And exhale....
That was more for me than for you.
I have been avoiding writing this and last month I didn't even bother doing an update.
Long story short - everyone has run out of steam.
Not just the builders but me too.
Have you heard of the 80 / 20 rule otherwise known as the Pareto principle?
Well that is what is happening now.
My builders can build a whole new floor but they can't seem to finish up the last 20 percent of the job done.
Mind you this is very common so nothing newsworthy.
I haven't been particularly stressed about it and was very
laissez-faire about the whole matter.
I figured there was nothing I could do about it.
Mr CSW has no house building skills and we knew our options and were willing to deal with the consequences.
Each time I did try and steer plans off course then it would just cause needless arguments so I detached.
Until today.
As some of you may know, I have been so looking forward to wallpapering something.
But one of the only things I insisted on in the refurbishment was that I have brass fittings in the new floor, Marmaris marble in the new bathroom, and wallpaper in a few select areas.
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| Osborne & Little Koi |
The wallpaper was the hardest argument where I had to convince everyone. People came up with stories about old wallpaper and how difficult it was to get off or how old fashion it was etc etc etc.
So it was a huge victory when Mr Minimalist CSW agreed that
I could do what I liked.
Ok, so it was never going to be anything like the amazing results like those of Adelaide Villa.
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| Andrew Martin Library Wallpaper |
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| Celerie Kemble grasscloth |
Today after waiting three weeks of my builder coming to the house, I was falsely relieved.
He tried putting on the koi wallpaper and it didn't work.
Without getting too technical, my walls on the ground floor were built over a hundred years ago when spirit levels weren't invented so none of the lines were perfectly straight.
The fish motif ( the repeats ) weren't lining up with any of the options we tried. I was willing to leave with a little mistake but one of the walls had a 15 mm slant so there was no way...
I didn't take pictures to show you as
I was just so disappointed at the time.
As a back up, I am just painting the loo with leftover paint we had from one of the bedrooms.
I may bring in a second opinion and see if there is a solution.
I am just thankful I got my wallpaper on sale and there was not big financial outlay.
But I don't want to leave on such a dud note...
I finished doing up my bookshelves on the top floor.
I did get told that there were too many books on the shelves but as you know I am not going to start put a kindle on the shelf!
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| Picture from a post I did last year about the kindle... |
Some of my other shelves that show what
it would look like if books disappeared.
( Post done last year.)
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| Via |
Still not completely finished with it.
( Is anything ever truly done?)I know I will enjoy tinkering with it but for now it is done.
It is the only corner of my house that is giving me any joy.
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| My bookshelves on the top floor |
But don't worry you are not missing out on anything!
I feel your frustration gurrrl, not because I've experienced it myself, more because of your written account. I'm glad there is one spot you are happy and proud of though, and you're getting your way with Mr CSW so that's one less thing to worry about - can't wait to see the finished result xx
ReplyDeleteWell I am not exactly getting my way perse I am having to fight my corner but it seems like I need to do a bleeding power point presentation with accompanying pinterest pictures so he can picture stuff so that gets a bit boring...But I am flexing my patience muscle for sure!! the building version of yoga...xx
DeleteNot sure what to tell you on the wallpaper...maybe frame it and hang as a picture, make a tray, back of some bookshelves, some one more crafty than I has probably got something on Pinterest. I too am glad you have at least one spot of joy with many more to come in your house.
ReplyDeleteYes googling - what to do with leftover wallpaper as we speak! If the second opinions don't come positive then I will just have to save it for future use...I have about 6 rolls of it. I just need to get a move on now with the rest of the house!
DeleteHad the same thought about framing a section of the koi paper and hanging it in the loo. At least you'd get to have some of it there with the image you want. Could look really good?
