Unless you live under a rock beneath a mountain in the middle of nowhere you’ll know I live opposite the beach. Of course… if this is your first time here, your ignorance is forgivable… although I do recommend you swot up for next time. ‘Cos at various times since making my seachange almost three years ago I’ve plastered pictures of my lovely unimpeded ocean view on this blog and all over my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds.
Despite some of my (ahem) occasional frustrations with apartment complex-living I LOVE my little piece of the world and amazing views. And if money was no object I’d probably live in a huge modern house opposite the beach. Well… either there or in a warehouse.
You see, I’ve long-held a secret fantasy to live in an old warehouse. I blame the movie Flashdance circa 1983 for this fetish as Alex (dancer-slash-welder extraordinaire) lived in this huge open-plan warehouse which (back then) was new and different, and has remained etched onto my brain.
As a result I’ve harboured this warehouse-living dream which—until a few months ago (when I removed social media apps from my devices)—I fed by pouring over industrial chic / warehouse decor via Pinterest when I couldn’t sleep.
In fact, when I first finished some part-time work earlier this year and I knew money would be tight I started eyeing off an old building in a (neighbouring) town. On the market as a going concern or empty shell, it currently houses a bookshop downstairs and storage space/accommodation upstairs.
I however had visions of a huge open air living space (kitchen, lounge, study) downstairs with bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. Although significantly cheaper than my current place, it’d need a stack of renovation (kitchen, bathroom and some ‘rooms’ upstairs AND an indoor staircase); but the foundations are kinda there and I LOVED the idea silly.
I told myself I wouldn’t miss my ocean views and sea breezes and that the hermit in me would be happy ensconced in my somewhat-dark-but-fabulous building.
Thankfully my mother (who’s at the opposite end of the dreamer / fantasy / practicality spectrum) scoffed enough at the idea that I pushed the thoughts aside… though I continue to renovate it in my mind. *Sigh*
In order to quell my yearning for something different I’ve been wondering if I can somehow give my apartment-by-the-sea an inexpensive makeover of sorts.
Although I HATE clutter, the modern minimalist in me is fighting a losing battle with an increasing fascination for bohemian / boho chic so I’m thinking of starting with some indoor plants.
I’m also toying very gently with the idea of a faux brick wall via hopefully-realistic wallpaper for the wall behind my bed, or perhaps a living room wall, although I’m not entirely sure I could pull it off myself given my aversion to all-things-handymanish.
What do you think?
Have you given your place a makeover of late?
Any inexpensive suggestions for my apartment makeover?
Where do you stand on industrial minimalist vs bohemian chic?
Linking up with Trish from My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday and Raych at Agent Mystery Case for Worth Casing Wednesday.
Pics all from Pinterest – I’ve noted where they came from in each collage, but they’re all things I’ve pinned.
July 21, 2015
I hate clutter too although I have a ton of it. Not in a good boho chic way. I love the warehouse look too. Years ago I stayed with a friends friend in Boston who lived in an apartment in a converted old school. It was very cool, lots of exposed brick and character. I am useless on the handyman front although I look forward to reading your other commenters suggestions because I love dreaming about fixing places up.
July 22, 2015
I think I’d also be really intolerant at living in a building site (in terms of being there when the word was being done)!
July 22, 2015
I have no suggestions but I’m wanting to do some inexpensive makeovers of my own so I’ll be keeping an eye on what you do! I love the idea of the brick wallpaper. What a fun accent! Good luck!
July 22, 2015
I saw the brick wallpaper in a magazine a few years ago. At the time I was still in the city in my previous apartment and I had a feature wall that I thought about turning into that ‘exposed brick’ look. I never got around to it. It probably would have suited that place more than my current one, but still….
July 22, 2015
I love the boho look- not cluttered so much as things that mean something from travels etc…but then I’m also in a bit of a paring back mood at present so would also say chic minimalism with clean surfaces…
July 22, 2015
I actually have a few wall hangings already gracing my walls (from my travels) – a huge thing in my lounge from Zimbabwe and something in my bedroom from East Timor… I think I’m the bit the same in that I wouldn’t want too much clutter on surfaces (too hard to clean around) and TOO MUCH STUFF stresses me out. I’m hoping a few plants make a difference for a start. I already have moved my boho patchwork quilt from my bed to use as a cover for my lounge. I think it works well there.
July 22, 2015
Lovely pics – I just don’t have the energy for makeovers – I’m barely on top of cleaning up!!
July 22, 2015
I’ve never tried anything big before… and there’s no way in hell I’d tackle wallpapering myself. I once did a small feature wall and really couldn’t be bothered cleaning off the splatter AROUND the wall. My lack of patience would be v.problematic!
July 22, 2015
I’m obsessed with warehouses at the moment. If money was no object, I would be purchasing something massive in Fremantle and having a lot of fun converting it.
