Kitchen bench tops are in

The kitchen bench tops were installed this morning and we're really pleased with them... a lovely fresh white with subtle fleck through it. 

The installers said they couldn't believe how little time it took them to install the bench tops as Dad's preparation with the cabinetry was spot on :) (though not surprising!)

The only things left to do in the kitchen now are the tiled splash back behind the cooktop, and the plumbing. 

Feeling very excited at the prospect of using the new kitchen fairly soon!.. will definitely be a great opportunity to put it to use at Christmas time. 

I also planted a second 'Little Gem' Magnolia near the shed recently. Photos to come :)

Dining area progress & little pieces of history

Preparing for painting/floor covering

The dining area has had down lights installed, timber laminate floorboards removed and the walls prepared for painting. It looks so light and fresh. This limewashed timber hutch has been built in to the wall and it fits perfectly in this space. Our plan is to paint the walls white and lay some sort of natural sisal/Berber carpet. 

This was taken from the dining area looking back up the hallway towards the front of the house. Eventually, the new front door will be built at the end of the hall creating a central entrance on the front of the house. 

Little pieces of history

It has been interesting along the way to uncover little pieces of the past. This old business card (for 'Mr T. (Jack) Lucht - Tree lopping, allotment clearing, rubbish removal, truck for hire, also tractor and slasher'), newspaper clipping and handwritten note were all uncovered from behind walls or under floor coverings... and they are in such good condition! It feels special and quite intriguing to uncover these hidden little 'gems' and wonder about the history of the house. 

Garden bliss

The yard continues to evolve and I am getting so much satisfaction from planting new garden beds and watching things grow. I dug out this garden in the back south-eastern corner. The Murrayas at the back will form a green backdrop against the fence, with a 'Little Gem' Magnolia in the middle and a low Japanese Box hedge in front. We just need a good downpour now to keep it happy!

Meanwhile the Jacarandas seem to just get better and better this year! They are so beautiful. 

Here's to a good week for all :)