Kelly Hoppen's unconventional advice for painting skirting boards is a game changer

The concept of 'millennial grey' as a dominant interior design choice is being replaced by a burgeoning interest in vibrant colours and innovative paint trends, with 'colour zoning' emerging as a significant contender. This approach leverages colour to define and enhance the functionality of various spaces within a home, making each area work more effectively. Colour zoning shares its fundamental objective with general zoning principles in home design. While traditional zoning relies on furniture arrangement or flooring choices to delineate specific areas and their purposes, colour zoning achieves the same outcome through the strategic application of paint. This method is particularly useful for homeowners and renters seeking to inject personality and purpose into their living environments. Sophie Robinson, a renowned colour expert and interior designer, highlights the growing demand among her clients to understand and implement colour zoning. Many individuals are keen to learn how to use colour to segment rooms, considering which hues are best suited for different zones and how they should be applied across ceilings, walls, and windows. Robinson advises starting the colour zoning process by contemplating the desired mood or atmosphere for each room. This introspection helps in selecting appropriate colours that align with the room's function and emotional impact. For instance, a space intended for relaxation might benefit from calming and tranquil colours, while an area designated for lively activities could be enhanced with dramatic, striking, and uplifting hues. It is crucial to recognize that a single aesthetic, such as 'calming,' may not be universally suitable for every room, emphasizing the importance of tailoring colour choices to specific functions. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, further elaborates on the efficacy of colour zoning, stating that using blocks of colour to define spaces significantly improves a home's functionality. She emphasizes that successful colour zoning requires thoughtful planning, creativity, and occasionally a willingness to be bold with colour choices. Shillingford suggests extending favourite colours onto walls for a cohesive and relaxed look, integrating them with existing elements in the room. Practical applications of colour zoning include painting a block of colour onto the ceiling above a dining table to create a more defined and special eating area. Incorporating stripes or polka dots can introduce small bursts of joy, while layering harmonious colours can add depth and character, moving beyond the simple application of solid blocks of colour onto white walls. The ultimate goal is to have fun with decorating, allowing personal preferences to guide the creative process, whether that involves bold patterns like deckchair stripes, moody florals, or even leopard print flooring. #ColourZoning #PaintTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SophieRobinson #MarianneShillingford #Dulux #ColourExpert #HomeImprovement

Homebase has introduced an exclusive new range of glitter paints from Rust-Oleum, designed to add sparkle to walls and furniture. This collection includes both emulsions and spray paints, available in three metallic shades: Silver, Gold, and Rose. These paints offer a versatile way to incorporate shimmer into home decor, catering to various aesthetic preferences, from subtle accents to prominent feature elements. The Rust-Oleum glitter paints are offered in different intensities, allowing consumers to choose between a gentle shimmer and a more dramatic, high-sparkle finish. Prices for the products in this range begin at £10. The Rose shade, for instance, is recommended for pairing with matte greys and inky blues to create a sophisticated atmosphere, or for layering with other pinks to achieve a glamorous, feminine look. An example provided is the Rust-Oleum Medium Ultra Rose Glitter Spray Paint, priced at £10 for a 400ml can. For those aiming to create a significant visual impact, the feature wall paints within this new range are formulated to deliver a high-density glitter effect. These paints are user-friendly and can be applied directly over existing pre-painted walls, offering an immediate transformation. The Rust-Oleum Feature Wall Gold Glitter Paint, for example, is available for £49.99 per 1-liter container, providing a bold statement option. Alternatively, for individuals who find a full feature wall too ambitious, the glitter spray paints offer a convenient solution for smaller, more detailed applications. These sprays are ideal for customising finishing touches such as skirting boards and door frames, allowing for a creative and personalised makeover. Given the growing popularity of upcycling, these spray paints are expected to be particularly successful, enabling users to revitalise old furniture and decor items with a touch of glitter. The Rust-Oleum Medium Shimmer Silver Glitter Paint, priced at £11 for 750ml, is suggested for achieving a glamorous bedroom aesthetic when combined with gold and brass metallic furniture. The article highlights the practical benefits and aesthetic potential of this new glitter paint collection, positioning it as an accessible way for consumers to inject personality and contemporary style into their living spaces. The range is available exclusively at Homebase stores nationwide. #GlitterPaint #Homebase #RustOleum #FeatureWall #InteriorDesign #DIY #SprayPaint #HomeDecor #MetallicShades

Skirting boards, traditionally overlooked and often painted white, are emerging as a key element in interior design, offering a versatile canvas for introducing colour and personality into a space. The increasing popularity of "colour drenching," where walls and woodwork are painted in the same or harmonising shades, has transformed how skirting boards are perceived and utilised. This trend allows for creative expression, ranging from subtle blending to bold statement-making, and can significantly influence a room's aesthetic and perceived dimensions. Selecting the right skirting board colour involves considering the existing wall tones. A general guideline suggests pairing darker-toned walls with darker skirting boards to achieve a modern and contemporary look, while lighter wall hues benefit from neutral or lighter skirting shades. Beyond mere aesthetics, the choice of skirting colour can strategically manipulate the perception of a room's height or draw attention to other architectural features. This approach offers an accessible way for anyone to engage with interior design, regardless of their comfort level with vibrant colours. Design experts advocate for incorporating colour into skirting boards to add visual interest and define spaces. Mylands CEO, Dominic Myland, highlights them as grounding elements that enhance character. For those looking to inject flair, painting skirting boards in contrasting colours or even matching them with furniture can yield striking results. For instance, a forest green skirting board against a pink wall creates a harmonious and elegant combination, especially effective in rooms lacking historical features, according to paint expert Annie Sloan. This budget-friendly method can restore personality to spaces that might have been stripped of traditional details. Colour drenching, where skirting, walls, ceilings, and window frames are unified in one colour, is presented as an ultimate statement look. Helen Shaw of Benjamin Moore explains that this technique, particularly with bold shades like Savannah Green, can make small spaces feel more expansive by blurring lines and edges, providing a rich backdrop for furnishings. Conversely, black or deep dark shades on skirting boards can introduce a dramatic element, complementing most colours and creating a striking contrast, especially against white walls. Punam Chada of Carpetright suggests extending this dark shade to picture rails for a balanced, cohesive look, using accessories to tie the scheme together. In period properties or spaces with limited natural light, blending skirting colours with wall shades creates a seamless effect. Patrick O'Donnell of Farrow & Ball notes that using the same shade as the walls allows woodwork to recede, offering a modern touch that works in various settings. Another innovative approach involves matching skirting colours to prominent furniture pieces, such as a blue sofa in a blue-painted room. Patricia Gibbons from Sofa.com explains that this creates harmony, elongates the room, and gives the illusion of higher ceilings and more space, with accessories layering in complementary tones and textures. Skirting boards can also serve as a visual bridge between different colours within a room. James Sirett of Fired Earth illustrates how a pale green skirting with reddish undertones can harmonise a pink and green room, creating a seamless flow from walls to flooring. For rooms featuring wallpaper or murals, selecting a shade from the design for the skirting board can frame the artwork and create an enveloping, intimate atmosphere, as suggested by Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. Darker colours like deep red or purple, applied to skirting boards and chair rails, can also trick the eye to make low ceilings appear higher and link various colours within the scheme without overwhelming the space, according to Dominic Myland. Dark grey skirting boards can highlight architectural features, particularly when paired with pale greys or lavenders, and offer an illusion of space similar to white but with added warmth. For deeper skirting boards, common in period homes, choosing an unusual colour like deep violet can create a significant impact when contrasted with pale walls, adding personality without overpowering the room. Marianne Shillingford of Dulux highlights that painting skirting boards adds colour without overwhelming the space, frames it beautifully, and conceals wear and tear more effectively than traditional white. While white remains the most popular choice for its ability to frame a room and provide a fresh contrast, experts encourage experimentation. The freedom to choose any colour, or even reverse traditional colour schemes, allows homeowners to truly personalise their interiors. The key is to select a leading tone and use accessories to add balance and depth, making the skirting board an intentional design element rather than a default white border. #SkirtingBoard #ColourIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PaintIdeas #ColourDrenching #WallDecor #HomeRenovation #RoomTransformation

Armourcoat, a surfaces brand, has introduced a new collection of textured and eco-friendly paints called Limewash, designed for both residential and commercial interiors. This range aims to replicate the distinctive aesthetic and tactile qualities of traditional limewash while offering enhanced durability and a less chalky finish. The collection features 45 shades, each crafted from a blend of slaked lime, kaolinite clay mineral, water, mineral pigments, and natural plant additives. This specific composition ensures that the paints are free from solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), aligning with stringent environmental and health standards within the architectural industry. Armourcoat asserts that its Limewash collection is unique in possessing both Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Health Product Declaration (HPD) documentation. This makes the product particularly suitable for construction projects seeking to achieve sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and LEED. Duncan MacKellar, Armourcoat's creative director, emphasized the company's commitment to material transparency, viewing it as crucial for designing aesthetically pleasing interiors that also minimize ecological impact. He stated that the brand's objective as manufacturers is to decrease both embodied carbon and environmental toxins, thereby fostering sustainable innovation in the built environment. MacKellar reassured architects and designers that all Armourcoat finishes, including the new Limewash range, support the creation of environmentally responsible and healthy indoor spaces, backed by their EPD and HPD documentation. A key benefit of the Limewash collection is its naturally high alkalinity, derived from its slaked lime content. This inherent property provides resistance against bacteria and mould growth, contributing to healthier indoor environments. Additionally, the paint is non-combustible, adding a safety dimension to its list of advantages. The introduction of Limewash represents the latest expansion of Armourcoat's portfolio of surface finishes. The brand consistently aims to deliver sustainable luxury finishes to the global community of architects and designers. This product launch underscores Armourcoat's dedication to providing innovative solutions that cater to the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance interior materials. #Armourcoat #LimewashPaint #EcoFriendlyInteriors #SustainableDesign #InteriorFinishes #GreenBuilding #MaterialTransparency #VOCFreePaint

Color drenching has evolved from a transient trend to an enduring decorating style in contemporary home design. This approach involves painting all elements of a room, including walls, ceilings, and woodwork, in a single hue, creating a cohesive and calming atmosphere by reducing harsh contrasts often seen with accent walls or varied color schemes. Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist at Lick, offers practical advice on paint finishes for color drenching, simplifying the process for homeowners. She highlights that a single paint finish, either matte or eggshell, can be effectively used across all surfaces within a room, eliminating the need to mix and match different finishes. This unified approach streamlines the decorating process, making it more accessible and less complex. Bradley emphasizes that both matte and eggshell finishes are versatile enough for comprehensive color drenching. For instance, matte paint can be applied to ceilings, walls, woodwork, and even radiators to achieve a consistent look. While this simplifies paint selection and purchasing, Bradley offers specific recommendations for different areas of the home. She suggests using matte finishes for living rooms and bedrooms, where a softer, more absorbent appearance is often desired, contributing to a tranquil and inviting ambiance. In contrast, for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, she advises using an eggshell finish. Eggshell paints offer increased durability and a subtle sheen that can withstand more wear and tear, making them suitable for these functional spaces without compromising the color-drenched aesthetic. The practice of color drenching is anticipated to remain a prominent paint trend in 2025, praised for its ability to create rooms that feel both cohesive and professionally designed. This technique is adaptable to various color palettes, from neutral shades that can enhance main social areas like living rooms and kitchens to bolder, darker hues that can transform smaller spaces such as powder rooms or hallways. The consistency achieved through color drenching ensures a sophisticated and integrated look, regardless of the chosen color intensity. The article provides examples of Lick paint colors suitable for color-drenched schemes, including Green 02, a calming green with gray undertones; Pink 08, a warm plaster pink ideal for restful bedrooms; and Blue 07, a bold blue with green undertones that creates a moody and cozy atmosphere in spaces like powder rooms or snugs. Ultimately, color drenching, whether with light or dark paints, offers a confident and impactful way to elevate room aesthetics by consistently applying a single color and finish throughout. #ColorDrenching #PaintFinishes #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintTrends #LickPaints #TashBradley #DecoratingTips #RoomColorIdeas

Creating a gallery wall can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a room, transforming a plain wall into a focal point. However, the process of positioning multiple frames can be challenging, often leading to misjudged holes and damaged walls. Interior designer Kelly Hoppen offers a reliable method to ensure optimal placement from the outset, minimizing the need for adjustments. Hoppen's primary recommendation, inspired by her experience designing musician Boy George's home, is to arrange all potential frames on the floor before attempting to hang them. This technique allows individuals to visualize the entire display, regardless of the wall's size, and ascertain the desired positioning. By laying out the frames, one can experiment with different arrangements and compositions without committing to drilling holes, thus preventing errors and preserving wall integrity. She also provides advice on integrating diverse frame styles. If frames are not uniformly matched, Hoppen suggests embracing this variety as a deliberate design choice. Instead of having just one contrasting frame, she recommends incorporating several different frames that complement each other to create a cohesive yet eclectic look. This approach ensures that the mixed frames appear intentional and contribute positively to the overall aesthetic of the gallery wall. Beyond floor layouts, Hoppen emphasizes the importance of instinct and visual assessment. She advises holding up individual art pieces or having someone assist in holding them against the wall. This allows for a comprehensive view of how each piece interacts with the surrounding space and the entire display. This intuitive method helps in refining the arrangement and confirming that each element contributes to the desired visual impact. Furthermore, Hoppen highlights the significance of selecting artwork that resonates with the homeowner, particularly for prominent locations such as an entryway. The art displayed in such areas should be personally meaningful, as it will be seen daily. She also mentions the option of propping art instead of hanging it, offering an alternative for those hesitant to make permanent commitments or who enjoy frequently redecorating. To facilitate the gallery wall process, the article suggests several helpful products. Command Picture Hanging Strips are recommended for their damage-free application and removal, making them ideal for temporary styling or rental properties. A spirit level is crucial for ensuring frames are hung straight, preventing a lopsided appearance. For those starting from scratch or needing to replenish supplies, a comprehensive picture hanging kit, including hooks, nails, and wire, is suggested to streamline the installation. These tools, combined with Hoppen's strategic advice, aim to make the creation of a perfect gallery wall a smooth and satisfying endeavor, ultimately enhancing the home's decor. #InteriorDesign #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #KellyHoppen #PictureHanging #DesignTips #HomeStyling #WallArt

