Thank you I visited a few stores in Sydney , bo concepts, king furniture , project 82 and finally jimmy possum and decided on the Massimo and Milmo sofa with ottoman from jimmy possum, many reasons, not only because of the impeccable quality of the sofas and the fact it's Austrlaian made, but after visiting the store twice my husband would fall asleep instantly whilst sitting on them, and that to me was the clincher. Very happy with the staff and service from Jimmy Possum located at Moore Park , Sydney. So excited, 8 weeks to go...

I have two tortured willow trees...(sometimes I wish I didn't since they grow fast and get all tangled up in themselves...and everything else) BUT... if I harvest some of the more interestingly 'tortured' young branches, denude them of their leaves and young bark, I have the frameworks for Christmas wreaths and other interesting decorations. The young little branches, once stripped of their outer soft bark and when dry, can be painted and decorated with glitter or whatever and stood in floor vases. This year, rather than a Christmas tree, having a large mixed pot of coloured, decorated and natural tortured willow branches...and maybe a few wreaths here and there, maybe some of the sentimental tree decos that come out every year and...since this is a cat friendly house...lots of curly ribbons hanging down from the tortured willow 'tree' with the odd fluffy little toy to intrigue. I prefer to bring nature into the house for Christmas. In pagan times at Yule...branches from Fir trees were brought inside and hung with apples and oranges Use was made of dried pine cones and home made candles were an everyday thing only some special ones were made for Yuletide...and that harks back to the cold climate countries...hence the sleigh bells and snow etc. For Australia I prefer to use our native trees and leaves for adornment also for the fragrance these waft around the house. I lovely big frondy lot of gum tree leaves all tied and arranged well and sat in a metal bucket can be a lovely natural touch more in keeping with am Aussie Christmas. Personally I think the commercialisation of tree and home decorations has become rather....'ratty-looking'..fake green pine branches, gaudy baubles etc. Well in advance we go collecting dried seed pods, pine cones and any other nature-products for Christmas decos...all natural and really beautiful!

Ok, the shop I'm referring to is called WallCandy & they have a branch in Sydney. Here are the details: Address:2 Danks Street, Waterloo 2017 Phone:(02) 9331 5884 Email:sydney@wallcandywallpaper.com.au

This isn't a personal recommendation as I have not yet purchased anything from this company, but I've been admiring the timber floating shelves on their website. https://shelvingshop.com.au/product-category/floating-shelves/wood-effect-finish/ Or you can buy the brackets and have the shelf custom made in whatever material and size you want. https://shelvingshop.com.au/product-category/brackets-2/floating-shelving-brackets/  I think hardware stores also sell brackets by themselves. I was thinking of going the custom route because that means I can ensure the brackets will be attached to the studs. I believe you can paint melamine after proper preparation of the surface, but I doubt if you can stain it.