Tuesday 30 October 2012

Clever bathroom storage idea

A clever bathtub storage idea! I wouldnt be able to have storage along the full length because my sink cabinet will be in the way, but perhaps I can do something similar which is adapted to suit the space that I have.

Monday 29 October 2012

Chilly morning

As a slight change of scenery from my flat; here are some photos of the lovely Georgian windows at Alex's. Single glazed windows aren't the most thermally efficient, but they sure do look pretty when the sun shines through them on a chilly morning when the warmth from inside has condensed on the panes.

Sunday 28 October 2012

Kitchen Countertop

Here are some photos of my new Silestone (reconstituted stone) kitchen countertop. The colour is Kensho Grey, in matt 'leather' finish and Im super pleased with the result. The countertop installation meant the gas hob and kitchen tap could also be installed. Yay!

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Happy Birthday Philippa!

Hey Cutie... Hope you have a wonderful day!

Monday 22 October 2012

Happy Birthday Muz!

I couldnt decide which photo you would like best, so lucky you - you get two birthday photos! Wishing you a happy happy day. xo Julia

Sunday 21 October 2012

Bathroom Floor Option - Porcelain Mosaic Tiles

These porcelain mosaic tiles are super thin, unlike their marble versions which are a good 8mm thick minimum. This is a key plus for me as I want to avoid a big step up from the existing floor level into the bathroom. If I went with something like this, I might just about be able to achieve a level threshold when I replace the existing floorboards with plywood. I've ordered samples in various shades of grey for consideration.

Saturday 20 October 2012

Bathroom Floor Option - Herringbone floor tiles

Now that my roof leak has finally been sorted out, Ive been trying to find time to finish up the design of the bathroom.

Although I really love the look of the painted wood the floorboards, they havent weathered well in the wet environment since I painted them about 2 years ago and the flaking paint is a constant annoyance. Ive decided therefore that I need to consider something more durable. I love how easy it is to clean the new rubber floor that i put down in the toilet room (See previous post from Wednesday July 11th, 2011 under Bathrooms) but Id like to try out something new. I've already made a few posts on hexagon mosaic tiles, but I saw these herringbone mosaic tiles in Cararra marble and thought they were really nice too as another option.

Friday 19 October 2012

New capping stones

Here is a before and after photo of the parapet capping stones. The old ones were cracked and split, and didnt project far enough over the brick wall below (which is now bowed and curved because of subsidence years ago), thereby exposing it more to dripping water. Additionally the lead flashing wasnt properly tucked in beneath the capping stones so water could just slide in. Over time these issues lead to the water penetration into my flat along the side wall.

Torn lead in the box gutter and an improperly connected downpipe from the gutter lead to further leaks above the living room window after the timber lintle rotted and sagged, while missing mortar between the bricks lead to the last set of leaks above the kitchen window. The scaffold has finally come down, and I've stayed nice and dry throughout the autumn rains. Phew!

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Final Roof Inspections

On the weekend I made my final inspection of the roof repairs and re-pointed brickwork so this week the scaffold can come down at last. While I was up there I took another skyline shot as you really can see everything! (From left) St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, The Gherkin, and Canary Wharf

Monday 8 October 2012

Happy Canadian Thanks Giving!

Happy Canadian Thanks Giving fellow Canadians! Here is a pretty autumn view in nearby Ruskin Park that I took on Sunday before hosting a roast dinner for 10!

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Happy Birthday Dad!

Hope you have a brilliant day. xo