House Tours Blogs: May 2015

Archive for May 2015

My Houzz: a Melbourne property Rented It Feels Like Home

My Houzz: a Melbourne property Rented It Feels Like Home - When Jessica Viscarde creator Ryan and his partner moved to Melbourne two years ago, they had already decided on their ideal region: one that was close to town with lots of green space and a friendly atmosphere, the easy way to live in the community. All that was needed was to find the perfect house rented to call home.

Given the design restrictions that leasing poses, Jess was too aware that it would be limited in what it can bring to the table, not being able to paint, wallpaper or add to updated fixtures and finishes . Rather than dwell on it, Jess and Ryan just looked for a house that had "big bones", in the form of wood floors, natural light, high ceilings, large open living room and outdoor spaces. When their current town house arose, he fills all those boxes and shouted potential for the couple where others would likely only see quirks and shortcomings. With these fundamentals in place - and the designer Jess expertise - they turned a large house rented town house in the perfect

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here. designer Jessica Viscarde his Ryan partner and their cat, Peggy
designer Jessica Viscarde of The Eclectic Creative studio
Location Melbourne, Australia
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Eclectic Living Room by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated Room

the lounge capture an abundance of natural light from the large windows at the front of the house, creating a vast, airy feeling. "Having previously lived in a tiny apartment, town house gave us extra space if necessary. We can dance around the house now, "admits Jess

Armchair :. Globewest; Footstool: Kmart; Concorde f loor mats: Freedom

the Illuminated Room

I rea lly as open stairs and hand railings made of metal; it reminds me a loft or warehouse, said Jess (photo)

Karlstad sofa two seats :. Ikea

Get ideas for smartening your staircase

the Illuminated Room

When renting prevents you from setting a shelf on the wall, then a great alternative is to add freestanding shelving for all these parts that are worth viewing.

Cinematic light box: form style Function

Be inspired by these freestanding storage solutions for rented houses

Illuminated the room

Jess is a big fan of using fresh flowers in throughout the house, as a simple way to change the look of a room when the mood takes her. "It adds life and greenery and color if necessary to our house, she said. "I'm currently obsessed with tulips. I like their unstructured nature and how they just do their own thing when put in a vase

side table :. Globewest; A diamond b lack and white cushion: Billy Heckenberg; Stockholm striped cushion: Ikea

Eclectic Bedroom by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated room

"Our master bedroom is a real mix of styles: / boho / contemporary vintage. It is a place I always introduce color through the sheets, pillows and throws, 'says Jess. Judgement of the room we have a balcony overlooking the city. I love watching the old mix and new roofs as it gives a real taste of the urban mix of contemporary apartments, terraces and cottages that Melbourne has to offer Victorian.

hanging pendant lamp Miners: Cranmore Home; Pillowcases: Urban Outfitters

The Illuminated Room

never shying away from a good deal, or challenge to customize the furniture with his creative flair, Jess picked up the chair for £ 4.50 on eBay and re-covered the seat with a fabric more to his liking

Snekkersten mats :. Ikea Indigo Lime print in the box: United works; Texta Print Two cushions: Billy Heckenberg

The Illuminated Room

Jess and Ryan are all about infusing their love of their home and eclectic mix of old and new. The dressing table was bought off eBay from a man who said in the announcement that if it was not sold, it was intended for the woodpile.

"I am so happy that Ryan shares my love to have a comfortable, cozy, happy home. I often take a good deal outside of eBay or the local classifieds, and then realizes that he is on the other side of town. Still sick, we embark on a road trip together, return transport items like small Bowerbirds' says Jess

candle soy hand-poured :. Frankie Gusti

the Illuminated room

'Daiso' pig adds a bit of kindness and kitsch to the bedroom of the couple.

The Illuminated Room

The room guest pays tribute to Danish heritage Jess. The Danish flag doubles as a bold focal point for the room, as well as pay tribute to Jess Danish grandfather. "The flag is quite dominant, so I called myself the rest of the room by using a monochrome diagram to keep it simple and elegant," she says. "More importantly, it needs to be friendly and welcoming to our family and friends when they visit Melbourne.

Gurli throw in gray / black Lersta lamp: Ikea

The Illuminated Room

What could be more welcoming to a guest house after a long day of sightseeing with a cozy bed adorned with beautiful, the sheets?

