Shabby Chic; Volume III

Florenceem

Spent ages choosing who I wanted to fit my new kitchen.
Now the kitchen fitter is talking of bringing in a chap to do some of the work. I am not happy at all about this.
I decided on the kitchen fitter through recommendation and only want him to do the work. Do I have to accept an unknown workmen working on my kitchen?

chalkysoil

No. I did and it was a disaster. The tiling was so bad it had to be stopped half way through and the architect called out to inspect and escort the tiler off the premises. All happened after the builder had introduced me to two tilers who were well recommended. Then he changed his mind. I had to buy new tiles in a rush and have men working nights. Hope the builder rots in hell.
good luck. If you use the new person he might be better, but I would watch his every movement. I didn't, and it cost me thousands and much grief. I was too polite.

Florenceem

chalkysoil wrote: »

No. I did and it was a disaster. The tiling was so bad it had to be stopped half way through and the architect called out to inspect and escort the tiler off the premises. All happened after the builder had introduced me to two tilers who were well recommended. Then he changed his mind. I had to buy new tiles in a rush and have men working nights. Hope the builder rots in hell.
good luck. If you use the new person he might be better, but I would watch his every movement. I didn't, and it cost me thousands and much grief. I was too polite.

What gets me is the fitter is brill at tiling - the chap he wants to bring in - how do I know what his work is like? Why
should I need to find out - polite - I am not!
It is my money so I would say - I get to choose who tiles my house.

Florenceem

Men moved units into kitchen - couldn't do anymore today - van at garage - tools in van! :mad:
[IMG][/img]
[IMG][/img]

sbfab

hi I was just wondering if someone could tell me how to paint my old chest of draws to make them look shabby chic as I am not very good at diy. I was inspired by some of the lovely things made from old furniture. I would be grateful for any help thanx . liv

chalkysoil

what does your chest of drawers look like? What wood etc is it made of? What you do depends on that, but it's basically wash it down with sugar soap or washing up liquid and rinse, maybe sand it, prime it, paint it once/twice/ three times, finish it off or not, with wax or varnish, then sandpaper the edges a little bit to shabby it up(distress it).

if you use chalk paint (Annie sloan or diy with plaster of paris & emulsion) you can slap on two coats then wax it and it will definitely look shabby and miss out the preparation stages. Unless it's waxed pine when it'll need knot blocking.

Pooky

Flo - floor looks lovely, I'm really shocked they've laid the tiles first though. Normally they're the last thing to go down so they don't get damaged.

I've just brought 6 mts of vintage fabric, proper 70s floral stuff, to make beanbags for my living room. Found it in a charity shop for £10 and couldn't resist. Can't get to my machine yet to get started but it's fab.

My Dad's here today fitting my tongue and groove panel boards, I'm having them all round the room so lots of cutting in for sockets etc. It looks amazing already.

karmachilovething

Hello! Found you all from this week's newsletter. generally a fan of refurbing and interiors stuff, but am looking to buy first flat so will be even more keen then! So i will be following/lurking and getting lots of good ideas I hope!

Pooky wrote: »

Flo - floor looks lovely, I'm really shocked they've laid the tiles first though. Normally they're the last thing to go down so they don't get damaged.

Often they do this so that if you change the units you don't have to replace the floor too as it goes all the way to the edge. Also means if anything leaks it's not going to go down to the floorboards (if there are any). It's a matter of preference though really. If they damage it while they fit the rest they should replace it anyway . . .

squiddley72

Hi have never posted before but saw this board and it is right up my street so had to join in! Just renovated an old pine sideboard by sanding then undercoating and painting it swedish blue. I tihen found some laura ashley wallpaper offcuts that i had in the garage and put these on the door panels and am made up with the result!
If i can work out how to upload a pic i will do so x

chalkysoil

people who are "new" can't upload a pic until they've made a few posts - like 5 to 15 some secret random number. But if you upload to pinterest we can click through to there. Assuming you aren't sidetracked and lost for hours on pinterest like me!!