Detached Victorian renovation, London.
Discussion
Ace-T said:
Inconclusive, next step is a proper survey, thanks for asking Ali. However as this is Harry"s thread, I won't go any further off topic, may start one when we get the survey done. ??
Blast! Paws crossed!TBH, I'd like to see a thread of yours anyway, it looked a stunning house from the particulars
Harry, I have serious house (& budget
) envy!!
Just got the quote for painting this house top to bottom, and had to sit down. It needs everything doing, from skirting to ornate coving.
I want to find the cash though, as a professional decorator, doing the correct preparation, makes all the difference. Painting is something we can all do ourselves but frankly, most of us do not have the patience or time required to do the prep that turns an OK job into a great job. We get bored and just start rolling the paint on. All the filling, sanding, rubbing down is what you pay for.
I know this as I painted my first place myself plenty of times. Eventually got a professional in, and loved it. Made me enjoy the place so much more - and after all, you spend a lot of time in your home.
But prepping and decorating this house top to bottom will be the price of a decent E39 M5.
It seems…a lot.
I want to find the cash though, as a professional decorator, doing the correct preparation, makes all the difference. Painting is something we can all do ourselves but frankly, most of us do not have the patience or time required to do the prep that turns an OK job into a great job. We get bored and just start rolling the paint on. All the filling, sanding, rubbing down is what you pay for.
I know this as I painted my first place myself plenty of times. Eventually got a professional in, and loved it. Made me enjoy the place so much more - and after all, you spend a lot of time in your home.
But prepping and decorating this house top to bottom will be the price of a decent E39 M5.
It seems…a lot.
Oh well. Have a picture of some mosaic tiles going into a couple of shower enclosures. It's straighter than it looks in the photos!
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrUntitled by baconrashers, on FlickrHarry Flashman said:
That doesn't look the comfiest of showers, tbh... Maybe you're not very tall?Harry Flashman said:
It seems…a lot.
If you break it down into how many days it'll take and the day rates involved does it feel any better?I don't mind the filling and making good on a room by room basis (but have a vicious hatred of woodwork). Had the decorators in a few months back to do the outside of our (far smaller) house and whilst the price was "enough," when broken down to day rates (and their experience) it made more sense.
The work they did on the low-walls, steps and railings (the low walls were filled ~4 times to get them great) makes me happy when I come home each night; they're *so* much better than I would have bothered to do them.
The space i that shower is deceptive - that floor is 1.8 x 1.8m, and ceiling is 2.5m. Photo doesn't really show that. It's also the top floor shower, so frankly won't get much use until teenage children are shoved up there, so who cares if they're uncomfortable!
Encaustic tiles (inherited with the house) are beginning to go in. Quite wacky - I love them, but they are definitely bold (deceased owner was an artist and had these custom made). Lady F and I have a love for weird ceramic - but not everyone does. Half of the folk that saw our current house (including the buyers) loved them. Others really didn't like them, and far preferred a sleeker, more modern look. A high risk choice if aiming for resale - which must be why so many developer refurbished homes are so carefully neutral, using pale metro tiles or plain porcelain. If I were doing this to move on, something much more conservative would go in.
Small en-suite guest room shower:
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Some of the floral tiles for the family bathroom shower enclosure
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Mira bath filler thingy - from PH recommendations! Expensive piece of kit, so put somewhere accessible in case it breaks...
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Encaustic tiles (inherited with the house) are beginning to go in. Quite wacky - I love them, but they are definitely bold (deceased owner was an artist and had these custom made). Lady F and I have a love for weird ceramic - but not everyone does. Half of the folk that saw our current house (including the buyers) loved them. Others really didn't like them, and far preferred a sleeker, more modern look. A high risk choice if aiming for resale - which must be why so many developer refurbished homes are so carefully neutral, using pale metro tiles or plain porcelain. If I were doing this to move on, something much more conservative would go in.
Small en-suite guest room shower:
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrSome of the floral tiles for the family bathroom shower enclosure
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrMira bath filler thingy - from PH recommendations! Expensive piece of kit, so put somewhere accessible in case it breaks...
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrEdited by Harry Flashman on Monday 18th September 21:02
uncovered the lovely front bay frames - visible for the first time after removing junk. Some trim will go in those wall spaces underneath them for a fully panelled look.
Again, the picture doesn't really convey the proportions - those ceilings are 3 meters high!
