Saturday, February 24, 2018

Wallpaper, Wallpaper, Wallpaper.....

I LOVE me some Wallpaper!!!!!


Hello!!!!
it's ME!!!!
The MIA Blogger!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been working my tiny hiney to the bone,
and believe me, I have nothing left back there to loose.
All my padding is in the front.
Wouldn't it be great if we could push our fat around inside the envelope of our skin, and mold it to where it is needed and wanted?????
I mean.....
what is the point of upper arm fat anyway???????
Where is the evolutionary bonus in that??
Am I going to survive longer than someone with thin arms?????
Next time I am in a clothing store trying on my T shirts with long enough short sleeves, 
and I see some svelte babe modeling a sleeveless blouse, 
 will think to myself .....
"Self!!!! She will not survive a nuclear blast like I will!!!!"?????
NOT #$% LIKELY

Oh, my,
where did that come from????
Could someone please bring me my meds?
I seem to have misplaced them.

Someone????

anyway,
BACK TO DECORATING!

If you have been reading this blog, you are aware of my besty Kris.
I piddle around, decorating her house, now that I am retired from the horrors of working as a designer.
I no longer work for the big bucks.
I no longer work for any bucks.
This way, if someone (friends or family) doesn't like my work, 
they can suck any part of their body that is handy keep their complaining to themselves.
That's my philosophy.
It doesn't always work that way.
Especially with my family.
Yes, you (if you are reading this.....)
(Peter and Faye)

So, although Kris and I are still adding the finishing touches to her primary bathroom, 
we have tweaked her living room.
This all came about in the hunt for an appropriate wallpaper for the aforementioned
bath.
Kris loves paisley.
I have spread it throughout her first floor.
As you enter her house, the first hint is the antique settee placed against the wall that faces the stairs.

I also covered the walls and host chairs in the dining room in paisley velvet.
(Since I took that picture, we have updated the room a little. 
that will be a later blog post.....)
Now.....
let us go.....
to the living room!!!!!

Kris felt the walls were a little bare with just paint.......
that's right....
a little bare.....
So stark....So stripped down.
WELL
one of the wallpapers that I pulled for the 2nd floor bath was a red paisley,
and after I had fled the scene left the house,
Kris took it down to the living room to see how it would look.
The colors worked great with the rug.....
Then she looked at it on the wall
because wallpapers go on the wall.
(see, I am a decorator, and I know this kind of $%#)
It worked great with the paisley that I used for the draperies and ottomans.
So.....
then she checked it behind the sofa!!!!!
We were very excited.
Let me rephrase that.....
we were #$@%& excited!!!!!
so we had the wallpaper guy, who is a true artist, come and measure the walls.
NOW!!!!!
I told him.
THESE ARE EUROPEAN ROLLS.
Wallpaper guys never listen to me.
never 
NEVER
never
NEVER.
European rolls are NOT a double roll.
He computed for a double.
THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH WALLPAPER.
We couldn't get any more of this #$@ pattern.
I guess no one else in the world is doing over the top crazy decorating anymore.
sigh.
By this time we had been waiting months and months and months for this damn paper.
First it was back-ordered until August. Then September.
Then after the apocalypse. 
There were only 14 rolls left, and they were in two dye-lots.
But that was supposed to be enough wallpaper, so we decided to risk it, and to hide the change in lot color at the room corners.
Soooooooooooooo.....
The wonderful artistic wallpaper hanger came and rolled out all the rolls and cut them.
Whereupon he realized that we were three rolls short.
As you have probably sussed out at this point 
I couldn't get no more of dat damn material no more no more no more.
The showroom called the line that carried the paper.
They had one more roll in their warehouse, but it had been cut into.
They would send it to us and not charge us for it.
They felt horrible over the whole fiasco.
They were very nice.
Very nice doesn't get you
any more @#$% wallpaper.
But it does create good will.
It wasn't their fault that the mill wasn't responding to their entreaties.
Soooooooooooooo...............
The project was now at a standstill.
Kris had taken down ALL THE PAINTINGS in the living room.
all the paintings.
They were all piled in the dining room.
So the dining room looked like shit.
The living room looked like shit,
and she felt like now we had to look for a different wallpaper.
Well,
I was damned it I would let that happen on 
MY WATCH
I told her to let me think on it for a couple of days.
I told her that usually when something like this happens,
a better design develops because I am forced to think outside the box.
I think she thought I was 
blowing smoke up her a$$.
I hate when I am sincere, and I listen to myself, and I think
"I wouldn't believe a word you're sayin' Betsy, my girl....".
But I meant it.
So.
I thought
and I thought
and on the second day I had 
an epiphany!
The wallpaper guy had suggested an accent wall in wallpaper.
Just along the back of the sofa.
I felt, what was the point of doing this outrageous design only to make it look half-assed?
I am not a fan.
It really does help to think on things.
and to google things.
and to look on Pinterest. 
I suggested making the fireplace look like it was paneled, using her existing mantel.
Sort of like this one I found on google.
So that's what we decided to do.
She called back the artistic wallpaper guy and he got to work.
When I go back up to Massachusetts in the spring, 
I will design the paneling for the fireplace.
I think the room is going to end up much better with the break in the wallpaper in the middle of the room.

