A slight daring suggestion I have would be to paint on the windows themselves with a very thin layer of watered down acrylic paint or liquid chalk that will dry and begin to make a stained glass window effect as the window is rather small to work with but can become a bit of a feature. It may even add a splash of colour.

I think this is what they used to call rag rolling many years ago. A brush as on the above link does a similar effect too. You used to be able to buy a roller with a 'rag' attached and use it to paint on the wall that would give you the effect. I'd also practice it on something before attempting the wall in question.

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!!

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