Tag: twins

Categories
Bedrooms Kids Rooms

Gender neutral room gives twins a great night’s sleep

As a parent of two small boys with questionable sleeping habits, I can tell you I’d do just about anything for a good night’s sleep and Catherine McGowan agrees. Hoping that an exciting new shared room for her seven-year-old twins Anika and Morgan would keep them in their beds, she set about creating the most appealing space for them!

And it worked!

“I was trying to figure out a way for Anika to stay in her own bed instead of hopping in with us each night,” she says. “It had got to the point where my husband David was sleeping downstairs. It sounds ridiculous really, but sometimes you do whatever it takes to get a good night’s sleep!”

Catherine, who blogs at TUBU Kids, started, as you should, with a mood board. “I’m not an interior designer and I just used PowerPoint, but it did the trick as I always referred back to this when shopping, which kept me on track when buying products.”

She wanted a fun but gender neutral scheme. “The hero of the room is the Typoflora rainforest wall mural by Materialised. The design is printed here in Sydney onto a beautifully textured wall vinyl. It comes on a roll so installers need to know what they are doing, but after a bit of research I found JJ Signs on Airtasker and they did a brilliant job.”

She designed the look around getting single tent beds. At $198 each, the teepee tent beds by Luxo Living were exactly what she was after on a budget. “They are fabulous! Great quality, easy to install and budget-friendly. For the ‘mosquito net’ camping feel, I used sheer fabric which Nanna made into drapes for us.”

They’d already painted the house in Dulux Vivid White a few years back so they simply patched and repainted the walls in that colour. “I don’t find choosing paint colour that hard but rugs are a different matter! After much deliberation, I settled on the new Rug Culture Alpine 822 in Natural. It was the last thing I added to the room and absolutely finished it off perfectly, really lifting it to another level actually. It is made with heat set polypropylene so is a good option for Anika who has allergies plus it is super practical whilst still looking very plush and elegant.”

For the rest of the décor, Catherine stuck to her mood board so when stumbling across products, she could easily check whether they would work with the overall look.

“I try to buy from independent stores and found the Pony Rider cushion in a gorgeous shop called Habitat Collective in Byron Bay. The rainbow cushion, moon mirror and cane wall hook are from my lovely local store River Folk in Como. The FLISAT bookshelf by the door had a bit of an #ikeahack with their STICKAT bed pocket re-made in fabric to work back with the wall mural.

So, has Anika stayed in her own bed?!

“Well, kind of,” says mum. “I keep finding her snuggling up with Morgan! And we had to do some intense bribery: 10 nights in her room and we’d get a kitten. All up, probably one of the best things we could have done with all this extra time at home!”

PRODUCTS

Rain Forest wall mural: Typoflora by Materialised
Erges sheer fabric: Materialised
Tropical Leaves Mini fabric in Lolly Pink: Typoflora by Materialised (as IKEA storage pocket)
Alpine 822 Natural: Rug Culture (290 x 200cm) 
Helena teepee tent beds: Luxo Living
Cane wall hanger, Black Salt Co
Rainbow cushion and moon mirror: River Folk
King size pinstripe pillowslips: The Pillowslip Store
Dusty pink Pony Rider cushion: Habitat Collective
All other bedding: Adairs
‘I Can Toucan’ playmat: ByAlex
Sloth plant hanger and wall hanging décor: Kmart
Gold elephant wall hook: eBay
Salt lamp: Hearts Desire Homewares

Photography: David McGowan Photography 

Categories
RENO ADDICT The Block

Renos that add value: by Blockheads Alisa & Lysandra

When renovating, it’s important to choose updates that will not only stand the test of time, but will also increase the value of your home if you sell or re-finance.

Interior designers and renovators Alisa and Lysandra Fraser say if money’s tight, fortunately, you can make a number of relatively easy budget-friendly renovations which have maximum appeal to future buyers, or score you a good valuation if you want to re-finance.