DeleteLove the bookcase styling. Has a lovely happy feel. Sadly our bookcases are so crammed to overflowing with books it's v difficult to make them look stylish. Keep going through and finding books to give to the Op Shop but then I go and buy more! Cheers, Pammie xx
I have shelves on every floor and am trying to group certain books together now whereas they were all crammed in a few spots and always spilling out so I thought I would let them breathe a little. I also have a terrible book buying addiction - I told myself none this year and I broke it the first week of Jan!! Hopefully I will have pictures of my loo wallpapered instead of framed Pammie! xx
DeleteOh Naomi. I feel for you and I would have looked forward to seeing that wallpaper!
ReplyDeleteFunny I just went through a similar thing in my mind, I have been thinking of wallpapering my foyer in something fabulous, along with a new carpet runner, something really special installed... my walls are so crooked, our house is 100 years old and leans to one side, we've had it bolstered with steel beams etc but the walls will forever be really crooked.
I think instead I'll wallpaper the inside of my closet, which could use new fittings anyway... then if it's crooked looking it will be covered with suits and frocks so who cares?
Your bookshelf styling is lovely. You've inspired me to go over the shelves in my study, they could use a dusting but a new arrangement would be nice too. xox
I was so deflated for about an hour and now I am getting over it... If you do decide on a wallpaper, I think unforgiving repeats won't work and you should get advice before you do it. My builder said that the repeat for the loo would have worked if it was about 15 cm and more linear as opposed to horizontal so there is a way but just finicky. Wallpapering insides of closets is so nice - I can't wait to do that although it won't be the koi! Dust will settle soon enough on mine - I only finished a few days ago! xx
DeleteWow, LOVE the Celerie Kemble grasscloth!
ReplyDeleteMe too! You should see more pics on the blog called Adelaide Villa.
DeleteNaomi, I am so sorry about the wallpaper! On the other hand, maybe the universe wants you to become a professional bookshelf decorator! I love the look of yours! I love doing them myself, though family follows afterwards and buggers it all up continually! Your are very Zen, and I salute you!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes - channel energy into something else. And also not to covet! I was wallpaper obsessed so now my brain is freed up for other things. I am not quite zen though Wendy!! x
DeleteI admire your patience!
ReplyDeleteIt is only out necessity and the other option is madness!!
DeleteChin up! We have had the same thing - it's the last push, and no one seems to be interested in it. There are little bits and pieces everywhere to finish at our place. I'm so sick of it all too.
ReplyDeleteNow, for the wallpaper (and thanks for the shout out) - find a wallpaper expert. All walls are out of plumb, especially old houses - and one wall in my powder room wall is out by 15mm too. It caused a few headscratching moments for the wallpaper guy, but he worked it out. He spent a lot of time doing calculations, working out pattern repeats, and where he could "lose" problems (it doesn't work out perfectly - we picked the walls that were the most important, and the other ones have the fudged bits, which frankly you have to look hard at to see). I would say your builder is not the person for this job, he has no investment in the process, and he doesn't have a lot of interest in wallpaper to start with. Try ringing O&L in London to see if they can recommend a wallpaper guy - they often have people they use to do the paper in their showrooms and could give you a name.
Love the bookshelves - they're looking great, and you need a few patches of sanity in amongst the mess. Sending some good renovation vibes your way. xxx
I have a brilliant guy, what a pity he is up here.
DeleteFunny that is what I said to him - I am the only house in London and this problem hasn't been solved yet? But you hit the nail on the head - his heart isn't in it and he just wants to do the bare necessities and leave on to the next job which he has done anyway! I have a few reco's so hopefully they will be willing to get the ruler out...Well you learn every day don't you?? xx
Deleteoh nooo the wall paper !! courage courage ....I am sure you will find a London a magician who will be able to do it ! .....almost the end Naomi !! TIENS BON ! xxxx
ReplyDeleteca va aller! Pity it won't be done by the time you visit!! just have your blinkers one Fabs xx
DeleteAh, the wallpaper story is a familiar one…because in my 25 odd years in the building industry, I have never come across an old building which is level. Even if it were relatively level when built, it would have moved over time. And new ones are necessary level either. (It's why cornice was invented, to cover the gaps between wall and ceiling.)