This article explores the art of decorating with paint, emphasizing that it's more complex than a simple coat of color. It highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration in selecting paint colors to effectively transform a room. The guide delves into various factors influencing color choice, starting with the style of the room and its natural light sources. It points out that east-facing rooms receive warm morning light that cools throughout the day, while west-facing rooms experience the opposite. The article also advises considering existing furniture or decorative items that might impact color decisions and the primary time of day the room is used. For instance, a bedroom, primarily used in the evening, is better suited for dark colors, whereas a living room might benefit from lighter, airier tones. The article further elaborates on how specific colors can influence mood and atmosphere. It suggests that yellow, when used judiciously, can evoke feelings of joy, while light blue promotes a calming effect. Green is linked to nature and can help alleviate stress, establishing a connection with the outdoors. It also addresses the use of bold colors, recommending moderation to prevent them from becoming overwhelming. The advice is to balance vibrant hues with neutral tones, especially on walls, to allow for colorful accents in accessories like lamps, pillows, and blankets. This approach ensures that bold elements enhance rather than dominate the space. Another key aspect covered is embracing dark colors. While initially perceived as intimidating, dark colors are presented as adding significant personality to rooms, distinguishing them from plain white or light shades. The article encourages a full commitment to dark colors, advocating for painting all four walls rather than just one, and avoiding half-measures. It emphasizes incorporating accenting colors when using dark neutrals like grey, navy, black, or brown, noting that many colors can complement them effectively. Finally, the article stresses the importance of maintaining cohesion throughout a home. While each room can have its unique character, it's recommended to tie them together with subtle continuities. Using complementary colors where rooms connect is suggested as a method to ensure a harmonious flow and prevent spaces from appearing disjointed. The article serves as a comprehensive guide for homeowners looking to make informed decisions about paint choices, mood-setting, and overall home aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #RoomMood #DecoratingTips #AccentColors #HomeCohesion

A common challenge in home painting, specifically reaching high ceiling corners and edges without the risk of using an unstable ladder, has found a simple and effective solution. A DIY enthusiast shared a clever hack that involves using readily available household items to create a safe and efficient painting tool. The method negates the need for precarious ladder balancing, making the task safer and more accessible for many. This innovative approach has garnered significant attention and praise within online DIY communities. The core of the hack involves attaching a paintbrush securely to a long handle, such as a broomstick or a mop handle, using tape. This improvised tool allows individuals to extend their reach significantly, enabling them to paint high areas of walls and ceilings from the safety of the ground. The strategic taping of the paintbrush ensures that it remains firmly in place and provides the necessary control for precise paint application, even in tricky corners. Demonstrations of this technique have shown its efficacy in creating clean, straight lines along ceiling edges, dispelling any concerns about potential mess or uneven coverage. The simplicity of the idea belies its impact, as many users have expressed surprise and enthusiasm for such a straightforward yet powerful solution to a persistent DIY problem. The user who originally shared the hack highlighted her motivation as avoiding the dangers of climbing a ladder, particularly on staircases, which often present additional stability challenges. The widespread positive reception, including thousands of 'likes' and comments on social media platforms, indicates a broad appeal for practical, safe, and cost-effective DIY tips. Numerous individuals have lauded the ingenuity of the hack, with some noting their intent to adopt the method for their own home improvement projects. Furthermore, a segment of the audience revealed that they had already employed similar techniques, attesting to the practical utility and intuitive nature of the hack. This DIY solution offers an alternative to professional painting services or specialized equipment for hard-to-reach areas, empowering homeowners to tackle painting tasks independently with increased confidence and safety. The hack underscores a growing trend in DIY culture where creative problem-solving with everyday items leads to significant practical benefits in home maintenance and decoration. #DIYHack #HomePainting #SafetyFirst #CeilingPainting #BudgetFriendlyDIY #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #PaintingTips

The article explores the contemporary approach to painting skirting boards, moving away from the traditional bright white. Experts in interior design and color unanimously agree that bright white skirting boards can appear 'stark' and 'uninspired'. The piece highlights a growing trend among homeowners to incorporate skirting boards into the overall color scheme of a room, either by matching them to the walls or selecting complementary colors. This shift aims to create a more cohesive and intentional aesthetic within living spaces. Renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen advocates for painting skirting boards the same color as the walls, describing it as a "timeless approach that allows you to walk into a space and have everything feel seamless." She likens the visual disruption caused by contrasting white skirting boards to wearing white socks with trousers that are too short, emphasizing how an ill-suited color can detract from the entire decorating scheme. This technique is also presented as an effective method to visually enlarge a room, as a continuous color from floor to ceiling tricks the eye into perceiving greater height. While matching the wall color is a prominent suggestion, the article also offers several alternative color strategies for skirting boards. One option is to use a coordinating color, suggesting a lighter version of a hue already present in the room's interior palette. This creates a more nuanced and tranquil atmosphere, highlighting architectural details without harsh contrasts. Another approach is to employ contrasting colors. Instead of white, a darker, bolder shade can be used for skirting boards to make a stylish statement, especially when paired with pale walls. This technique can frame the room and, according to color consultant Patrick O’Donnell, make a space feel more expansive. For those who prefer a traditional look but wish to avoid stark white, the article recommends softer shades of off-white. The key is to match the undertones of the wall color: warm off-whites for warm-toned walls and cool off-whites for cool-toned walls. The final suggestion is color-drenching, an interior design trend where walls, woodwork, and even ceilings are uniformly painted in a single shade. This method creates a cocooning effect and is particularly popular when decorating with dark colors, as it prevents the stark contrast of light-colored woodwork from disrupting the intended mood. Interior designer Kate Watson-Smyth notes that dark colors appear more modern and dramatic when the woodwork matches, reinforcing the idea of a unified color palette. #SkirtingBoards #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintColors #RoomEnlargement #ArchitecturalDetails