Untitled by baconrashers, on Flickr
Again, the picture doesn't really convey the proportions - those ceilings are 3 meters high!
Untitled by baconrashers, on FlickrI think the arch is original - next door have one too. The upstairs room with a bay also has an arch.
I don't want to think about the heating bills. The place is getting a full Honeywell Evohome setup and draughtproofing for doors so that we only heat rooms that we are actually using...
I don't want to think about the heating bills. The place is getting a full Honeywell Evohome setup and draughtproofing for doors so that we only heat rooms that we are actually using...
It is a lovely house with some genuinely beautiful features. I read your previous thread and was very impressed with the renovation you did. Some of the ideas would never have occurred to me, but they worked. I like the tiles, they will look excellent. I am far from convinced by the exposed brick though - to me it forms an excessive contrast to the rather grand feel of the house and fights with it rather than complimenting it. Still, it could be you yet surprise me and if not, then re-plastering it is not a lot of work. It is an excellent thread.
I imagine the arches in front of those beautifully proportioned and finished bay windows are probably original - they're a far from uncommon feature, but the square-edged plaster won't be. I have a foible on wall plaster. I far prefer the round edges to walls used on older buildings to the modern sharp edges walls have now. I'm sure I am in the minority though, since I don't like the 'clean' 'contemporary' style much. I find it bland, unless it is very well done. Your approach is much more interesting.
I imagine the arches in front of those beautifully proportioned and finished bay windows are probably original - they're a far from uncommon feature, but the square-edged plaster won't be. I have a foible on wall plaster. I far prefer the round edges to walls used on older buildings to the modern sharp edges walls have now. I'm sure I am in the minority though, since I don't like the 'clean' 'contemporary' style much. I find it bland, unless it is very well done. Your approach is much more interesting.
Thanks dbdb. I think the key with this one is decorating it to be soft and inviting, rather than hard-edged and contemporary. It's a grand old building and could very easily be rendered quite stuffy and formal. The exposed brick may not work - especially if we want nice fireplace surrounds - we are going to wait and see.
I'm looking forward to playing with color. I'm particularly excited about the kitchen - the half with the cooking bit in it is being floor tiled with a grey flagstone, and the kitchen itself is painted a very dark green, and will be trimmed with traditional brass cup handles and knobs, for a really country feel. The dining area will retain the wood floors, oiled, to give it warmth and to set off the exposed brick chimney breast and bottle green tiles we found in the hearth, with an old Afghan rug I've had for years to go in there and make things interesting
rest of the rooms will be heritage sort of colors rather than edgy contemporary ones. The current trend for heritage pastels will really suit this house I think. I quite like the idea of different rooms having different feels, so you can go into different bits of the place for a different atmosphere. Dark snug, airy living room, grand-ish kitchen and warm, slightly more rustic informal dining area etc.
The bedroom has been massively feminised with warm plum and peach tones. I need a man cave. Front guest room is to be an olive green, which I may nick as my own space and make guests sleep somewhere else. Kids rooms (we hope!) will remain in white for later decisions...
I'm looking forward to playing with color. I'm particularly excited about the kitchen - the half with the cooking bit in it is being floor tiled with a grey flagstone, and the kitchen itself is painted a very dark green, and will be trimmed with traditional brass cup handles and knobs, for a really country feel. The dining area will retain the wood floors, oiled, to give it warmth and to set off the exposed brick chimney breast and bottle green tiles we found in the hearth, with an old Afghan rug I've had for years to go in there and make things interesting
rest of the rooms will be heritage sort of colors rather than edgy contemporary ones. The current trend for heritage pastels will really suit this house I think. I quite like the idea of different rooms having different feels, so you can go into different bits of the place for a different atmosphere. Dark snug, airy living room, grand-ish kitchen and warm, slightly more rustic informal dining area etc.
The bedroom has been massively feminised with warm plum and peach tones. I need a man cave. Front guest room is to be an olive green, which I may nick as my own space and make guests sleep somewhere else. Kids rooms (we hope!) will remain in white for later decisions...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 1st February 13:09
Harry Flashman said:
Thanks dbdb. I think the key with this one is decorating it to be soft and inviting, rather than hard-edged and contemporary. It's a grand old building and could very easily be rendered quite stuffy and formal. The exposed brick may not work - especially if we want nice fireplace surrounds - we are going to wait and see.