ReplyDeleteBut, but, but…have to agree with Heidi that success comes with a genius paper hanger. And there truly are such things in existence. Those clever folk who enjoyed maths at school, and get a kick out of doing the calculations to make it "look" level even when it is not. So don't give up! It's also easier to select a paper which doesn't have a clear pattern in it, something more along the textured line rather than an intricate pattern, or if a pattern is used, more of a toile style repeat (like for example the gorgeous papers of Cecil Beaton's fashion illustrations, which would make it easier to disguise). If you like Beaton's style, try checking that out as an option. There are a couple of different patterns and colour ways, all of which are gorgeous.
Great point and even though I am not doing it with the builder I will mention this just to make sure I know he is being useless!!! Thank you for your helpful comment GD and hopefully I will get one of those wallpaper math geeks who will do it!
DeleteI haven't heard of the Pareto principle but it reminds me of a well known theatre company here, 784, who named themselves after wealth distribution stats - 7 percent of the people own 84 percent of the wealth.
ReplyDeleteWallpaper and tiles are always a problem here too, not a straight line, wall or floor in this house, everything has to be as 'good as it gets' .
Look at your beautiful shelves, ours are just crammed within books and that's that.
Yes the pareto principle is really fascinating. Malcolm Gladwell discussed it to some length in tipping point as well.
DeleteYes my first time wallpapering so you learn something every day!
My shelves were just stuffed but then I realized I wasn't getting books out because it might cause an avalanche so I am channelling Martha where I can!
Stunning book-shelfery you've actioned darling.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Heidi's wall paper, isn't it DIVINE!!!!
You should come to our Adelaide meet up in late Oct xxxx
Thanks for compliment re - actioning. I just need to action some wallpaper or action someone else to action it! I would love to come to Adelaide and see her wallpaper in real life - lucky I like her otherwise I would be seething with jealousy! But you never know I might be able to make it as I was planning to go to Asia xx
DeletePS so sorry that the wall paper didn't work out. Hate that sort of debacle.
ReplyDeleteCould you frame some of that wallpaper and have as decoration?
ReplyDeleteAs a last resort I might do that but I am going to fight this wallpaper as best I can!
DeleteAh, I'm sorry you had such a nightmare with the wallpaper. How disappointing. Your home is looking amazing, with or with out it.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the Kindle. Apparently sales of Kindles and ereaders are actually falling because people are realising that they actually do like real books after all. x
Thanks BT! I waver as it has tested my stamina. I am sometimes making up for lack of execution by all of a sudden creating vignettes all over the place. Interesting to know that about kindles by the way - what i did notice is that coffee table books seem to have gone through a real boom as there still seems to be a thirst for beautiful books! xx
DeleteMy husband would be very empathetic if he read blogs. He can do reno work on our house which is 26 years old. He encountered a wonky corner in our downstairs bathroom while placing crown moulding and has been three weeks trying to get it right!! He has almost gotten it and now we are thinking of putting lower wattage bulbs in the fixture to "hide" the last little bit he can't seem to get. I like the look of wallpaper in certain places but once I did our whole entranceway myself to be told that I had put the paper on upside down!! So busy trying to get it right I didn't look at the pattern. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou are sooo lucky to have a handy husband!! Mine can't put up a shelf...Yes cornices and moulding seem to have a true purpose other than aesthetics. That is so funny with the paper bc initally my builder did that as well! I hope you post pics on the end results Mary!
DeleteRenos are so frustrating but will be so fabulous in the end. I've never lived in a house with straight walls but the character more than makes up for it!
ReplyDeleteWho needs straight lines anyway right??
DeleteLooking good N!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on the koi paper.
Just remove what's up and doesn't match.
