Toni Collins, Author at Visual Resource - Page 10 of 14
We are approaching the four-month mark on our renovation works at home. And while the road has been slower and bumpier than we anticipated, now that the end is in sight, we love how these works are going to transform our home.
If you can remember… we started with an all white, rather plain yet functional enough kitchen. We now have the pleasure of looking at warm timber grain and the sparkly Jade Amerind finish. The colour and texture of the finishes are such a treat for the eye!
One of the final pieces to complete in our renovation puzzle will be our VR Art Glass splashback. I look forward to doing the big reveal on that… in the not too distant future.
I am itching to stock the new pull out pantry with goodies.
I had best wait until the door is on though. Not long now – surely!
VR Art Glass on display at the HIA Melbourne Home Show April 10-13, 2014
Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No CommentsVisual Resource will be exhibiting at the HIA Melbourne Home Show from Thursday April 10 to Sunday April 13, 2014.
There are many reasons to visit the VR Art Glass stand A54, within the Kitchen & Bathroom area.
Just to mention a few reasons…
- View the ‘Melbourne Skyline # 7’ VR Art Glass splashback – full sized and impressive.
- Be charmed and mesmerised by the beautiful ‘Imagination-Emotion’ Collection of works by French Artiste Marie-Ancolie Romanet. Released in creative partnership with Visual Resource at the Home Show.
- Enter the draw for the chance to win $1,000 off the price of your custom VR Art Glass piece.
We hope to see you at the Home Show.
Toni
‘Imagination-Emotion’ – a stunning new Collection of works created by French Artiste Marie-Ancolie Romanet
Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No CommentsThe photo art of Marie-Ancolie Romanet is best described as ‘Visual Poetry’: creations as unique and delicate as the subjects themselves.
Visual Resource is proud to announce a creative partnership with French Artiste Marie-Ancolie Romanet. A Collection of Romanet’s works will be released at the Home Show in April and can now be previewed on the VR Abstract Gallery. The works provide mesmerising visions for wall art, or custom VR Art Glass® pieces.
A fellow photographer once said of Romanet’s work, “You will not see anything similar in National Geographic, travel books or stock libraries… her work, it comes from the soul. “
The photo art creations by Romanet have adorned the covers of magazines in France and the USA, graced the packaging of premium chocolates and Romanet was recently awarded her Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society (UK).
Despite the accolades and recognition from her photographic peers – Romanet remains refreshingly modest about her visual poetry, saying, “I do not like copying. As a unique person I produce unique images. I photograph what catches my eye in a precise second, in my home or my garden. They are ‘soul photographs’.”
When capturing ‘Wild is the Wind’, Romanet recalls the moment: “Wild is the Wind’ is made with the sky, the hedges and flowers of our garden. The seed of the dandelion was a ‘prisoner’ of a broken spider web, and it was dancing in the morning breeze. I went mad capturing the moment but it was such a great opportunity! A few minutes after I took the photo…the seed had taken off. “
It is with such elegance, truth and simplicity that Romanet’s visual poetry is born.
“Wild is the Wind’ is made with the sky, the hedges and flowers of our garden.
The seed of the dandelion was a ‘prisoner’ of a broken spider web, and it was dancing in the morning breeze’.
Marie-Ancolie
‘Princess From The Cold’
The works by Marie-Ancolie Romanet provide mesmerising visions for wall art, or custom VR Art Glass® pieces.
‘Tourbillon Valse’
“I try to look closely at the beauty which is surrounding us everywhere.” Marie-Ancolie.
Imagination-Emotion by Marie-Ancolie Romanet
Posted by Toni Collins | Abstract Collection | No Comments
VR Art Glass featuring ‘Cremona # 7’ from the Italy Collection
Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No CommentsSelected image ‘Cremona # 7’ for the VR Art Glass kitchen splashback reinforces the tones from the pendant lights and front of island bench detail – tying these elements together with warmth and charisma. Perhaps of greatest importance… the artwork looks so comfortably at home within the surrounds. The space looks and feels lovely!
