple waterfalls. Our bank account was none too impressed, but the heart wants what the heart wants! We’ve long loved Caesarstone’s Calacatta Nuvo and made plans for it to take centre stage. See, I told you it was the stuff dreams are made of!

Ahead of our appointment with Freedom Kitchens, I mocked up what I considered to be a fabulous sketch of what we were after. Alas, graphic design is not my forte and our designer took one look at it, laughed, and pulled out the red pen. Thanks for nothing, Jack! Seriously though, he was nothing short of fabulous and got our brief in seconds. Within a few short hours, he delivered a stunning space high in functionality. We never thought we’d be able to squeeze in a four-stack of appliances but he proved us wrong and I’m so glad he did.

We wanted to play on two things – height and light. We specified ultra-tall cabinets and a white finish to elongate the proportions. For a seamless transition, we kept the butler’s pantry open and integrated the double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Because our house Little Willow sits in a Jewish locale, it was important to incorporate elements of Kosher living. This meant providing multiple sinks, preparation areas, and two unique ovens.

The kitchen becoming reality. Flooring in White Smoked by Royal Oak Floors

Of course, we couldn’t do this without the amazing folk at NEFF. They’ve supplied us with the most incredible range of appliances and we feel like spoilt squids. Did someone say FlexInduction cooktop with integrated downdraft? Oh yeah, it’s going in our kitchen. How about a combi steam, coffee machine and two dishwashers? We’ve got them all as well. NEFF have seriously upped the luxury stakes and taken things to a whole new level. We couldn’t love them more.

With the kitchen sorted, it was time to turn our attention to the laundry. There was a time when this space was merely for utilities but my how things have changed. Though often compact in size, there’s so much you can do with joinery, stone, tiles and tapware. The laundry we created on The Block was a crowd favourite thanks to its white cabinetry, brass hardware and marble splashback. Truth be told, it didn’t cost the Earth, but looked more high-end than Kim Kardashian’s grill!

Julia and Sasha’s Block laundry. Credit: Urban Angles

Taking a leaf from our own book, we specified Shaker joinery throughout, plus a few open shelves. The benchtop is from Caesarstone’s latest range in the shade Intense White. Of course, a splashback isn’t a splashback unless it’s covered in marble so we locked in penny round mosaics from the excellent Beaumont Tiles. Reece always come to the party with a hint of bling and I can’t wait to show you the incredible champagne gooseneck they’re supplying, courtesy of Sussex Taps.

Now, I know that all sounds divine and almost too much to handle but we haven’t even arrived at the best bit. I have two words for you – mud room. Yep, the other side of the laundry is a dedicated mud room and 100 percent Sasha’s baby. It’s the only part of the house she had free rein on and I must admit, she nailed it. The laundry can be accessed from outside so she’s included a bench seat for removing shoes, enough cubbies to stow them in, plus storage options for school bags and stinky soccer gear. It’s all looking a bit bare right now but will soon be dressed with millions of cushions and pretty wallpaper. I’m pushing for a tropical vibe but she keeps telling me to mind my own business. Watch this space!

Once our design was set in stone, it was time for installation. This is always my favourite part as it finally becomes real; everything you’ve carefully curated comes to life before your eyes. It only took the boys two days to build both spaces and they absolutely nailed it. Sasha picked up the drill on a few occasions because she’s a walking stereotype and can now add kitchen installer to her long list of clichéd skills!

We’re currently awaiting stone installation, then our fab plumber will be back to connect the sinks and tapware. In all honesty, we couldn’t be happier with our two heroes. They speak volumes about the quality of Little Willow and will be an absolute delight once complete. I swore I wouldn’t get too attached to this house but it’s getting increasingly difficult because it’s just too beautiful!

Stand by for a blow-by-blow of the finished product before we start spamming our Insta with summer parties and stain removal tips (any excuse to take pics of the laundry).

Until then,

Julia xx

Missed a bit? Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4

Tags home reno, julia and sasha, kitchen, kitchen reno, laundry, reno, renovating, renovating for profit, the block

RENO ADDICT The Block

Julia and Sasha’s new reno, week 3: Not-So-Little-Willow!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 28, 2017
No Comments on Julia and Sasha’s new reno, week 3: Not-So-Little-Willow!

