Removing Wallpaper in the Living Room

Today we started removing two layers of wallpaper from the living room.

I sit here this evening, smelling of fabric softener infused water we spritzed on the walls to gently remove the wallpaper.  Moved right along today, and the good news is, the wall repairs will be minimal.  That's not to say, it will be fast.  Everything worth doing well takes time.

There have been other wall plaster repairs . . . noting the difference in color (darker and lighter areas).  The darker plaster is quite course, whereas the lighter color is smoother.

My best guess for the age of the house is early 1890s--based on its architecture, style of woodwork (catalog items: fluted rails, styles, bullseye block topped with crown.  My guess is influenced by the Jan 1, 1892 marriage of Dr. Alfred Carey and his wife Della.  At the time Dr. Carey was 38 years old, his home accommodated his medical practice as well as his position as Postmaster.  

Our plan is to stabilize wall cracks with web tape and Durabond.  Afterwards, 2 skim coats of drywall compound, lightly sanded, followed by Zinzer interior primer.  Eventually two coats of wall color. 

Haven't decided on the main wall color.  Client favors warm browns, soft greens, or muted gold. Client says definitely no red, no peas in a can green, no pink or purple, no butter yellow, no baby blue.    

A modern chair rail and freeze molding was added--I'm guessing 1980s based on the wallpaper.  We are not removing the modern molding, but will paint main wall color above and below the chair rail.  The freeze will be lighter value.  The ceiling will be antique white like the woodwork.  

We'll clean the woodwork, hand sand, and refresh with a good quality paint in antique white (my favorite formula I call vanilla ice cream).  The wood floors appear to be very good under the stained wall to wall red carpet.