Buying for a Bed

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Posted on October 1, 2016

It is 4.5 years since I wrote this post about covering the mattress on an old bed to use as a day bed on the verandah.

Unfortunately, it did not quite turn out as I had planned for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the cat thought I had made it for him and proceeded to lie on it regularly and blanket the entire surface with grey fur. Secondly, I realised that it was directly accessible to anyone entering our property and I would not feel secure being asleep there.

The second issue has been addressed somewhat by having a lockable gate installed.

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However, the problem of the cat remains. I have considered this for some time now and decided that the best option was to have fabric on one side and vinyl on the other. I will keep it vinyl side up generally so that any cat fur can be easily wiped off but turn it over to the fabric side when I (or anyone else wants to lie or sit on the bed.

Since the original post, we have painted the bed frame in a dark grey (the same colour as the surround of the gate in the photo above). Additionally, the outdoor table is now red.

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I had an idea that I could incorporate these colours into my new plans for the bed. So, today when I was shopping I went to Spotlight and was surprised and delighted to find exactly what I was looking for.

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The plain black vinyl will be for the cat while the stripe fabric which was described as ‘outdoor canvas’ will be perfect for the fabric side. I should have enough left to make a couple of cushions, too.

I was really pleased to find exactly what I had imagined and I am looking forward to getting it made and ready to use.

Simple Decorating

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Posted on November 25, 2012

Yesterday we hosted a Christmas gathering for our neighbours. We live in a semi-rural area and often the annual Christmas function is the only opportunity we have to get together.

We were mostly on the verandah, however, I had cleaned and set up the living area in case of inclement weather. Although it is still November I did want to have a simple, Christmas-themed decoration.

I put this centrepiece together using a crystal salad bowl and some silver balls which are normally used on the Christmas tree. It looked really pretty and effective.

Here you can get a good view of one the tablecloths that I have converted from a rectangle to an oval to suit the table. You can read more about the project here and here.

Space and Style

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Posted on January 18, 2012

More is definitely less when it comes to decorating. I find a single piece much more aesthetically pleasing than a cluttered jumble all vying for your attention.

Here is a glass cutting board which I have standing in a clear acrylic recipe bookstand. It is both functional and decorative on the kitchen bench.

The living room has a long, low bookcase and I have this glass bowl on it.

Everything about this means something to me. The bowl was a gift from my daughters. The rocks were collected by my parents while travelling through western Queensland and were gathered almost 50 years ago. The doily is Nottingham lace and was a gift from a close friend.