Decorating Hints & Avoidable Errors

Decorating HintsOur painting and decorating guide is jam-packed with decorating ideas and decorating blunders to avoid. Learn how to use Aqua Painting to easily decorate any room.

Decorate the dos and don’ts of decorating to stay on track with your design goals.

Whether it’s a clashing colour scheme, a lumpy paint finish, or a sofa that’s too big for the living room, making the wrong decorating choice is as simple as taking the wrong exit on a roundabout. It’s time to update your decorating GPS with interior design advice to keep you on the right track. You’ll learn how to avoid decorating blunders and simple things to try for spectacular results.

To begin, let’s go over the top ten painting dos and don’ts to ensure that the foundation of your design is rock solid.

Don’t:

1. Don’t bother prepping your walls.

It’s very tempting to skip this crucial first step, whether to save time or because your walls look good enough to paint over. However, dirt, dust, scratches, and cracks are often difficult to see until they poke their ugly heads through your new paint. Before you begin, clean your walls thoroughly with warm, soapy water, fill any cracks or holes with filler, and allow the surface to dry completely before painting.

2. Apply paint directly from the can.

Because colours can differ slightly from one can to the next, it’s a good idea to decant paint into a smaller container to mix it before you start painting. This tip on how to decorate with the least amount of mess may just save your sanity. Consider knocking over a 10 litre can of paint by accident. Enough of that.

3. Use an excessive amount of paint on your brush.

Loading your brush with as much paint as possible appears to be a good idea. However, it is one of the most common decorating blunders to avoid. This results in a lumpy finish when applied with a brush, so make sure the paint doesn’t go any further down the bristles than halfway. Too much paint on a roller will result in annoying drips. Paint the head lightly by rolling it up and down on the tray until it’s saturated but not dripping.

4. Paint directly on top of the damaged wallpaper.

If the wallpaper is in good condition, smooth, and free of debris, it is possible to paint over it. However, if it’s heavily textured, loose, ripped, damp, or mouldy, painting over it will only exacerbate the problem. It’s also more difficult to get rid of once you’ve done so. Sorry, it takes a little extra muscle power to strip it, but you’ll be glad you did.

5. Work in low-light conditions.

Whether you’re rushing to finish the job before the sun goes down or it’s dark and stormy outside, it’s always better to paint your rooms in bright, natural light. Painting in dim or harsh artificial lighting can easily result in patches and flaws that are only visible in bright natural light.

Do:

6. Use the appropriate paint finish.

The proper paint finish for different surfaces and specific results is critical to achieving a perfect result. Mid-sheen and gloss finishes, for example, reflect light, whereas Dulux Easycare Bathroom and Dulux Easycare Kitchen are moisture and stain-resistant.

7. Clean up the edges

Cut in the edges with a one-inch or two-inch brush before you begin painting the walls. This entails painting the areas that are too small for rollers first, such as the ceiling line, corners, and trim.

8. Begin at the top and work your way to the bottom.

Work from the top of your room down for the best results, from preparation to painting. Begin with the ceiling and architrave. Then, using your roller, paint your walls from top to bottom. Finish the project with woodwork and skirting.

9. For the best coverage, use a brush.

If you fling your roller around aimlessly, you might not get the best coverage. Instead, paint the wall in the shape of a “W.” Fill in the gaps in the “W” with a “M,” then reload your roller and proceed to the next section in the same manner.

10. Seal the roller heads with paint.

Are you painting with the same colour for a few days? Sealing your paint-filled roller heads in airtight plastic bags overnight will save you time and paint.

How to Decorate a Living Room

So you’ve studied the dos and don’ts of painting, but what are the most important interior design tips for decorating your home’s focal point? First and foremost, the sofa is the focal point and the key to comfort, so properly measure your space and choose one you’ll enjoy sinking into! Play around with the furniture layout until it’s both visually appealing and functional in terms of flow. When it comes to accessories, less is more most of the time. To avoid a cluttered appearance, arrange them in vignettes on bookcases, console tables, or shelves. Don’t forget to mix and match textures to create a welcoming atmosphere.

How to Decorate a Bedroom

We spend roughly half of our lives sleeping or lounging in bed, so knowing how to decorate a bedroom that makes you truly happy is essential! Choose a colour scheme that gives you a deep sense of relaxation and peace, such as a combination of white and cream, soothing blues and greys, or dusty pinks. Make sure your furniture doesn’t take up too much space, and invest in smart storage solutions to keep clutter out of sight. Invest in layered lighting, such as reading lamps and dimmable lights, to create ambiance. Finally, add a sense of cosiness by using plush fabrics for cushions, throws, and linens.

Extra interior design ideas

Do you need more decorating tips and tricks to help you roll up your designer sleeves? We’re delighted to oblige. To find the best paint colours for your home, start by testing them on the walls with quick, mess-free Dulux roller testers. Before you begin painting, put your feet up and watch our how-to videos on how to paint a ceiling and how to paint a wall. Now it’s time to get up and grab that brush; you’re on the right track to achieving your design goals.