Going Vintage

So buying a circa 1884 house has it advantages and disadvantages. These houses always have such character, such identities. They are built with much more attention to detail. In a time where it was more important than simply to have a roof over your head, it was worth the extra effort to add those finishing touches.

These houses stand strong, they stand tall, whilst more modern houses within a few years start looking shabby. Those modern houses that already look like they are falling apart. Although they too have their advantages such as in built cupboards and open plan designs.

We have dropped those in built cupboards and open plan living areas for a "cosy" weatherboard with little to no cupboard space.

Our mission; to create a home that builds on the character that it already possesses, to encompass those that came before us but also embraces who we are. We are a little family with big ideas. We want to create our own atmosphere in this house, make it feel "big" and enticing. We have an ever growing list of ideas that we are planning for this house and no idea where to start. Not to mention limited funds. So this is our challenge. I won't speak to much of what we have planned, that will come with time.

So going back to one of those disadvantages; the lack of in built cupboards... We have our eyes on our first target. Initially I was thinking we would go all out and pay $699 for a free standing wardrobe from Ikea (see picture below). This is a good option, we know what we will get, it has it's shelves too and we know it will last a decent period of time. However as we often do, we took a trip to Smythesdale to check out the collectables there. I always see wardrobes around the place at these kind of stores however have never paid much attention to them. We happened to find one of those vintage wardrobes with peg legs, a dark stain and a decent size to add some shelving in. This wardrobe suits the house and is great buy at $20. Not that i know the worth of wardrobes, however it is amazingly priced compared to the alternative we have in mind. As with anything old there is a little work to be done, including treating a section of the wood for borers, fixing the lopsided rail and adding some shelving.

How could you give up a chance for a great vintage piece that costs little to nothing apart from some repairs and maintenance. Why would you pay $699? If we were cashed up I am sure we could get a great vintage style brand spanking new wardrobe at the drop of the hat but alas we are not and won't be in the foreseeable future.

So now we have a little old house and a little old wardrobe.

I am warming to this wrought iron bed frame... I think it would look good with the vintage wardrobe! It's only $339 from Ikea!

 

Downton Abbey kitchen

Mathew and I have been drawn to Downton Abbey and it's dramas in recent times. It is not our usual genre but we have been immersed in its style and characters.

When we looked at this house the kitchen seemed very Downton Abbey-esque; being at the back of the house and therefore quite separate to the lounge and bedrooms. Although this suggests that I am the 'help' to Mathew and Harrison!

It is the room least done up, with very basic cupboards, an old gas ugly oven/stove and cork flooring but has a great old IXL oven. Fingers crossed it works okay as we are hoping that the warmth it can emit will warm the house to a reasonable degree... It will definitely remain the major feature of the room, despite an eventual face lift in the pipes. I really see a lot of potential with this room however unsure as to which style to move with. I would love to make it feel like it is almost outside, pushing the limits with perhaps some interesting indoor/outdoor plants and a great French doors to the little courtyard. I can picture it now however there are some minor obstacles to overcome first, such as how to incorporate a laundry cupboard to close off the impending pile of mess that goes with a laundry and enough cupboard space to support a kitchen. Not to mention the necessities such as a decent size fridge and the dining table!

So once we are in we are sure to get a feel for how it will all go together but the room least fancy I think will become a major centrepiece of the house. Despite this we have made a start on the styling. One thing was for sure our dining table wasn't quite suited. So I have taken a risk and started giving it a country feel by painting it white then sanding it back to make it look worn. It is a much longer process than I was hoping. Amongst working, Honours research and a six year old birthday party to plan it is taking a while. I have almost finished the chairs but still a decent way off to even starting on the table. I also plan to match the dining table by doing the same with the glass cabinet we have.

So far the chairs are looking great, I also have reupholstered the seats in a more suited colour. They were purple, not by choice and now are a light stone grey. I feel the kitchen will be a mix of white, grey, silver and green. Although that is only a feeling at this stage.

I have never attempted something like the before but am happy with how they are looking although I admit I even liked the look of the chairs simply sanded to look more rough. I could have saved myself a lot of trouble and just done that with the lot! Oh well...

I like this idea as a lot of our furniture are similar but not the same, whether it the colour of the wood stain or general style of the piece. Undertaking this revamp means that they are more of a set. I just hope it doesn't look too much. At least the furniture were inexpensive so if I ruin them it won't be the end of the world!

Here is a sneak peek of the chairs so far:

 

In the beginning

This is where we will be in under three months time.

This is the beginning of our little lodgling.