Hi Deco Everything that I have collected part from the dining set which was an investment has been from garage sales. So I am quite happy to part with everything... I think the most expensive was $10.00. My problem is that I cant focus because you are right. I just have too much going on in different styles. Going with the style of the dining table - where do you think I should head with rug choices from everything I am reading - it says I should zone out the room?? I am staying away from leather couches and heading towards a cotton fabric. I really just want the space to be comfortable. Thanks for the tip about the ideabook. I've been collecting here and then, but mainly watching how people solve their dilemmas. I look but don't comment much.

Wow, that house is WAY to big. How on earth do you clean it? Why not have outdoor entertaining on the back deck? This would incorporate flying fox to a cubby and play equipment down the back yard. In the summer perhaps a collapsible awning for during the day but at night just candles and the stars to keep you company. If the weather is too cold you could provide a pile of crocheted lap rugs or fur or old blankets to get the cottage or french look. I suppose then your dining furniture would need to be a style to suit - maybe more relaxed or boho. Anyway sounds good fun - oo I forgot to allow for the outdoor fireplace (stone or brick) preferably. I notice you said any ideas would be greatly appreciated so I will press on regardless another day.

Know exactly how you want to use your garden, not just now but in the future. Do you have children where you want a safe place for them to play, will you want to add swings, a trampoline, a sandpit, a cubby house and other play toys kids love, but in years to come these will be replaced with other features. Allow for shade trees not just for your garden but to keep your house cool too. Depending on aspect decide if you need evergreen or deciduous trees - if your garden faces north, for example, deciduous trees are best, they provide cooling shade in summer but allow you to enjoy the winter sun both inside and out. What local wildlife do you have? Consider them when planting too. Use graph paper to draw your garden to scale to get a good idea of how much space you need for features. Measure carefully for space needed for a table and chairs for example and allow sufficient room for access in and around the area. Search "Planning a garden for beginners" on Google - lots of ideas here, practical advice and links to You Tube videos. You will even find garden design ideas on-line. Walk around your local area checking what plants neighbours are successfully growing to get you started on what is best for your area. Bunnings do employ Horticulturists to advise you too. If you have patience, look at buying tubestock plants, these actually grow faster than a larger plant and are so much cheaper. Finally try not to make too much hard work of it, a garden is to be enjoyed, take your time and enjoy the creation as well.

Google “tall vintage brass candlesticks” or use silver instead of brass is that’s what you prefer. You’ll see retailers eg Temple and Webster as well as sites for genuine vintage pieces. I have two lovely brass ones from a garage sale.