Stockholm b lack and white cushions: Ikea Chrysander duvet cover in pure cotton: Cotton House

Eclectic Dining Room by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated Room

one of Jess design challenges faced was the large cavity that connected the dining room to the master bedroom upstairs. She wanted to hang something that would give him a sense of scale. "That's where our black and white flag coming!" She said. "Paying tribute to my American roots [she was born in Texas] and our love for all things Americana, this flag creates a real talking point and a bit of drama. I'm always game to be a bit daring with my decorating choice, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out. The fact that the flag is black and white ties well with the furniture and home decoration

Laurent dining room chairs 'Rusty'. Freedom Fiddleleaf plant pot: Fitzroy Nursery

The Illuminated Room

This is "corner Ryan." Creating smaller areas within an open house is a great way to make a more comfortable intimate area like this to fall back on

lamp Hektar :. IKEA Mr. Jones Chair: Freedom 'Soriano Italy 1951 yellow print: Form Function style; Footstool: Ishka

Eclectic Kitchen by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated Room

If you can not beat them, join them! Rather than dwelling on the fact that the lease prevents changing the cabinets in the kitchen, Jess went out and bought two second-hand bar stools to complete the wooden regime.

Consult ideas to customize your kitchen a rented house

Eclectic Entrance by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated Room

'I love my painting Charlie Brown I took from a local thrift shop, "says Jess. Charles M Schulz and Peanuts cartoons are very sentimental in our family, and the color in this image is perfect, as I have a lot of green and yellow vegetables that pass through our living space. Charlie has a real talking point and brings a smile to many faces. I just love it "

Bookshelf :. Ishka; Spun finished copper industrial lamp: Birch Living and Homewares gifts

the Illuminated Room

extensively in the home have a story behind them, they are family heirlooms, purchased travel or picked up second hand second hand stores. "I'm all about reflecting his personality through an interior," says Jess. "your home should tell your story and be filled with the things you love.

the clock was made of bakelite Ryan to his grandfather and polar bears are Royal Copenhagen Danish-Australian grandparents Jess.

Eclectic Exterior by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated Room

"We have the luxury of having a balcony spaces outside each room, which offer great views for views of the city and our neighborhood," Jess said.

The Illuminated Room

A festive door throughout the year! This crown gives a nice touch of vibrant color contrast against the blue door, offering an entry that refers to the creative mind waiting behind it.

The Illuminated Room

Living near the city center usually means having to sacrifice on living spaces open important air. Despite its compact size, Jess and Ryan made the most of their outdoor spaces, filling all available corners with potted plants, artwork and outdoor furniture to ensure that they have a place to sit, entertain and barbecue in the summer months.

circular artwork: freedom; Yellow pot: Masters

The Illuminated Room

Sometimes if you're lucky, a rented property provides a permanent element that ends up being a very cute design feature. This small shelf, home to the panda pot came with the house!

The Illuminated Room

'Pippy 'watermelon bike is now a feature in the garden.

Eclectic Home Office & Library by The Room Illuminated

The Illuminated room

the Jess office space leads directly to the kitchen and the dining room and is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the natural light that diffuses from the large window that showcases the court.

I made an inspiration board where I can stick leaves journal tears, fabric samples and paint - basically anything I find interesting or who can help me on current projects " Jess said. "Sometimes I spend my larger-scale projects at my dining table, which is right next to the office, so it is a convenient and flexible space."

chair desk and office shorthand white: Freedom

The Illuminated Room

"the atmosphere and energy of our house is relaxed, friendly and comfortable, Jess said." our house is always evolving to keep it fresh and interesting and I am always experimenting with new styles and decor - part of the reason why I like to have an eclectic home "

my Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.

My Houzz: a Melbourne property Rented It Feels Like Home My Houzz: a Melbourne property Rented It Feels Like Home

My Houzz: Life in a Scottish castle Revamped

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Fa2hayyil

My Houzz: Life in a Scottish castle Revamped - In 00, Nicola Hallsworth moved from England to Scotland, where her husband, Fred, had bought a house in the suburbs of Glasgow . Being a country girl at heart, Nicola did not take to life in the suburbs and want to move to the countryside. One morning she saw the castle advertised for sale in The Herald newspaper and asked Fred if he would be willing to travel in the country. The answer to Fred: If we can make a profit on our current home and find one with the same amount of wow factor no further than 30 minutes from Glasgow, then I'll consider it. Nicola turned the paper around and showed him the property. They bought in April 06.

Nicola is an interior design enthusiast and worked on various projects in his free time. The house was not to his liking when they bought it, and over the years it has shaped to reflect the interests and style of the couple. The beautiful oak floors and stairs, for example, were covered in seagrass mats, as she had torn and wood sanded before moving. Then it was a case of finding the right colors, fabrics and accessories to decorate the property and make them. With such a large space, it was important to Fred and Nicola to make him feel comfortable and cozy. As she says, "It's not a house show.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Fred Hallsworth Nicola and their two dogs, the French mastiff Serge Paddy and the British Bulldog
Location Glasgow campaign
Size 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

The castle is divided into six distinct properties. As originally built in the wings, he divided well. It also has a large communal room (not shown) that can be used for entertainment. Last year, Fred held a big birthday party there with more than 60 people.

