Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer
Outlook Writer
A CREATIVE IMAGINATION when put into action can transform a once drabbed environment in to a lively setting. Reused items can be tastefully utilised, and when this is done, it may surprise you!
With proper planning, you can have the best results. Exercise that imagination and enjoy the feeling of well-being and the satisfaction of achievement.
That's Leonie Clarke's experience and Outlook could see the reason for it when we visited her residence in the Retreat area of St. Thomas.
This retired educator has channelled her creative energies into setting up a gazebo. She has incorporated reusable items and this has been cost-effective.
She teams several plants and flowers with different reusable items so that they seem to be a natural fixture in the setting. For example, the plant containers are placed in baskets that had served other purposes in the home. Equally attractive is a handbag that is used as a hanging basket, to enclose floral arrangement.
An old light post is painted to fit in the decor. It is segmented to form the legs of the gazebo. Another example is the use of broken tiles to form a mosaic pattern on the floor.
Imagine using a bathroom wall for a table. This is how the Clarkes did it.
Leonie cut a door into the bathroom wall then used the 'cut-out' portion to form a table. Instead of throwing it away, the Clarkes moved it away using heavy equipment to the spot where it is used to form a magnificent table-top.
From time to time, this table is dressed and no one would know what is beneath the tablecloth. It serves as domino table, dinning table, a conversation piece and the main area for having coffee or just a drink.
To the side of the gazebo, she has enclosed the area under the water tank and set up a powder room.
GOOD IDEA
"I was not pleased seeing this open unattractive space, so the idea came to me that I could enclose it and over time the powder room was made," stated Leonie.
With this new attractive, cosy and spacious setting plus some time on her hands she made different types of relaxation zones for herself and friends.
"This is a place for relaxation. There is game's night for the ladies, dinners and weddings", said Leonie.
You, too, can make a difference to your surrounding.
GREEN THUMB IS ON A SHORT VACATION BREAK AND WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK
