Weekend Happenings and Reno Updates

How was your weekend? Like Leila, I spent some time at the local pool, mostly to allow my husband to get some work done:

 

Yes, that's the backsplash! which means a full kitchen tour is around the corner. Remember when I was waffling between dark and light grout for the kitchen? These groutless tiles kind of make me want to go dark and dramatic but I'm still unsure. The room is bright enough back there to handle it I think, but I have practiced so much restraint so far making neutral design decisions to make this house attractive to future buyers,  I don't want to stop now that I can see a future reno on the horizon (hint: we are about to outgrow this house!). 

Other than the backsplash, we had tiny pedis by the pool (AKA occupy toddler while big brother is in swimming lessons):

Any ideas on getting two year olds to not curl their toes under after the polish is on? She doesn't seem to mind, but I notice it!

I also had some fun playing with my new gadget:

We tested a cookies and cream recipe this weekend but are now considering moving on to chocolate bars...update soon. This machine is a godsend for parents of children with nut allergies!
Well, that was the extent of my weekend, I hope you enjoyed yours as well!

Aludean Hippos

Aludean

Yes, those hippos are actually part of a kids' playground! They are made from cast concrete and have rubber ears and are lounging in a rubber swamp! I only wish I could let my kids crawl all over them! We'll have to go next time we are in Melbourne.

I met Louise and Dean many years ago in Melbourne. Dean plays the Bandoneon and we had a nice little jam at the house of my friend Peter (tango arranger, pianist and bandoneonista extrodinare!). I might add here that Peter's house is covetable! Anyway, Louise and Dean are basically responsible for my Argentine Tango obsession that lasted quite a few years. They have a great design business called Aludean. When I met them, they had just made these great hippos and were also making these fab modular planters for gardens.

I'm also really, really loving this wall sculpture:

Aludean

And this:

Aludean

Check them out here!

The Great Grout Debate

Yes, We are finally at that point in the kitchen: backsplash! I decided to pick up the tiles the other day so we were prepared when we had a little time. One of my favourite tile shops in London, Budget Carpet and Tile, had a few amazing deals. My husband really wanted the mosaic glass in citron yellow/green, but we are trying to stage for resale, so I felt a classic white was in order. At 3.99 I could have had a hex tile or mini subway tile, but the 1.99 classic subway was too compelling at that price! Which brings me to the question of grout colour. For a long time I felt that white grout was the only option! Now I'm not so sure: Do I go clean and bright?

 Lonny

 House Beautiful

 Kitchen Backsplashes

Or contrasting and dramatic?

The Kitchn

Apartment therapy

 

Kitchenisms 

 Kitchenisms

What do you think? I need your help to appeal to the masses!