29 April, 2013

Palatial House Love...

 
House on Oyster River (Cape Cod). Polhemus Savery Dasilva.
 
Incredible setting. Aquidneck Properties  
 
 
Atherton residence, Utah. Markay Johnson Construction.
 
 
Scott Currie’s Hamptons home in Elle Décor.
 
 
 
Vineyard farmhouse, VA. Barnes Vanze Architects.
 
 
Amongst my increasing addiction to pinning - great to do when waiting for pretty much anything... I recently came across a couple of wonderful Pin boards that I have now started following, see pinterest for 'Alex Corvin' pin board - 'Home', and Suzanne Boy,  and wanted to share these stunning Palatial Homes with you that I have added to my 'House Love' Pin board HERE Palatial Living Pinterest - you can also follow my pins via Twitter @PalatialLiving
 
I'm sure if you too subscribe to the Palatial Living aesthete and ethos that you'll fall in lobe with these houses too!
Enjoy,
 
 
 
images via pinterest - alex corvin, Suzanne boy and elle décor, tumblr.

20 April, 2013

Birthday Wishes xx

April is such a big birthday month in our families. Amongst my husband and I we have all 3 Grandmothers, our Goddaughter, and our own gorgeous Daughter in almost row... Do you have month of birthdays that happens almost all at once too?
 
So today...
We have two very special birthdays today in our family fold, my Grandmother - from mum's side, whom I call simply 'Mum' a nickname too long to explain, also known as Nana to others in the family. We send you much love for a wonderful Happy 86th Birthday today x We love you so very much, and wish for you many wonderful happy & healthy days ahead for years to come.
 
Another special birthday today belongs to the other side of it all - our beautiful god-daughter, Charlotte, who turns a big no.4 today! For such a sweet, clever, beautiful little girl - whom we are always proud to be a special part in your life no matter who big or small. We love you & wish you a very Happy Big Girl 4th Birthday x
 
For each side of the birthday age spectrum each special in it's own right, and each seems to approach with gusto and speed each year!
If you have a family member or special friend's birthday today I hope you have a chance to wish them well, send them love and help to celebrate with them.
Enjoy,
 
 
image via pinterest
 

18 April, 2013

Many Happy Returns... Happy Birthday Grandma x


Wishing my Grandma, Sarah, a true matriarch of my Dad's side, a very, very, very 
Happy Birthday today.
A milestone each year, this one is her 93rd.
We wish & send you love and prayers for a year ahead of great health,
the same grande humour, amazing gusto & spirit.
You are an integral part of my - our- life.
We love you so very much - always.

 
image via pinterest via denise mares

Palatial Paint Prowess...

 
Zigzag Chevron
Tap into the chevron trend and apply the pattern to your walls or another surface. Creating a precise chevron pattern requires a bit of math. Click the link below to learn how to measure and map out a chevron design.
 
 
Awash in White
   This simple faux finish technique adds depth and pattern to plain wood floors and works best on light woods. Start with unfinished wood or flooring that has been sanded to remove all of the existing finish.
 
Tone-on-Tone Stenciling
Stenciling brings pattern to walls and an interesting break from solid hues.
 
Houndstooth Pattern
Add this pattern to your walls for a statement that is both timeless and trendy. Houndstooth is a classic design, while the oversize scale and bright colours of this application keeps it fresh. 
 
Perfect Patina
Give a piece of wood furniture a distressed finish.
This simple technique uses paint, sandpaper, and a few basic supplies.
 
Kitchen Floor Stencil
Put pattern underfoot by stenciling your floor. Click the link below to see how to stencil a floor and get the free pattern used in this project.Get the floor stenciling how-to. 
 

Lighter than Lace
Brighten a basic solid-color lamp base with delicate motifs. A white oil-paint marker is the perfect tool to put your sketches in the spotlight. Draw simple spirals and interlocking paisley or flower patterns for an intricate look. Start at the top and work your way down for the best results.
----------------------------------------------------
 I truly believe that paint can change [almost] anything - be it a fresh coat on the walls, an update of a door or trim, or a change up for some old furniture. Here are some fabulous tips on where you can add a new look, with a creative approach, in an inexpensive way... I found some great ideas via BHG.com , HGTV, Elle Décor, and Pinterest, and had to share them with you.
I particularly love the chevron wall  - great for an office, or a children's teen room; and especially loving the tonal stencil-ing on the timber floor, I think this is a great technique when done in simple pattern by the home DIY-er, and if you're looking for a more of intricate pattern then think about hiring a professional stencil painter to apply it for you - it will be worth it! I love the floor stencil design a little while back I saw on 'Million Dollar Decorators' in the amazing home renovation of Designer Mary McDonald
What's your favourite way to decorate and update with paint?
Love to hear from you.
Enjoy,
 
Blue and white chevron floors by Mary McDonald

 Ashley floor stencil picture via  Design Sponge
images via StyleWatch 221 Vision, Design Sponge, Pinterest, & BHG, HGTV

11 April, 2013

House Snoop... Palatial Home with Historic Beauty.





