Fashions change and home interiors are no exception. Redecorating a room in need of a modern boost doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and doesn’t always require the help of a professional. Updating the walls is one of the best ways to transform your living space and show off your decorating skills.
Paint power
Painting a room may only take a couple of days, but the impact on the atmosphere in your home is immense. Follow Phil’s painting pointers to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your home-decorating project achieves a professional finish.
1. Invest in good materials
‘Don’t buy cheap paint,’ advises Phil. ‘You’ll probably have to apply more I fit’s cheap paint, so you won’t save money anyhow.’
Poor quality brushes or rollers will also lead to a messy finish and take twice as long to get the job done. Invest in the right tools and look after them carefully and they should last you through several paint jobs – that means washing out your brushes before they dry.
2. Pay attention to lighting
The kind of light a room gets has a big impact on how different kinds of paint will look. For example, a room that has lots of sunlight will benefit from a matt finish that deflects light for a softer glow, whilst gloss paint will look better in a darker space.
3. Personalize your paints
Claire Cullen, Brand Manager at Valspar paints, says that ‘when faced with rows of paint tins it’s easy to forget that, when in place, a colour can be responsible for evoking real emotion. We know that people can be afraid of introducing colour into their homes, so we want to help give people colour confidence, and demonstrate that a home full of colour can be fun, vibrant and dynamic.’
With a bespoke paint mixing service, there are 2.2 million colours that can be recreated in paint form. If you have a particular favourite colour, or one that holds sentimental value (for example, a theme from your wedding), then consider featuring it as a wall colour in your home for a personalised touch.
4. Dare to be different
For those who are new to home decorating, simply picking up the paintbrush might be a nerve-wracking experience. However, experimenting with different effects can create the wow-factor many of us are looking for. Try simple tricks like painting one wall in a focal colour, choosing standout hues for the inside of bookshelves or—if you’re feeling creative—going for an ombre finish.
If you’re unsure about what might look good, do some research first, and always ask in a DIY shop to find out the best products for the job.
‘A good idea is to make a mood board before you start and consider how the colour you choose for your walls will impact on your existing furniture and furnishings. Looking at a room in this way will help your idea really come together and deliver that professional, considered finish,’ advises Cullen.
However, some words of warning from our DIY expert Phil: ‘A botched paint job will not do your house any favours, so if you worry about your prowess with a roller, this would be a good time to call in a professional.’
Wonderful wallpapers
The resurgence of wallpapers as a fashionable home decorating option has seen a host of stylish and eye-catching designs become available in recent years. Whether you’re after something timeless or more of a contemporary edge, a well-designed wallpaper can give a room a much-needed lift and add some creative flair to your living space.
Well-known high street stores such as John Lewis, Habitat and Laura Ashley are great go-to places for classic designs to suit every style of home at an affordable price.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then a standout wall mural can help to put a personal stamp on a room. These are available from a number of retailers. Often wall murals are more expensive than other kinds of wallpapers, but many of these inventive designs are pieces of art in themselves and work well as a standout feature in a living space or children’s bedroom in need of livening up.
Remember!
Regardless of what wallpaper design you choose, make sure to prepare thoroughly so the finished job looks as neat as possible. Finish any painting work beforehand and take extra care when hanging the first sheet, as this will act as your guide for the rest of the room.
For patterned wallpaper, it’s advisable to start in the middle of a wall and work outwards on either side to ensure you achieve an even pattern across each wall. Be sure to double check that all rolls carry the same shade or batch number before you begin, or your walls will end up looking mismatched.
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