Your tips for decorating (and actually getting things done!)

[alwaysinamuckingfuddle]

I am super organised on the housework front but lacking in motivation on the DIY/decorating front.

Would love a beautiful home and am very creative but just can't seem to get started.

I know getting off Mumsnet would be a start!!!

pick the first room and strip it bare. The sight of loads of stuff/mattresses etc. lying around will be enough to spur you on.

Get a man in to decorate or

Send the kids to Granny/auntie for 4-5 days. :D Or book them into holiday clubs so you are not constantly being pestered for food, drinks, Im bored, he hit me, she started it etc.

Put on some great music,

Strip wallpaper, paint ceiling, patch and sand walls, do woodwork and radiators, paint or paper walls. Clean stuff away after each stage. Work like a trojan, an reward yourself with take outs and wine.

I have done 4 rooms this year. (smug)

Wow Dwells, I'm impressed!

Do you decorate all day or just a few hours? Does your DH help? (Mine is pretty useless...)

all day, always. I start at 9 and work through to lunch,, then crack on from 2pm until about 5/6....then hit the shower because its sweaty work!! some evenings I will do cutting in so I'm ready for the next day. I find it quite therapeutic, but I have to have the kids away or I just wouldnt get anything done.

Just remind yourself that preparation is going to take more than 50% of the time.

oh and dh...helping??? Mwahahahahahahaha! he puts up shelves and curtain poles, but thats it. oh and moves furniture.

Wowzers!

I'm working next week but will have three afternoons and a whole day free. Will follow your lead. Feel ashamed when I hear what other people get up to...

I'm good at decorating (and all the prep) but it just takes me an age to get started. [lazy emoticon]