It’s instalment three of our exclusive series with former Blockheads Julia and Sasha and so much has happened! Read on for Julia’s warts and all account, some exciting developments (and, let’s be a honest, a few fails!).

Remember last time when I said Little Willow was off to a pretty good start? Well, she was for a day but you know what they say about life and lemons. A few weeks in and we could open our own Solo factory. Why? I’m glad you asked. Let’s jump straight in, shall we?!

If there’s one word that makes my skin crawl it’s demolition. It all sounds simple enough. Therapeutic even, if you’ve got unresolved anger issues and know your way around a sledgehammer. Be warned though: it’s not all sunshine and unicorns. It’s also not as funny as my dad-jokes on The Block but I wouldn’t torture you with those again. Actually, who am I kidding? Of course I will.

Before Little Willow could take shape, she had to shed her behind. The permit came through in stages, making it tough to lock in a dedicated demo company, so we decided to do it ourselves. Now, normally I’d demand a round of applause for this nobility but in actual fact, it was to our detriment. Our builders are working to a cost-plus model which means we pay them an hourly rate instead of a fixed lump sum. What was supposed to be a few walls over a few days turned into the mother of all demos. I’m not sure how but the house seemed to get bigger with every skerrick removed.

Want to know what’s really expensive? Skip bins. They charge a pretty penny and when you’re knocking down a house, you’ll go through at least 15. Whilst I love our trades, packing is not their strong suit. Rumour has it I spent two weeks inside a skip bin stacking it like a Tetris ninja. Yes, it’s as sexy as it sounds and yes, I will probably die from tetanus given all the rusty nails, but at least I can sleep at night knowing there were literally no gaps among the debris.

In the end, it took four builders over a fortnight to pull Little Willow apart. They did a stellar job but from a financial perspective, it wasn’t a smart move. Ultimately, we were paying qualified chippies to do a labourer’s work and our costs blew out like you wouldn’t believe. We tried to save by roping our dads in to help but the terrain was uneven and there were a few busted ankles. It’s been a tough learning curve but in all honesty, demo companies are worth waiting for. They salvage so much and are far more cost-effective. By locking in a fixed price, there are no nasty surprises and you won’t be forced to sub in to spare a dollar. (You also won’t be left onsite wondering if the white powdery stuff in your bare hands is asbestos. Not that I’d know anything about that. Ahem.)

OK, now that’s out of the way let’s talk framing. Our intentions to keep the front of the house were good but once the plaster came off, it was apparent Little Willow wasn’t straight. Like, not at all. You could take her to The Castro on a Saturday night and she’d fit right in. We couldn’t move forward with crooked walls so we made a plan to straighten what we could. This meant removing a million nails, which was about as fun as driving through a safari park in a car made of steak. Once this was done, it was time to move those babies into a better position. Unfortunately, not all could be saved so the boys made a plan to replace them. The house also needed to be re-stumped so we called in the experts and they jacked her up. It took three days and was as fascinating to watch as Say Yes to the Dress. Love you, Monty!

Due to our massive time crunch, we elected to have the new frame made offsite. In the industry it’s known as prefab and no, it’s not short for fabulous (Believe me, I’ve already made that joke and no one laughed). This was one of our better decisions as our builders could focus on laying the foundations. Once again, you need to allow a decent whack of time for this to happen. Holes need to be dug, stumps inserted, and concrete poured before the inspector comes out and gives a yay or nay.

With the tick of approval, it was time for our plumber to come in and lay the pipes. Honestly, Brett Franklin is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet and can rough in like no one else. He was our plumber on The Block and dropped everything at a moment’s notice to help us at Little Willow. We put him through hell last year and yet he turned up with a smile on his face ready to do it all again. Here’s hoping you don’t regret it, Brett!

