Mexico comes to Glen Eden

As the garage is used as my art studio, my poor pergola ended up being 'that place' to dump a range of stuff. In the end, I couldn't bear it any longer and set about doing a makeover with a sort of Mexican theme in mind!

I actually took this after I started clearing it out. It was a LOT worse,

with overgrown roses bursting through the trellis (not in a good way!).

I had to put this photo next, as the transformation really is remarkable.

It was the chalk paint from Madder & Rouge that made this makeover fun to do.

And look at the beautiful light sifting through!

Finally I found a place for my chairs that I'd rescued from a tip shop which had also undergone a makeover recently, which you can read about here.

The french doors were rescued from a derelict house which gives the pergola

an outdoor conservatory feel.

The flowers that keep on giving! I bought these for myself from a wonderful plant based market near me.

They look gorgeous against the colourful trellis.

The wood was already in place (from a previous makeover) but painting it blue has helped to create a Mexican style feel to it.

I've made most of the furniture under the pergola,

such as the bench seat with storage underneath to store wood.

And this custom made bench.

Not necessarily Mexican! But I like my eclectic mix of nic nacs.

More nic nacs that create a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Recently added - an old NZ screen print.

As night time draws in, the solar powered lights bring a carnival type feel to the area, making it fabulous for entertaining.

Finally, there's nothing more satisfying than a glass of wine under blankets

with the crackle of wood from the chiminea.