The major challenge for in this facelift was to bring a sense of unity to the overall ambiance. We emptied out the living and dining rooms and started from scratch. Every element from floor to ceiling was given proper attention. I chose a serene Asian theme, employing soft colours and earthy textures to create soothing surfaces.
My first decision was to replace the existing parquet with a new bamboo floor. The unique markings and tone of the wood connect and ground the rooms beautifully. The living room walls are now a dusky sage green, the sofas have plain Zen brown slipcovers, and we built a low coffee table that has a touch of bamboo and a timeless, worn finish.
The dining room is bright with many built-in details. Chinese-inspired panelling was built around the lower walls, decorated in an intricate pattern with thin pieces of moulding. The upper walls are pale blue, and on one wall, a large chinoiserie design makes a subtle, yet dramatic effect painted in the same white as the panelling.
For contrast and to add some whimsy, we created a bamboo chandelier painted deep red that hangs over the mahogany dining table. And now, wherever your eye moves throughout the main floor, there is a sense of clarity and purpose to the rooms. Inviting, comfortable and spirited.
Bamboo Lampshade
The red bamboo lamp is a bright focal element. The bamboo was cut slightly different lengths of between 20 and 22cm. A slit was cut up the middle of each piece with a table saw. A flat steel bar 5mm thick was bent into a circle and riveted together. Two 10mm steel rods hold the circle in position. The bamboo pieces were spray painted and then slid over the flat steel circle.
Coffee Table
To make the table top, we glued and nailed strips of supawood onto a sheet of plywood, and framed it with 50 x 50mmpine. The top was nailed to a base. The legs were shaped from 100 x 100mm pine. Holes were drilled into the legs to fit the bamboo supports. These were secured with expandable glue.
To create a warm paint finish for the table, first apply a coat of stain and let dry. Brush on the paint in uneven, random smears, and use a spatula to smooth it out. You want some wood to show through. Sand back the dried paint and even scrub some areas with a wire brush. Play with the finish until you are satisfied. Add a little more stain and touch up with paint. Finish with a coat of varnish.
Dining Chairs
The dining chairs were refinished to fit in with the Asian theme. The wood was sanded, primed and painted white. To highlight the shape and cutouts in the wood, steady-handed Jim drew around them with a black indelible marker. Seat cushions were re-covered with a soft, neutral fabric.
Dining Room Walls
The decorative dining room walls are subtle, yet intricately detailed and beautiful to look at. To make the panelling, begin by marking off a section 80 to 90cm high (chair rail height). Measure up from the floor and keep your lines parallel. Use a level and chalk line to mark off the pattern. Cut the moulding pieces to fit and apply with glue and brads. Prime and paint in a high gloss.
Wine Cabinet
The handy wine cabinet was made from a plain laminate chest of drawers. We left the two small top drawers in place and removed the rest. Shelves were constructed to fit into the space. Wood was cut to make a cradle for the bottles, one nailed near the back of each shelf with large half circles for the bottle bottoms, and one at the front with small half circles for the necks. To paint over laminate, first sand well to rough up the surface and then apply a high adhesion primer.
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