Steel is an important part of every build, particularly if you’re going up a level, yet it almost slipped through the cracks. We’d gotten a bit wrapped up in all the pretty stuff — picking wallpaper and carpet and what type of apples to display in the kitchen*. By the time we reached out to steel fabricators, we only had two weeks up our sleeves and were cutting it mighty fine. Thankfully we were able to lock in a supplier who delivered only two days behind schedule. It wasn’t a total debacle but could have been avoided if we’d been more focused. Of course, it pays to learn the hard way and it’s a mistake we won’t make again. Silver linings and all that.

By far the best moment was when our frame arrived. Not that we were there to enjoy it as Sash was literally in surgery as it rolled up. Still, our relief was palpable. The beauty of prefab is the hard yards are done for you so you can literally set and forget. The boys had both levels up quick sticks and Little Willow started taking shape. Just between us, she’s bloody huge and has the most amazing city views from the first floor. A friend of ours has dubbed her Not So Little Willow and it couldn’t be more accurate. We still have a long way to go and a thousand decisions to make but one thing’s for sure, this is going to be a stunning family home.

Thanks for following along so far. Next time we’ll be talking roof plumbing, wall cladding, and a whole lot more. Until then, gang.

Julia xx

*In case you were wondering, Granny Smith apples come up best in photos.

Missed a bit? Week 1 | Week 2

Tags elsternwick, julia and sasha, little willow, melbourne, reno, renovating, the block

House Tours The Block

Julia and Sasha’s Little Willow reno: update 2

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 14, 2017
2 Comments on Julia and Sasha’s Little Willow reno: update 2

Last week, we introduced our new series with last year’s Blockheads Julia and Sasha, following their new Melbourne reno. This week, Julia’s talking about the phase before settlement, designing the house and locking in trades.

We bought Little Willow in November last year. The Block had just wrapped and for some strange reason, we missed the adrenaline that goes with having to make a million decisions when you’re tired, stressed, and living off Pot Noodles and Mars Bars. We’ve been told The Block’s like childbirth: hell at the time but a few weeks later you’re all rose-coloured glasses and ready to go again. We’d clearly been downing the Kool-Aid because we were eager to jump in and get cracking. However, the silly season was about to kick off so we cooled our jets and asked for a longer settlement. This was wise for two reasons. One, it gave us time to actually sit down and plan every detail and two, it meant we didn’t have to pay the mortgage for four months. Merry Christmas to us!

The previous owners of Little Willow had already vacated the property and were very kind in giving us access on a few occasions. We had a pretty clear idea of what we wanted to do, and it was made easier by visiting the site before settlement. We engaged a draftsman straight off the bat and worked together on the floorplan. This process typically takes a few weeks but if you’re a Virgo like me (read: super critical/nightmare), expect it to blow out.

Our first renovation took place in the street adjacent to Little Willow so we knew the area well and had an understanding of the buyer we’re targeting. Elsternwick is a family-friendly suburb with excellent schools, shopping, and transport links. It’s only nine kilometres from the CBD and within walking distance to the beach. With this in mind, our best bet was to create a four-bedroom home with enough space for a young, growing family. Easy, right? Well, yes and no. The site is only 360sqm, standard for the area but challenging when you’re trying to wrangle enough space for the Kody Brown clan. So, what were two girls and their draftsman to do? Our aim was to maximise the footprint without creating a monolith. We were determined to keep the front façade, with the addition of French doors and a sweet veranda. Beyond that, anything was possible and after a little to and fro (OK, a lot) we finally agreed on a floorplan we love.

By the time settlement took place, our design was shipshape and ready for the surveyor. One of our primary considerations was council approval, or lack thereof. Given we’re flipping the property, we needed things to move forward at a rapid rate which meant abiding by all regulations including boundary setbacks and window heights. In doing this, our surveyor avoided having to go through council as we only required a building permit. Typically, these are granted within a few weeks so we were off and racing.

