Thank you roj leather and Simon for your recommendations. I like the hanging chair and the almanda creeper on the wall. This will certainly liven up the patio.

Hi drmdilip -- While I waited for my trumpet vines to fill in sufficiently to provide summer shade, I sewed three matching striped shower curtains together, using the button holes on each end to tie it in place. I did this because as the vine was growing new, each thin runner would drop between the rafters rather than grow straight across. After a few years now, those thin runners have become a massed layer of thick vines, all of the new growth is straight up and by the end of summer I'll be able to easily remove my temporary support and have a roof of vines. It's not rainproof though -- for that, polycarb is practical, and I love the copper above!

Hi Parchuri, Deciding colour combinations for rooms is a critical decision to make. However, you may take clues from the colour of the existing floor, furniture and upholstery you have or rely on the ready made colour palettes available on the internet. Tips : 1] Always, take paint samples and paint a small patch on the wall before you finalize the shade as the paint looks different when wet, when dry, on single coat and on double coat. 2] Use neutral shades like off white, beige and grey to dilute the overall impact of the colours. A neutral shade helps in complementing the bright colour. Just like we wash a used paintbrush in water so as to pick a new colour, a neutral shade does the same with our mind - it clears it up to take in a new paint shade rather then seeing too many colours in continuity, which can get overwhelming to the eye. Don't Do 3] Pick a fan deck of colour shades from a local paint vendor to get an idea of the shades available and choose what you like. You can play safe by selecting a monochromatic theme and stick to a single page of the fan deck or if you want to combine two colours in a theme, move horizontally along the same shade number. This way your colours would be visually balanced. If you still find it difficult to imagine, hire a professional who may help you out. All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur

Hi Chris, Decorating a home is an elaborate planning process. However, you can pick up clues from the kind of furniture you have, the colour palette you prefer and the design style that appeals to you. Here is how you can begin - 1] Ascertain what to already have and plan on what you want in terms of basic furniture, upholstery, carpets, cushions, curtains etc. Make a mental map of their placement in the room and make a list so that you do not overbuy and buy what is fit for the room. The furniture is the only permanent feature of the space, so choose wisely. 2] Fix a colour scheme. This may be derived from the upholstery you have bought or the colour of the curtains that you like. Make a colour palette. You may take the help of ready made colour palettes available online or visit a local paint vendor and take cues from the fan deck. Hiring a professional helps. 3] Next, go for an interior design style of your choice - Bohemian, eclectic, contemporary, modern etc. Look up the images of spaces designed in accordance with the style of your choice so that you know what kind of decor pieces you need to buy to achieve that look. 4] Begin by adding personal elements such as photographs, paintings, travel souvenirs, ancestral decor items etc. 5] Now you can add some neutral yet evergreen decor items like vases, lanterns, lamps, coasters, mirrors, candle stands etc. You can try old antique markets, flea markets, garage sales, dollar stores, IKEA stores etc. to find little treasures that suit your pocket. Try to stick to the chosen colour scheme for a cohesive look. Add plants and planters as they add life to a space and come at a nominal cost. 6] After all this you can invest in a good sculpture/figurine/painting that highlights the entire space. You can browse online websites or visit decor stores nearby. Attend a few interior design and home decor exhibitions in your city if you can. They will enlighten you and you may end up finding what you are looking for. 7] Lastly, keep updating and adding so that the space remains interesting. Hope this helps you. All the best! Regards, RnD Atelier Nagpur