makeover | rudy and the dodo

No we have not been burgled. This is the “before” shot of the boys’ room. The aftermath of Christmas, going away on a mini break and general school holiday slack-heartedness (is that even a word)? I know it’s hard to look at, but it’s real and I’m sharing it so we can all be even more excited when I post the “after” shot in a minute.

The first step is to GET RID OF STUFF. Sort the STUFF into three piles – Keep, Chuck and Donate.

If your kids are anything like mine, they form an immediate and unbreakable attachment to anything that looks like it is headed for the bin. Mine have even been known to retrieve stuff from the bin and return, hugging it like a long lost friend. Hence, I find the “chucking out” part of the clean up is best done when the kids are not home, if at all possible. I am ruthless – if it has unfixable broken parts or missing parts that will never return, it’s gone.

Next step is to donate toys they have outgrown. We always involve our boys in this as it gives them ownership of the process and also teaches them about community and that good ole gratitude I am always banging on about.

We sometimes choose to sell a few items if the kids are saving for something special, but most are donated on. We especially like to help families in need who are moving into a new home for one reason or another. That’s another story for another day.

Once all THE STUFF IS GONE it’s time to find new homes for everything that remains.

The big old chest of drawers was on it’s last legs after serving us well through pre-marriage and the first ten years of parenting. The shiny new IKEA set (surely they will start sponsoring me soon, right?!) we purchased are perfect for this phase of life. Super dooper affordable, reasonably robust and the deep drawers run smoothly, making my most loathed task of putting washing away almost bearable. I got a bit carried away organising inside the drawers so I will do another post on that soon.

As this was a mini makeover we opted for some cheap and cheerful linen, some new wooden bunting and a couple of new accessories to freshen things up for the new year. Add these to the existing original artworks and pieces already in the room and we have the eclectic look we love (OK, the eclectic look I love) without breaking the budget.

Drumroll please as we unveil the boys “new” room …

JW beds after shot

A home for everything

Can we all take a moment to hold virtual hands and focus on the CLEAR floor and CLOSED drawers. Ommmmmmmm ….

As well as being a fellow school mama of mine, Anastasia (or AJ) is the queen of de-cluttering (halelujah!), organising (yippee!), styling (man, does she have style!) and providing storage to help turn your home into a haven. And she is super dooper cute to boot! You can read all about her here …

Tell us a bit about you, fabulous you!
Creative, capable, passionate, caring, a doer, resourceful, don’t like NO for an answer, dreamer, born romantic, fussy, try not to take life too seriously, a little crazy and have a love of turning the old into something new.

AJ (I told you she was cute!)

With that list came the rise of re-do my space. It’s about turning your space into the best it can be no matter what your budget is. Many think that you have to discard what you have but I don’t see it that way. My passion is to work with what you have, create ideas for easier living, bring in the new where required and make their space a place they love to be in. The feeling of when my clients and their children come home to a space that makes them feel relaxed, snug, organised and at home is truly addictive.

the “before” room shot

after AJ gets her hands on the room!

loving the storage options and fresh new look for this room

My other love is my every minute of my everyday world – 2 x sweet (most of the time) boys, 1 x loving Hubby, 1 x Chokkie Lab “Lenny” ….. oh, and our recent additions are 3 fish Cookie, Goldie & Bubbles.

the two sweet boys

Who inspires you?
People who touch the hearts of others, creative minds, my husband, my boys and all those Mummies who give it their all, whether in business or not, to raising and loving their kids to be the greatest they can be.

What can’t you live without?
Family, kisses & cuddles, I Love U’s, my brown boots, my hair (I’d look scary without it), scrambled eggs with Vegemite toast, my bed & pillow, tape measure & camera.

Do you have a favourite blog/s?
Hmmm, in my industry there is so much choice so to name a favourite would be difficult. But I can start with the Fabulous Rudy and the Dodo. Julia’s style, wit and love for anything happy is infectious. She makes me want to go back for a 3rd little chunk of love!!! (Aaawe, thanks AJ!)

How do you like to spend your spare time?
Being with all my boys, going for a run, relaxing in a bath, being near water, reading books and interior mags, time with friends and just finding the beauty in everyday things and moments.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Where do I start!?! I do have some fab plans for re-do my space in the future but am in no rush to tick every box just yet. I started this journey so I could find the balance of being the mum and wife I wanted to be for my family whilst at the same time wake up every day, make a difference and be happy. Travel, good health, laughter, love and giving to those less fortunate would be some of my hopes in 5 years. Oh, and being a better cook and gaining magical powers where I just click my fingers to get those mundane jobs done would be a bonus … I told you I like to dream.

What is your favourite quote?
Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful (Annette Funicello)

Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. (Oprah)

Where can we find you?
www.redomyspace.com.au
facebook