Sunday, October 7, 2012

Our Houzz

Houzz, the website for everything home, is featuring our house this week. The article will focus on our wonderful architects  Russ Dotter and Wencke Solfjeld, a husband and wife team who worked with us for 18 months on a complete re-model. Together we transformed our house from dark Seventies Brady Bunch to light Kiwi coastal.



In the process Russ and Wencke became great friends of ours and I missed seeing them every day when our house was finished.

Russ and Wencke
They "got" us exactly and drew all the clean lines we love (even though they'd just finished my friend's house which had a raspberry-red, sheepskin, bird's-nest warmth - they can do any style). They also had older children and were able to warn us about what not to do (an expensive play structure the kids will grow outgrow in six months' time.) Wencke's attention to detail included making shelves that would fit just one can of food. Otherwise you'll keep buying more cans because you can't see the ones in the back, she said. How many times have I thanked her for that...

Wencke is such a sweetie and always puts others first. Last week we worked together on the Houzz article getting all our buying sources correct. On Thursday morning Wencke's mother died suddenly and Wencke had to fly out to Norway.  In between trying to book flights she still found time to email me thanking me for the extra work on her behalf.

Power of the big blogs - Houzz apparently gets 80 million pageviews a month and some of these photos which Russ and Wencke posted on their profile have been re-posted 260 times already!

You've already seen some of these photos, but I thought I would post them all together just for record and you can zoom down the lot of them. Thanks to photographers Scott Hargis and Frederic Neema.

Kitchen area:





Photo: Frederic Neema

Photo: Frederic Neema





Photo: Frederic Neema



Living room:

Photo: Frederic Neema
Bathrooms:

Photo: Frederic Neema


Photo: Frederic Neema


Photo: Frederic Neema

Boys' bathroom:
Photo: Frederic Neema

Outside:


Photo: Frederic Neema

Photo: Frederic Neema



Photo: Frederic Neema
Photo: Frederic Neema


Photo: Frederic Neema






Contractor: Steve Strand
Colour and design consultant, Kathy Farley, Artdecor






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54 comments:

  1. Twisted Scottish BastardOctober 7, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Wow, what a lovely house. The before looks terribly kiwi, but I think you've managed to keep the informal ambience inside.

    Have you got a Lemon tree/bush on your section?

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 8, 2012 at 10:51 AM

      Loads of lemon trees for G& T's and limes for the margaritas!

      Delete
  2. libbyOctober 7, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    Having the guts do completely re-do the house was a fantastic idea (mind you I liked the old version too) and your home is very very stylish now.....suits you!

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  3. The Dainty Dolls HouseOctober 8, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    That's amazing, looks fantastic. Love the after shots, so much space was added. Very cool it's being featured :) xx

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  4. Rob-bearOctober 8, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Quite awesome! The joy of having money and good planners.

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  5. DianaOctober 8, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Very dramatic yet beautiful change. I love all of the modern lines. Also that Wicker ( not sure if it's wicker?) furniture is great looking eye candy!! So sorry to hear of your friends mom. Love Di ♥

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  6. Suburban PrincessOctober 8, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Halloooo! How are you? I hope you had a lovely weekend!
    I really need to check on my google reader more often!

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  7. UnknownOctober 8, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    Every time you post photos of your house I see more things that I fall in love with Jody. Congrats on Houzz!
    xo Mary Jo

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  8. PatOctober 8, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Holy Moley what a superb house. I love the way the inside blends so well with the outside.What a lucky lady you are.

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  9. Alexis GraceOctober 8, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    You really have such a cool house--- I am excited that so many people get to see it! Confession, I am saving a few photos on my desktop for future inspiration!

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  10. Elle SeesOctober 8, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    such an awesome house!!! i love the pics as well as before/after pics. wow! just stunning.

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  11. AnonymousOctober 8, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    I just love your house, I really want to come have a cup of tea one day with you :)
    I also love the idea of shelves fitting one can, I just found some cans in the back that expired a few months ago.....

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 8, 2012 at 11:33 AM

      Love to have a cup o char with you and a bit of a chinwag...

      Delete
  12. AnonymousOctober 8, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    Oh the swirling staircase - deep swoon.

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 8, 2012 at 11:33 AM

      Yes, many an entrance I've made in wet hair, no make-up and UGGS.

      Delete
  13. Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop!October 8, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    So gorgeous!! Love seeing the before and after pics!

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  14. Lacey ROctober 8, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Fantastic remodel!! Your house looks so fresh and airy!

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  15. LeslieOctober 8, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    Jody, Every time you share photos of your home, I am blown away! Love the kitchen, the master bath.. all gorgeous!

    leslie

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  16. THE ALTERNATIVE WIFEOctober 8, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    How exciting, Jody!!! Your home is so Houzz worthy :) xoxo

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  17. The Flaky FashionistaOctober 8, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    Such a stunning house. When I win the lottery ....

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  18. nancy @ adore to adornOctober 8, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    the house looks stunning! I love the open-ness of the space! =)
    xo,
    nancy

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  19. JulieStylesOctober 8, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Gorgeous! Just love the floors (ours are similar - very old gum wood). The tub is TDF! Enjoy!!!

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 8, 2012 at 3:32 PM

      Yes, you're right - the floors are gum! Australian Spotted Gum, good at hiding the dirt

      Delete
  20. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingOctober 8, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    Your home is just amazing and what an honor to have it featured on the Houzz website.