Below is one of my world famous, very hard to create collages.
It shows the before and after the application of the paisley madness.
This is definitely a specific type of look.
ha!
But Kris and I are over the moon.
In New England, where it is cold for 6 months of the year and grey for the other 6,
(I know, that's an exaggeration, but I am writing this from sunny Florida) the warm, cozy tones of the paisley just make ours toes curl in happy, yummy cozy joy.

Now,
when I look at the before shots of the room....
IT LOOKS SO BARE!!!!!!!!!!!

on that note,
Later Gator.
Photobucket

39 comments:

Vikki said...

Looking at your pictures of the sample pieces I thought the room would look so...cluttered??? Not so, it looks beautiful. I'm in the color RED stage of my life so I am loving all the red in the paper and the furniture and the other bits of loveliness. Enhancing the fireplace surround is a stroke of genius. I've missed you Betsy, please post more often. Vikki in VA

Nutbird said...

Fabulous! I love your bravado in mixing paisleys. The room will probably be better for leaving the fireplace alone. I wish you would just re=run old posts. I'm getting so old I wouldn't notice. Can't remember anything.

Marlene Stephenson said...

You pulled it through again, you are such a good friend and it looks lovely. I like the break with the fireplace, i did think it might be busy but i was wrong.Thanks for the visit today and have a great weekend.

minwks said...

Great post. It was surprising to see the end result and how good it looks even with all the paintings rehung it is not too overwhelming. Saved I think by the break that is the fireplace.
Any plans for changes to the curtains?
Janine

Betty said...

OMG, you make me laugh. Fabulous post and glorious wallpaper. That room is divine!

Rhonda said...

Love the paper! Love the room! But what about the paper for that bathroom?? A mystery yet to unfold....

Elena said...

I LOVE IT! I am not a big fan of paisley for myself... anymore. Used to be in the '80s when I donned my paisley Swatch watch with pride! But I love it in Kris's home. And I LOVE red (even have a sofa very similar to hers, only mine is a three-seater), I LOVE dogs, and I am a more, more, more kind of person, too. So, yes. The "before" did look bare!

I am now inspired to stencil my walls as I have no access to a wallpaper guy. I was worried it would be "too much" with my Persian rugs, but who am I kidding???

JJ said...

I have always loved paisleys and bargello! I cannot believe how much better the picture collage looks with the wallpaper!
I have a lovely red and navy blue paisley area rug that I move around. Fifteen years I was told by a decorator friend to get rid of it because it was out of fashion but I have always loved it. I now see decor magazines with Oriental rugs again and I guess that I am now on trend again. LOL

Anonymous said...

The room looks so warm and cozy, great job..

Unknown said...

I tried to guess what your solution would be and thought you might put a chair rail around with faux painted panels below it. I absolutely love paisley and this room is beautiful! I thought it would look too busy once your put the picture collage back up but I think it actually looks less busy than when it was on the painted wall! Great job as usual! You're a genius!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Simply BEAUTIFUL. Great idea with the fireplace and it will look great. I thought a little crazy using the busy wallpaper but what a surprise. Miss you blogging.

mizwaller said...

Betsy can you just come down to Texas.? Not to decorate my house, just to hang out cause you are so repressed and meek and mild you need to loosen up. I love 💗 your style gal. And the decor is georgous too.

katybee said...

That wallpaper is all kinds of fabulous. And as ridiculous as it seemed that the room was "bare," well, it really was. Can't wait to see it wth the finished mantel.

Anonymous said...

I liked the prior room with paint. As I was reading down the article I had huge doubts with the wallpaper results and thought it was going to be ugly and busy--and old lady looking. Wow!! I'm in total LOVE with the paisley wallpaper and how it connects the entire room. It's gorgeous. It needed that fireplace break in the design. It rests the eye and gives a luxurious contrast. It's really beautiful.

pilar said...

Oh Betsy, I'm so glad you came back. Everything you do is drool-inducing. I'm not a fan of red, myself, but my goodness does that room look good! Your posts are always great and your style is perfect.

Sharon Cross said...

