EXPLORE all the trends – from styling to sell, the importance of art, the latest design trends, the iconic feature wall and many other ideas including what’s the latest out there…. This section will help you dress your home, throw new ideas at you and inspire you to experiment with “tried and tested” guidelines that I’m sure will arm you with the best advice to sell your property and enjoy life.
Paint vs Wallpaper |
03.03.19 |
It can be a lot of fun changing the walls in your home. I’m not talking about grabbing a sledgehammer and knocking down bricks and mortar (although that is fun), but rather changing the colours and/or textures of your existing walls.
Aside from adding artwork to your walls – you know how much I love art – there are really only two main options: Paint vs Wallpaper. So, which one is right for you? What are the pros and cons? Are you limited to using only one? Which technique is trending?
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Forget most of what you know about paint and wallpaper. It seems like both are always evolving; new textures, materials, finishes and styles. So let’s start with the pros:
Paint
Wallpaper
Paint
Wallpaper
In recent years, wallpaper has become extremely popular, and now it has become even more popular. With so many new products and materials, the new generation of wallpaper is vibrant, vivid and valued by interior designers. So despite the obstacles, it is definitely worth looking into, especially if you want to create a unique look that just screams ‘you’.
But, before jumping on the trend, do not discount paint. You can easily transform the look of a room and freshen up a space in just a few hours – I suppose that’s why the phrase “a fresh coat of paint” is so over-used.
Personally, I love both and don’t see why it has to exclusively be one or the other. By mixing the two mediums and working with your existing wall art, furniture, furnishings and general décor, you can truly create a home that has your unique stamp.
My favourite’s are:
Paint: Porters Paints
Wallpaper: Cole & Sons
Don’t be afraid to experiment but spend your time researching, looking through magazines and even asking advice from interior designers. There is a huge difference in quality and price out there, so do your homework! At the end of the day though, neither is permanent, so you can always change it up. It’s always about making your house, your home.
The Importance of a good cafe |
10.10.18 |
THE days when you popped over to a friend’s house for a cuppa seems to have gone up in, well, steam. A cup of Earl Grey and an Iced-Vo Vo just doesn’t satisfy our tastebuds anymore. This coffee obsession that has whipped Sydneysiders into a caffeine-induced frenzy has had a direct impact on real estate. So how important is a good local cafe when buying a property?
Local cafes have transformed from just a place to pick up your morning cappuccino; it’s now the hub of a village, the central point of a community. At any time of the day there’ll be people from all parts of the local area, a microcosm of society. Mums meet up before school and after school drop offs, business is done over lunches and the local freelance writer uses the Wi-Fi to knock off a blog piece.
When looking to buy, the local amenities are integral in making a decision. Cafes are right up there in priorities – nearly as important as school, public transport and suburb popularity.
• An outdoor seating area is essential. Seating in a sunny courtyard or on the street adds a fundamental element to any establishment. Customers want to be able to sit outdoors to people-watch or just enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sunshine.
• Providing good coffee isn’t enough anymore. Great coffee in different blends and made in different ways (Filter, barista etc…) is a must. Coffee beans roasted on the premises are also a great crowd puller.
• Good, not overly pricey food is also crucial. As tastes have become more sophisticated and people have become more health conscious, organic and gluten free options should be on the menu. Locally sourced, whole foods will ensure customers keep returning – and bringing their friends.
• Wi-Fi should not be an added perk, it should be available easily and free. Many people conduct business in cafes due to the more relaxed environment.
• Flexible opening hours are important. Cafes are no longer just for breakfast and lunch.
In a nutshell, a good local cafe should inspire community spirit, provide for all members of the local area and be a positive hive of activity. I rate the importance of good cafe when buying property as 4 stars out of 5.
Black Star Pastry Cafe (Rosebery)
Corner Smith (Marrickville)
Flat White (Woollahra)
Ruby’s Diner (Waverley)
Wieczorkowski (Woollahra)
Crème (Woollahra)
Spring has Sprung : Parks in the Eastern Suburbs. |
24.08.18 |
Sydney has woken from its winter slumber and all over the Eastern Suburbs the gentle floral scents of Spring waft through the breeze. It’s a magical time as the wisteria blooms and sweet jasmine comes alive. The bright green lush lawns line the streets, welcoming a new season.
