Verandah battens, main bathroom progress, study nook, planter box & Spring!

Verandah battens
This is the northern side of the verandah, looking from the eastern end.  Dad has finished the eastern balustrade, building a slight variation on the rest of the design.  He has also now built the battens under the eastern end of the verandah. 

We plan to build a timber sleeper path just near these battens, to provide access to the electricity box on the side of the house.

Bathroom progress

The main bathroom is coming along very well and it won't be too long before it is finished!

Dad has laid the tiles on both the bathroom floor and shower walls.  We chose a reticulated 600x300 white tile for the shower wall and a square light coloured tile for the floor.  The tiles just need to be grouted (white) before they are finished.  We installed the frameless glass shower screens over the weekend.  All that is left now is to install the glass shower door and for the plumber to hook up the toilet and shower.

Here is the vanity and mirror.  You can see a row of small square white mosaic tiles above the bench, just like we incorporated in the new kitchen.

 

Here is the shower - almost finished.  Just need to install the glass door and grout the tiles white.

Study nook
The new study nook is now operating - it's such a handy room.  Dad built the custom built-in desk from a former door (with VJ boards on top) and the shelving was adapted from the former front kitchen shelves.  We will install new carpet in the study after the new back living area has been built - as the carpet will flow through the study nook, dining area and living room.

Here is the study nook partly set up.

Dad installed an old window between the study nook and dining area - to add more light and a greater sense of space.  It also adds a lovely feature on the large expanse of white VJ wall.

Painted planter box
I finally had a chance to paint and assemble the planter box that I bought recently.  I have painted it in Dulux 'Domino' (to tie in with the front door), and it will sit to the side of the door, under the exterior light.  I am looking forward to planting some greenery in it soon.

Here is the planter box primed and ready to be painted and assembled.

Here it is in place next to the front door.

 

The light on the front verandah is beautiful... how lovely are the shadows that the balustrade casts.

Spring preparations
Spring has almost arrived, and it's great to see the garden shooting.

I have planted three ornamental ('Capital') pear trees on the northern side of the verandah, as well as an edging row of Japanese Box to tie in with the garden on the opposite side of the driveway.  I chose these pear trees for their narrow habit, and I will be able to keep their height to no more than a few metres.  I also hope to plant a row of gardenias behind the pear trees, against the verandah battens.

I planted three Magnolia 'Little Gems' against the northern fence, further along from the row of roses.  These are an evergreen variety which will add more greenery year-round.
 

How beautiful are the sunsets at this time of year!