As anyone in the property game will attest, budget is everything. Structural renovations don’t come cheap and there’s no point spending squillions if you’ll never get it back. The only way to stay on track is by having a super organised person on your squad. Someone who loves negotiating, paying invoices, and documenting it all in spreadsheets. Enter Sasha. I swear she was an accountant in a past life and knows every damn trick in Excel. (Truth be told, she probably needs to get out more, but that’s neither here nor there.) We set our budget early on, taking into consideration how much we paid for the house and the proposed building costs. Of course, we have a budget and then we have a budget. Builds are famous for exceeding fiscal expectations so we set a reasonable limit then another that’s a-bit-of-a-stretch-but-at-least-we’ll-still-be-able-to-feed-our-dog kinda limit. Once this was locked and loaded, it was time for the nitty gritty: employing trades.

If we’ve learned one thing, it’s this: get as many quotes as possible. They vary so much and it’s important to give yourself enough time to consider your options. We created a scope of work that allowed us to compare apples for apples. It pains me to say but construction’s still a man’s game and we’ve been taken for a ride on a few occasions. It’s a good thing we don’t suffer fools however as those rides were short-lived!

Frank Lloyd Wright wasn’t lying when he said trades make or break a design. Every build is dependant on skill and communication and these traits were top of mind when engaging our team. We developed a great relationship with our builders before they signed on and were upfront about our needs and expectations. Given our tight timeline, delays are an absolute no-go so we’ve been insistent on sticking to a project schedule.

All in all, Little Willow’s off to a pretty good start but I’ve got lots of dirt to dish in coming weeks. Even with two renovations under our belts, there’s so much to learn and we’re the first to admit we’re still guinea pigs.

Send through any questions you may have and I’ll see you next time!

Julia xx

Tags blockheads, elsternwick, julia and sasha, little willow, melbourne, reno, sasha and julia, the block

House Tours RENO ADDICT The Block

Ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha share their latest reno journey

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 26, 2017
No Comments on Ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha share their latest reno journey

Today, I’m delighted to introduce a new series with ex-Blockheads Julia and Sasha, who will be exclusively sharing their latest reno journey with Interiors Addict, warts and all! As you know, I was big fan of these two and their taste on the last season of The Block. I’m taking major inspo from their Block kitchen for my own!

It just so happens that their latest project, a 100-year-old home full of character (but currently not much space), is only a few streets away from where the new series of the reality reno show (which starts airing this Sunday, yay!) is being filmed in Melbourne.

Julia and Sasha’s Block family bathroom. I checked it out myself and it was BEAUTIFUL.

THAT Block kitchen which I’m taking inspo from for my own upcoming reno (imitation is flattering, right ladies?!)

The girls (Julia’s an interior stylist and Sasha, a software engineer) have been busy bees since they finished up on the show, starting up a design business called Abbey Collective. While their main focus will be flipping their own properties, they’ll also be offering interior styling services to clients.

Without further ado, I’ll hand over to Julia with the first fortnightly instalment of the Little Willow journey, which you’ll only read about online here…

2016 was an absolute whirlwind. We’d recently sold our much-loved property and were packing up our lives when we decided to apply for The Block. It was one of those spur of the moment decisions and we giggled through the entire process. ‘As if we’ll get on,’ we said. ‘Not a chance in hell.’ But we had a few hours up our sleeve and Sasha wanted to give her new camera a workout, so we made an audition tape and clicked ‘APPLY NOW’.

That decision proved fruitful and two months later, we were standing on a rooftop in front of Scotty Cam, frozen to the bone and absolutely terrified. The next 12 weeks were equal parts challenging and exhilarating. We cried, fought, and laughed our way through the build of our Port Melbourne apartment. It tested us in ways we never imagined but we rode the rollercoaster with passion and determination and somehow came out the other side. The below package sums up our time on the show, expletives and all (Sorry, Dad!).

When cameras stopped rolling after our incredible auction, we were anxious to lock in our next project. Our plan had always been to flip properties but we’d been out of the market for a year and there was limited stock. Serendipitously, a sweet little Edwardian popped up and we knew we’d found the one. We roped our agent into bidding for us because I simply cannot be trusted at auctions and we had a budget to adhere to. After 15 heart-pounding minutes, the hammer fell and the property was ours.