The article explores a contemporary approach to interior design by challenging the traditional practice of painting ceilings and woodwork in white. It advocates for the use of bold colours on these architectural elements to create unique atmospheres and visual interest within a space. The author suggests that while white remains a classic choice, certain houses and rooms benefit significantly from a more adventurous colour palette. The discussion highlights two primary methods for incorporating colour into ceilings and woodwork: employing a single colour across walls, ceilings, skirting boards, door trims, and joinery, or utilizing contrasting colours. Painting everything in one cohesive colour is presented as an effective technique for dark spaces, fostering a cocoon-like and enveloping ambiance. Conversely, introducing a bold trim in a colour that contrasts with patterned wallpaper can inject playfulness and drama into a room. Several examples from the House & Garden archive illustrate these design principles. One instance features Joanne Burgess's house, where a Georgian part includes walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Light Blue,’ panelling in ‘De Nimes,’ and glossy window woodwork in ‘Bancha,’ showcasing a layered use of colour. Another example from the same house depicts a main bedroom with walls and woodwork in Edward Bulmer’s ‘Jonquil’ and panelling in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Yeabridge Green,’ creating a bright and energizing suite. A hallway in Burgess's house further demonstrates the use of multiple colours with 'Light Blue' walls, 'De Nimes' panelling, and a distinct colour on the door. The article also presents a Notting Hill house by Studio Vero, where Farrow & Ball’s ‘Brinjal’ (a rich aubergine) is used for all woodwork in the hall and up the stairs, paired with Edward Bulmer’s ‘Jonquil’ on the walls to prevent a boudoir-like feel. In a study-cum-bedroom, a blue 1960s Italian desk inspires the use of Common Room’s ‘Best Buds’ wallpaper, complemented by bespoke blue paint (26-4M from Papers & Paints) on the woodwork. A main bathroom in the Studio Vero project exemplifies "colour drenching" with walls and woodwork painted entirely in Little Greene’s ‘Aquamarine Mid,’ extending to the ceiling for a fully immersive colour experience. Jewellery designer Sandra Barrio von Hurter's house integrates Farrow & Ball’s ‘Lichen’ on walls with ‘Hunters Dunn’ in a gloss finish from Paint & Paper Library on woodwork, demonstrating harmonious contrasts. Further examples include the Eildon Hall hallway in Scotland, which features a deep mustard yellow ceiling contrasting with cool blue walls, adding excitement without sacrificing taste. Nicola Harding’s design for a Berkshire house showcases Farrow & Ball’s ‘Stone Blue’ on the dining room ceiling and built-in bookshelves, providing a vibrant backdrop for brass accents. In another Nicola Harding project, ‘Stone Blue’ is used on the ceiling of a basement room, extending to create a false cornice above ‘Tanner’s Brown’ walls, with the same blue on woodwork contrasting with a red sofa and a green rug. Susan Deliss’s Edinburgh flat features Edward Bulmer’s ‘Verdigris’ on woodwork complementing ‘Lioness & Palms’ wallpaper by CFA Voysey. Jeremy Langmead's country house, also decorated by Deliss, uses Robert Kime's 'Wattle' wallpaper with Sanderson's 'Bengal Red' eggshell paint on woodwork. Rachel Chudley’s London house presents a cohesive look with ceiling, walls, and skirting boards all in a stormy grey from Donald Kaufman. Audrey Carden’s London house demonstrates bold colour in small spaces, using Sanderson’s ‘Mimosa Yellow’ paint on a tiny bedroom wall that stops halfway across the ceiling, giving way to grey. Another bedroom in her house features blue, paper-backed, suede-effect fabric on walls and a tray ceiling painted in the same shade for a dramatic effect. Interior designer Suzy Hoodless's home highlights a glorious yellow doorframe dividing the sitting room and library, acting as an architectural valance and an uplifting burst of colour. Finally, a black bathroom in the same house features Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’ on walls matching Emery & Cie cement floor tiles for an enveloping feel. Ben Pentreath’s London house dining room features panelled walls, window frames, and skirting boards painted in ‘Bromine’ by Emente. Susan Deliss’s Edinburgh flat bedroom makes a bold statement with Farrow & Ball’s ‘Charlotte’s Locks’ covering walls, bookshelves, and skirting boards in a fiery deep orange. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #ColourfulCeilings #PaintedWoodwork #DesignIdeas #FarrowAndBall #ColourDrenching #HomeStyling #ArchitecturalElements

