Two weeks ago we had a surprise call from our friend who was scheduled to do work on our house. He had finished a job early and was ready to start, a whole month earlier than planned.
This was obviously great news. But, inevitably panic ensued. For the week before he started suddenly we had to:
- Pick a kitchen
- Plan a kitchen layout
- Order a kitchen
- Find and buy floor tiles
- Make final paint decisions
- Buy paint
- Try not to have heart palpitations
Needless to say it was a pretty stressful week, but with much help from relatives – and lifts to B&Q and Ikea – we got there. Work started on Tuesday, and while we’re waiting for delivery of the kitchen, it was decided to start on the lounge first.
Here’s how it was looking as you know:

And, here’s this week’s progress, click one of the images to load the gallery:
The lounge is totally out of action now, and with the kitchen about to be started, we have had to decamp upstairs.

It’s weird. It feels like we’re living in a cheap hotel room. It’s not normal (in my opinion) to have so many electronics in the bedroom. Though, there is the added bonus of watching Newsnight in bed. Oh the luxury.
Next week work on the kitchen begins. The upstairs is filling up with different pieces of furniture moved from different rooms downstairs, and I’m now about to dismantle the kitchen and pack away all the things only recently unpacked.
But, with the help of Ikea, B&Q and the excellent Kristian – we should be on the road to revamp shortly. 6 weeks till Christmas…when we are hosting 9 other people and ourselves.
*heart races* *breathes deeply*
It will be fine. Honest. I’m the picture of calm.
One day you might come back to a downstairs you will not recognize but will be a great transformation.
Snap! We’re going through the same thing and I feel I live in homeware stores. Looking forward to seeing what you do.
Oh yes, spent a Monday night emergency in B&Q buying a sink on Monday – so is the life. It’s a lot of upheaval but I feel like it will be worth it.
Good luck to you too!