July 22, 2015
The place in the nearby town (which I like) isn’t actually that big, which is probably a good thing (or it would be if I was buying it). It doesn’t have the high ceilings etc of a warehouse or loft, but has that big open plan feel. Sigh…
July 22, 2015
I want everything!! City pad, beach house and comfy country home. I’d be reluctant to give up the sea view, I was raised by the sea, never away from it for long, then, somehow ended up living in rural Tasmania. I miss the ocean.
I love that old bookshop, be somewhere to keep all your books wouldn’t it? Beware of renovating an old property though, you start one little job and then discover at least two other things must be done, it’s never ending, big money pit
Bec
July 22, 2015
Yes the building I like looks sturdy but you never know what you’d find once you started work. It houses a small cafe downstairs as well so the kitchen would already be there in some form but at the moment the stairs are on the outside (so it can be used as two separate spaces), so just building a stairwell inside would probably cost a fortune.
I lay in bed for hours last night unable to sleep and had my door to the verandah opened a little and I was reminded how nice it is to hear the waves crashing in. (And we don’t even really have waves here!)
July 22, 2015
With 8 of us here at house, I too hate clutter and am craving a Chaos HQ revamp. I am totally loving the whole modern retro trend that is happening at the moment. It would look fab overlooking the ocean too. Can’t wait to read more of your blog, I’ve just found you via Wordless Wednesday! xo
July 22, 2015
Ah yes… I’m by myself so have much less clutter and only myself to blame if (when) things get messy!!!
(And welcome!)
July 22, 2015
I like the idea of a faux brick wall. I think it’d be really cool, although it would look really out of place in my house unfortunately or I’d do one here too.
July 22, 2015
I’m trying to decide if it’d work in my bedroom. There is a stand-alone wall behind my bed… so it might be okay. I’m conscious however of the resale thing down the track. I’m often shocked at some of the colours people paint their walls and wonder WHY they thought it was a good idea. Someone might look at my fake brick wall (down the track) and think the same thing…
July 22, 2015
You do live with a tough view Deb! Glad you didn’t downside to the warehouse, though I have romantic notions of living in one too, it would have to be in the middle of the hip part of the city!
July 22, 2015
I did keep doing the sums though – if I sold my place, bought that… how much would I have to work with etc. I think I also hoped I’d have some left over to live on for a while but I suspect (renovating it) would have eaten up everything left over from the sale of this place!
July 22, 2015
It’s hard to believe that those bricks are wallpaper. They’re so realistic! Surely that should be a fairly inexpensive way of revamping.
July 22, 2015
I like to think so Char… I remember when I was thinking of doing it to my other place (in 2011-2012) and mostly I had to find suppliers online. I just worry it’d arrive and look NOTHING like promised. Plus I’d probably need to pay someone to do it cos I’m hopeless at that sort of thing!
July 22, 2015
You are living my dream by the sea. I love the brick wallpaper and looked at something similar recently. We are moving house so all my recent decorating has been painting walls a lovely shade of beige ready to sell but I have started to plan for my new house. Lots of colour will be key!
July 22, 2015
Oh yes my old pre-seachange apartment (quite large, three level townhouse) was white/creme with chocolate brown, navy and forrest green. Very muted colours. Whereas when I moved I decided to go against the grain and go for bold bright colours. It’s relatively easy to do with just a few changes. I was already getting rid of some bigger pieces of furniture (my lounge) so everything else was easily adapted. (And when I bought my current sofa the pale purple I wanted wasn’t available so I had to get this boring ‘stone’ colour which shows the dirt, but I’ve covered the cushions in a bright patchwork-y quilt so it looks quite good in reality!)
July 22, 2015
Firstly, your views are absolutely gorgeous. I have never renovated and hate the hassle of it all. Recently we’ve had water leaving from the bathroom and after seeing a Plumber & Builder we need major work done (wall knocked down) due to the damage inside the wall. I’m dreading it! Anyway, I love the looks you’ve posted here, the brick wallpaper looks great and I also love the warehouse pics. This makes me want a tidier house!
July 26, 2015
Oh yes… I don’t cope well with living in a building site!
July 22, 2015
Firstly, your views are absolutely gorgeous. I have never renovated and hate the hassle of it all. Recently we’ve had water leaving from the bathroom and after seeing a Plumber & Builder we need major work done (wall knocked down) due to the damage inside the wall. I’m dreading it! Anyway, I love the looks you’ve posted here, the brick wallpaper looks great and I also love the warehouse pics. This makes me want a tidier house!
Di from Max The Unicorn. Aah, trying again, it’s not letting me submit my comment.
July 22, 2015
Glad your comment got through Di! Other than insert inappropriate nails into the wrong foundations the only stuff I’ve done around the home is attempt to paint a wall. I did a small one (as a feature wall) and couldn’t be bothered putting tape around the edge so got lots of brown paint on the white surrounds so it looked like little cockroaches crawling about. I’ve just got no patience for that sort of stuff….
The apartment complex I was in before my move was new and we had HEAPS of building issues (albeit under warranty). I spent a couple of years in a state of ‘rebuild’ and it drove me crazy and tainted the whole place for me. I was so house-proud before that happened. As soon as it was eventually finished I put my place on the market. (It didn’t sell, but I ended up selling a year later to make the seachange anyway!)
