Interiors
FESTIVAL FEVER
S
Kitty Oakshott, Upstairs Downstairs Interiors
ummer is now almost here, bringing with it the promise of hazy days, long evenings soaking up the last of the sun and a lot more time outdoors. So many of us will have been scrambling for a Glastonbury ticket a few months ago – were you one of the lucky ones? If not don’t fret, because you can create the festival atmosphere at home! Summer brings a great opportunity to liven up the garden and there is a huge array of accessories we can add to bring fun and entertainment into our lives. How about a big, bright parasol to bring colour even when the skies are overcast? Deckchairs covered in bright stripes add to the fun and that’s not forgetting vibrant table mats, seat cushions, fairy lights and a sprinkling of lanterns dotted around. With a bit of imagination, you can turn so many storage items into outdoor furniture and seating arrangements. For example, take something quirky such as a discarded beer barrel. This can easily be converted into a seat with foam cut to size and a cushion cover in a fun outdoor fabric. Now not only do you have extra seating but, as it has an empty cavity, your stool can provide storage for all sorts of items. Crates and pallets can also be converted into tables or footstools. There is so much that can be done! When the party’s over, the fun doesn’t have to stop. How about a funky roller blind in the bathroom, or a wall of crazy wallpaper to keep the festival spirit alive? Summer is the perfect time to start on those winter projects that have been on your to-do list – now that the weather is more cheerful, take items outside and get painting! Now is the time of year to upcycle all those tired pieces of wooden furniture with a lick of chalk paint. How about adding a distressed finish, or jazzing up the piece with some funky knobs? There are some lovely ceramic Indian handles on the market, as well as animal heads to put a smile on your face! So clean up the BBQ, get your invites out, re-do your plant pots – and let’s give Glastonbury a run for its money! updowninteriors.co.uk 42 | Sherborne Times | June 2017
And Mary