The identical twins, who won The Block: Sky High in 2013 and defended their title on The Block: Fans vs Faves in 2014, now run their own business Alisa and Lysandra Interiors. The pair are currently redeveloping a $2.2million Victorian terrace site in the highly sought-after area of Albert Park in Melbourne and are filming the project for their new online TV URL channel.

“It’s been a lot of work, but we’ve been thrilled with the results so far,” says Alisa. “We can’t wait to share the results with everyone as we’ve really enjoyed putting our stamp on every aspect of a huge project. We’re honouring the classic style of the existing home whilst adding on a contemporary extension with high quality, hand-picked materials and finishes.”

Here, Alisa shares her top tips for money-making renos:

The Kitchen – improve storage and functionality

Streamline: When you renovate a kitchen, the goal is often to create more space and increase functionality. Look at your design and assess whether or not your kitchen allows for remodelling with the current cabinetry. In most cases we recommend you start from scratch so invest in new cabinetry, improved layout, and new finishes which won’t age.

Think social: Embrace designs and layouts with ample storage, which will help minimise clutter, and cleaning.

Choose integrated storage and workstations: This creates flow and cohesion and ensures appliances don’t dominate the aesthetic. Built-in sink colanders and chopping boards, are considered a must. Not only are they functional, but they add visual appeal and textural variation.

The bathroom – add the right vanity and decrease clutter

Consider the space: The most important question here is “how will you use it?” Other than accounting for hygiene needs, it’s important to establish the vision behind this space before you pick tiles, tap-ware and other structural elements.

Choose the right vanity: It’s important to remember deep drawers aren’t always the most functional. Rather than three deep drawers, opt for a vanity with five shallow drawers which will keep your personal items visible and within quick reach.

Add aesthetic storage: Rather than using plain mirrors for the vanity, we love the addition of shallow storage mirror cabinets, which can be custom designed or ready to buy. This is the best way to keep vanity countertops seamless and clutter-free from cosmetics.

Painting the interior – think white or neutral

Know your whites: Choosing to paint you walls crisp white is always the safest option with the widest appeal. But with over 180 shades of white paint available, choosing the right shade can be confusing. Cool whites have a blue or black base added and are ideal for neutralising bright modern rooms. Warm whites have a yellow undertone that can make a room feel cosier, and work well with classic interiors.
Neutrals are not boring: Neutral walls also have general appeal. You can go three shades darker or more, which will add to your homes’ visual appeal. Neutrals never stop trending and offer you maximum flexibility with redecorating or freshening up your interiors later down the track.

Feature walls: The days of random feature walls are long gone however if you’re still keen for a splash of bolder colour, highlight a wall that features intricate architecture, a fireplace, or a hideaway nook.

Landscaping the front and backyard – curb appeal and decks are winners

Invest in a deck: Outdoor entertaining decks are now wildly popular, but rather than tiling or patching up old paving, choose a wooden deck for instant warmth and the illusion of space.

Embrace green foliage: Plants with large green foliage have massive architectural appeal and can balance out your space nicely, especially when it comes to dressing up empty corners. When choosing plants for your garden, don’t be afraid to embrace repetition. A row of screening bamboo, or a wall of birds of paradise can add that streamlined look which can be calming and look amazing.

Add some curb appeal: First impressions count, so make sure your front yard works in harmony with the entry to your home. Coordinate pathways, plants, and colours so they all work together with great balance, making your facade a true show-stopper!

Flooring – hardwearing and natural choices

Keep it simple: Natural floors add incredible warmth in a home. Keep your flooring simple and single-minded. Our home designs embrace timber floorboards throughout, which we then dress with beautiful artisan rugs creating interesting visual layers that add to the overall decor.

Make it durable: Hardwood and concrete floors truly stand the test of time and in most cases they age wonderfully as opposed to carpet which can get damaged easily and may fade or change colour due to wear.

Painting the exterior of your home

Check the structural integrity before you paint: Never paint an exterior that’s clearly deteriorating; you may achieve a pleasant result but that will only be temporary as the exterior will most certainly continue to deteriorate!

Restore the exterior of a period home: You can add colour touches to the exterior of a period home, but you should never paint over intricate stone work. If the exterior masonry is looking dull, or dirty, clean it carefully but don’t paint over it.

