Tanya Bianchi from The Creative Home shares her story behind a creative Renaissance Renovation, the challenges and the amazing outcome.
Going solo on a renovation of a 5 bedroom house seemed to many of my friends and family members, a mammoth task. Yes, it was the whole house, yes, a had never done this kind of thing before, yes, it was a creative renovation, no, I wasn’t aware of flow charts or time lines BUT!!.. I had a clear vision and uncertainty or maybes just hadn’t come into my mind. In this area of my life at least, I was completely focused on making my dream a reality.
I wouldn’t call it a renovation (although that is really what it was in the true sense) but more a restoration, as I wanted to create a breezy, coastal kind of traditional Italian villa. I was blessed to find two incredible builders (Ocean Beach Construction) who shared my vision and passion and were also skilled carpenters, as certain things like arches and architraves had to be made on site. I enjoyed making endless cups of coffee, cakes and pizzas as they worked solidly through those six months and I was sorry to say good-bye as they had become good friends of mine. I spent time after work and long into the night finding things I needed online like tiles on auction, the best deals and sales for many of the items for the house, traditional vanities, lights and tap fittings from America, a fire place from Melbourne and so on.
It gives me great delight when I flick the switch and the log fire is ablaze and deliciously indulgent.. well it seems to me anyway!
I began the renovation in early July 2014 and finished the house early that December. Yes, I could do more, buy more, design more, spend more, but for now I am enjoying my home which really has exceeded my expectations. Summer is here, afternoons with friends, great music and of course the champagne is chilled… what more does a girl need!
Photos of this creative renovation appear in “Country Home Ideas” and my local magazine here: Breeze Magazine issue 13
For Interior design advice, or to ask about my renovation, you can Instagram @the creative home or email me at t-kat3@hotmail.com
Tanya Bianchi
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