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Here’s the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way to reinvigorate your interiors: paint. Adding a splash of colour to your home is like a mini reno without the hassle or the price tag. So why do people feel so scared about loading up the paint roller?
According to Davina Harper, Colour and Communications Manager at Dulux, it’s the what-ifs start. “People worry about doing the wrong thing but with colour, if you love it, you can’t do the wrong thing,” Davina says.
We asked Davina for the best ways to add colour to your home and which room to start with. She also shares her favourite Dulux paint colours for every room.
When it comes to paint, starting in the bedroom is a no-brainer. “If you’ve only lived in white or neutral spaces, it’s the easiest place to start,” she says. “It’s not a walkthrough room, it’s not a space visitors will go through, and it’s normally got a door.”
Still feel nervous? Try a feature wall. “Keep it simple and do the wall behind your bed,” Davina says. “Use an accent colour that ties in with your bed linen and maybe a piece of artwork.”
When you’re ready for more, paint the whole room. “Do all four walls for a cocooning effect,” Davina says. “It gives you that warm hug and enriches the space with colour.”
“For a nurturing feeling in the bedroom use a colour like Dulux Morikau. It’s a beautiful soft peachy creamy colour.”
Colour can establish different zones in your home, which is particularly important for an office space. “You want it to feel different so when you go to the office, you know you’re in work mode,” Davina says. “You can use a stronger colour in an office because you’re less likely to have too many decorative items in that space.”
Pay special attention to the wall behind you, too – online meetings are a reality of modern-day work life. “Something a bit more subtle is probably better for your Teams meetings,” Davina says. “You want to look professional when you’re on screen.”
“To warm up the room try a golden orange or a yellow that’s on the burnt or muted side. Oranges are known to provoke creative thought in a study or office area.”
Get the kids involved in the colour selection … within reason. “We’ve got almost 5000 Dulux paint colours in the full palette – that’s a lot for anyone, let alone a child,” Davina says. Instead of showing them the paint colour chart, ask them what colour they want. “If they say blue, show them three different blues that will work with the light
Davina recommends using the new-and-improved Dulux Wash&Wear range – great for all interiors, it’s particularly good for kids rooms because it’s so easy to clean. “We did a lot of testing with things like pencils, crayons and lipstick and it’s incredible what this paint does,” says Davina. “It’s got superior washability and stain resistance, as well as mould and mildew resistance.”
“I wouldn’t necessarily go too bright – you still want the kids to be able to relax in their room,” Davina says. “I’d keep it more of a passive colour like soft lilac, pinks, greens or blues.”
As we all know, teenagers spend a lot of time in their rooms, so it’s important to get this paint job right. “It has to be a sanctuary for them,” Davina says. She suggests your teens help paint the room, too. “Painting is a life skill and it’s such a great way to transform a space without having to spend a lot,” Davina says.
Start by teaching them the basics like how to choose the paint, protect the floor and load a roller.
“Teenagers can be very directive on what they want. Take the time to understand their vision and do some paint colour matching – perception of colour is very different when you’re looking at a small A4 sample versus seeing it on all four walls. Sampling makes a big difference.”
Colour shown in image is Dulux Diorite.
Photo credit: Dulux, Bree Banfield, Lisa Cohen
