Substance over size
Firstly, for the love of God, don’t be offended!!! I admit this is not a welcoming and fluffy opening, but if you like a little ruffling of the feathers, read on!
Many fall guilty of desiring the following (including myself - so please hold back on the hate). This is just a collection of thoughts and possibly even an encouragement to think a little differently (again-speaking to myself).
When it comes to building or renovating, maybe we could move more with the gut instinct and quiet voice we’ve been hearing. Muffled and murmuring in the deep, but repressing.
The alternative is scary and the complete opposite to social norms. But shake that off! Be true to yourself and recognise what you actually need to be happy and fulfilled……. like really fulfilled. Not what you ‘think’ fulfilled is, but deep joy and contentment.
Possibly less?
This all stems from my constant battle with budgets. The expense is spent on the size (unused size and space), with no coin left for the things that help a house feel like a home. Beyond its inhabitants are the nuanced decorations and adornments with opportunity for personalisation. Vast space tells me nothing of the people that live there. No stories told in a spare bedroom. Never much of a vibe in a media room.
A bedroom for each of the kids? Have them bunk in. Tell late night stories together, fight over belongings and draw a line down the middle of the room differentiating the ownership - cross the tape and you die! Keep each other company. Some of my fondest memories with my older sister are the shenanigans we got up to in our bedroom usually late at night or before the birds woke.
Do you actually need a butlers pantry and a second sink? STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE!! I often hear, “I need lots of storage in my kitchen” or “a walk -in-pantry”. What are you preparing for? Are you planning on hosting a wedding needing 3 dinner sets and 6 styles of fluted wine glasses and 57 vases? Are you collecting for an underground doomsday bunker?
I get it! Trust me I do! I swoon and covet these kitchens but let’s stop and really think about what we need….
6 bathrooms? For a family of 4? Maybe try a beautiful two way bathroom/ensuite (when I say beautiful….. stunning, like wow!) with a second outdoor shower (no tiles or glass screens required) - cheaper than a second bathroom! And maybe a second loo in a WC or in the laundry. Why do you need more than that?
Here’s a thought.
Imagine being able to save on size, keeping it simple but with budget left over to have authentic, quality and classic materials and finishes that will be stunning for more than a lifetime. Timber windows, natural stone benchtops that will age with stories and patina from parties. Limestone flooring that will wear and show the path of Dad as he powers down the hallway and routinely unloads. Your home will be so perfectly suited to you that you won’t want to leave. Why worry about resale? Make it a forever home! There is so much value in that. Have you ever wandered down the hallway of a heritage home loved and lived in? It can breathe all on its own. The plaster walls and worn wallpaper tell stories. The worn away skirting boards on the corners show red scuffs from kids riding around the halls on little red trikes.
I understand this may all be pie in the sky and possibly a little pollyanna. But let’s try and turn the normal on its head. I would love to have a property portfolio one day but there is so much treasure in building a home…….. not just a house.
Forever. Get it right the first time. Start small and nail it! Do what you can afford and do it exceptionally! If the family grows, you should have space left on the block to extend, or go up. Not a new concept but a good one.
Peace x
Products I’m loving
My latest obsession - Red Travertine
The most divine natural stone that I can’t get out of my mind. Too soft for the kitchen bench top but perfect for a wall cladding, vanity, flooring and best news…..really affordable. Geez louise I love it. I am not a red lover usually but this is giving extra vibes and major love!
I just wanted to share my inspo tunes for today - a lil more poppy than my usual but sweet and pretty on this summery morning.