 
 
 
This beautiful Palatial home located on Sydney's Upper North Shore suburb of Wahroonga, although now sold, is located just around the corner from my home and I often pass it when walking to and from Wahroonga Village, the station and talking our dogs from a stroll... It is as pretty as these pictures - to use a big cliche-  if not more so in real life, and has a significant design and architectural historical aspect to it. It was named 'Cullingral' circa 1920, and designed by Architect Alfred Hale, who was also the architect responsible for the iconic Bathers Pavilion [Balmoral Sydney, amongst other notable structures through the North Shore of Sydney. I think I have mentioned this before - I always love to see the interiors and rear yards of these stunning homes that I often pass and admire...a little [snoop] window!
This property was also represented by a friend [also an old school friend] Residential Sales Executive Belinda Edwards, of Mcconnell Bourn and her colleague Andy Howden. Belinda & I recently got back in contact with one another when we literally bumped into each other in Wahroonga Village almost a year ago - she also lives not far from us in Wahroonga amongst other coincidence we later found out also -such a small lovely world! Aside from knowing Belinda - I have always found that Mcconnell Bourn represents many of the most gorgeous properties on the North & Upper North Shore...
I particularly love their 'Boutique' Magazine , which you can view online also, that is both inspirational and highly aspirational!
Hope you enjoy this
beautiful Palatial Living House Snoop...
 


Agent's Blurb...
 
Timeless character residence with pool and tennis courtm 'Cullingral' circa 1920, understated grandeur showcases this stunning family home of exemplary calibre, offering timeless elegance and spacious accommodations, set on 2194sqm approx level grounds moments from wahroonga village and rail.
Designed by Alfred Hale, architect for the Bathers Pavillion [Balmoral Sydney], the home features outstanding architectural details, grand proportions, soaring coffered ceilings, intricate leadlight, french doors, transoms, craftsman panelling, bay windows, fretwork, deep skirtings, polished wood floors, elegant symmetrical facade, covered porch entry and central vestibule leading to formal rooms and
grand formal lounge and adjoining formal dining both with open fireplaces, french doors flowing to verandah... and so much more.
  • north facing family living/dining opening to pool and garden, plus large media/rumpus
  • modern refined country kitchen, open plan to casual living, marble counter tops, walk in pantry, european appliances including gas cooktop and electric oven
  • five bedrooms, all with built in robes, plus sizeable study or 6th bedroom, elegant master bedroom opening to private veranda and offering ensuite bathroom
  • four generous bathrooms, elegant styling, full family bathroom with separate bath and shower
  • entertaining verandah and bbq patio with gaspoint
  • championship north/south tennis court [located at the front of the property] with all-weather surface
  • sparkling inground pool with ideal north aspect
  • manicured gardens with traditional plantings
  • double carport with semi-circular drive
  • multiple storage rooms throughout plus attic storage, wine cupboards, internal laundry with outdoor access
  • back to base alarm, security intercom, central gas heating plus ducted reverse cycle air conditioning
  • easy 12 minute walk to wahroonga rail and village shopping, stroll to abbotsleigh and knox, short commute to barker and other quality north shore schooling
               disclaimer: all information contained herein is gathered from sources we believe reliable. we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, however we cannot guarantee it. you must rely upon your own inquiries as to its accuracy or otherwise.
 
 
images & subtext via www.mcconnellbourn.com.au

09 April, 2013

Get Your Curb Appeal - On! Part 1: Focal Point.

 
 
 
 Make the Front Door Special
Spruce up your front door with a coat of glossy paint in whatever color best suits the style of your home. A cottage-style house may look great with a country blue door, a Colonial may be crying out for a cheerful red door. As long as it's fresh and not too trendy, it'll attract positive attention. Make sure the door doesn't squeak when it opens, too!

 In a Day
Replace old hardware
House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home's exterior. If they're out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.
 
 
In A Weekend 
Install a New Screen Door
A lot of homes are fitted with inexpensive aluminium screen doors that hide an attractive entry door. Newer screen-door designs offer larger glass panels, sturdier frames, and more colour choices. If you don't have a screen door, paint the entry door with an accent paint colour or clear varnish on wood.
 
 
In a Month
Upgrade railings
Porch and stoop railings can deteriorate quickly if not treated properly. If your railings are past their prime, look for quality wood or metal components to replace the existing material. As with other improvements attached directly to the house, make sure the color, scale, design, details, and material are compatible with the home's main features.

 
Paving-Stone Path
Mixing different kinds of stone and other materials creates a unique pathway that fits perfectly into any landscape. The goal is to create a pleasing blend and contrast between the materials used. For example, full or broken pieces of cut stone can be combined with fieldstone and gravel to create attractive pathways.
No matter the design, material, and shape, guests will marvel at the care, attention to detail, and amount of time that went into construction. This handsome and durable paving-stone pathway makes a great addition to any yard.
---------------------------------------------------- 
 
Something close to my heart & my styling -colour design business Verandah Home & Garden Living Solutions is helping my pre-sale property styling clients in getting their place on 'The Path to Sold'!
Nothing can affect your property more than it's presentation when getting prepared to put it to market to sell. Presenting your home to its optimal level means starting from the curb and making your way in... both the exterior and interior need to work together in order to meet market expectations, to get your marketing campaign, agent appraisal, inspection footfall and ultimately offers on your property & SOLD!
Hope you enjoy these little tid-bits on curb appeal - part 1; more to follow in several more parts in the next coming days...
.
If you or someone you know needs a design professional in preparation for selling a property be it owner occupied or tenanted - then be sure to contact me, Sarah, at Verandah Home & Garden Living Solutions, info@verandahhomeliving.biz for examples of our work please visit www.verandahhomeliving.biz Look forward to helping sell your property.
Enjoy,  
 
 
images and sub text from bhg.com

03 April, 2013

just a little note x


No need to say anything else...
Thinking of you.


 
image via pinterest, twitter @palatialiving pinterest