Monochromatic and contrasting combinations are winners: Embrace hues that have a visual punch. Intensely dark grey or anthracite hues, marry well with bright white trims and the contrast is delightful to the eye. But unless there’s a significant element of your architecture that needs to be the show-stopper, avoid matchy-matchy hues, which can come across as too safe and uninspiring!

For more information

A look back at the twins’ winning Block kitchen.

Categories
Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Styling

Hallway decorating ideas with Alisa and Lysandra

Reader Natasha says: “I’d like Alisa and Lysandra to help me with a design question. We have a narrow hallway that is accessed as soon as you walk into the house. It’s only just a little wider than a standard single front door entrance and goes for about six metres. We painted it Dulux White on White and we have regular hardwood floorboards. What can we do to decorate the space so it doesn’t just look like a long white hallway?”

hallway alisa lsysandra

Lysandra says: “This hallway is screaming for some pieces of artwork. This is a great way to inject some colour into this rather lifeless space. If you can find a console (around 300mm wide) then that is going to help break up the length of your hallway. Above the console (which you’d obviously place on the lefthand side) you could place a mirror. This will make the space feel wider and will also reflect any natural light, giving the feeling of space.”

Got a question for one of our Resident Experts? Submit it for consideration here.

Categories
Expert Tips Styling The Block

Alisa & Lysandra from The Block learn about vignettes

Even Block winners realise they can always keep learning more about interiors and design. So Alisa and Lysandra Fraser have been doing some studying and being mentored by Naomi Findlay of the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS). Have a look behind the scenes in this short video and you might learn a thing or two too…

You may recognise Naomi from our Diary of a Reno video series.

Find out more about the IIHS and its courses.

Categories
Covet my coffee table Styling The Block

Covet my coffee table: with Alisa Fraser from The Block

This week’s coffee table comes to you from the home of Alisa Fraser, one half of the (rarely seen apart!) Block-winning twins, Alisa and Lysandra.

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“I have collected most of my coffee books whilst travelling,” says Alisa. “The small pink plate, tea cup and metal teapot are antiques my mum has given me as gifts. The two turquoise jars are from our online store.”

A&L
Alisa (left) and Lysandra

“Every coffee table needs fresh flowers and of course, coffee table books! It’s always nice to have sentimental or meaningful ornaments to bring personality and individuality to your home. Trays and candles are also a very simple but effective way to style any table. Balance is a hard thing to get right so make sure your decor is in proportion to the size of your table.”

The coffee table itself is the GUS from Globe West, available through Alisa & Lysandra Collections.

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Read all our Block-related coverage or see all our previous featured coffee tables.

Categories
House Tours RENO ADDICT Styling

Diary of a Reno, the complete video series

Watch all five episodes of our Diary of a Reno video series as we take you through a real life renovation, from purchase to sale and $25,000 profit six weeks later! Our expert Naomi Findlay, an experienced property developer (and busy mum of four!) owns successful business SILK Home Staging & Styling and teaches others how to stage for sale and set up their own styling businesses through her International Institute of Home Staging. Former Block winners Alisa and Lysandra are just some of her students!

Watch videos 1 through to 5 to follow the whole story of this project in Newcastle, NSW.

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Video 5

We hope our warts and all, keeping it real advice has inspired and helped you. If you have any questions for Naomi, please put them in the comments below.

Happy renovating!

Categories
Competitions The Block

Win a consultation with The Block twins Alisa and Lysandra

Would you like some personal interiors advice for your home from the Block’s popular Alisa and Lysandra? You could win this great prize in our exclusive competition! Having won The Block Sky High and taken home a tidy profit on Fans vs. Faves, these girls have proven they know their stuff.

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The lucky winner gets a moodboard for a room in their home created by Alisa and a 30-minute video Skype consultation with her. She’ll talk them through the moodboard and how to implement her design suggestions in their home. They’re also throwing in a 20% discount off anything from their store.