Cut out the fish from the paper, and then place.
No problems with irregular walls or match up.
And so easy peaty you don't need a builder!
Easy peasy...argh...auto correct!
DeleteFunny my neighbour came around who is very arty but when we looked the fish are cut off and only to be on repeats but we are toying with that idea! I do want more things I can do sans builder!!
DeleteHave you thought of using some paper to line the backs of the bookshelves, or the inside of cupboard doors? Your paper selection is so lovely, it would be a shame not to use them.
DeleteYes I hope to do the back of cupboards and also save them for future use!
DeleteMrs. CSW
ReplyDeleteYou are the best! Anyone who can work in a reference to the Pareto Principle while discussing home renovations in a completely charming and witty manner deserves all the love and adoration the world has to offer...
Oh GF you are too kind! You give me too much credit for disjointed thoughts ;)
DeleteI'm just popping around to say 'hi' after my whole blog move. I want to add you to my new blog roll. I love that wallpaper and your bookcases are looking fab. You have some great pieces there. Getting it all finished is always the hardest. I'm sure it seems like it will never get done. Hang in there. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeletexx, H
Hi there! Hope you have a great time with the girls! Xx
DeleteThis was the best post ever for me to read today. I live in a never-ending state of 80/20. The last piece of new carpet was put in the bedroom upstairs, this morning. It has taken 3 years to do that last piece. But.......now we still have to put back the furniture, nail/secure it to the wall again and.....so it goes on. But I love your bookshelves. They are 100% beautiful. As for the wallpaper; I agree with some of the other commenters.....there will be a wallpaper professional who can get it right for you.
ReplyDeleteBut isn't it 8020 all around??? But I know it's never ending and I am not physically doing anything so it's just been a mental stamina issue....you're right I just need to plod on and get over it! Thanks for the calmness you bring G!
DeleteI understand your frustration as in my experience the major building work seems to move on quite well but all the little fiddly jobs appear to drag on and on. Just keep going in to have a look at your lovely shelves to remind yourself that it will all be finished soon and worth the effort and wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your miss b!
DeleteOh bugger!!! Such a disappointment.. but agree with Heidi that the builder has no real interest to make it work and perhaps you can take a breath and then try later to find another expert to have a go? Your bookshelves are so well styled... I LOVE them xxx
ReplyDeleteI felt so blah but now on the lookout for a new wallpaper guy but thanks Jenny - means a lot coming from you! xx
DeleteWhat is the painting? apart from being a painting
ReplyDeleteIt's by a Korean artist I met and she was a great fun energy who now has been supported by a organization that is letting her study before she has to support herself financially. It's just a positive dreamy landscape of the Korean countryside.
DeleteOH NO! Oh that is so disappointing. I feel sad for you. Also agree that the builder sounds highly disinterested. It is so freaking hard to find an aesthetically sympatico builder these days. Ours told me one of our light fittings looked like a "Hat box" and that the other was like a "space ship!". Loser.
ReplyDeleteI think I won't push it with him even tho I knew he could do it but just came up with an excuse... Well that is a first - space ship light fittings as in beam me up Scottie?? Hehe
DeleteNaomi, Was wondering how your house updates are going. So sorry to hear about the wallpaper. Isn't that just par for the course? I bet there is some way you can use it. Some paper hangers are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love your bookshelf and how you styled it so pretty. Completely agree that Kindles will remove all the books of the world, which makes me sad. I cling to my books and adore seeing them on my shelves after. I can always revisit them when they are there and they remind me of the times of my life when I read each one! You can't get that with a Kindle.
I'm sure everything will be beautiful when all done, but I know how you feel. Last 2 renovation things I just wanted them the hell out and didn't care that it wan't all perfect! You get weary and you stop caring!
xx Kim
I know this is an older post, but have you thought of framing your wall paper around wooden frames? You could fill the bathroom walls with it in a different way-just an idea :)
ReplyDelete