The beauty of the Eastern Suburbs is that it really has the best of all worlds: beaches, harbour and a multitude of green spaces. One of the most popular parks in the east is Centennial Parklands, but if you dig a little deeper you’ll be surprised at how many parks there actually are.
Why stay cooped up for lunch when you can enjoy the glorious weather and eat al fresco? As mentioned above, Centennial Parklands has so much on offer due to its size and its amenities. From horse riding, cycling, dog walking, bird watching, history tours, and formal dining. If you’d like to picnic at the park, you can book a spot and parking is easy and free. There’s even an app to help plan your visit.
If you want to travel a few more minutes to dine out(side), head to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the gorgeous spot is almost directly opposite the Opera House and offers panoramic views of stunning Sydney Harbour.
Parsley Bay
Have you been to Parsley Bay? Nestled between Vaucluse Bay and Watsons Bay, it’s a serene spot where you can take a dip then go for a beautiful little coastal walk where you’ll be rewarded by the iconic Sydney views.
Right in the middle of the Double Bay precinct, you’ll find Redleaf Beach. There is a safe harbourside tidal enclosure and the kids will love swimming out to the wrap-around pontoon. There’s a yummy café, but you can also BYO picnic supplies.
A popular family spot is Lyne Park at Rose Bay. With gorgeous views across the water to Mosman and Middle Harbour, and to the surrounding areas of Point Piper, Rose Bay and Vaucluse, Lyne Park has plenty to keep children of all ages occupied. Lyne Park has a children’s playground, tennis courts, sporting fields, public and private jetties and Rose Bay ferry wharf.
Another little hidden treasure in Double Bay is Blackburn Gardens. A restored heritage garden, it retains million dollar views of Sydney Harbour. With a manicured lawn and a secret garden, sundial and water feature, it’s a tranquil place to spend a morning.
There are so many parks and open spaces to explore in the Eastern Suburbs. Why not leave your car at home, put your walking shoes on and enjoy the glorious spring weather. You might be surprised by what is lying under your nose!
Rushcutters Bay : An Insiders Perspective |
30.07.18 |
Less than 3km from the CBD, this diminutive harbourside suburb is a favourite with executives, enamoured by its proximity to the city and the array of entertainment on offer in nearby Darlinghurst, Potts Point and Paddington.
Set in a protected pocket next to Darling Point, its most prized attraction is Rushcutters Bay Park, which meanders around the bay to the Cruising Yacht Club, where a host of luxury yachts are moored – you can even hire one for the day. Rushcutters Bay is apartment living personified – freestanding homes are like hens’ teeth.
Luxurious large-scale apartment developments such as Marina One sit side-by-side with some classically elegant buildings dating to the ‘20s and 30’s. All clamour for a glimpse across the park of the harbour beyond. Quaint local tennis courts overlook Reg Bartley Oval, a lush cricket pitch surrounded by a traditional white picket fence.
The Vibe Hotel sits overlooking the park, with its rooftop pool affording grandstand water views. On the southern side of the main highway, a former commercial pocket has been transformed into a unique enclave of luxury car showrooms including Sandersons Mercedes, quaint cafes and warehouse conversions.
Every amenity and cultural attraction desirable is within easy walking distance of this most charming and interesting urban address – a picturesque enclave where the refined meets inner city excitement.
We asked one of our current clients for their take on Rushcutters Bay and why they love this suburb:
Anything that stands out to you when you think of Rushcutters Bay:
The best places to grab a coffee:
Rushcutters Bay Park Kiosk – and we love that they cater to kids and have a playground next door! Another favourite is definitely Cafe Maybach in McLachlan Avenue.
The things you like most about living in the area:
The amount of parkland, access to the waterfront and proximity to Potts Points restaurants and the CBD!
Your favourite shops:
Definitely the fabric shops, car shopping (Sandersons Mercedes) and local restaurants.
Local parks and places you would recommend:
Rushcutters Bay park and the parkland along New Beach Road.
SELLING homes is not just a career; it is an art form – one that is carefully honed over years of life experience and knowledge. And, I can proudly say, that I still absolutely love what I do – day in, day out.
For over 30 years, I have immersed myself in real estate and have built an untarnished reputation in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, among my peers and with my clients – many of who are my friends. People say I exude positivity, and I accept this as the highest compliment.