The castle as a whole is so great that Nicola compares to live with their neighbors to live at opposite ends of a street of terraced houses. "We fall into each other; this summer, it was just Fred and me all over the place, "she said.

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Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Nicola and Fred share the main entrance door with another wing. Personal door is just off the great room, which makes a pleasant home every day home.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

The face before open door to the room in the morning, so called because, according to Nicola, when the sun in the stream, "it is a beautiful room in which to sit with a coffee and a newspaper. window seats conceal cast iron radiators, so even on cold winter mornings it is a beautiful place to curl up.

The following shepherdess came from their old house, and scratches contrast well with the floral wallpaper and carpet. The black in the room added a gothic touch. 'I love the moody rooms, "says Nicola.

Check multiple monochrome systems

Amelia Hallsworth photography

The couple have always been avid art collectors. The paint in the room in the morning is by Jacqueline Marr . 'It was painted for this place even for me, Nicola said. melancholy gaze of the subject through the window is perfect.

Painting Jacqueline Marr.

Traditional Living Room Traditional Living Room

This is the original library from 1878. He was the 'penultimate addition to the castle and was overseen by Lady Anne Speirs, the eldest daughter of the fourth Earl of Radnor. Unfortunately, most of the original books were sold, but the couple has inherited some books entirely with the property, and have been collecting since. All shelves lined oak is the original, and Nicola is adamant she would never change it.

Nicola bought the two huge lamps on each side of the couch, not knowing where she was going to put them. She loved them so much that she said, "I'm just going to work somewhere." She then found the two small side tables, and has covered them to keep the lamps.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

As the shelves were so vast, the couple decided to remove some for them to display their works of art. They tend to agree on major parts, although there is some difference in taste. "I am a figurative artist - I love figurative work - as Fred prefer something a little more radical, as Peter Howsen ..." Fortunately, there are enough walls in Castle for all housing.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

room oozes character and history, and this focus is a particular favorite with the couple. 'I love open fires, "says Nicola. "I do not think I could ever live in a house without a fireplace. The painting over the fireplace is by Gerard M Burns - it is widespread Ewan McGregor larger version hanged himself in his kitchen.

Painting, Gerard M Burns.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

When it's just the two of them on a cold and windy night, it's the best place, Nicola said. "There is nothing nicer than snuggling in the library, roaring fire shutters closed ...

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

library, a spiral staircase leads to the dining room. When the couple bought the house, the red runner and carpet were in place, and the bright turquoise walls. Nicola, never afraid to be bold, chose to keep the carpet and create a dark, gothic atmosphere with almost black walls in ramps by Farrow & Ball.

paint, Farrow & Ball ramps.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

the dining room is now a perfect space for entertaining gloomy, especially on winter evenings. Nicola bought t it convenient oak on eBay for £ 1,000. He came from a large stately home in Cheshire, and when he arrived, Nicola said she was "absolutely delighted". In most other rooms, the size and weight of the workpiece can be overwhelming, but here it nestled in the corner -. Meets the stifling atmosphere of the room

The piece was bought in an auction online and came from a place in ecclesiastical restoration in Belgium. It is made of bronze and has two women in four candelabra. T room it needs a lot of candles when it makes all its Gothic thing, "says Nicola.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

the dining room overlooks a kitchen-dining room, which can also be accessed from a staircase that leads to the room in the morning and again in the upper floor of the house. The cuisine is based in Suffolk Plain-English, specializing in custom units, Shaker style.

Nicola said she and Fred keep the dining room for special occasions and when it's just the two of them, they are "constantly sitting at the kitchen table. They wanted the kitchen to feel as if it had always been there. "It is not a large room, and was never intended to be," she added.

kitchen, Plain English.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Nicola is a self-confessed fan gray. When they first installed the kitchen, there was a pale blue-gray, but they painted a stronger gray a couple of years. 'I love everything muted, discreet look, "she says. Copper sinks on the right and the contrast of the island beautifully with the color of the cabinet. "We wanted to do something a little different with the wells," she adds.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

couple has opted to keep the shutters in the original natural wood rather than painted. "If you continue to paint the shutters, they end up not working," says Nicola. "We like to be able to close them and keep the house warm and hot.

The fabric is great Blotch Damask by Glaswegian company Timorous Beasties. "They make designs the most amazing fabrics, really on the wall, Nicola said. "In fact, our house is a kind of tribute to them." The curtains of the library and wallpapers in the morning room and main bathroom are all Timorous Beasties.

Blind and Cushion Fabric, Grand Blotch Damask by Timorous Beasties.