Chalkboard paint continues to gain popularity in home design due to its functional and fun aspects, according to designer Joshua Rowland. This versatile element can be incorporated into various rooms to add a unique touch and serve practical purposes. Rowland, principal at Joshua Rowland Interiors, notes that whether used subtly inside cabinets or as a prominent feature on a living room wall, chalkboard paint offers an opportunity for creativity and organization. In the kitchen, a chalkboard wall can make a strong design statement. Rowland is integrating this trend into his own kitchen, highlighting its utility. A more discreet application involves painting the inside of pantry cabinet doors, creating a convenient space for grocery lists, as suggested by designer Carisa Mahnken of Carisa Mahnken Design Guild. For refrigerators, chalkboard paint offers an alternative to traditional finishes. Mahnken recommends painting the interior of existing panels or creating custom chalkboard panels, emphasizing the benefit of magnetic options for added functionality. The mudroom is another practical area for chalkboard paint. It can be applied to walls, framed as standalone pieces, or used on door panels. Mahnken points out that chalkboard doors are now widely available and are ideal for helping children keep track of their schedules before leaving the house. This application extends to laundry rooms and play spaces, where organizational tools and creative outlets are highly valued. For children's rooms or playrooms, Rowland suggests embracing a full chalkboard wall, providing a vast canvas for kids to express themselves. This allows them to draw, doodle, and change designs as their interests evolve, turning a potentially messy activity into an acceptable and encouraged form of self-expression within a designated space. This also eliminates the issue of children drawing on walls since it gives them a dedicated area to do so. Chalkboard paint can also elevate more formal areas like the living room and dining room. Rowland used framed chalkboards in a guesthouse in a winery, making the space more casual and serving as a unique guest book. He also envisions its potential for creating ever-changing 'wallpaper' designs, particularly for individuals with graphic design skills. Mahnken highlights its use in a formal dining room as a revolving art installation, enabling homeowners and their children to frequently update artistic expressions, demonstrating that chalkboard paint is not limited to purely functional areas. Finally, in a home office, chalkboard paint proves invaluable for organization and creativity. It can be used to manage schedules, create to-do lists, or even frame artwork. When applying chalkboard paint, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring proper priming. A smooth surface is crucial, meaning textured walls may need sanding. Beyond the traditional black, chalkboard paint is available in a variety of colors, or users can create custom hues by mixing unsanded grout with their preferred paint color. #ChalkboardPaint #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYHome #KitchenDesign #KidsRooms #MudroomIdeas #CreativeSpaces #HomeOffice

Wallpaper can add warmth, depth, and texture to a space, making it an impactful design element. For those hesitant to commit, removable options offer flexibility. To ease into the trend, incorporating subtle selections is recommended. Tonal variations, muted geometrics, and printed grasscloths are excellent choices for adding visual interest without overwhelming the living room. It is also important to consider wallpaper in relation to the other materials and the overall mood of a space. Coordinating with existing textures like printed grasscloth, woodgrain, or cork can enhance the room's ambiance. Starting with a small-scale pattern can also be effective. Such patterns provide visual interest, yet from a distance, they read as a solid color, making them suitable for older spaces or those with traditional architectural details. For individuals seeking a bolder statement, treating the wall as a mural by opting for larger patterns or mural paper can create a custom and modern look. These bolder choices can be made with confidence, especially with removable wallpaper options available, allowing for changes if desired. #WallpaperTrends #HomeDecorTips #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #RemovableWallpaper #AccentWalls #PatternPlay #DecoratingIdeas

This article details how to create a scalloped wall effect, a popular interior design trend that adds charm and character to various rooms. Helen Goddard, owner of the Decorating Centre Online (DCO), provides an exclusive step-by-step guide. The scalloped wall trend is notably prevalent in children's bedrooms but is also gaining traction in other spaces like bathrooms and home offices. The versatility of this design allows for different aesthetics, ranging from half-wall features to ceiling accents, and can incorporate bold contrasts or subtle blends, as well as longer 'art deco-style' arches or smaller frills. To achieve this look, several materials are required: a sharp pencil, scissors, a piece of card, a round utensil (such as a dish or lid) for shaping the scallops, a small good-quality cutting-in brush (e.g., Axus precision brush), a larger brush (e.g., ProDec synthetic brush), a roller (e.g., Axus blue mini roller kit) for block areas, paint, a paint container, and painters’ tape. The Decorating Centre Online offers color matching services, with pastel shades, sage greens, earthy tones, and baby blues being particularly favored for this trend. Preparation involves ensuring the wall has a dry base color before applying the scalloped effect. A line is then marked with a pencil, using a measuring tape and a leveler to ensure evenness. For creating the scallop stencil, individuals can either cut a cardboard stencil or use the base of an old paint tin or an embroidery hoop. Goddard recommends attaching tape to the stencil with a small portion extending below to maintain consistent scallop depth by aligning it with the straight edge on the wall. For corners, the cardboard stencil can be bent to fit. The application process begins by taping the area designated for the scalloped design and painting a rectangular color block. Once this block is dry, its top line should be lightly sanded to prevent raised edges, ensuring the scallops blend seamlessly. The next step involves marking out the scallop shapes around the room using the stencil and a sharp pencil. A cutting-in paintbrush is then used to paint along the inside edges of these drawn lines. For larger rooms, working in sections is advised. The larger brush is then employed to fill in the scallop shapes, blending them with the color block. A second coat, applied after the first has dried, helps to even out any imperfections and finalize the look. The article concludes by inviting readers to visit @decoratingcentreonline for further inspiration and advice, and to order supplies from their website. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DIYHacks #ScallopedWall #PaintingTechniques #KidsBedroomIdeas #HomeImprovement #DecoratingTips #AccentWall