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To enter, use the form below and describe how you would dress a room using five products from their online store, Alisa & Lysandra Collections. To complete your entry, make sure you’re signed up to their newsletter. Lysandra will select the best entry.

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 Read all our Block coverage. You can apply to be a contestant on the next series of The Block until 6 July 2014.

You have until midnight this Sunday 15 June 2014 to enter this competition. Good luck!

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Categories
The Block

Alisa Fraser on life after The Block for the twins

Now their second reality TV experience is over, it’s time for the twins to embark on their new careers as interior designers after quitting the police. One half of The Block’s love-them-or-hate-them (we love them!) duo, Alisa Fraser, writes for us about the experience from start to finish and their plans for the future.

By Alisa Fraser

After winning The Block Sky High and being crowned the bathroom and kitchen queens, we were asked to come back to film another series of The Block. We just assumed it was going to be another All Stars season, even to the point where we had convinced ourselves that we knew who all the other contestants were going to be. It was surely going to be, Gav and Waz, Tanya and Rod, and Brad and Lara.

The Block in Melbourne

As we drove up to The Block, we realised that we did not recognise two of the couples. There were two tall guys standing with their backs towards us, and at that point I could see it was Brad and Dale. My eyes then moved to a female and male who I now know as Chantelle and Steve and on the end was a young couple, Kyal and Kara. My head was spinning. Was this a joke? What is going on?! Scotty soon explained that they were the new contestants and that it was a competition between the old favourites and the new fans. Talk about throwing a spanner in the works (and every other tool you can think of)!

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It took a couple weeks to work out everyone’s personalities, design styles and skills. It was obvious that Kyal and Kara were the experienced couple, whilst Chantelle and Steve were the most inexperienced. We formed great relationships with both of the ‘fan’ couples and took on the bigger sister role, offering advice and help where we could. When we were introduced to our new project, Dux House, we were in absolute awe of the building. I thought how lucky we were to have been given this opportunity to renovate this piece of history.

It was so different to the old biz motel. It was an opportunity for Lysandra and I to show Australia a different side to our design and to reinforce that we have what it takes to make a career in this industry. We were handed the plans and immediately our brains went into overdrive. How could we make our apartment different to the others? We had to think beyond our game-changing move from Sky High (which included adding an elevated bath in the walk-in robe). We had to think bigger and better. How about taking a massive chance and completely changing the layout of entire apartment? We were all given the same basic plans that included the positions of each room. We took one look at the downstairs layout and our first thought was how could we create a dining room that was completely separate from the kitchen and living space?

L-R Alisa and Lysandra

The only way we could achieve this was by repositioning the kitchen. It was a big risk, but it was the kind of risk that was going to separate our apartment from the others. Then our next thought was, what are the key features that represent loft living? Height! How can we create light and a true sense of grandeur? A void! When I envisage loft living, I picture walkovers and openings to the upper levels, and most importantly, a sense of space. The next move was to meet with the architect, Julian Brenchley, to make sure we could turn our vision into a reality, and luckily for us it was possible.

As we completed each room, our vision remained strong. There were moments we doubted our decisions and it was challenging to stay true to the direction we were heading. We could see the overall picture in our heads, but the challenge was to convince the judges that our choices were eventually going to make sense. As we completed each room, our overall vision became clearer to the judges (big sigh). Lysandra and I could not be happier with the apartment we created. We were given a concrete slab and some very basic plans to work off. From there, we designed and created a beautiful loft-style apartment that was true to the building and unique.

Our Dux House apartment was so different to our apartment on Sky High, and I really feel like we pushed the boundaries and took huge risks. Since finishing Fans vs Favs, we have taken on another interior design project. It is another warehouse conversion located in Melbourne between the biz motel and Dux House. It is like another Block, just without the cameras. Watch this space for more updates and pics!

Lysandra and I have also launched our very own online homewares store, Alisa and Lysandra Collections. We have selected homewares that we love and have provided a place for our customers to purchase beautiful products online. We are working really hard to constantly offer new and exciting products, and are always looking at new ways to grow and improve our business. The Block has certainly allowed us to dream big. We want to thank all the amazing people we have met through this process and for giving us the inspiration to believe anything is possible.  

