Cats: First Shelter Guest

 

We're fairly certain that this gray cat was abandoned next door when everybody moved out. It showed up around that time, and never went away. It won't let us get this close without Dude being around, so they must be friendlier now. The grey cat sleeps in the shelter when Dude goes in at night, but you see which one gets the warm roof when the sun comes out. TNR as soon as possible.

Finished: First Decorating Project of 2023

Updating an apartment for a young adult who uses a 15'x15' space as an office/bedroom/living room. These shelves, built-in side by side, are 7' and 5' (12 feet wide total). They need to hold the TV, video games, DVDs, books, plants, and collectibles, and still provide hidden storage space.

Painting is permitted, but the budget won't allow it, so only accent and decorative paints will be applied. The owner is a big horror movie fan, so there's lots of spook and dark furnishings to work with. 

Design inspiration comes from "We Bought A Funeral Home", a television program on Discovery + where designer Heather Blumberg confirms what some of us have always known; creepy can be quite beautiful.

Before

After

I painted the closet door black, sponge painted the bottom shelf, and added a short, black curtain. It provided so much hidden storage space, another black curtain was requested, and will be installed next week. A lacy spider web curtain is draped over the edge of the top shelf. Two new media racks hold all of the DVDs and video games, with room for a few more.

Click images to enlarge.

 

New black storage containers have lids. They hold game items, fill empty spaces, and elevate unusual items of interest, like pottery, and...skulls. I rehung the drama masks with long black ribbons. A collection of vintage books and candles are mixed in with art for good measure. The ottoman has a new throw blanket, and a new decoupaged serving tray.  

The loveseat has a new black and gold cover, and two new pillow covers in black velvet with embossed spider webs...all machine washable.

All of the small plants, remaining books, and collectibles were rearranged and placed in the shelves next to the window. The ladder was painted black and gold so it could be used to reach needed items or water plants. 

Before

 

After

Black and gold tassles were hung from the ladder's hinges. The ladder holds a plant and watering can.

Full view of the 'plant corner' and ladder in sunlight.

The working barber chair is comfortable, and will be reupholstered soon! All of the mismatched furnishings that could be painted, were painted with black satin paint (Valspar ®). Everything that could use a new touch of gold paint (FolkArt ® - Metalic), got one. 

 The bed got new fluffy black throw pillows, and new area rugs.

The cats gave their approval on the design changes, and will allow things to stay like this, for now.

Cats: Lillie Update

 

We adopted Lillie! She finally has her forever home, and real love.

Cats: Lillie

This is Lillie, the sweet Community Cat that was living in our backyard when we moved in 4 years ago. It's 4°F here in Kentucky this morning, so she trusted me enough to come sleep in my hallway. My cats donated bowls, blankies, and a small pot of cat grass to make her comfortable during her stay with us.

Cats: Christmas Tree

 

A simple, inexpensive little tree, not really big enough to climb, is just the right fit for our cats in their space. 

The faux glass ornaments are wired on tightly to keep them in place, but they still have lots of movement when touched.

The strands of garland are made from [felted wool], the same material many pet toys are made of. 

These, in earth tone and white, came pre-strung from our local Trader Joe's.

The other cats like the tree just fine, but Punky really, really enjoys being near it when the lights are turned on. 

She falls asleep under it every chance she gets. She'll also sit next to it several times throughout the day, seemingly soaking in all of its comfort and joy. 

This is our second year with this little tree.  

Crate to Table

 

I needed a tiny table in a sitting area where the cats like to hang out. 

When I saw this old wooden crate, it seemed like the perfect size and shape. Plus, the cats couldn't ruin a piece of junk. 

I decided to make it work by dabbing the exterior the same colors found in the rug. I painted the interior black. It had been in a barn for quite some time, and some of the ugly needed to go away.

Paint can make that happen.

I have two vintage trays to decoupage, and both will fit on the top of the table. I'll decide which looks best when they're finished.

Cats: Mimi Update

 

She's still a pretty girl.