This article explores the growing design trend of painting door frames in bright, contrasting colors to introduce a sense of joy and personality into a home's interior. Rather than committing to a full accent wall, this approach offers a more subtle yet impactful way to inject vibrancy into living spaces. Designers laud this technique for its ability to add sophistication and energy with minimal effort. The article highlights the versatility of this paint trend, suggesting its suitability for various rooms throughout the home. It is particularly effective in transitional areas, such as between a living room and dining room, where a bright door frame can establish a visual connection while also delineating distinct spaces. For children's bedrooms, this method provides a flexible way to add color without the long-term commitment of a dominant shade, allowing for easy updates as tastes evolve. An example provided is a rustic kitchen designed by Hendricks Churchill, where a yellow trim and door frame are essential to the space's overall dynamism. The designers emphasize that these graphic accents, set against burnished lime plaster walls, contribute to a quiet drama and enable the rooms to lean more minimal, subtly referencing the Shaker aesthetic. This demonstrates how even a small application of color can profoundly influence a room's character and overall design narrative. When selecting colors for door frames, the article advises choosing shades that are bright but maintain a harmonious relationship with the existing wall color. For instance, a Farrow & Ball Raw Tomatillo green is showcased alongside stark white entryway walls, creating an elegant and striking combination. Designers suggest that one could opt for a shade slightly lighter or darker than the wall paint for a less dramatic, yet still impactful, effect. It is also important to consider other colors and accents present in the room to ensure a cohesive color scheme. Kathryn Murphy of Kathryn Murphy Interiors further elaborates on the benefits of painting door and window casings, noting their potential to layer color and add depth. She recommends either matching them to a colorful space for a 'color drenching' effect or using contrast to build the color scheme and introduce detail. Murphy also points out that this trend can serve as a practical compromise for couples with differing aesthetic preferences, allowing for neutral walls combined with colorful trim. The article also discusses using muted colors for door frames, especially when paired with white backgrounds, to achieve a colorful yet understated look. Kelly Cray, creative principal at U31, observes a shift from statement walls to statement features like doors, especially in smaller spaces. This allows for bold color choices on doors and adjacent wood trim, or a monochromatic treatment of both. She highlights that statement doors can accentuate architectural profiles more effectively than smooth walls. While bold colors are commonly seen on exterior front doors, Cray notes a more subdued variant of this trend emerging indoors, featuring earth tones or natural wood frames paired with painted doors. Beyond color, the article encourages creative exploration with shapes. Pierre Yovanovitch's design, featuring a wavy, sunshine-yellow door frame, exemplifies how pattern can amplify the joyous energy of color and create architectural interest. This playful combination guides guests through spaces, establishing a visual storyline. Finally, the article suggests specific paint products like Raw Tomatillo by Farrow & Ball, Daffodil yellow by Lick, and Aleutian blue by Sherwin Williams as excellent choices for those looking to adopt this colorful and thoughtful design approach. #InteriorDesign #PaintTrends #ColorInDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #DIYHome #DesignTips

Interior designer Tommy Landen Huerter gained significant attention after releasing a video sharing practical and renter-friendly home improvement hacks. The video addresses common decorating challenges faced by individuals living in older or restrictive rental properties, particularly those with outdated features like oak cabinets, white refrigerators, and beige carpets. Huerter's advice is centered around making older spaces feel cozier and more personalized without violating rental agreements. For kitchens, which often show their age the most, Huerter emphasizes the concept of "layering" decor. He suggests using rugs on the floor and even placing artwork on backsplashes to introduce color and personality. A notable tip involves temporarily removing cabinet fronts to create open shelving for displaying decor and houseplants, which can be easily reversed before moving out. This transformation changes the kitchen from a dated space into a personalized canvas. Another key recommendation for kitchens is to swap out existing cabinet hardware for more modern or contemporary options, storing the original hardware to be reinstalled upon departure. He also endorses the use of peel-and-stick backsplashes for small, contained areas, noting their ability to look convincing and make a significant visual difference, though he advises against using peel-and-stick options for countertops or flooring due to durability concerns. Moving beyond the kitchen, Huerter provides solutions for main living areas, especially those with beige carpeting. He debunks the misconception that rugs should not be placed over carpet, explaining that layering a rug with a different texture can add dimension and significantly improve the aesthetic of the space, especially if the underlying carpet is unappealing. This technique helps to cover undesirable flooring and introduces new visual interest. Lighting is another critical element Huerter addresses. He encourages renters to replace outdated flush-mount light fixtures, stressing that this process is not as difficult as it might seem and can be done with the help of a handyman or a friend. The original fixtures can be stored and reinstalled when vacating the property. Additionally, he recommends using small, portable lights, which can be placed strategically to create a beautifully lit ambiance and make a substantial impact on the overall feel of an apartment. These small lights offer flexibility and can highlight specific areas or decor. These home improvement tips resonated with a wide audience, leading to the video being viewed nearly a million times. The timing of Huerter's advice is particularly relevant given recent trends in home decoration, accelerated by increased time spent at home during quarantines. A 2021 study indicated that a significant portion of Americans made changes to their home decor in 2020 and planned further improvements. The study also highlighted a strong preference for coziness, with 78% of respondents prioritizing it. Other popular interior features included smart furniture, natural elements, colorful statement art, sustainable design, and light-colored woods. These tips align with the public's desire to create more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living environments, contributing to a sense of a home as a sanctuary. The widespread positive reception to Huerter's advice underscores the demand for accessible and effective ways to enhance living spaces, particularly for renters with limited modification options. #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #RenterFriendly #DecoratingTips #DIYHome #KitchenDesign #LightingIdeas #SmallSpaceDecor

