Genie is out of the bag in our area :-( There was no halloween in Australia until maybe 9-10 yrs ago here. I hated it starting. First time 'cos I didn't have any lollies for a couple of teenage kids who came to the door - I was like, "You want lollies for what - oh right - hang on..." and returned with some dried apricots being the sweetest things in the house - very daggy. I then promptly closed the garage gates and curtains to deter any more visitors. Now though the whole neighbourhood has kids dressed up running around - there is certainly some fun in it but certainly some a lot of very cheap and nasty lollies full of colourings, preservatives, flavours and of course a tad more than 5% sugar :-) ! So i reluctantly wander the streets with forced smiles trying not to rain on everyone's parade - there is neighbourhood fun to be had though, people to chat and laugh with, and some fabulous decorations by those who really try hard. Not into the scary stuff for under 7s yet - poor little things can't tell if Santa is real or not or so how are they to know those scary ghouls and fantasy not fact... I fear there is no chance of stopping the halloween tsunami here any more than stopping xmas - choose your battles I suppose. At least there is no "tricking" as far as I have experienced. Nice little idea for warm climates like October in Sydney - instead of a pumpkin which goes mouldy quickly - use a watermelon to cut out a face.

The space looks a bit cold & clinical at the moment. Add sheer curtains to the window from ceiling to floor this wall Add some drama and also help to soften the look. I don't think the corrugated iron works use timber instead . A rug will better define the space perhaps with pops of colour like yellow , orange or red this will add some warmth. Prints on the wall , large pot plants side tables and floor lamps . In the billiard area it would look good to add a pendant lamp over the table you can buy ones specifically for billiard tables . More pops of colour also a couple of occasional chairs . You could also add more timber here to give more ambiance. Happy decorating .

Definitely the basket is unnecessary and without it makes cleaning easier too. If I really want to be picky, I prefer just the three pieces on one side, just swap the plants for the brighter colour. I like things a bit off balance. I hate to do this to you, but memo for the future - always get non reflective glass in frames, makes a big difference. Now have some fun with some Christmas decorations to give it a whole new look:)) You will find this is an area to have a lot of fun with and to make regular changes to.

G'day Folks, My wife and I, like Jess (Strons) am a very proud owners of Nore Furniture, still used daily, and purchased in the late 70's! The collection includes a dining Table/dining and lounge chairs, coffee/lamp tables, and a Buffet. Interstingly, when we have visitors, the two Nore lounge chairs in the lounge are always taken before the modern lounge suite is used. (which annoys me, as the Nore furniture are the more comfortable by far) The remaining items are used in our Family/Ding area. Due to having constant use over the last 6 years with grand children, several of these magnificent pieces of Art are needing a little lift, re damaged finish. If your father does remember the stain details, I would appreciate his advice! The pride, skill, and love that went into this furniture still shines thru to this day! Cheers Dennis