And so we start. We have found a builder/renovator we feel confident in and a kitchen design company that will work in tandem. It is with slight nervousness that the internal demolition will start this week and we are away for work! A friend is cat sitting and the builder has promised to send photos as he goes. Crossing our fingers that nothing major is discovered and that solutions are found. The previous owner had been in mourning for a long time and the apartment felt depressing and sad when we visited it. So many ornaments, awards and stuff. Dark curtains in purple and blue covered lovely French windows. It has all gone and the apartment is waiting to be reborn. It needs light colours and doors painted a soft white but not ‘hôpital blanc’ as it is called in France. Already, windows have been opened, curtains thrown away and there is a sense of being able to breathe. However, any new decoration has to wait as we renovate.
Feng Shui First
I am itching to put up crystals and place mirrors but there is no point as two ceilings are being raised, wooden floors being fitted over old tiles, the bathroom and kitchen ripped out and a general mess made. This is when intentions and affirmations should be set. Frankincense incense was hard to find so a lovely Cyprus L’Occitane room spray was used in each room. The intention was to clear out old energy and bring in new and positive energy. Immediately, the musty, sad smell disappeared and it seemed that the apartment said thank you. The home perfume is a blend of cypress, thyme, eucalyptus, juniper and ylang-ylang essential oils used to bring a feeling of harmony. It is interesting to note that cypress is said to purify and open up breathing, thyme strengthens the body and mind and was used to cleanse houses in ancient times, eucalyptus is known for cleansing and breathing, juniper for calming and grounding the mind and ylang-ylang for reducing anxiety. All good for renovation preparation!
What is Being Done
- Two ceilings hopefully raised and cornices put in to separate the ceiling and wall and to return some of the 19th century charm to the space
- Wooden floors in a pale oak in all rooms except the bathroom and kitchen, also to hide awful 1980s grey and peach tiles
- A new kitchen will change from battleship grey to buttermilk with coffee shades in the bench top, French limestone floor tiles and touches of lemon decor will be added
- In the bathroom, green and peach 1980s tiles and strange cabinets will be replaced with mainly white stone with a dove grey vein and a dove grey floor with white accessories
- An orange walled bedroom will be painted cream and all dark brown wood will be painted white
Renovation is a labour of love and it will bring its own ups and downs. However, there is joy in restoring a place, giving it back positive energy and if possible, returning some of the charm that was there. As other buildings restore facades, roofs and balconies, there is a sense of neighbourhood restoration at the same time.
