Hi, As a plasterer I'd just like to add that you may have to get the artex tested for asbestos before removing. Don't be tempted to do it yourself just incase! Ask your builder/plasterer how he intends to remove it to check his knowledge. Products can. ow be bought that are painted on and these soften it enabling it to be scraped off easily. Also be prepared to lose up to 150mm down from your existing ceiling depending on how it's specified to be insulated. You'll need a gap between your tiles and felt and the new insulation (this will prevent moisture tracking to the new plaster) then insulation between the roof timbers and then a layer of insulation covering all of this. Then you will have the plasterboard screwed into the timber. I hope I haven't put you off the whole idea now. Good luck with the project!

Hi Jenny, I think i'm there with the description. The new windows and doors are going on the left, correct? I can see in the back ground the slanted ceiling. However, i'm still confused with the T.V comment, as you say you don't want it facing the windows and that's what it currently does. There is also a radiator on the far wall under a window, is that to remain or be re-sited? If you replace the long wall with windows and doors, you would need to say where they are exactly and how wide. The radiator could do with be re-sited and in my opinion maybe get rid of the window on the far wall. If you don't get rid of the window you are limiting yourself greatly with the placement of furniture. Here's a few scenarios:- keeping the window and the radiator:- Removing the window and re-siting the radiator to the other end of the room - log burner on left in tall corner:- Removing the window - log burner on the right - tv facing in to the room away from the window:- Log burner not in either corner - window removed - fireplace built for log burner with alcoves allowing storage and T.V Corner placement:- This would probably allow more seating - possibly a 3 and a 2 seater sofa. Radiator re-sited to the far end adjacent to the door.

Almond White is a lovely, warm neutral which will marry with so many bolder, but warm tones. Removing the wallpaper and painting that wall in a slightly deeper shade would look good. I rather like the stone F&B shades like Oxford Stone or London Stone. Light Gray looks lovely too. If you want to go even darker try Mouse‘s Back. Do you like green at all? Pigeon is a soft but deep green and very cosy. Hague Blue and Inchyra Blue are beautiful rich inky shades that would also look good, but they may be a bit too dark for a north facing room? Here’s some pics for inspiration. LONDON STONE MOUSES BACK PIGEON HAGUE BLUE INCHYRA BLUE

When you talk of removing plaster, do you realise that in a modern house like yours the plaster is likely to be a skimming of plaster over plaster board so basically its impossible to just remove the plaster. To take this all back to basics, you need to understand what your house is constructed of - what makes up it’s layers, so to speak - and how its constructed. When you start to get quotes from trades, say an electrician, they will tell you what they want, such as cutting out channels for the trunking, wiring etc. Don’t start taking out everything in your house without taking some advice from a builder. Also remember any builder worth their salt will be busy and don’t pay anyone ANY money up front. they will invoice you for work they have completed. Don’t take the ceilings down or try to get the plaster off until you’ve spoken to a plasterer. Again, plasterers are hard to get hold of as there is so much housebuilding going on and belive me its not a job you can do yourself. (Unless you are a plasterer). Also, as you are a beginnner, you will have plenty to worry about other than the colour of the bricks! If the bricks of neighbouring houses look similar then possibly it’s weathering. As long as the pointing is good, don’t worry. Also bear in mind the shortage of materials and increasing costs when you are planning work. having said all that it is exciting and rewarding to do up one’s home. Good luck and enjoy!!