No major build comes without it's hiccups and often these hiccups are very hard to spot on flat plans. In my experience, the renovation of old houses can only be done successfully with constant monitoring and adaption. As you can see, the initial plans for the remodelled West Wing elevation included two dormers to the steeply pitched roof... Continue Reading →
Do Up Diary #32 How to source & decide on reclaimed roof slates
As Autumn kicks in with a vengeance, I'm so relieved to be at the stage where the workshop and utility are semi-watertight with breathable membrane and the roof timbers to the main extension & dormers will be up by the end of this week. Starting a large extension / build in late summer often means you... Continue Reading →
Do Up Diary #29 Getting up to first floor level
So me, Missy & Mr M are about half way through the build process at our home Moregeous Mansions, a period Manchester property near the city which was in a whole heap of crumbling trouble but which we're restoring and rebuilding back to it's former glory. The collapsing oldest part of the house, which was... Continue Reading →
Do Up Diary #27 The garage / workshop grows and GROWS
I think we many have created a monster. Seriously, I didn't full visualise just how big the garage was going to be, so focused was I on the main house and extension section where the kitchen is Although I looked & measured & paced it out, getting to grips with the footprint, I'd not really... Continue Reading →
DoUpDiary #12 : Builder Cat and the Big Boys Toys
Proper building sites need proper toys and thanks to Hire Station over in Trafford Park we've had some big hitters at Moregeous Mansions to wreak havoc in what was once my garden / home / world. In just two weeks we've gone from a slightly battered but relatively normal home to a rubble filled tip... Continue Reading →
How to keep dark grey / black paint pristine on interior timber
Recent months have seen a plethora of blog posts by interior designistas on the virtues of inky decor schemes. If you aren't already painting your woodwork fifty shades of grey, you won't be part of the monochromatic In Crowd, let me tell you. They can look rather fabulous, as this small selection shows: However although it might be... Continue Reading →
How To Create A Circus Styled Interior
Delighted to be posting some before & afters and an overview of the design thinking behind a restaurant I recently reimagined, redesigned and decorated. As you can see below, it was a complete transformation which included virtually a full rewire, completely new male & female loos, re-plumbing, joinery, full decor, upcycling, upholstery, and even dressing for around £20k all... Continue Reading →