This blog post highlights the importance of skirting boards in interior design, emphasizing their dual role in enhancing aesthetics and providing structural functionality. Skirting boards effectively conceal the joint between walls and floors, offering a polished and elegant finish to any room. The article introduces a diverse range of skirting board options available, catering to various design preferences and budgets. Customers can choose from traditional eye-catching patterns, such as wide oak skirting boards, or opt for more understated, modern aesthetics like squared edge MDF deep skirting boards. The available selection spans multiple profiles, including Ogee, Torus, Chamfered & Bullnose, and Square edge, ensuring compatibility with different interior styles. The content further details practical considerations for selecting skirting boards, listing various attributes such as width (ranging from 69mm to 180mm) and length (from 125mm to 4200mm). Material choices include MDF, pine, and softwood, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of durability, finish, and cost. Color options primarily feature white, natural, oak, and pine, allowing for seamless integration with existing decor or serving as a contrasting design element. The article also touches upon certification, with many products being FSC or PEFC certified, indicating sustainable sourcing practices. Pricing is categorized into three tiers, from under £19.99 to over £50, accommodating diverse financial plans. Beyond product selection, the article provides valuable how-to guides for homeowners undertaking DIY projects. It offers a step-by-step process for fitting skirting boards, linking to essential tools such as grab adhesive and coping saws. Additionally, practical advice is given on removing old skirting boards, detailing the necessary tools like hammers, utility knives, handsaws, and crowbars, along with instructions for safe and effective removal. The process emphasizes careful cutting of adhesive and gradual prying to avoid damage. For maintenance and upkeep, the blog post outlines instructions for painting skirting boards, stressing the importance of surface preparation through cleaning, filling cracks, and light sanding. The application of a primer is recommended to ensure optimal paint adhesion, followed by thin, even coats of paint. A clear topcoat is suggested for added protection and wear resistance. Furthermore, simple cleaning methods are provided, recommending soap and water for general cleaning and a weak vinegar solution for tougher stains, with a microfiber cloth for a glossy finish. This comprehensive guide aims to empower homeowners with the knowledge and resources needed to successfully integrate skirting boards into their home improvement projects. #SkirtingBoards #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #DIYProjects #HomeDecor #FlooringAccessories #MDF #OakVeneer #Renovation

Choosing the appropriate paint finish, also known as sheen, is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and practical durability in various areas of a home. Paint finishes range from flat, which has no shine, to high gloss, which is very shiny. Beyond visual appearance, the finish dictates how easy the paint is to clean and how well it withstands damage, making the selection process significant for long-term home maintenance. For kitchen walls and cabinets, semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes are recommended due to their ease of cleaning and resistance to stains, grease, and frequent washing. These durable options help preserve the appearance of surfaces in a high-traffic, mess-prone environment. In dining rooms, where walls are susceptible to scuffs and smudges, an eggshell finish is commonly chosen. It offers a balance of durability and a less reflective surface that helps conceal imperfections without being as shiny as semi-gloss or high-gloss. Living rooms, often used for entertaining and family activities, benefit from versatile paints like satin or eggshell finishes. These provide a subtle sheen and sufficient durability for daily wear, striking a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical resilience. Satin paint offers a slightly more noticeable shine compared to eggshell, contributing to a refined look. Bathrooms, characterized by high moisture levels, necessitate moisture-resistant and durable paint. Semi-gloss is an excellent choice for bathroom walls and trim as it is easy to clean, water-resistant, and helps resist mildew and wear in humid conditions. Bedrooms, being low-traffic areas, can accommodate paints with less sheen, such as matte or eggshell finishes. These create a soft, relaxing ambiance by minimizing light reflection, which is ideal for a serene sleeping environment. For ceilings, a flat or semi-gloss paint finish is suitable. While ceilings do not endure direct scuffs like walls, they can accumulate grease, smoke, dust, and other particles over time. Both flat and semi-gloss finishes are effective at hiding imperfections, maintaining a clean look overhead. Trim, which serves to cover gaps and protect walls from damage, requires a highly durable paint. Semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes are ideal for trim, offering elegance, durability, and easy maintenance while highlighting architectural details. When selecting exterior paint, the specific surface being painted should guide the choice. Lower sheen paints are generally preferred for the main body of the house, offering a subtle appearance, while higher sheen paints are often used for trim, doors, and accents to provide contrast, enhanced durability, and ease of cleaning. Overall, understanding the characteristics and benefits of each paint finish is essential for making informed decisions that cater to the specific needs of each area of the home. #PaintFinish #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #WallPaint #CabinetPaint #ExteriorPaint #HomeDecor