Hello from Newcastle

[Moose]

hello, I'm a first time poster but I've had a good browse around the forum before now (stumbled across it once while googling paint colours) - what a great resource for decorating info and advice!

I'm a Newcastle-based mum of two littlies and I also work part time. We moved up here from Sydney a while ago, into a lovely spacious home (spacious compared to what we were in in Sydney that is) which I have been known to describe as a "blank canvas". Problem is, it's been nearly two years and the canvas is still pretty blank!

I have loads of ideas (I devour magazines and websites like they're going out of fashion) but just not a lot of time unfortunately. For this reason I'm thinking some professional interior design advice and assistance might be good, to move things along a little.

I was wondering if anyone might be able to point me in the direction of an interior designer that works in the Newcastle area? Or provide some pointers on how to find one (other than the obvious yellow pages search - which can be a bit of a gamble).

Really appreciate any advice you can provide.

Thank you!

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Moose and welcome to the Decorating Forum. It's lovely to meet you.:)
We are happy to give you lots of help with decorating your home. But if you are looking at some one on one assistance Emma from Nest Designs (http://nestdesigns.com.au/) offers a service via the internet. She has great ideas on the forum so it would be worth checking out. A lot of Interior Designers do remote work over the internet now so don't feel uncomfortable about doing things this way. Last year I fitted out a beach home from top to toe without ever stepping inside. With some plans and photos it is easily done.
Either way we will help you get some art on to that blank canvas soon:)

[Miss S]

Hello Moose!!!

Welcome - There are so many people here to help you out. I was in the same position as you when i first joined here.

Im also not far from Newcastle either :)

How are you finding the change from City life to Newcastle?

[Moose]

thanks for the welcome!

Must admit I hadn't considered the remote/internet advice option, definitely worth considering. Will have to get my act together and start taking some photos and lining up all my questions. My only fear is that if I start posting questions here I might never stop!

Miss S - our move north has been great. I absolutely loved living in the inner city when it was just two of us - we had a great little (emphasis on little) place and loved the lifestyle, but once kids came along we quickly realised more space and a change of pace was required. At this point in our life Newcastle is great - best of both worlds.

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Moose don't ever worry about asking too many questions. We love helping other people decorate their homes:).
I find the least overwhelming way to tackle a blank canvas is one room at a time. First though do you know what your and your hubbys decorating style is? Have a go at our Decorating Quiz (http://www.decoratingforum.com.au/showthread.php/decorating-style-friday-33.html?t=33&highlight=decorating+quiz). It might help you to define your style. Get your hubby to do it too so you know his taste. Pop your answer on the quiz thread and then we will all be able to refer back to it as we help you turn your blank canvas into a masterpiece:).

[thisisme]

Welcome :)

[Moose]

Hi Julie-Ann, I've actually done that quiz before - came up as vintage modern with a touch of modern elegance, which is not a bad summary of what I tend to like. The thought of my husband doing the quiz makes me laugh though - do they have a category called "Big TV" because that's really all he cares about. Oh, and maybe "Comfy Lounge". ha. I think that's why our canvas has remained blank for so long, I get all enthusiastic but he doesn't join in!

But in all seriousness it would be good to see what he comes up as, even though I know I'd have to drag him to the computer to do it. I shall try!

And yes, one room as a time is definitely the way to go. Too overwhelming otherwise.

[Julie-Ann]

If you have a hubby that only cares about the TV and the couch leave him be and thank your lucky stars:). As long as he is happy for you to organise what you want to do in the house that is all we need. We will keep you motivated:).
So now to decide - which is the first room you want to do?

[Moose]

hmm...I should really get our main open plan living area sorted because that's where we spend so much of our time. But it drives me nuts that our front hall is so sparse and unwelcoming. Maybe that's a good starting point - if I can get two seconds to post a question and a photo!

[Julie-Ann]

The hallway sounds like a plan Moose:thumbs up:.
So yes give us a brief description and a photo or 2 and we can go from there. Best to pop that under the General Decorating Forum:)

[Heartfire At Home]

Hi Moose!!

Woohoo, you're at the start of a great adventure. A whole house to decorate... what fun!

Linda. xox