If you’ve ever attempted a semi-small renovation, you’ll understand when I say that it’s the final stages that seem to drag on forever. I think it’s because with demo work, the results are virtually instantaneous – here’s a wall and now it’s gone. But the fiddly bits don’t have such instant visual gratification for me and I really have to push through to see my vision come to life… Continue reading
Tag: tiling
THROWBACK THURSDAY – FIRST BATHROOM RENO
Pretty in pink
Many moons ago, well six years ago to be exact, I attempted my very first bathroom update. It all stemmed from the fact the 1960s steel window in my unit needed to be replaced. It didn’t have a latch so swung freely in the breeze thus becoming a potential danger should it drop off its rusted hinges and fall onto someone below.
The Body Corporate arranged it’s replacement. Unfortunately, the man who undertook the work was a) like a bull in a China shop, and b) sleazy/creepy crawly. (Note to self – this is one time I wished a male friend was present). Continue reading
GROUT & ABOUT: A guide to grouting
Grouting is one of the easiest DIY tasks to master. With just a few tools and tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Before you head to the hardware store, here are a few things to consider:
- The size of your tile joints – ensure you buy a grout suitable to the size of your tile joint.
- The tile you are using it with – there are different products available for different materials such as natural stone and marble.
- If you need a grout that combats mould – great for use in wet areas such as bathrooms.
- If you need a flexible grout for areas where there’s movement in the wall/floor.
- Premixed v’s powder – the premixed usually costs a little more but it saves you a bit more time and fuss. I usually go powdered.
NO MORE JUNK
The bricked-up fireplace had been opened up again, the hole in the floor covered and the wall patched but my work here was just beginning. The trims needed to be freed of the hideous maroon stain/paint and the ceiling and walls were flaking. Oh and a cast-iron fire surround and mantle needed to be sourced. Deep breaths…
Continue reading
BATH TIME – ROUND 2
I love tiling. There I said it. I’m not afraid to admit it. This is the part of the reno that I enjoy… until it gets to the hard bits. The bathroom is small and does not get a lot of natural light so I decided to stick with lighter colours to reflect back as much light as possible. I had lusted after small grey hexagon marble tiles I had seen used in the States many moons ago but I just couldn’t afford them. (Check out my tile tip under Tips & Tricks!)
Instead I went completely off my own brief and chose what was a relatively new product back then – ceramic “floor boards” for the floors. This was in keeping with the relaxed beachy feel I was going for in the house.
NIPPY TILE TIPPY
There are so many options/directions you can take in tiles so if you have a look or feel or even better, a reference, take it with you when you visit your big local tile store.
BUT once you’ve decided on a tile and it’s a more “common” variety, go home and do some research. Shop around. Yes, you may have to travel a little further to grab a bargain but if you are like me and working to a budget of next-to-nothing, then a little time and effort can save you big bucks. I saved a few hundred dollars on my subway tiles just but shopping around.
girl up a ladder 