Well we've finished the build and I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that building is really only the beginning... It feels like there is so much to do and not enough time and money to do it. So I'm going to take my time and have fun doing it, make a bit of a hobby out of it.

Here's my original build thread-

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=41712

And I will slowly build a landscaping thread too-

As I'm not super confident I'm happy to have suggestions or cc if you are happy to take the time to mention.

So far we have hung a few blinds around the place.

We've managed to score 4 roller blinds on sale for the front 4 windows for $25 each at Spotlight. I'd like to make some curtains for these windows one day but for now the roller blinds will do.

We also scored a white timber venetian for $77 that was reduced from $215 from spotlight for our dining area. WOOHOO. We've got 2 more on order at 50% off and I've hung another in the kids room that we also got at 50% off. Pretty happy with that. If money was no issue, I'd get a couple of shutters but at 3 times the price, the timber venetians are looking more reasonable.

We've had the tv put up on the wall. My problem is what to get for underneath. Given the size of the room and how much happens in here I'd like to keep that area as simple as possible. I was original thinking a floating shelf but that wont work due to cords etc... We have to house the digital recorder and dvd player. The rest of that rubbish can be put away. The other cord in the pic was the vacumn so obviously that wont be there normally. Any suggestions for under here?
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This chair is in the lounge. I'm looking for some fabric to recover it. I'm fairly decided on one, depending on the cost of course but also need to decide whether to paint or redo the arms and legs. Any advice? I'm really liking the raspberry colors there though. The walls are dulux - very cashmere. Can't wait to get my teeth into this project as I havn't done anything like that before. Should be good fun.
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This is the fabric I really love and if I can afford it I think I'll get this one.
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Its a bit hard to tell but this other fabric which I also really like is actually a little pink in some lights which I'm not sure about.
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Both together on the chair
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I made this curtain for one of the kids rooms, my inspiration was from here, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/ca ... Size=false
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Not sure if I should keep it open on one side or make a tie or something?
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A close up of the finials, which is actually a wine bottle top that I got for $5 from a kitchen shop!
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Looks like you are enjoying yourself sprucing the place up. Well done on the bargains ... gotta love that! Love both fabrics you are looking at for the chair and the curtain you made - I'd say tie it to one side - looks better. Great idea for the finial Can't wait to see more. Under the TV you could get the same ent unit we got from Super Amart - four drawers and cost $500 - which looks great or for something cheaper the same but with two drawers for $300.

http://www.superamart.com/home/product_ ... =397500001

thanks mclaren,

that piece is a bit too modern for my place I think. I was thinking something really small. Either to go on the wall or centred under the tv.


eg.http://www.fantasticfurniture.com.au/ViewProduct/p/occasional/entertainment-units/oakley-small-lowline

Its not the piece I love, just the size. Although painted and shabby'd it wouldn't be too bad I suppose. I'd hate to pay $200 to change it though.

Actually I like this a lot (painted or something) but its about 10mm too short in the depth. And a bit too long. But if it was slightly deeper I'd probably get it!
http://www.fantasticfurniture.com.au/ViewProduct/p/storage/bookcases/bounty-lowline-bookcase

Ahhhh ... shabby chic eh? Sounds good

Hi CheerupCharlie!

I love the bargains you've found, you've got quite an eye. For your chair I love that red geometric fun - it is gorgeous. Would look great with black too if you ever wanted to paint the chair.

I know you've said you'd like to keep the area under the TV simple but I would actually choose a piece that was at least 1.5 times longer than the TV for balance (more the size of the medium version of the cabinet you posted above). I always use this rule for paintings, and I think TVs work the same way. It just makes the art/TV look more 'grounded' and in proportion. Just my two cents worth - hope you don't think I'm rude!

I love your curtain too - I'm been meaning to have a go at making a long version of this in white as a shower curtain. Very girly!

ethosdesign - you could be right you know. If I can get one that is only about 300mm deep then I'd be happy for it to be long I suppose. I just dont want a massive tv unit because the room isn't huge and we do a lot of living in here. I wish I was handy enough to make something myself.

As for you idea of black arms and legs for the chair I LOVE IT!!! I'm imagining a glossy black what do you think? Hmm I'm excited about that.

Love that geometric red print!

Glossy black would look great! Can't go wrong with black - let's be honest and it will look gorgeous with cherry red.

If you want something narrower than a standard entertainment unit (which are usually 50cm deep) you could try looking for a low, deep shelved bookshelf instead? I know a lot of bookshelves for offices (designed to hold magazine files and things) would be about 25cm-40cm deep. The only other thing I can think of, if you only want a shelf, is to buy a narrow console table and cut the legs shorter?

HI

There's no substitute for innovation and doing things for a fraction of the price of what it would normally cost if you were to pay on the High end of town

Well done

Dean

Well the fabric I chose is $140 per meter plus $30 surcharge because I need such a small amount EEEK wont be getting that one.

But I think I may have found something quite nice for a lot cheaper. I'll keep it a surprise for now though. Just in case..

So I've started the chair. It's kinda fun and I've scored blisters on my hands from getting out all the thousands of staples. Here's the start.

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And.... ta da!!!!!! Isn't it beautiful

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Now I was hoping someone might know a thing or two about upholstering so I can ask some questions... Should I use the old stuffing or get a completely new product. Can I just use that foam stuff from spotlight? Also how much do I sand the chair? It's got a varnish on it so if I get most of the varnish off will that be ok or I do need to have it seriously sanded? I'm just using paper and a sponge as I havn't got a sander.

I know I know I'm a complete novice. But it's fun right?

I am no expert but either but I would say as long as the varnish is off and any bumps/dents/scratches are gone your should be fine to paint it. I think you need to prime it tho.

I would use new foam so the chair lasts longer with your efforts.

are you wanting to revarnish the frame, or are you going to paint it?

I want to repaint it. Thanks ref_kt and 4walls. I don't have much clue so anything helps.

generally as requirements can differ between brands & products: some sandpapering to provide a rough surface for a primer to attach to, before painting.

Hi CheerupCharlie! I'm so excited to see you start on your chair - I bet it's going to look fantastic.

You can use the original stuffing if it is in good condition, it will save you some money too. If you did want to buy it new I would go to a Foam & Rubber shop and buy some high density foam to add to the chair seat. Batting from Spotlight will compress over time and won't be very comfortable to sit on, whereas foam will bounce back after you sit on it.

In terms of painting the frame, give the whole thing a light sand to roughen up the varnish. If there are any dents, you can give them a harder sand. You will probably need to do it by hand as you only need to do it very lightly. Then get a good quality primer and coat it. Because of the turned legs you will probably get a better finish using a spray paint (or buy a paint sprayer from Bunnings to add your paints to). If you did want to brush it, use an oil paint as it will spread better and not leave brush marks.

Good luck with your project - can't wait to see how it turns out!

Thanks 4walls and ethosdesign,

I'm excited too to have started. I'll be continuing hopefully on Thursday when I'm kid free. It's fun to be doing something different around here. We've hung a few more venetians which makes a difference to the look of a room so I'll post some more pics on here too soon.

Great advice ethos, I will be taking it all on board.

Any progress yet?

Cannot wait to see the chair finished! Love the fabrics you selected!