July 22, 2015
We are doing so much reno right now it’s ridiculous. I’ve always thought those warehouse type places would be scary. Your views are sensational, lucky duck!
July 22, 2015
Oh no I love the idea of warehouse living and big open spaces – also no windows at eye level so you are complexly ensconced in your own little world. (Hmm… that doesn’t necessarily sound normal, does it?!)
July 22, 2015
Oh I ADORE all all things bohemian chic but am not in the place to advise 🙂
I still havent done a THING to this place…six months down the road.
July 22, 2015
I’m usually all enthusiastic when I first move and then reality sets in and I settle down a little!
July 23, 2015
Oh what a beautiful view!!! I adore the beach and couldnt live too far away (although I;m not as close as you are!!). Those makeover pics are gorgeous – makes me want to do a big reno!
July 23, 2015
I know… it’s so inspiring. I hope I can just do a little so it makes my place feel fresher!
July 24, 2015
Your beach views are *sigh* beautiful and wonderful to be able to hear the ocean … I feel a little more peaceful just looking at your pics, ok and a little green eyed lol. We’ve got an old house that we’ve renovated, must put up some pics of our most recent work, converting our crappy old garage to a bar area. I love looking at pinterest for ideas and then when we get started with reno I wonder what the hell I was thinking … the dust and mess is kill-me-now bad!!
I think the ‘white-washed’ brick wall wallpaper is gorgeous!! And I love the boho chic, industrial look. Post pics of your changes, even small changes can make a huge difference.
July 25, 2015
Oh yes, I’d love to see pics of your renovation. I think I’d hate living amidst the dust etc… but I do like to dream! 🙂
July 24, 2015
oh i loved Flashdance Movie 😉 And yep i so could live in a Warehouse or a big Church that could be renovated into an open style house.
I don’t like clutter but i do love old world look….can you maybe hire a handy man to put up your wall paper {I think Bunnings sells really great wallpaper choices}? They sometimes have handy man advertised in the newspapers for a reasonable rates 🙂
Be great to see your end results, and I so would love the sea breeze, couldn’t imagine living that behind 🙂
July 25, 2015
I love my seabreeze as well. In summer it’s gorgeous and I really only have to use my aircon if it’s REALLY still or too windy (which is sometimes is being right on the waterfront!).
I’d definitely have to get someone to install the wallpaper which I think is why I worry it’d get too expensive. Although many many years ago (over a decade) I got someone in to paint a big wall for me and was amazed at how inexpensive it was!
July 25, 2015
No advice on makeovers but I just wanted to say that view is amazing! You are so lucky, I could stare at that all day long, every day!
July 25, 2015
Ah yes, I don’t appreciate my view as much as I should Heather but this morning (for eg) I opened my verandah door wide as I was awake earlier than usual and got to see the end of the sunrise over the ocean.
July 26, 2015
oh how I love this post Debbie! I also struggle between modern minimalist vs bohemian
I live on the water with a beautiful view as well though is not the ocean but a lake ( the sea of white in my profile is frozen water in my backyard). My house is small and ooooold so every year I want to sell it but I never do because I LOVE that view!
so I have done so renovations over the years. I took down any wall that was not structural support and created an open layout.
I went with a soothing coastal “canvas” of blue-grey walls, white framing and sand beige furniture but, instead of the nautical décor that usually goes with that, I added the bohemian “splashes” to the canvas: Peruvian area rugs and throws, exotic indoor plants like pineapple and Bromeliad, colorful global art. Still a work in progress (on a budget!) but I’m loving the results so far 🙂
I’m you’ll find a good “combo” to make you happy 🙂 Can’t wait to se the pics of your makeover 🙂
July 26, 2015
Your place sounds lovely Daniela! I’ve really not done much to my place since buying it other than brighten up my previous furniture. No doubt I’ll share any changes on the blog! 😉
July 26, 2015
I have no suggestions, sorry. I love the warehouse idea. I lived across the street from the beach once. I loved my ocean views. I would rather have space to roam in my home though. (especially here with the winter’s being such an issue) I love exposed brick and built-ins. I hope you find a happy medium where you are at.
July 26, 2015
Thanks Karen. I’m probably pretty much used to the size of my small apartment now, though do still wish I didn’t have my desk in my bedroom! And I try really hard not to take my views for granted and I often look out the window / door and am amazed at how gorgeous it is out there!
July 29, 2015
For the first time in a very long time (years), I’ve been mostly home this summer – so yes, makeover was included 🙂 How to transform your own living space into something else with not much us always interesting. I live in the country and have several artisans nearby, so I like to take a look when I can – and this year, I finally could ! If you’re widely interested, here’s one of them : http://www.lheritierdutemps.com/
So I made a few changes and i’m happy with them. But I’d love to have a house and a garden, not just an appartment. It will happen, it just needs time. Have fun with your own 🙂
July 29, 2015
PS : I love bohemian !
July 29, 2015
Thanks… I just need to get to it, but realise any changes I make will be good. And thanks for the link, I’ll check it out!