Take a look at more wonderful window seats

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

the main staircase is original, and runs through the three floors. The dining room, kitchen, cloakroom and bedroom are on the lower floor. The morning room and library are on the first floor, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs.

With five grown children who have now flown the nest, there must be space for them to come visit comfortably. A daughter chose Laura Ashley floral wallpaper and curtains in the room to create a fresh light atmosphere. The basin is the original.

Wallpaper Laura Ashley. Curtains, Laura Ashley.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

'the master bedroom, with its many windows and circular turret, was incredibly difficult to provide, admits Nicola. The red sofa came from the old house and Designers Guild. "My taste is very eclectic, she said. "I tend to just throw things together and they seem to work.

The cobalt blue luster has come off, and Nicola admits she "completely crazy with the light, but fell in love with it. Although dramatic, it works well with the traditional wallpaper. It can not be touched unless wearing gloves due to leave fingerprints. The installation, in common with many in the house of David Canepa, designed by Kevin McCloud, and contrasts sharply with the red.

She then tied the blue light fitting, gold on the walls and red sofa with patterned carpets. "I tend to do, 'she laughs. "I fell in love with a piece, then decorate a room around it.

red sofa, Designers Guild. Chandelier Kevin McCloud for David Canepa.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Very few people can say they have a turret with a Corinthian pillar in their room . Its shape has the delicate decoration, but Nicola is very happy with how it turned out. She thought of installing a circular dressing table, but decided against it. "I like the idea that it is just a nice little place, she said.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Unfortunately, the fireplace does not work, but it is still a nice feature. Previously, he was surrounded by dull black tiles, so Nicola had restored these brown tiles interspersed with squares of flowers.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Eschewing the typical white toilet, Nicola chose a black design for the shower room to give it a 1920s feel. "I pinched the idea of Skibo Castle in the highlands of Scotland, she admits. White subway tiles are a great backdrop, allowing black toilet to really stand out.

Read why a black and white pattern in a bathroom is always a winner

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

to keep the Victorian atmosphere of the bathroom, but give it a modern update, Nicola opted for this wallpaper bee screen Timorous Beasties. freestanding cast iron bath strengthens the Victorian atmosphere, and was chosen deliberately to look as if it had always been there. Nicola uses the daily bath, with candles, if we have time. "The shower room is Fred ... this is my bathroom," she jokes.

Wallpaper, Timorous Beasties.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

The castle is set in nine acres of Commons - manicured park maintained by gardeners every week

Amelia Hallsworth Photography [

in addition, Hallsworths have their own, private, south facing private garden, where Nicola likes to grow lavender for its own lavender water. During the summer months they eat here every night.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Fred likes to read the newspaper in the garden.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Nicola Fred next to the grand piano in the large communal hall.

Amelia Hallsworth Photography

Thank choices bold design, patient furniture collection, and some beautiful architectural features to work with, the Hallsworths transformed their wing of this historic castle in a warm, home of character.

My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph, personality filled houses and creative people who inhabit them. If you want your home to be featured, please send information and photos to ukeditor@houzz.com.

My Houzz: Life in a Scottish castle Revamped My Houzz: Life in a Scottish castle Revamped

Houzz Tour: A Small Studio makes the most of every inch of space Olga Alexeeva

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Fa2hayyil

Houzz Tour: A Small Studio makes the most of every inch of space Olga Alexeeva - , the interior design firm Black & Milk Residential, loves a challenge, and when she asked a developer firm to modernize a small studio in central London, which is exactly what she got. "He was not only small, it has not been touched in over 30 years and was a real wreck," says Olga the fourth-floor apartment. "But I was lucky, it came. It was such an exciting ambitious project. "

Exciting it may have been, it was not easy. The apartment sits on the top floor of a building located in a quiet courtyard in the center of London. "There was no road access to it and never anywhere to park nearby," laughs Olga. "We had to carry everything on foot to the property! 'In addition, the construction and the limited safety regulations how Olga could reconfigure the space and the age of the property - it is about 150 years - also threw questions. After two months of construction was in progress, for example, move the old pipe caused a huge leak.

hiccups and restrictions aside, however, Olga created a wonderfully innovative home successfully. Now his central space can jump seamlessly between roles, morphing the show office at the dining room with minimal effort, thanks to intelligent design and the latest kit. "There is a small studio and I wanted to create maximum space and functionality in it, says Olga. "Every centimeter counts!

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A professional woman who works in the creative industries and media
Location Central London
built Mid 19th century
designer Black and Milk Residential
Size studio space with 1 separate bedroom, 25 sq m

Black and Milk Residential

"the starting point for the redesign of the apartment was to take as many partitions as I could, to get back to its rectangular shape, said Olga. The larger space is also the multifunctional. A bed pulls down from the wall and the small console can be expanded to become a large dining table.