WOW...just WOW!...PERFECT!

Marta said...

what a great way to start the day!Your posts are hilarious...your style is impeccable. Thank you for showing that it's ok to do your own thing. I'm very UNimpressed with today's modern style. Yours is warm and beautiful. As everyone else has written, you are so missed. I do go back to your old posts for inspiration and wish you would share more. It was so good to hear from you and see your beautiful work again.

Susan~aredheadonthego said...

Great post. You made my Sunday morning. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the fireplace surround. Hmmm........ will it be painted or stained?

Unknown said...

Looks gorgeous and way less busy than before. The fireplace "breather" makes it even better. Verdict: Totally worth the wait and hassle!

Jennifer said...

What a great post! Love the wallpaper; the whole living room actually! I think you saved the day with that idea for the fireplace! Gosh, I need a decorator!

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I love paisley,too, but in more muted tones (for myself). What a story and how frustrating to have to go through all those glitches. As it is, it turned out great. I actually think the fireplace is a inspired move-it gives the eyes a place to rest as the move around the room. She has lots of pictures!! lol

Nice to see a post from you--don't be such a stranger!! Can't wait to see more. xo Diana

Broad In Daylight said...

Over the top JUST RIGHT! AWESOMENESS...how about a technical request? If you installed an easy "share to Facebook" button for me (technotard) I would love to post this to FB.

Jenni Moyer said...

I have been checking and checking for a Betsy post, and FINALLY! SUCH a Betsy post!! The wallpaper looks all kinds of fabulous and the room is even more beautiful, welcoming, cozy, enveloping, and delightful. You, madam, are a genius.

Mary said...

It looks great, and I thought it would be too much, not so! I am excited to see the fireplace and the updates to the dining room!

Glad you are posting again!!

Mary From Virginia

Anonymous said...

Love your decorating and LOVE your humor! So glad your tiny hiney is blogging again!

Marie in AZ said...

Wow, this is GORGEOUS! Now I want wallpaper like this everywhere! Please keep posting, and enjoy your sunny weather in Florida.

Buttonchief7 said...

Looks so rich now. Am mad about all dogs things too. Great work.

Kathy said...

I thought the before living room was beautiful, but with the wallpaper added, WOW!!! Fantastic! And, I agree, so warm and inviting! Bravo & Congrates on another job well done!

Red Berry said...

WOW! Love it all... especially with the visual break (genius you... but of course!) Excited to see future photos.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Fantastic!!

Sandie said...

I am sooooooo happy to see a notification in my email that you have written a new blog post! Yippie! I LOVE everything! I LOVE your style! Please come stay with me for a couple weeks in sunny California and transform MY family room!
P.S. I love your "Then after the apocalypse" sentence! Totally agree with that one!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!

gme said...

The paisley is gorgeous! It's beautiful even without the fireplace being complete. You're a genius!

Dolores said...

I'm so happy to see you are back to posting- I do wonder why I hadn't received any email notification as before?
The wall paper is beyond delicious, gorgeous and so perfect for the room; I just love it. I wished that more of the current designers would offer us beautiful, warm, color filled interiors. They make my heart sing! Have you checked out fabric printmakers Louise Townsend's English home? To die for.http://www.louisetownsendprint.com/instagram/

Unknown said...

So...................happy to see your blog! Love the paisley room, you get it right every time.

Ladyofcovenantfarms said...

Betsy this post is honestly why I steadily check for a new post every month and hope against hope that you have finally decided to post. When you are classic Betsy Speery you are just bloody brilliant. I loved this room before and I freakin’ love it now!!! 😍😍

Linda said...

Just checked and was happy to see I missed a post I Love the After of your buddy Kris's room It was Pretty before but the wallpaper just makes it cozy Thanks for sharing
Im with you I'd like to move some fat around

linda m

Anonymous said...

I love the red and the paisley. At one time, I was doing everything in paisley - may need to rethink adding some more back into the mix.

Does anyone know what is going on with floral fabrics? I made floral fabric curtains for my dining room about 10-12 years ago. I have been very upset that I didn't purchase more of the fabric at that time.

Today, while going through an online site - I found that exact fabric (in the drapery canvas) that I had originally purchased. It was in the color I used, and a second color.

I purchase a few yards of each, as I need to make some covers for an ottoman. Then I spent some time looking at floral fabrics. I am sure the nicest ones I was looking at were all out about 10-14 years ago. How could that be possible?

Susan' Hearts and Flowers said...

Beautiful decorated rooms. Not too many people are decorating in this style anymore and it is very sad. I love the Wallpaper behind the couch.
I am so tired of the "Farm House" trend that is spread through out the internet. This was such a refreshing site.

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