Of course, first things first. She had to have a name and we chose Little Willow. It suits her to a T because she’s currently pretty mini and resides on a street with the same appellation. In her 100 years, she’s housed only two families and was once part of Melbourne’s renowned Rippon Lea Estate. Her weatherboard façade had us at hello but the rear hasn’t been touched in eons. The scope is incredible and even though there’s no heritage listing, we’re committed to preserving her period charm.

The pair will transform Little Willow into a sizeable family home in just a few months

So, what’s our plan exactly? Well, we’ll be taking her from a tiny three-bedroom abode to a sizeable family home. We’ll retain the four principal rooms and knock down the rest, paving the way for a rear and first-floor extension. All up, there’ll be four bedrooms (including a stunning master suite), three bathrooms, and two living areas. It’s a massive project, our biggest to date, and we’re doing it in a matter of months. After The Block, I swore I’d never work to crazy timelines again and yet here we are. Will I melt down? Probably, but there’ll be no cameras to capture it so you’ll never know. (Jokes – I’m a chronic over-sharer so read about it here first.)

Our vision for Little Willow is in keeping with our design aesthetic of classic meets contemporary with a luxe vibe. The aim is to make it as appealing as possible to the widest range of buyers so we have the best chance come auction. Like most renovators, our biggest challenge is our budget. We have to keep it front and centre if we’re to grow Abbey Collective. This poses a massive problem as I get emotionally attached to things, so let the fireworks begin!

Undoubtedly, a renovation is only as good as the suppliers on board and we’re lucky to have some of the best. Freedom Kitchens will be holding our hands through kitchen and laundry week and NEFF will be kitting us out with their exceptional appliances. The team at Beaumont Tiles must have their blinkers on as they’ve agreed to work with us again, even after I tortured them on The Block. Reece have signed on the dotted line for more bathroom goodness and DIY Online Blinds will be jazzing up the windows. The Montauk Lighting Co. are new on the scene and will be providing some stunning pendants. Our walls will be dressed by the excellent Taubmans and doors by Gainsborough Hardware. Not to be forgotten is Little Willow’s façade. The folk at Scyon Walls will freshen her up with their Linea weatherboards whilst James Hardie will showcase their fab HardieDeck.

We get asked all the time about life after The Block so it’s a real treat to be sharing it with you on Interiors Addict. We’re so excited to be working on this gorgeous home and can’t wait to document it here via fortnightly articles. Until next time, lovelies.

Julia xx

Follow the girls on Facebook and Instagram

The Block latest.

Tags abbey collective, auction, block's first lesbian couple, blockheads, julia and sasha, julia treul, little willow, port melbourne, reality tv, reno, renovators, renovsating, rippon lea estate, sasha wright-neville, the block

Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Darren Palmer: The Block’s best kitchen ever!

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 11, 2016
No Comments on Darren Palmer: The Block’s best kitchen ever!

The level of creativity displayed in the kitchens on this season of The Block from Freedom Kitchens has blown me away. Then, just when I thought I’d seen it all, the incredible kitchen from the challenge apartment was revealed. To me, it was worthy of a 10 – and my fellow judges agreed – scoring it a perfect 40/40!

This showstopper embodies an emerging trend from this year’s EuroCucina – New Heritage – where contemporary design celebrates heritage style, while incorporating touches of modern luxury.

There are so many standout features in this space, but the one that strikes you first is the stunning backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench. It’s suspended above the mirror kick – showcasing a monolith of backlit, glowing quartz.

The real beauty of this style of kitchen is the fusion between old and new. This approach is respectful to the heritage of The Block building, with features like the shaker-style doors and the rustic library ladder – giving the space the feeling of old world charm. However, the functional elements are strictly 21st century.

Embracing the new, the futuristic aspects of the kitchen create the perfect space for the modern cook. Top-of-the-range Bosch appliances, impressive features and everyday practicalities – like double ovens – give the kitchen an extra sense of functionality, while remaining high-end.

And when it comes to hosting, the generous Caesarstone benchtops, Bluetooth sound system, modern black palette and generous storage in both the kitchen and butler’s pantry make it the perfect match for the modern day entertainer.

