Can't think of wallpaper ..only of mayhem !

First day back from holiday, mountains of washing, ironing etc etc oh and a houseful of workmen ! Its 9.40 and I've only made one round of drinks but feel the next one may be expected.

In a change from the norm I thought that I would forego another week of Wallpaper of the Week - sorry none last week either as I was in cloudy Greece ! - and bring everyone upto date on the plans for my current project as I'm bound to be wittering on about it enough over the next few weeks !

This project is slightly different to others that I undertake as its my own house. Whether that makes it easier or more difficult I'm yet to decide. When working on your own project its tempting to fall into the trap of tweeking things as you go along rather than getting all of your plans really really clear and sticking to them. I'm being a bit more take it as it comes with this job and that has already entailed an entire day trapsing round various plumbing suppliers looking for someone who stocks in a 3 way shower valve - lesson learnt !

So the job ... replace en suite, block in doorway that leads off the landing into en suite (random), replace family bathroom, block in window from bathroom onto landing (also random), put fireplace back into master bedroom, decorate en suite, dressing room, bedroom, bathroom - inlcuding flooring, curtains, blinds etc. Then because of the structural doorways and windows we need to do the hall stairs and landings (2 of them) including replacing 57 spindles and staining the handrail - a job I have decided to undertake myself. Add into this renovating the original 1904 sash windows - ahem note the renovators have yet to arrive ! - and the jobs a good 'en !

My personal jobs today have included dustsheeting my 8 foot high bookcases as I'm refusing to clear them and plastic sheeting over the children's bedroom doors to try and minimise the number of nights spent listening to wheezy children over the baby monitors.

....will keep you updated on progress and add a few piccy's along the way but for now the tray of empty mugs has been delivered back into the kitchen ...think thats a hint !

WEEK 13 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?CollectionID=11

(you'll need to scroll to the right on the option below the main image to find the flamingo's - they won't let me do a direct link)

Tomorrow, the carnage begins ! After closing the door to IvyH behind the builders 19 months ago it has taken us this long to build up the courage to open it again. Tomorrow, what has been entitled "The Final Push" begins ! Out with 2 bathrooms, one doorway, one window, one bare brick wall, 57 spindles in the staircase and don't forget the hideous orange wallpaper that we've put up with in our bedroom since moving in over 4 years ago ! and in with .... yep you've guessed it - THE FLAMINGO'S !

I thought it may take more convincing than it did but GB has agreed (and he was given alternatives) that to have these Cole and Son Flamingo's living in our new 'grown up' ensuite will make a great feature wall. I'm sooo excited - about the wallpaper - not about the 3 month schedule of work that lies ahead of us !

Although I'm choosing to hide them away and keep them as my own secret luxury, I'll be making a habit of showing them off to people so maybe if others were to use them they might choose a more visitor friendly feature wall ! We've gone for the original pink flamingo's on the grey background to sit alongside the white suite and black floor tiles. Definately feature wall only - available in a range of colours, click on link to see more.

Off to take photo's for the 'before' shots, then get packing - everything into boxes hopefully to be taken out again this side of Chistmas !