It was 2011's final makeover...

December 2011 was a busy month for the Lotus team as we worked together with SHACK on making over the communal spaces of a Sydney Women's Refuge. Our last project however for the year was to assist Belinda*, a 22 year old girl who grew up in foster care due to domestic violence. Having had 21 homes in as many years Belinda* was excited about the prospect of a safe and secure house for the next couple of years.

Lotus had meet with Belinda* a few months earlier and been busy planning and coordinating a makeover for her cute little 2 bedroom unit. Belinda* had received a funding grant allowing her to purchase white goods and some furniture and we took on the task of assisting her decorate her unit, so her house could become a home.

Lounge - Dining Before

Belinda's living room was already accessorised with rusty orange tones. So the addition of a throw, rug and some artworks from SHACK all added some more colour to the neutral furniture and complemented the existing decor beautifully. An upcycled bowl also looked beautiful against her dark timber dining setting.

 Lounge - Dining After

Master Bedroom Before 

In the bedroom the addition of a natural timber heart created a beautiful, romantic feeling which was complemented by the floral quilt set donated by SHACK homewares. Belinda's* bedside tables were adorned with candles, a donated lamp and a vase. A restored mirror added extra functionality to Belinda's* jewellery display.

 

Musk Cherry Blossoms, 2011, Acrylic and Mixed Medium on Canvas- Work of Amanda McSeveny

Amanda McSeveny's Cherry Blossoms artwork at the end of Belinda's bed added to the romantic feel its lovely soft pink tones. This piece is a beautiful representation of the preciousness and fragility of life. It also reminders the viewer that each tiny seemingly insignificant part 'life' is unique and priceless. Upon completion of Belinda's* room she commented that her bedroom "looked like one of those beautiful hotels". We certainly hope it will become her special retreat. The addition of some potted plants also softened her little balcony.

Second Bedroom Before

In the second bedroom Sue Blake of In An Organised Fashion created a study/dressing room for Belinda* with lots of new storage solutions. A big thank you to Howard's Storage for a wonderful donation of a hanging robe and some beautiful storage baskets.

Second Bedroom After

Belinda* was very overwhelmed and extremely grateful for all that was done. We too as always loved the privilege of being able to assist in such a simple way.

Thank you to everyone who was involved with our projects in 2011 and we hope you will join with us again in 2012!



Girl Guides get creative and give generously...

Who doesn't love a bunting or a paper pompom? Well these simple craft activities brought the Mums and daughters of the North Epping Girl Guides together one evening in December last year, as they generously gave of their time to create gorgeous bedroom accessories for Lotus Interior's future families. As Lotus Interiors is all about restoring beauty it seemed fitting that the girls contribute to the cause by using their hands to create something cute and from upcycled fabric swatches.

Tammy and I both considered it a real privilege to be part of their nights activities and to witness young people willing to be generous and give to their community in a simple but tangible way.

A huge thanks goes to Roslyn for her vision and commitment to the evening and to the North Epping Girl Guides for their willingness to host such a fabulous evening, for Lotus. Thank you also to Karen Stewart of Boda Interiors for donating the sample fabrics that became our bunting and to beedeebags.com.au who donated the ream of tissue paper for our paper pompoms.

As you can see all had lots of fun. There were many pompoms made and bunting created which I am sure will bring much joy to the recipients.