Six Ways to Furnish Your Home From Your Backyard
By Pamela Cole Harris
Do you need to furnish your new home but the budget remaining for decor is so tight you can't squeeze a nickel between the paycheck and the checkbook? Then bring the outdoors inside! Outdoor and garden furniture and accessories can make your room look bright and cheerful without spending a fortune! Here's how:
1. A rustic redwood picnic table makes a great dining room table! Paint it or leave it natural. Cut foam to fit the benches and upholster with a cheery plaid or bright color. Attach with fabric ties and voila! Comfortable seating!
2. Wooden Adirondack chairs (the inexpensive type!) from the garden center (or your own backyard) can be painted in bright colors. Just add matching pillows for comfortable family or living room seating.
3. Want a window seat? Just place a garden arch with a built in bench in front of the window. Upholster a foam cushion to provide more comfort and add ivy and a small reading light to the arch.
4. Faux stone garden benches make great coffee tables. Place in front of your wicker furniture for a romantic look. Or use a small wooden bench for a more rustic look!
5. You can make a beautiful folding screen out of garden trellis! All you need is a piece of scrap trellis and wood. Just make a frame out of 1 by 1 inch wood slats. Staple or tack trellis which cut to fit the opening to the back of the frame. Paint white or let your imagination run wild!
6.H ave you seen the new white (and inexpensive) resin rockers? They would be a bright addition to any room. Imagine them with red and white striped or gingham cushions!
You don't have to spend a mint to decorate! All it costs is a little imagination and a trip to the backyard!!