Reno Addict feature writer Lauren Ellis visited The Block and created this video interview with Julia and Sasha about the kitchen.

Standout design features:

The matte black cabinetry makes a real statement and is right on trend
The shaker ‘Sierra’ profiles on the cabinetry add a heritage feel, while still being sleek and stylish
The use of mirror kickboards on the backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench creates the illusion of a floating, glowing box
Clever use of accessories – from the Bluetooth sound system to the walnut knife holder and spice racks – take the space to the next level for the modern entertainer
The storage space in this design is never-ending – from drawers and doors in the main kitchen to the open shelving of the butler’s pantry.

Featuring:

Cabinetry: Sierra Black Matt & Super Matt Black
Benchtops: Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz, London Grey & Vanilla Noir; and Noir Matt Nano Streamline
Kickboards: Mirror
Lighting: LED Strip Lighting
Accessories: Bluetooth Sound System, Square double bowl undermount sink, Walnut Knife Holder, Walnut Spice Rack, Sink Drainer, Square Chopping Board & Steel Cutlery Trays.
Bosch Appliances

To create a kitchen that’s the best on your block, book your free, in-home design appointment with Freedom Kitchens.

Tags cabinetry, darren palmer, freedom kitchens, home renovation, julia and sasha, kitchen, kitchen reno, matt black, reno, sink, the block

Appliances The Block

Behind the scenes: our tour of Julia and Sasha’s Block kitchen

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 18, 2016
3 Comments on Behind the scenes: our tour of Julia and Sasha’s Block kitchen

Definitely my personal favourite of all the kitchens, I loved this video tour and chat with Julia and Sasha by our reporter Lauren Ellis. Watch the video to find out every little detail you might be after, as well as the couple’s top design tips! I’m loving all the gold touches, especially that Oliveri sink and tap!

And as well as all the glamorous, classic details, the luxurious Gaggenau appliances (worth $110,000 no less, which they won!) are enough to impress even the most serious chef!

As Neale Whitaker said, from the kitchens he sees in magazines, this one ticks all the boxes!

Read our roundup of all Sunday night’s kitchens.

Watch our videos with Karlie and Will and Dan and Carleen.

Feeling inspired? Download the Freedom Kitchens catalogue.

Tags freedom kitchens, julia and sasha, kitchen design, kitchen week, lauren ellis, room reveals, the block, tour, video

Bathrooms The Block

The Block week 3 room reveals: master bathrooms

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 12, 2016
2 Comments on The Block week 3 room reveals: master bathrooms

There was a lot to love about last night’s bathroom reveals, if you ask me. I wrongly assumed Julia and Sasha would win but they were knocked into second place by Dan and Carleen, who took out first place by just half a point. And, on reflection, while I really loved both their rooms, Dan and Carleen’s was certainly more true to the Art Deco period while cleverly feeling modern and on trend too. The top two bathrooms really were both beautiful.

Anyway, here’s a recap of the scoring and what the judges had to say…

Karlie and Will: 3rd place and 27 points

Last week’s winners continued to impress the judges this week with their sophisticated look, perhaps even more so because they’re only 25. Shaynna said the room was glamorous and she felt good in it.

Neale love the combination of the paneling (actually a money-saving measure) and the tiles and the simplicity of the colour palette. Darren also thought the panelling was a great idea.

Shaynna and Neale both loved the prints which referenced Melbourne in the era.

Darren was “completely, madly in love with” the basins and the light above the vanity was Shaynna’s favourite thing. She said: “It feels young and modern but also very sophisticated. These kids have style!”

Our pick: Wood Melbourne brass spout

Dan and Carleen: first place and 29 points

After some shocking feedback (and some would say a shocking room) last week, Dan and Carleen certainly managed to bounce back and show everyone what they were capable of. I personally loved it and agreed with everything the judges had to say. Neale was wowed and said the couple were definitely back in the game (don’t you love it when this happens on The Block?) and that it had such a great sense of period.

Shaynna said the vanity was stunning and the basin, gorgeous. Darren said it delivered exactly what they were probably hoping to deliver in week one; it had all the trend notes and cleverly, still delivered something of a bygone era.

