Timber details & a beautiful time of year!

Kitchen

These are the northern windows in the kitchen. You can also see the Eastern windows along the left in the photo. It's such a light-filled space. We're just waiting on the benchtops now - once these are installed, the sink and gas cooktop can go in, and the white splash back tiles can also be put in place. 

Timber details in the living/dining

Dad has been busy opening up the dining area which was previously the kitchen in the back flat. That's the new back door you can see, which will open out onto a beautiful deck which will have a north-eastern aspect. The two doors to the right of this are currently the bathroom and toilet (of the former back flat). These separate rooms will eventually be opened up and extended - and this area will become a lounge/living. You can also see a low timber podium which Dad has custom built to conceal some necessary bracing. I love these unique timber details and think they add lovely character to a home. 

Here's a close up of that timber podium - all made from recycled timber removed from other areas... This will all end up being painted white. 

What a beautiful time of year

The Jacaranda in the backyard is fully out in bloom at the moment and is just exquisite... The neighbours up the back had 5 advanced Canadian Maples brought in this week - you can just see their greenery behind the Jacaranda. They will form a glorious backdrop. 

Took this pic of the south-eastern corner of the backyard. That bougainvillea in the neighbour's yard is so striking! I have dug out a garden bed in that corner and hope to start planting it up tomorrow. 

Summer around the corner

Summer is well and truly on its way. It is a balmy Sunday night after a hot day and the cicadas are in full tune! 

The garden is really greening up and the bare root roses that I planted only about 6 weeks ago are now in full bloom. That was quick!

It's lovely to be able to pick fresh roses for family and friends. Mum and Dad have the first bunch of this season. The smell is devine. 

The Jacaranda tree in the backyard is also starting to flower... always a signal that end-of-year uni exams are on their way. 

The new house up the back is looking beautiful too. It reminds me of a Cape Cod style home, so I think my 'Cape Cod' (Adirondack) chairs look just right against the fence. The neighbours have planted a row of English Poplars along the fence line which are just starting to pop their heads up... and the Star Jasmine that Mum and Dad planted with the criss-cross wires is flowering. 

Here's to a good week for all :)

Opening up... Kitchen & Dining

The kitchen floor tiles have now been grouted and the oven and dishwasher are in. All that's left to do in the kitchen now is the bench tops, gas cooktop and splash back. Exciting!

Dad has started removing the wall between the dining area and (what will be) the new lounge/living. 

BEFORE - This photo was taken from (what used to be) the kitchen of the back flat. The old retro sink was removed from the left of this photo (and sold to a guy at work who is going to install it as an outdoor sink). 

AFTER - The old timber casement windows have been removed (and some will be re-used as fixed panels in the new walk-in-robe in the master bedroom), and the cupboards and bench top are now gone. 

What a difference it makes already!

This photo is taken looking the other way - from (what will be) the new lounge/living to the dining area. The floor in this living and dining area will end up being carpeted. 

We will be shopping for the gas cooktop in the next few days. 

Enjoy your long weekend!