The Violin Factory

My latest excursion found me in London, SE1, at The Violin Factory, a exceptional conversion that was purchased by the current owners as a derelict shell at the tail end of 2000... you may remember seeing the transformation of Channel 4's "Grand Designs". (Episode information here).

Due to the fact that the property is not only a well loved family residence, but also, a venue for prestigious gatherings, the owners like to keep it as sharp as possible... This is where I came in;

My task was to refresh various areas of the property that were showing a little wear. Which I completed with relish. With the job now in the past, I am able to remenice about what an honour and a true delight it was to work on such a remarkable property - my heart felt thanks go out to the property owners... thank you!

For further information about "The Violin Factory" please follow this link.

London, The Violin Factory, Grand Designs, Master Decorator, Painting and Decorating, Painter, Decorator, SE1

Success In Surrey

Yet again, I found myself Surrey bound - this excursion took me to a fabulous property... my brief from the owner's Interior Designer was straight forward; to repair 10 sections of wall that had been chased out in order to install the necessary wiring for the electric blind system and to refresh the paintwork within the swimming pool room itself. The result was seamless (see above image).

Secondly, to install fine wallpaper around a newly installed bespoke leather and glass cabinet and shelving system, within the downstairs study. The papers were a metallic Donghia "Looks Like Metal" specialist wallcovering and a Romo - Laurito, W319/01 black flock paper... a stunning combination.

Both aspects were successfully completed to the owners the Interior Designers and my delight.

London, Interior Designer, Master Decorator, Surrey, Master Craftsman, Painting and Decorating

Star Scaffolding

My current project is a complete renovation of the exterior of a beautiful Victorian residence in Wednesbury, West Midlands... quite a large undertaking, the new owners have decided that the incumbent colour scheme is not quite to their liking and have charged me with the task of a comprehensive colour change and substrate overhaul.

This posting is not primarily concerned with my work, however. I want to take this opportunity to write a testimonial for Star Scaffolding. My client sourced the scaffold themselves. When I arrived "on site" yesterday morning, a team of three scaffolders were already there discussing the job in hand. They were well aware of the outline project plan and began by asking me the finer details of what I wanted and needed from the project.

The scaffold was constructed promptly with much discussion about the best way to get around certain aspects of my requests.

I can honestly say, that it is, by far, the best scaffold that I have ever worked from; it feels incredibly safe and all health and safety needs have been adhered to... there is a good amount of "gap" from the wall so that I can perform my tasks, and the four lifts have been assembled as per my brief.

It is so refreshing to happen across such a professional team of scaffolders and a company such as Star Scaffolding. I shall unreservedly recommend them in the future.

More details about this project will follow in a later posting.

Edgbaston Feature Walls

The latest in a line of new clients; a beautiful and substantial property in the leafy Edgbaston suburb of Birmingham... my contact details were passed on via an Interior Designer that recommends my services (John Charles Interiors, Birmingham), my brief; to install Cole & Sons fine wallpaper on four alcove areas.

Firstly, the areas were lined with Wallrock 55 to ensure a perfect canvas for the fine paper (Contemporary III Collection, Istanbul pattern)... as is always the case, I used Cole & Sons own wallpaper paste - I find that it pays dividends to use the manufacturers recommended adhesive. The paper itself is of a classic "non woven" construction, allowing me to hang direct to the pasted wall which makes the project very straight forward.

The finished result was flawless (as you might expect)... a very successful two-day project, for a very welcoming family.

Bespoke Decorating, craftsmanship, bespoke service, master decorator, bespoke interiors, interior design

National P&D Show 2010

I am very pleased to announce that I have been invited to join Lincrusta on their stand at the National Painting & Decorating Show at the International Events Centre, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Warwickshire on the 9th and 10th of November.

I understand that I will be assisting with independent advice on the stand and delivering Lincrusta MasterClasses at allocated times to the show "en mass". An absolute honour and pleasure to be part of this wonderful, professional team.

Thank you Lincrusta!

For further information about Lincrusta, please click here

National painting and decorating show 2010, decorating show, painting show, 2010, master decorator, lincrusta, expert, specialist, installer, ricoh arena, coventry

Sutton Coldfield Revisited

I was fortunate enough today, to be invited back to a property in Sutton Coldfield, that I completed installing Lincrusta - Art Nouveau pattern in last year. For further details, please click here

The owners have now had new radiators, carpets and stair rods fitted and have completed their own painting of walls, ceilings, cornicing and woodwork.

The finished effect is very dramatic (first hand), but, also retains many beautiful Victorian elements and characteristics... I'm very proud!

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, Lincrusta, Paint Effects, Master Decorator, Art Nouveau, Painter and Decorator

West London Lincrusta

I was invited by the owners of this beautiful 1880 West London, Victorian property to provide a quotation, via email initially, to decorate the hall stairs and landing with Lincrusta - Art Nouveau, dado panels. Additionally, all walls were to be lined and two walls were to be hung with fine wallpaper.

Before

After

A few emails followed and a site visit, the fine wallpaper was chosen - Sanderson "Roses and Etchings", and the job was booked in.

After two weeks of frantic activity the project was completed - all walls lined over three floors and the Lincrusta installed. My clients were delighted with the result, which transformed the property and created even more character into this substantial traditional property.

Lincrusta, Art Nouveau, Master Decorator, London, Sanderson, Ealing, Painter and Decorator, M J Guest Ltd, Craftsman