Neale was particularly pleased to see the pared back and simple styling and Darren called their look new traditional, reminiscent of trends he’d seen from Milan. They did get knocked for having their light switches outside however.

Our pick: Geology marble wall hook

Andy and Ben: fourth place and 19.5 points

Andy and Ben seriously stepped up their game this week and I thought they produced a very good bathroom, if not my style. “These boys are growing before our eyes,” said Shaynna. Neale said the artwork was a touch of genius.

All the judges felt that visually, everything was spot on. But their decision (or mistake) in not including a toilet made no sense and it clearly lost them a lot of points.

Our pick: Velvet Soap advertisement print

Julia and Sasha: second place and 28.5 points

That vanity! The gold tapware! The tiles and the double shower! Sigh! Just gorgeous. I really loved this.

Shaynna said the vanity was stunning and Darren agreed it was beautiful due to each detail. “Everything about that is just perfect.” Neale said it was a bit of a wow moment.

Shaynna said the feature tile was beyond beautiful and “it’s everything you’d want out of double showers.”

Neale said the bathroom will have massive appeal on auction day and styling wise, they’d really nailed it. He felt the lights should be a bit lower though.

Our pick: Planet Luxe handwash

Kim and Chris: last place and 19 points

I feel so sorry for these two because they seem so damn nice, and positive, and hardworking! But, as Shaynna said, they really don’t “get” Art Deco, I don’t think. Shaynna said it was a mish-mash of chrome, black and gold. Darren said (sarcastically, and while struggling to hide his horror!) that more was obviously, more. And Neale said he felt like they’d now delivered three rooms from three totally different periods and their apartment was in danger of becoming a museum of rooms through the ages! Eep.

“What is this panelling?” asked (again horrified) Darren, while Neale said he liked it. Darren clearly thought Neale had lost the plot but the overhyped TVCs promising a big fallout between the two male judges were, as I suspected, totally over the top.

Neale said despite the errors it was still an elegant bathroom with so much space (they changed their floor plan) and buyers would walk in and be impressed.

Our pick: Sunday Minx towels

Next week: another guest bedroom and robe.

Tags andy and ben, art deco, bathroom, dan and carleen, darren palmer, judges, julia and sasha, karlie and will, master bathroom, melbourne, neale whitaker, scoring, shaynna blaze, the block, winner

RENO ADDICT The Block

The Block week 1 room reveals: Master en suites

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 29, 2016
1 Comment on The Block week 1 room reveals: Master en suites

We'll still have columns from ex Blockheads like Julia and Sasha and plenty of real renos

Hooray! We’re back to Block room reveals on Sunday nights, my favourite! Last night didn’t disappoint with a mixed bag of finished rooms and as much disappointment as there was praise from the judges. I’m pleased to say my favourite room, Julia and Sasha’s, won. Let’s recap on what the judges said and who scored what…

WILL & KARLIE

With its mix of rose gold and black finishes (personally I’d prefer one or the other but the judges didn’t seem to have a problem with the inconsistency, so what do I know?!), they were impressed overall. Neale said the pair had raised the bar from the previous week’s pod challenge and Shaynna said that for a young couple, they’d shown maturity and a great understanding of the sense of luxury required. Neale liked the nod to deco in the black blinds while Shaynna said the vanity was all wrong and took away from a lot of the good points. The lighting too, although pretty, was totally impractical.

Overall though, feedback was good. Neale said the bathroom would help sell the apartment, Shaynna loved the styling and Darren said the couple had proven they knew what they were doing.

The couple ended up coming second place with 25 points.

DAN & CARLEEN

On first glance, I absolutely loved what this couple had tried to do, although on closer inspection, a few things did fall apart. I’m still mad for their subway tiles, gold tapware and black tub though! They made brave choices, even if some of them didn’t quite come off. And their look was certainly more Art Deco than anyone else’s. Perhaps a little too much.