Sometimes, few words are needed to present a project: instead, the visuals really do speak volumes. Such is the case for the Edithvale residence. Homeowners of the recently completed new build have created a living space quietly confident, with a seemingly effortless style being projected.
Edithvale Residence
Featuring ‘Cremona # 7’ artwork from the Italy Collection
“How is your renovation going?”
A common question we are asked at the moment… A question asked by interested friends, the Electrician hoping to finish his work off, and the Glazier who would like to return to take a measure for the new VR Art Glass splashback. Our reply…
“The renovation is going…slowly.”
It was January 22nd when the first new cupboards were installed into the kitchen. (All two of them! With many more still to come.) Almost one month down the track… please find the ‘in progress’ shots we can share with you.
The Joiner we are working with creates very fine work. (A craftsman is actually how we think of him.) He is detailed, particular and downright fussy in fact. Not something we feel the need to harass him about…. his fine work will become our home to enjoy for many years. (I just hope it isn’t years before he is done!)
At this point in time… there is a renovation cliché I will grasp onto, “the results are worth the pain.” I am assured when it is all said and done, we will forget the disruption, delays and the dust. Here is hoping there is a kernel of truth to the cliché.
Toni
Craftsmanship.
Shadowline detail and matching timber grain – just lovely!
The ‘pain’ I mentioned…
Holes the Electrician cut in preparation for power where it has never been before.
Property Review Weekly (PRW) included a piece about VR Art Glass late in 2013.
‘Make a splashback’
Established by fine art photographers, Visual Resource specialise in the creation of VR Art Glass: the striking combination of splashbacks and art. Providing the creative scope to add personality and individual style to your kitchen or bathroom, VR Art Glass is finished with durable, toughened glass perfect for active households.
Peruse their huge collection of original artworks or work with the Visual Resource team to design your own; you’re limited only by your imagination.
Thank you – PRW!
VR Art Glass – wall art with a difference
Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects | No CommentsIf you have ever dreamed of living inner city in a well-appointed warehouse conversion – then the interior of this Collingwood residence will be worthy of a little green envy.
Originally the Sidchrome factory in another lifetime, Interior Designer Patricia La Torre of OUTSIDEINSIDE Building Elements has transformed the interior with aplomb. The inclusion of a wall sized feature glass artwork in the kitchen area was one of her many recommendations.
“The design incorporated a glass feature panel to add a burst of colour and connect the inner city warehouse apartment to the streets of Melbourne”, said La Torre.
Another great use for VR Art Glass!
Factory warehouse conversion.
Architectural design by Robert Busselmann of Robert Busselmann & Associates.
The hard work… installation thanks to Glaziers Jasen & Dave.
Prize Winner Announced – Custom VR Art Glass or VR Artwork
Posted by Toni Collins | News & Events, VR Blog | No CommentsCongratulations Dimity in QLD – Winner of the Visual Resource competition.
Partnering with RenoExchange, Visual Resource offered one lucky entrant the opportunity to win a custom VR Art Glass splashback, or VR Photo Artwork up to $2,000 in value.
We were delighted with the response of the competition, which proved to be one of the most popular prize offers RenoExchange has offered to date.
Thank you to all who entered. Unfortunately there can be only one winner. Once again congratulations Dimity – Michael and I look forward to working with you to create your custom artwork.
The best of both worlds – art for your wall, or art for your kitchen.
After a few more delays… we are excited to report our renovation works have begun! Step one – the removal of our ugly duckling splashback.
Existing splashback – ready for removal
Question: if I have an existing splashback, do I have to remove it before putting in the new one?
We are often asked this question, and the answer is, “you do not necessarily have to remove your existing splashback.” The option to simply put the new splashback over the top of the existing one – is one possible option. There are a few things to consider – before deciding.
When leaving your existing splashback, and putting a new one on top – considerations include:
1. Will you be happy with your final splashback depth? Picture the depth of your new splashback (from the wall). It would be the depth of your existing splashback plus another 8-10mm. Will you be happy with the extra thickness of your final splashback?
