Tips to get your interior paint job just right

It’s true that giving your home a fresh coat of paint will update the interior and make everything look fresh and new. This is a reasonably simple task when you’re sticking to the same colour or using something similar to what you’ve already got on your walls. However, what happens when the new colour varies significantly from the existing colour or you wish to change the effect?

Here are some tips to overcome some of the challenges you may enounter when repainting.

Painting a lighter colour over a dark colour

If you select a lighter colour, it can be quite tricky to cover up existing dark paint. Multiple coats generally do not conceal all of the underlying dark colour. If you’re patient and follow the right steps, you will achieve the desired results.

Firstly, it’s important to prepare the wall properly.

Fill in any holes and chips
Remove any loose paint
Clean the wall thoroughly so that there is no dust or other dirt on the surface.

Apply a thick primer or base coat - white is recommended. Apply as many coats as necessary to obtain suitable coverage and finish. Ensure the paint is completely dry before applying subsequent coats.

Should some of the original colour show through, its not necessary to apply an entire coat. Paint over the applicable areas.

Painting stripes will add depth to a room

Always start with a base coat or primer and apply over the entire wall. Use grey for dark colours and white for lighter colours. Allow the coat to dry for a minimum of one day(two days is highly recommended).

Mark out where you wish to add the stripe effect.

Apply masking tape along the lines demarcating the stripes. Keep the edge of the masking tape as straight as possible.

When applying the paint, be sure to go over the edge of the tape. Apart from ensuring that all areas are covered properly, a neat, clean line will remain.

Remove the tape once the paint is completely dry.

Note:Wider stripes generally look better in larger rooms while narrow stripes lend themselves to smaller spaces.

Accent walls and textured paint

Creating an accent wall in a room is a great way to decorate and add depth to your interior design.

Choose the wall, or section of wall you wish to accent. This should be the area where the eye is naturally drawn to (eg the wall around your fireplace in your lounge). If you decide on a section of a wall, apply masking tape in the same fashion as with painting stripes(see above).

To add a textured effect to your accent wall, apply a paint that offers a textured finish (eg brushed suede). Alternatively, you can create your own finish by applying the paint with a sponge or roller and then brush through it with a dry paintbrush.

Inside Out

One of the biggest trends nowadays is to merge the indoors of your home with your outside space.

The idea is to create a seamless transition from your interior to the patio and/or garden.

There are two benefits

Expansion of your living area and making better use of the outdoors
Enhancing the natural feel of your home by effectively “bringing” your garden into your home.

1. Screened patio

Whilst a fully enclosed, screened patio can be quite a big project, the end results make it all worthwhile. Enclosing your patio with retractable blinds creates an extension to your home. The space becomes more usable throughout the year.

Ensure the improvement matches the design elements and structure of the rest of your home in order for it to merge into your existing living environment. Once completed, the more versatile space will allow you to enjoy the sunshine of summer or eliminate the harsher elements in the winter months.

2. Cover your courtyard for an elegant entertainment area

If you have a courtyard or paved area in your garden, consider erecting a shelter or similar structure over it. If you have a permanent structure over the area, an additional social and functional area is created. Enjoy the serenity of your garden with friends when entertaining or use it for shelter against the sun at those peak, high UV times of the day. This area extends your living environment and places you in the very heart of the beauty of your garden almost all year round.

Concrete or brick pillars can be made to look very elegant, and add to the atmosphere of the area. You can also use a range of different materials for the roof. Anything from thatch or standard roof tiles to moulded plastic sheeting will look good.

3. Conservatory designed as an extra room

Having a sun room or conservatory as part of your home brings sunshine and warmth into your home. Further, it will increase the value of your home and give you more space without the high building costs of adding on a standard extension.

Further, this structure can be converted to just about any kind of room if you require it – lounge, TV room, dining room, kids play room and more.