Neale’s first impression was “wow” too. He said it ticked a lot of boxes. Shaynna agreed they had certainly taken on the whole deco look and loved the distressed subways and the patterned floor tiles. “The direction of the style is brilliant.” It was all going so well. Then…Darren! “I hate it!” While he couldn’t get past the unfinished floor tiles he also hated the raised bath and said it was a trip hazard and all wrong. The placement of the towels was also really awkward for anyone getting out of the shower.

None of the judges rated Dan and Carleen’s styling. The ‘I love the shit out of you’ candle was an odd choice in anyone’s book and I agreed with Shaynna that the Missoni towels, although high end, didn’t go at all. Sadly, the couple didn’t take the feedback well at all and found it all very personal. Hopefully they’ll get a little more used to being on a reality TV show as the weeks go on!

This couple came last with 17 points.

ANDY & BEN

All I want to say about this pair is “Oh bless!” I mean really, who uses Radox shower gel, disposable razors and toothbrushes as the finishing touches in a high end bathroom?! But these young beginners are so genuine and have such great attitudes you can’t help but love them! And while their bathroom wasn’t a showstopper, their call to change the floorplan and keep part of it as an extra bedroom was, as Darren said, a master stroke.

Sadly though, Neale said it all felt a little bit cheap and Shaynna said it was everything she didn’t want to see (apart from the aforementioned Radox and razors, also basic chrome tapware, a Scandi vanity and concrete look tiles). Neale said they’d created a bachelor pad feel and Darren noted that even if you know nothing about Art Deco, there’s nothing to stop you googling and finding out some pointers!

This likeable pair still managed to come third with 21.5 points. Again, bless!

JULIA & SASHA

This was my absolute favourite so I’m pleased the girls won with 26.5 points. Oh my, that gold tapware! I just love gold tapware but reluctantly decided it wasn’t the right choice for my own bathroom reno (starting today incidentally, so watch this space). So this bathroom left me feeling a tad jealous! The judges were also impressed with Darren declaring it “the business”; the perfect blend of contemporary and sophisticated with classic, bygone era.

Shaynna thought the cabinetry was perfection (agreed, so classy!) and Neale said it was very sophisticated and luxe.

While there were a few unfinished bits and the basin taps were too low, Darren still said the room was “spectacularly beautiful”.

A well deserved first place!

KIM & CHRIS

Oh dear. I hate to add insult to injury when these guys got such a bashing from the judges, but my eyes! I really was not a fan, but I was so impressed with the way the Newcastle couple took the feedback on the chin and vowed to learn from it. Brilliant attitudes and I really hope they go on to better things!

It did not start well with the judges with Shaynna asking ‘where are we?’ and Neale replying ‘in a time machine going backwards’! He added that it was completely soulless and off brief. Harsh but true. Shaynna said the shower tiles were ugly and just awful but thought the lighting and tapware were good choices (can’t say I agreed on the lighting). Where she was definitely right, and fair, was in saying that the quality of their work and time management were incredible.

They came in second from last with 19.5 points.

This season, The Block Shop has partnered with Matterport and Phoria to offer its customers a world first online retail experience. As of last night, you can now take yourself on a 3D tour of The Block and buy what you see from the comfort of your lounge room.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be rolling out this technology to our customers,” said Julian Cress, co-creator and executive producer. “Online shopping is quickly becoming more and more sophisticated and to be able to take our fans behind the walls of The Block and let them get up close and personal with what the couples have created is really exciting.”

Trent Clews-de Castella, co-founder and CEO at Phoria (formerly Scann3d) said: “We’re working closely with The Block Shop to create a never seen before online retail experience. Each week, fans of the show can jump online and explore each room reveal directly from The Block Shop site. More importantly, using Matterport’s new Mattertag integration we can give users the ability to select products they like and click through to purchase within seconds. We’re excited by this new implementation, as we’re now witnessing these 3D tours evolve into intelligent environments that connect with rich media, all in the one holistic experience.”

Head to The Block Shop to take a tour and go shopping!

Tags art deco, couples, darren palmer, en suite, ensuite, gold tapware, julia and sasha, melbourne, neale whitaker, room reveals. bathroom, shaynna blaze, the block, tiles, winner