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  21. UnknownOctober 8, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    The did such an amazing job, the house looks exactly like a happy house full of colours and the stairs and the bathroom look great.
    Iw wouldn't mind to live there at all.
    Kisses from Spain
    City-aholic.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  22. kim at northerncalstyle.October 8, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Jody,
    What an honor to be on Houzz! Very cool. I Love the brights, the lightness and adore the baths and kitchen. What fun it must be to live there! It fits you well Jody!
    xo
    Kim

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  23. SarahOctober 9, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    Wow, what a transformation! They did a brilliant job. Fancy living in a designer house. I don't think I'd be able to live up to the pressure of such perfection all around!!

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  24. two birdsOctober 9, 2012 at 4:33 AM

    wow, i am impressed! it's like living in a really cool catalog! i love the (wicker-like??) furniture!

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  25. Danielle (elleinadspir)October 9, 2012 at 5:27 AM

    I love your home so much. Every time you show it I fall in love a bit more.

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  26. Cafe FashionistaOctober 9, 2012 at 5:35 AM

    Swoon! Your house is just beautiful, Jody! I can't imagine anyone deserving a feature more than you. Beautiful!! :)

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  27. LeslieOctober 9, 2012 at 8:04 AM

    I can't even believe that's the same house. 18 months... wow.

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  28. Carol@TheDesignPagesOctober 9, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    You have a completely gorgeous home. I would never leave!

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  29. TrishOctober 9, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    I could spend hours drooling over your house. Your architects are superb!

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  30. Chocolate Cookies & CandiesOctober 9, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    I can't believe the before and after photos. Your house is so spacious, airy and well lit. I can't bear dark houses. Gosh, my entire living room and kitchen will fit into your bathroom. I kid you not!

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

      When we lived in London we were in a two bedroom flat up five flights of stairs! It would have fitted into the living room.

      Delete
  31. Curry QueenOctober 9, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    Fab fab fab! I especially love the staircase and the lime green outside...

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  32. SueOctober 9, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    Remind me never to do any house posts - not after seeing yours! It's gorgeous - they've done an amazing job!

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  33. Amber B (Simple Dwellings)October 9, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    I have always loved your home. I always knew it needed to be shown to everyone! Congratulations on the upcoming feature. :)

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  34. Style, She WroteOctober 9, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Truly transformed! Definitely worthy of an article -- or four! xo style, she wrote

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  35. Jenee C.October 10, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    How fantastic they truly did an amazing job! I especially love the colour palette and your choice of furniture is spot on. Pretty sure you also have the kitchen of my dreams. No wonder Houzz wanted to feature you. I'll definitely be looking out for these pictures, I'm always on their website browsing for inspo.

    Xx Jenee C
    Http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com

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  36. classiqOctober 10, 2012 at 4:37 AM

    I've said it several times, Jody: you have a gorgeous home! Look at what a little colour can do. Beautiful!
    Ada

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  37. sweetsyOctober 10, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    Whoa! What a transformation! I am still reeling from your master bath. So let me get this straight: double shower with tub inside, glass but open in the middle (no actual door, correct?) What materials are used in there? And I guess there are just drains in the floor for the showers as I see nothing that would otherwise keep the water from escaping (glass doors to the floor). Excuse my lack of design expertise--I am a work in progress:)

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  38. ThudOctober 10, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Considering my love of and working with buildings of a certain age I can honestly say yours is very impressive, more so considering most of the abominations I've witnessed in Ca.

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 10, 2012 at 2:56 PM

      Thanks Thud - that means a lot coming from you! I've seen all the beautiful British restorations on your blog.

      Delete
  39. Fresh Local and BestOctober 10, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    The contrast of before and after is so stark, it's unbelievable! Kind of like one of those rare successful cosmetic surgeries where you don't recognize the person from before.

    I love your house! The lighting, exquisite detail, clean lines and sunny laid back personality, the entire place is amazing!

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  40. MagdalenaOctober 11, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    My Gosh, Jody that's an incredibly beautiful house!! You must be very happy with such a house!!! Love it!

    xoxoxo

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  41. JMWOctober 11, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    Your house is AMAZING! What a transformation. Adore your floors in the kitchen, in additon to everything else!

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    Replies
    1. About Last WeekendOctober 11, 2012 at 5:34 PM

      They are Australian Spotted Gum - and incredibly practical as they hide every scrap of dirt

      Delete
  42. Linda @ DesignInMyViewOctober 11, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Regarding your recent concern about buying or renting the blue gown. Now that I've seen these shots of your home.... you should wear it at least twice a week just to hang out in these lovely spaces and blend right in - like a living sculpture!

    FAB!

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  43. oomph.October 12, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    beautiful...i love how you freshened up the colors and opened up the space.

    [oomph.]
    Enter to Win a Complete Anti-Aging System

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  44. Maureen StevensOctober 12, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Amazing ...amazing transformation...I totally love the light and airiness. Digging the Kiwi style :)

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  45. AdrianaOctober 16, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    WOW what a transformation! I LOVE your new home!

    -Adriana

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  46. Leigh Powell HinesOctober 27, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    I love this post, and your house is gorgeous. It is truly amazing to see the potential in homes. Thanks so much sharing.

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