I see red

I’ve been taking my mind off things (while ironically preparing for their inevitable consequences) by doing a little house schmicking. And I’ve decided it’s time for a show and tell.

First stop: the family room/kitchen.

The jooshing kicked off with an iron stand I bought in Lane Cove years ago, which had been languishing in the kids’ playroom as a bike helmet repository. I manhandled it into the family room, gave it a swish with a feather duster and then thought ….. hmmmm … what the hell should I put on it?

Cookbooks! My years at Woman’s Day mean I have a dazzling array of glossy ones that really deserve to be on display rather than jammed into a cupboard.

Then, as I was driving through the rain last Saturday, I spotted a bookcase on the roadside. I decided to ignore my dodgy pelvis and shoehorn it into the boot. It didn’t quite fit, so I rolled down the hill to home nervously with the back of the car open.

A spot of furniture oil and it looks good as new.

A visit to IKEA yielded a round red rug and $69 retro coffee table.

After picking the youngest up from a laser skirmish party, I wandered through Trade Secret and nabbed a couple of $14 cushions (loving the dalmation). And after sewing up the lounge cushion the bunny once nibbled for afternoon tea it all looks very swish.

Final touch was Husband’s 40th birthday gift from his parents – at least I think that’s what it was for – a rather glammy glass plate on a red runner (Christmas pressie from the in-laws?).

Voila! Family room/kitchen done.

Next stop: the study. Am I brave enough to construct the IKEA desk myself or should I beg my sister’s bloke? I’ll let you know how I go …

Song of the day that’s speaking to me … “I See Red” by Split Enz