Saturday was shaping up as a really big day. Following on from our contract and electrical appointments, we had our tile appointment at Beaumont Tiles on Saturday morning and the big one, our remaining colour and fitting selections at Studio M in the afternoon. Although we'd been to Beaumont's three or four times previously, we still hadn't settled on our final colour schemes for the wet areas in the ensuite, bathroom and laundry and splashback for the kitchen. Typical of us both, we managed not to stress too much about it, and within an hour we'd sorted out everything we wanted and were pretty happy with ourselves. Neutral tones won the day, with slate grey floor tiles, white wall tiles and 'Donkey Grey' as our kitchen splashback tiles.
(from bottom) floor tiles, laundry splashback tile, bathroom/shower tile and kitchen splashback
Having taken less time than anticipated with our tile selections, we were able to run off and have some lunch before steeling ourselves for the anticipated five hour epic selections appointment with Studio M.
I think we must have set some sort of record, as the majority of our selections were completed within an hour! We'd picked our bricks (Maldon), Colourbond roof and fascia (Woodland Grey), garage door (Dune) window frames (Woodland Grey again) and front door (merbau stain) within ten minutes of arriving at the studio. No arguments, just get it done seemed to be the best approach.
Next up were the door handles, which took all of about one minute (prior preparation prevents poor performance!) before moving on to the kitchen. I tell you, if when this place is finally built the kitchen is not the most impressive one ever built, I think we'll have to sell and build another place! Added to the already planned 900mm upright cooker, extended caesarstone island bench (in ice snow) with undermount sink, pot drawers, soft close hinges and walk through pantry, was the parchment coloured gloss finish wrapped vinyl cabinetry. We encountered our first proper moment of indecision when it came to the handles for the cupboards and drawers before finally deciding on the satin chrome coloured square set ones. I promise that the first dinner party that we cater will be a cracker. I've already been working on the menu...
Next up was the ensuite and bathroom fittings. Another little luxury I'd been angling for was the rainfall showerhead in the ensuite. For some reason, Sare didn't put up any resistance at all to this one, but ominously warned that she "was going to pick her fights". I figure it will nicely complement the extra large shower with the tiled base. The square inset basins were already planned and will match the bath nicely, which will have the floor tiles extended up and around it. The last touch were the mirrors, which are nice simple satin chrome framed ones.
The final part of our selection appoint revolved around the floor coverings. This one proved more tricky than the rest of the house. With several wood colours to choose from and a carpet that needed to nicely match, we spent almost as much time deliberating on this as we had on everything else combined. Finally we committed to the Ironbark coloured wooden floor to complement the Surf coloured carpet for the bedrooms, rumpus and rear hall.
And with that we were done. Six long months of looking for houses, deciding to build, buying a block of land and deciding on our house had led to all of the design features and colours we have now committed to over the past week. Next steps are to get that finance approved and let the fun and games of the actual build commence.
Oh, and to get onto the plane for New York in five short weeks for our long awaited honeymoon!!!
