
One of the main reasons we chose our new rental home here in Melbourne was for the fabulous outside space, particularly the slightly run-down but still very usable, tennis court. The kids have been loving hitting balls over the net, playing games of cricket and chase-y, riding their bikes and scooters around and generally getting lots of exercise. The area works particularly well because of the conservatory that was built as a later addition to the house to link the inside living areas with the outside. Conservatories are not particularly common in Australia - especially not where we were in Queensland where all that glass would be like living in a sauna! It has been too hot for comfort some days this month, but I think it will be particularly lovely in the colder months of the year. I can see myself (maybe in my dreams!) enjoying a cup of tea and a flick through some magazines on the day bed.

I'm not quite sure how I am meant to clean all the glass!..

The view from inside the living room...

I can't wait to take a trip to a big garden centre and plant up lots of pots of sun-loving plants which I'm sure will thrive in the conservatory. Know any good ones in Melbourne's east?...

An old dresser/hutch which my husband's grandparents brought over from Canada with them when they emigrated has found a place on an end wall...

The blue colour scheme started when I spotted this gorgeous rug in Les Salles before I left Brisbane. It is made from recycled plastic and so is very sturdy and can even be hosed down if (or more likely when) needed...

