Newbie

[maverick]

Hi - I am a fellow Perthite. I have a love for all things involving Interior Design. I love that you are all speaking my language (paints, furnishings and fabrics) and that this forum is local!

Me - 38 yr old Mum of 3 littles (12,8 and 4). I am an RN who works part-time as my gorgeous hubby works away.

I have always loved interior design, it is my biggest regret in life that I did not study something I am so passionate about. My parents always said to me - interior design is not a career - and I listened, took the practical option and became an RN. On a positive note I now always say to my children, when you go to university make sure you do something you love!

At the moment I am in the midst of several projects - so hoping for some ideas and advice.

I am wanting to spruce up our back yard a little, by adding some built in rendered seating - a little more paving and lighting. We are also redesigning our front yard and I'm completely at a loss - although thinking new front door , some new funky outdoor lights - but the garden has me stumped.

Inside - I have purchased a beautiful pedestal table and 6 chairs (gumtree) and would like them painted in white semi gloss and reupholstered (everyone I mention this to gasps in horror! I am open to great suggestions. Rugs - unfortunately the U.S sell the only rugs I like

Lighting - thinking drum pendant for over the dining. Something stunning in the hallway and similar again at the front door as you walk in. Not chandalier - but sparkly and gorgeous will work.

Anyways - I could blabber on forever! Thats me, Maverick x

[rosierose]

Hey Mav!!!!
Great to meet you.............you can come onto my imaginary buying trips to the US............the rugs here are fugly or exxy but US rugs so lovely.....

We can't wait to hear about your projects and get your input..................................

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Maverick it's lovely to meet you. It's great to meet another Perthite.
You sound like you are very busy with your renovating and decorating. I am no expert on gardens but I am happy to chat about possible options with you. Oh and by the way when you said you want to paint the furniture white - I didn't even blink. That sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea to me.
We would love to see pictures of the table in it's before state.
Well I hope you have lots of fun chatting with us here

[maverick]

Sorry - it's been so long ladies! I guess I feel a little overwhelmed with all the projects I have on the go and don't know where to start!

Currently we are about to commence re landscaping our front/back yard. Just awaiting quotes.

Also having our gutters/fascia painted - as after 7 years the paint has oxidised a little and looks tired. Managed to find a new external front door with glass panels (gumtree $50) which we will get painted and hang as well. We have timber bifolds that will be restained and varnished.

Have also purchased a 2mx2m daybed (gumtree) which needs some sanding and painting. Have found an online store called Fab Outdoor Fabrics that can custom sew covers - so will get foam cut to size and get a cover made.

My table and chairs that I mentioned earlier that I purchased (Gumtree) - I want to either stain it a really dark blacky brown or get it painted black. I was going to do this myself, but it is an extension table and I don't want to botch it, and the chairs have detailing at the top that again, I don't want to botch up! Has anyone used a professional spray painter before that they could recommend? I have had one quote and for the table and 6 chairs it was $1300! I think though this would achieve the best finish. Also I have been overwhelmed by fabric choices - and can't decide what way to go. I really love the classic look of Imperial Trellis or Chevron but I fear it will date quickly, and my husband may just kill me! Will try and attach photos - would love to hear some ideas.

Have also been painting our back timber lap fence - it has really freshened things up. My girls have also had tonsillitis twice in the last 6 weeks - so have had plenty to keep me busy! Sorry for the delay between posts,

Mav.

[maverick]

Sorry - had to upload photos to photobucket first!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1910.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1909.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1907.jpg

Hope that works! Isn't the pedestal base awesome?

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Maverick wow you have been busy. I hope your girls are feeling better now.
That dining suite has got the bones to look fantastic. I love the idea of it painted black. I used this company several years ago and we were very happy with the work. Not only get a quote from them but go into their workroom and have a look at the furniture they are working on. That will give you an idea on the quality of their work.
I agree the trellis pattern will likely date- as stunning as it is. Although reupholstering chairs is not too difficult. So if you feel comfortable doing it yourself go for something vibrant and now. If not then choose something more neutral that will last longer.
Let us know how you get on with the painter.

[Julie-Ann]

Oh we would love to see your daybed too if you have a picture.
What colour are the gutters being painted?

[maverick]

Julie - the gutter colour is called Pacific Line by Dulux - it is a bit darker than the original colour as I have had extra black added. My new front door will be painted in this colour too.
Do you have an upholsterer you use? I have never attempted it - but would like to (oh the many hours I have spent gazing at the before and afters on Design Sponge) - but I'm too scared I will ruin the piece!
I am also in the market for a new rug for under my dining table - the old table was square - so the rug was square. My new dining table is round - do I buy a round rug, or a smaller square rug?
Will try and add some pics of daybed/fence painting and kids cubby painting! I'm off to Bunnings - to buy more fence paint, a few plants and who knows what else I'll come home with!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1913.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1912.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1915.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...1/IMG_1914.jpg
Have included a pic of my front door - and the benches it is resting between are also my $15 gumtree find! Hoping to sand them back and paint two the same colour as the guttering/door and one a fire engine red.
Mav

[a.norton]

Hi and welcome Maverick!

Regarding your outdoor area, have you got a cover for your entertainment space? If you don't, and for future resale value have at look at these! http://www.pacificshades.com.au/master.php They are fantastic. I used to work for The Outdoor Furniture Specialists and we used to sell these. They will add so much more value than just a patio roof and considering price they are great! Don't be put off by the colour, you can choose the colour of the pole, the colour of the canopy (olefin) and whether you want a valance or not. We had a Royal Blue one outside the front of the store, and if you are aware royal blue is the worst possible colour in the direct sun. After 10 years the colour had not changed/faded at all. They are wind rated and incredibly stable, some will withstand a cyclone whilst open! Well worth that investment.

Also, whilst working for The Outdoor Furniture Specialists we always had questions regarding outdoor cushions and fabrics. As we did not offer a custom order option we always suggested Fab Outdoor Fabrics. They are great although make sure ask about delivery/shipping costs, they are quite exxy because they are so bulky. Also, do your research on the cushion (the filling. Dacron is the best for outdoor that I know of. It allows the water (rain or pool) to drain through it, and it doesn't deteriorate in the UV, heat, pool chlorine or pool salt. If your spending that amount on new cushions you want the to last. Although it is well worth looking into outdoor storage boxes too, so they will absolutely last with no doubt.

Regarding the front of your house can you please post pictures? I have a few ideas although they really depend on the style of house, and the age etc. Also, take a look around the neighborhood.

[Julie-Ann]

Maverick I used this company several years ago and were thrilled with the work. Mario can be a little hard to understand but he does a wonderful job.
You could have either a round or square rug under your new table. Just have it large enough that when people are sitting at the table all 4 legs of their chairs are on the rug.
I can't wait to see these projects come together. When you finish them post us after pictures under the relevant forums (Living & Dining Forum etc) so we all get to see them.