Alisa x

You can still keep up to date with the twins on Facebook. Read all our previous Block content here.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Scott Cam picks up Gold Logie for The Block Sky High + dress photos!

It was a night of glamour for the Block Sky High contestants and judges last night, but the biggest winner of the night was the show’s host, Scott Cam, who went home with the best presenter gong and the coveted Gold Logie.

The twins wearing designer Liza Emanuele
The twins wearing designer Liza Emanuele
Alisa and Lysandra with Shelley Craft and fellow Sky High contestant and newlywed, Kim
Alisa and Lysandra with Shelley Craft and fellow Sky High contestant and newlywed, Kim
The twins with Danni Minogue
The twins with Danni Minogue

Those following the frocks (that’d be me) would have noticed Shaynna Blaze and twins Alisa and Lysandra’s dresses, not to mention judges Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer looking very sharp. My favourite Blockhead outfit was definitely Shelley Craft’s. I thought she looked lovely.

Block judge Shaynna with her Selling Houses Australia co-hosts Andrew Winter and Charlie Albone
Block judge Shaynna with her Selling Houses Australia co-hosts Andrew Winter and Charlie Albone
Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer
Neale Whitaker and Darren Palmer

What did you think of the dresses?

Read all our previous Block coverage.

Categories
House Tours The Block

Video tour of the whole apartment with The Block’s Alisa and Lysandra

Editorial assistant Olivia Shead did a little detective work last month and found this video by the agent selling the twins’ apartment. We decided not to share it with you and spoil any surprises until the full reveals of the apartments.

Watch the twins take you around and talk about the apartment’s features. Olivia and I have made no secret of the girls being our favourites. We wish them all the best for auction next week!

Jen

Categories
Bathrooms The Block

Get the look: last night’s Block main bathroom reveals

I must admit I didn’t watch The Block room reveals last night as I’m “overseas” in New Zealand for a friend’s wedding. When I got these photos through, there was a clear favourite for me: Kyal and Kara. So I was delighted they not only won, but won with a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges — the first this season. Well deserved! Here’s why…

Kyal and Kara

Kyal and Kara 3

Those tiles! And that tub! You all know I’m a bath over a shower girl any day so this one won me over. I also loved the added warmth from the timber (and the use of it across part of the ceiling) and thought the basin was perfect and elegant and the styling, just right.

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I love absolutely everything about this bathroom!

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BUY WHAT THEY USED: Clearwater Formoso feeestanding bath

GET THE LOOK WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS: Todao Point Top concrete pendant | Milli Axon floor mounted bath outlet | Alape counter basin

Brad and Dale

I loved the tile choices in this room, and the use of timber. Seems this is becoming a trend this season. The lack of bath was disappointing of course, but the boys revealed they had plans for another bath elsewhere in the house. It sounds like this room got mixed reviews from the judges.

Brad Dale bathroom 1

I loved this useful little storage nook with the mosaic tiles. I really hate those hanging shower caddies so eliminating the need for them is a big win!

Brad and Dale mosaic

Another great basin but I find the assorted towels a bit too much and the large gold Uashama bag a bit random.

Brad and Dale 2

BUY WHAT THEY USED: Malmo wooden pendant | Reece Mizu Bliss extended basin mixer | Reece Mizu Drift overhead shower 300mm |

GET THE LOOK WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS: Planet Luxe handwash | Ziporah Flamingo hand towel 

Alisa & Lysandra

The twins weren’t happy with their low scores so I’m definitely going to have to watch a rerun when I get back to Australia to what drama went down. Shaynna Blaze called it try-hard, Darren Palmer wasn’t keen on the moss feature and Neale said the room was uncomfortable, with Shaynna adding it was too harsh with too many straight lines and no curves.

Alisa Lysandra 1

I have to say the rectangular bath didn’t appeal to me and I didn’t like the moss either, but I thought a lot of the bathroom looked sleek and expensive.

Alisa Lysandra detail

Alisa Lysandra basin

And how good is that bath tap?

