The current spate of renovating shows has inspired me to rediscover my renovating mojo.
Long time readers of mine will remember blog posts from our previous reno – 7 years worth of them, in fact.
It was my second ever big renovation project, although probably the biggest I’d ever undertaken. It involved gutting and rebuilding every single section of the house, one room at a time, whilst restoring and rebuilding it. Whilst living in it, raising a family, running a business and holding down a teaching job. Which explains the 7 years! Fond memories of cooking, washing and even showering outdoors for months- well, you get the idea.
In the end, though, it was a success. We moved from this to this and sold at quite a respectable amount.
Like the houses on ‘The Block’, this old girl was a period home (as period as is possible in Brisbane – an early 1940s build with several add-ons over the years); an old workers cottage which had all the original external features of weatherboards, timber windows, etc ripped off and replaced with aluminium and asbestos somewhere in the early 60s. Inside, the timber floors were covered with rotting carpets, VJs were missing or covered, and he toilet and laundry were still out the back. It was a long renovation process but very worthwhile.
Moving into our current renovation project was a different job altogether. An early 80′s brick build, partially renovated by someone in a shabby-not-chic fashion in order to sell quickly. We have lots of early 80′s ‘features’ that we are slowly replacing and removing. I’ve had to change my whole approach and feel to home decor as well. I have always been a ‘period gal‘ (that doesn’t sound right!) and love antiques, vintage items, English china and all things old. Moving here I found myself confronted – and caught up – in a more modern façade. The 2 did not blend well, at first. But 18 months on I have found my niche – a comfortable blend of old meets new, Hamptons beach house nestled happily alongside key antiques and old pieces, served by selected modern and new, with some Island living casual relaxed items for a twist. It’s slowly coming together, bit by bit.
Yes, I need to update some photos, and I promise to do that soon(ish).
But back to the mojo issue. Shows like ‘The Block’, Top Design, Grand Designs – all get my blood racing. And in the recent years glut of food TV, (which I adore being a foodie), the blood has not been racing with creative home design as much as it has raced with blood sugar levels. And in order to accommodate all the cooking (OK and the eating) that food TV inspires, well, one must get moving. Which for me, is where Renovating TV is the perfect antidote for too many macarons.
The Block could be the Weight Watchers for Masterchef Lovers.
Watch it, cook it, eat it. Watch it, grab a hammer, rip off a few walls, burn a few calories. Rinse off, fall into bed, rest and repeat.
Sounds like a perfect match to me.
