Thursday 29 May 2014

Light Box | ArchitectureAU

In the world of Architecture and Interior Design so often the appeal of the new and bold often overshadows a space that is 'people' friendly.



I think this rather radical extension in Melbourne answers both quite easily.  Although it would take a little while to get used to being able to see up through the ceiling and into the second storey.



Light Box | ArchitectureAU



It also is a great example of a modern minimalist interior and how it works in with your own personality.

Friday 21 February 2014

Time to Sell!

Recent clients from Bulimba decided to throw a curve ball part way through their renovations.  Originally contacting us to assist with the renovations of their apartment in Bulimba after some water damage was repaired.

As always, during the initial consultation, we discussed the long term plans and they let me know they were probably going to sell in a couple of years, but wanted to enjoy their newly decorated home in the meantime.  Something we decorators need to know when planning the re-design.

So it started.  The overall scheme was selected taking into consideration the timber floors and four favourite photographs.  The photographs were of a glacier in Alaska taken whilst on a vacation.  Now taking pride of place in the dining room.

Lexicon White walls with half strength ceilings.  All the trims painted the same tint to keep the clean, uninterrupted lines.  This cool white was used to help offset the warmth from the timber floors.


As the kitchen was in great shape all that was required was a replacement benchtop from the original dark blue laminate to a new pale grey granite.  Thus bringing this unit up to the same standard as the rest in the complex.

The curve ball then arrived.  In one week the clients went from not selling to wanting the place on the market and sold within a couple of months.  Luckily all that was required to do so was the final dressing, styling and photography and then the detailed list of how to dress the apartment for the real estate inspections.



The view encompassing the river and city didn't need any enhancing, just dressing up the large balcony to make it an inviting and relaxing space.


As well as the new carpet that was laid through the three bedrooms, new placement of artworks and a couple of new cushions and the bedrooms were done!


The end result?  The owners were able to travel while their home was on the market as the styling was done and the realtor know how to best show the property.  

The only downside being they were unable to enjoy their renovations for very long...

Sunday 2 February 2014

It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since I last posted here, but that doesn't mean that things haven't been happening in the world of Gem'Appelle Designs.  Here is a little of what has been going on for the past year...

Probably the main part of the year has been taken up with the development and implementation of the 'Art & Design Precinct'.  This is the art gallery that I have started.  It is located in an old warehouse in West End, down near the river.  It all came about after a discussion with artist Michelle Bowden and how we could work with local artists in hiring art when Dressing Homes for Sale.


In line with the gallery, our office has now taken up residency within this space.  We have slowly been moving out of the Party-plan retail scene while building a permanent retail outlet here.  Our products are displayed on the shelves and are available as you buy them.  We still have the range of Logan and Mason Linen, Canningvale Towels, Cushions, Serenity candles and more.  As there are also other small businesses having their products available, we can offer a wider and more diverse range and assistance with tying the whole look together.

Over the past couple of years I have also undergone training with John Cunningham in Kitchen Design.  Hence the brand new Kitchen showroom also within the Art Gallery.  We can now design and supply your dream kitchen, unique to your requirements.  It doesn't stop there though.  Don't forget your bathrooms, laundry's, wardrobes and more with access to a Brisbane cabinet maker for the supply of the cabinets we are able to design for all of your cabinet needs.

With the Art Gallery being open 6 days a week, closed Mondays, there is no excuse not to drop in, grab a coffee or cold drink and have a chat about your next renovation project and how we can help you.

Talk soon...

Grant