Alisa Lysandra bath

BUY WHAT THEY USED: A&L Collections set of towels | Milli Glance shower mixer | Milli Glance wall basin and mixer set | Kado Lux freestanding bath

GET THE LOOK WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS: Cityforest Greenwall Pockets

Chantelle & Steve

The fans weren’t too impressed with their lower than expected judges’ scores this week either, especially as they got some great comments. Neale said their tiles were the most beautiful he’d ever seen on The Block and Darren said the planning was great.

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Neale thought the tub though, was an old-fashioned choice and wasn’t crazy for the black sink.

Chantelle Steve 2

I’m just not quite sure about this room and whether I like it or not. I’ll reserve judgement until I can watch the episode myself.

Chantelle Steve 1

BUY WHAT THEY USED: Milli Axon Rove Hook | Milli Axon wall mounted soap dispenser | Milli Axon loop toilet roll holder | Milli Axon towel bar | Mizu Soaker bath

GET THE LOOK WITH SIMILAR PRODUCTS: A&L Collections towel set 

If you’d like to know where to get your hands on something not referenced above, please drop me a line in the comments and I’ll do my best to find out for you!

READ ALL OUR BLOCK COVERAGE IN ONE PLACE HERE.

Categories
Bedrooms

Get the look from last night’s Block room reveals

Did you enjoy last night’s first room reveal? Alisa & Lysandra won and I think rightly so. Having finally met the girls at my event in Melbourne on Thursday, I may be a little biased, but I like their attitude, think they know their stuff and have great taste. So I’m putting it out there now: I’m on Team Twins (editorial assistant Olivia is a big fan too)!

The Block in Melbourne
The twins’ winning room

If you’d like to get the look from any of the four rooms, I’ve rounded up some of the products available to buy online from The Block Shop. From Alisa and Lysandra’s (above), check out the Forty Winks Gap bed and the Urban Road deer canvas.

I absolutely LOVED the Zuster copper mirror (I NEED it!) in Kyal and Kara’s room (below) and the Christopher Pennings artwork from Otomys Arthouse. This was my second favourite room. Loved the soft colour palette.

The Block in Melbourne
Kyal and Kara’s room

Continue reading “Get the look from last night’s Block room reveals”

Categories
The Block

7 Vignettes’ first birthday with guest judges Alisa & Lysandra from The Block

Well, I can’t quite believe it’s been a full year since I came up with idea for 7 Vignettes or that our Instagram community has been participating and making it bigger and better each month this entire time. We’ve shared almost 30,ooo images on the hashtag and it really blows my mind!

7 vignettes january

The January birthday edition starts on New Year’s Day and you can find the themes list above. Our guest judges next month are The Block twins Alisa and Lysandra Fraser, who will be appearing on the next Fans vs. Favourites series, rumoured to be starting at the end of January. The former Interiors Addict guest bloggers have generously offered a $250 voucher for their new online homewares store, Alisa & Lysandra Collections, as the prize.

twins

Continue reading “7 Vignettes’ first birthday with guest judges Alisa & Lysandra from The Block”
Categories
Interiors Addict

Block twins Alisa & Lysandra quit the police to become designers

It’s the announcement we’ve all been waiting for: The Block winners and Interiors Addict contributors Alisa & Lysandra Fraser are quitting their day jobs as police officers to pursue full-time design careers. Good on you girls!

twins

Read more at News.com.au. Read the girls’ next guest post this Friday.

Categories
The Block

Where to get the twins’ concrete wallpaper from last night’s The Block room reveal & more

Did you love Alisa and Lysandra’s winning master bedroom and walk-in last night? I did, especially the tub in the walk-in, but then I have a very soft spot for a good bath! I thought the concrete wallpaper in their bedroom was pretty cool. It’s by Piet Boon from Safari Living. Buy it here. $330 a roll.

Concrete wallpaper The Block

If you loved the glitzy chandelier from the twins’  bathroom reveal last week, you can buy that here for $469.

Continue reading “Where to get the twins’ concrete wallpaper from last night’s The Block room reveal & more”