2. Is the existing old splashback surface reasonably flat? Ideally the surface will be quite flat and even. But even if it is a little wonky (with uneven tiles for example) – fitting a new splashback over the top may still be possible. Our Glazier could evaluate the existing surface, and make a recommendation.
3. And finally, in terms of compliance with regulations: where you have a gas cook top, the distance between the face of your new splashback, and the edge of the heat source (gas burner) will need to be not less than 140mm. This aspect may be the determining factor influencing the removal of the existing splashback.
For us… we did not ponder the ‘considerations’ at length. There was an unspoken understanding that the existing splash – had to go. After all, it has served 7 years; it has done its time.
A longer blade (mini saw type tool) was pushed behind the splashback.
The removal – how was it done?
(Please note: we recommend this is a job for a professional, who is familiar with Toughened Glass. We write the steps here – just for interest.)
- The silicone seal all around the edge of the splashback was cut with a blade.
- Power point covers were removed, and then power point fittings were unscrewed and pulled out from the face of the splashback slightly.
- The attachment between the wall and the top of the splashback was broken.
- A longer blade (mini saw type tool) was pushed behind the splashback, to cut some of the adhesives (silicone blobs) holding the splashback firmly in place.
- Some fishing wire was also used to slide between the glass, and the wall – aiming to cut through some more silicone blobs. (Not all – just some.)
- After prising the splashback away from the wall at the top (just a touch), then with the assistance of a second person and a suction grip – the panel was gradually manoeuvred away from the wall. Remarkably – in one piece. The end!
- Our Glazier Jasen was doing the grunt work (and it was hard yakka getting the glass separated from the wall). Having professional assistance is certainly our recommendation.
The panel was gradually manoeuvred away from the wall.
Next Steps
On Thursday this week… we anticipate the electrical works and cabinetry installation will begin. Exciting times ahead!
Toni
Former splashback gone. The kitchen is now ready for a face lift.
Vintage House – a Victorian miners cottage originally built around the 1860’s.
Interior created by Kali Cavanagh.
The perfect marriage between old & new.
Vintage pieces with patina, texture and a story to tell… combined effortlessly with new luxury linens.
Our break this year included a few days getaway in Hepburn Springs / Daylesford.
Upon arrival the charm of the impeccably appointed Vintage House was immediately calming, imploring a retreat from the thoughts and demands of life. We were delighted to find there was something for everyone: Michael started snapping away on his I-Phone, his visual appetite more than satiated by the stunning interior, I started thumbing through the many wonderful books and magazines, mesmerised by, ‘a life less ordinary – interiors and inspirations’ by Zoe Ellison and Alex Legendre, and Roisin scampered about exploring everything – her imagination running wild!
A little more about Vintage House:
A Victorian miners cottage originally built around the 1860’s. Situated directly on the border of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs in Victoria.
The antique, vintage, industrial furniture and lighting has been sourced with love specifically for the house, from all around the globe, including – USA, UK, France and of course Melbourne along with tailor made furniture and pieces throughout. Including:
- Chesterfield sofas and bench seating
- Antique cast iron fireplace surround from 1800’s France
- Dining table from an old post office – late 1700’s England
- Chambers Gas Stove from USA
- Vintage Artwork from France
- Vintage French linen cushions
- Old wooden railway bench seats
Are you starting to get a vintage-industrial picture in your mind?
And being on holiday… a good night’s sleep is essential. Not hard to accomplish on the large, comfy bed, fitted with beautiful linens chosen from Matteos – Los Angeles. (Sorry to brand drop… but I suspect the linen selection was highly considered by the Interior Designer, and it was a new experience for us to sleep on actual linen sheets!)
The style ‘vintage – industrial’ is not one I have a natural affinity for. To create a space styled like it would be quite beyond me… Perhaps that is why I enjoyed the home so much? I found the marriage between old vintage pieces, and the comforts of new luxury linens and fittings so calming and pleasing to the senses. I admire the skill and creativity of the Designer who did composed this very fine space – Kali Cavanagh – hats off to you!
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