I'm looking forward to playing with color. I'm particularly excited about the kitchen - the half with the cooking bit in it is being floor tiled with a grey flagstone, and the kitchen itself is painted a very dark green, and will be trimmed with traditional brass cup handles and knobs, for a really country feel. The dining area will retain the wood floors, oiled, to give it warmth and to set off the exposed brick chimney breast and bottle green tiles we found in the hearth, with an old Afghan rug I've had for years to go in there and make things interesting
rest of the rooms will be heritage sort of colors rather than edgy contemporary ones. The current trend for heritage pastels will really suit this house I think. I quite like the idea of different rooms having different feels, so you can go into different bits of the place for a different atmosphere. Dark snug, airy living room, grand-ish kitchen and warm, slightly more rustic informal dining area etc.
The bedroom has been massively feminised with Lady F going for warm plum and peach tones. I need a man cave. Front guest room is to be an olive green, which I may nick as my own space and make guests sleep somewhere else. Kids rooms (we hope!) will remain in white for later decisions...
Sounds like you are painting it all. Have you considered any wallpaper? may look great in a grand old house too. Although at the £170 a roll type little Greene and other designer stuff, your e39 m5 invoice may grow a bit! I'm looking forward to playing with color. I'm particularly excited about the kitchen - the half with the cooking bit in it is being floor tiled with a grey flagstone, and the kitchen itself is painted a very dark green, and will be trimmed with traditional brass cup handles and knobs, for a really country feel. The dining area will retain the wood floors, oiled, to give it warmth and to set off the exposed brick chimney breast and bottle green tiles we found in the hearth, with an old Afghan rug I've had for years to go in there and make things interesting
rest of the rooms will be heritage sort of colors rather than edgy contemporary ones. The current trend for heritage pastels will really suit this house I think. I quite like the idea of different rooms having different feels, so you can go into different bits of the place for a different atmosphere. Dark snug, airy living room, grand-ish kitchen and warm, slightly more rustic informal dining area etc.
The bedroom has been massively feminised with Lady F going for warm plum and peach tones. I need a man cave. Front guest room is to be an olive green, which I may nick as my own space and make guests sleep somewhere else. Kids rooms (we hope!) will remain in white for later decisions...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Monday 18th September 21:56
Looking forward to seeing the panelling done, should look lovely in that house.
This wallpaper is going in entrance hall and downstairs cloakroom. It is lovely stuff - we bought it for the old house and never put it up. Looks hand-drawn even right up close.
https://www.designerwallpapers.co.uk/nina-campbell...
We are also using a sheet of this Sugar Skull stuff in an upstairs cloakroom. I wasn't keen on the latter as I don't think it suits the house, but Lady F loves it and insisted. So I hid it away in the smallest room I could find...
http://www.anatomyboutique.com/product/new-mexican...
She is paying for half the house - I can't have it all my own way! So far some exposed brick, a double sunken whirlpool and a small wall of this stuff are the demands I have acceded to (although I was keen to try the brickwork too, so can't put that on her). It could have been a lot worse...
https://www.designerwallpapers.co.uk/nina-campbell...
We are also using a sheet of this Sugar Skull stuff in an upstairs cloakroom. I wasn't keen on the latter as I don't think it suits the house, but Lady F loves it and insisted. So I hid it away in the smallest room I could find...
http://www.anatomyboutique.com/product/new-mexican...
She is paying for half the house - I can't have it all my own way! So far some exposed brick, a double sunken whirlpool and a small wall of this stuff are the demands I have acceded to (although I was keen to try the brickwork too, so can't put that on her). It could have been a lot worse...
Harry Flashman said:
We are also using a sheet of this Sugar Skull stuff in an upstairs cloakroom. I wasn't keen on the latter as I don't think it suits the house, but Lady F loves it and insisted. So I hid it away in the smallest room I could find...
http://www.anatomyboutique.com/product/new-mexican...
It'll be last year's flavour soon enough, so you won't have to put up with it for long.http://www.anatomyboutique.com/product/new-mexican...
seiben said:
I'm with Lady F - I really like that skull wallpaper 
I hate it Cleverly designed, but too creepy for me.However I would much rather stay in a room which is strongly styled against my taste over a dull inoffensive shade of grey.
Edited by hyphen on Tuesday 19th September 11:49
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