GETTING TO KNOW MY PALETTE

Not long after we paid the Tender Acceptance Fee and remainder of the deposit, we received an email from the “W Gallery” Team to welcome us to the Selections Stage. This is probably the most exciting email I have received thus far!

We arranged the dates with our CSR – two full days. Eldric and I had to organise Annual Leave for these two exciting days. The appointments were scheduled 1.5 months later – which gave me plenty of time to re-visit display homes and stalk Instagram and Pinterest!

I have been “collecting” samples from Laminex, Polytec and Ceasarstone for the last few weeks and managed to have built up quite a collection!  I played around with the samples and mixing them about to create colour palettes and mood boards. I changed my mind many a times. The more the choices, the harder the decision! You really just need to trust your gut instinct. I found Pinterest to be an excellent tool. I created many boards and saved pictures. Over time, I could see a pattern forming and realise what colour palette I gravitated to. I even reached out on Instagram to a few Interior Designers, asking questions and seeking opinions and advice. It took a while to get there but in the end, I knew my likes and dislikes.  

"Collection" of Polytec and Laminex samples

Meanwhile, I had to remind myself that the choices that needed to be made were not just for me, but also Eldric. So I asked him to create a Pinterest account so I can see what palette and design he was drawn to. I was thrilled to see that we were on the same page when it came to colour and design. This was going to be easy!

Even though I knew the look we were going for, it doesn’t mean my choices were set in stone. I also had to think about the costs and upgrades. Wisdom Homes inclusions were amazing. You really do not have to “upgrade” much because it was included as part of their standard. For example, kitchen base cabinets. I really wanted the Finegrain finish from Polytec. You normally would have to pay $2,500+ to upgrade these, but this was included in their Promotion. All the little upgrades do add up so I have to be mindful of my choices.

As well as visiting display homes, we made multiple visits to Di Lorenzo in Castle Hill, Ceasarstone in Alexandria, Timpelle Kitchens in Prestons and boutique furniture shops for inspiration. You may think you have it all figured out, until you see something on Instagram or Pinterest and it can all change in a matter of seconds. That’s what happened when I saw THE picture from Pinterest (photo to be revealed in a separate post!) Inspiration overload. Back to square one. All my choices changed when I saw this bathroom. Monochrome. That was me to a tee!

I suggest a trip down to PGH and Austral Bricks and check out the range of bricks. You can take away a "sample" with you along with roof tiles.

For render, head down to Bunnings, Mitre10 or any hardware and paint store and pick up some swatch samples. I picked up literally hundreds of these and had a play around with them to see which colours matched with the bricks and roof. 

Have a think about window dressings. Sheers, blinds or plantation shutters - the pic below is a sample of some blockout blinds that i may choose from.