Painting Techniques and Colour Choices

Colour is an instant mood-changer. Bright hues make us cheerful, while sombre shades never fail to calm us down. There’s a reason why wall painting is the number one DIY home improvement – not only is it possible to transform a space with just a little paint, it’s easy too. Wall paints give a room an entirely new personality. A sunny yellow kitchen, for example, will always be a happy spot to sit for breakfast. On the other hand, even cool, whitewashed or grey walls have value, creating a sense of sophistication.

So, whether simplicity or a splash of vivid red is on the agenda, there’s no need to call in the professionals. All that’s required to begin are a few painting ideas and paint colours. Start with the inspiration, and consider exactly what look you hope to create. Think about the purpose of the room, and who uses it most often. Red, for example, can be great for a feature wall, but you might not want to overuse the colour. The same goes for most intense options, so stick to more watered-down choices if tackling an entire room.

That being said, the choice is yours! A good way to decide what you really like might involve visiting your local paint or hardware store, or even taking a look at interior design magazines and blogs. Educate yourself on the ‘rules’ of warm and cool paint colours but let your individuality have the final say. Then, once your paints have been chosen, it’s time to understand exactly what’s involved, and how to paint a room. It is an easy process, and nothing like the hassle of most home renovation, but it pays to put in a little preparation before you begin. After all, you want to paint your walls, not your couch.

Begin by preparing the room. That means shifting out your furniture. If that’s not possible, just push everything to the centre of the room. Don’t forget about the little things, like electrical outlet cover plates and doorknobs, which are equally vulnerable to paint splashes. If you can, remove them, and if not just cover them over with electrical tape. Protect your floor with a drop cloth or plastic sheet, and make sure it’s secure, for safety’s sake.

Now the painting fun can begin! After you open your paint tin, be sure to stir it well, mixing and blending the pigment right through. Another good tip is to paint your space from top to bottom. If the ceiling is getting a coat, start with that. Then move on to the walls and the windows and doors. Finish with any extra trims, like skirting boards. And there you have it – a brand new look thanks to a fresh colour wash.