So this weekend (it's a Bank Holiday here) I'm doing lots of 'flat' things. Getting in there with the kitchen fitter on Saturday. Researching on Sunday. Going back with some surveyor friends on Monday.
If my surveyor friends can't see anything too horrendous, then things may truck along quick quickly. In fact, even if they do pick up on anything, my intention is to say "Fine, X is falling apart and it's going to cost me £Y to get it fixed, so I'll take that off the purchase price". The owner, before flouncing off on holidays somewhere, thought that all she'd need to do was sign a few random pieces of paper and the flat would be sold. Not quite so simple. But my wonderful amazing solicitor hasn't let them away with a thing. If things pan out, I'll be exchanging contracts next week, and completing the following week. MPH just has to get the next load of cash to me so that I've got the deposit waiting.
On the day I complete, I intend to instruct the kitchen with the people Claire recommended who seem great. It's going to have to be a masterpiece of design as I've two dinner services, three teasets, most of the Le Creuset range and a Selfridge's showroom's worth of appliances to fit in there.
As frequently happens, this house-moving lark is stressing me out. I had a big argument with my brother last night on the phone which hasn't happened for about twenty years. It was trivial and has blown over but shows how nutso I am at the moment.
This Sunday I'm going to go looking for design ideas - for wallpapers (thinking Nina Campbell Birdcage Walk for the hall) and also need to find frosted paper or decals of some sort for the kitchen windows. Where would you send me in London? What are your favourite decorating blogs and where do your design ideas come from?
*and who's going to help me hang it?
I thought you were cutting down on 'lifestyle' spending?? tee hee.
Sounds like lots of fun though.
Posted by: ruth singer | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 09:16
You know in all my reseach I haven't really got to wallpaper - but would be very happy to come on a fact finding expedition. Kings Road might be a starting point I think....
Posted by: Helen | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 09:20
Don't panic - I always think it will all pan out ok in the end. Not so helpful when I'm married to the world's biggest pessimist but things generally work out for the best. Just keep thinking that moving means you will have to spend money on nice stuff again, just to get the place looking like home. Guilt free shopping, marvellous. Hope it all goes ok. Looking forward to seeing pictures in the future.
Posted by: Lucy | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 09:59
Once again, I point out that we should live in the same city - I am really good at hanging wallpaper!
Try here for cool design
http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/
Posted by: kirsty | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 10:14
oooh, I came across some really cool frosted window thingies the other day. Not in London, but ordered from the net. Maybe via Apartment Therapy? Or possibly NotMartha? I will try to find them again!
Posted by: Sarah | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 10:24
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/window-coverings/adhesive-window-film-by-emma-jeffs-028017
Not the one I was looking for, but pretty!
Posted by: Sarah | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 10:29
Florence Broadhurst is all I'm saying:
http://www.signatureprints.com.au/frameset_furnishings.html
Available in Selfridges and that funny store off columbia rd.
Posted by: pauline | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 14:28
Try here for the window film
http://www.brume.co.uk/
For wallpaper Pauline is right Florence Broadhurst is stunning but beware the rolls are supplied untrimmed and you need a specialist to hang it (they are literally only a few people in London who can do the job)
Alternatively you could try http://www.brewers.co.uk/locator_store.php?id=193
Also Print and Pattern often does posts on wallpaper after the trade shows - maybe worth a look
http://printpattern.blogspot.com/
Enjoy hunting!
Posted by: Rebecca | Wednesday, 22 August 2007 at 22:18
Ooohhhh -- I love to hang wallpaper. Too bad that pesky ocean is in the way!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | Thursday, 23 August 2007 at 03:11
Regarding frosted paper for the windows, how about taking a stained glass class? And designing your own windows, but instead of using colored glass, use the different types of textured clear glass? Oh boy that sounds like fun. And a lot of work. And maybe not cheap. OK, maybe my idea isn't so hot, after all....good luck....
Posted by: Jenny | Thursday, 23 August 2007 at 13:33
Looks like everyone's already covered the info on wallpaper and the kitchen window film thingy....but kitchen design, ooh I love! We'll be doing up our kitchen next year so I'll be looking for some tips from you.
Posted by: Jade | Friday, 24 August 2007 at 06:04
I'm afraid *Kitsch* is my middle name, so I'm not much help when it comes to grown up decor. I've just ordered a 'Palm Beach' mural for my front room for petes sake ...
Wallpaper I can hang. If there aren't too many nooks and crannies. Cups of tea, washing up and support for the workers is my best roll!
x
Posted by: JeanieB | Friday, 24 August 2007 at 20:40
We used Peels (http://www.e-peels.co.uk/) to cover an internal window and they've worked quite well - they aren't permanent so you can change if you don't like it and/or move.
Some of the range is rather Birds of a Feather but there is some good stuff too - especially for 19th and early 20th c buildings. They're based in Richmond and are super super helpful.
Hope that helps!
Cara x
Posted by: Cara | Friday, 31 August 2007 at 10:37
Hi..I am sitting in my hotel room post the Florence Broadhurst - Madame Jo Jo's party in London. Regarding Florence's wallpapers, Signature Prints can supply the wallpapers both trimmed and untrimmed. If you are looking for a great hanger we have been working with a company called Wallpaper Hangers who are awesome. Yair can be contacted at [email protected]. Check out Madame Jo Jos (8-10 Brewer Street, Soho) to see Florence designs that have not been released as wallpapers before. French Fountain, Butterflies and Exotic Birds. You cant miss it because we have hung wallpaper on the outside of the building! Enjoy....from Helen Lennie Signature Prints - Sydney - Australia.
Posted by: helen lennie | Friday, 28 September 2007 at 11:18