A fresh lick of paint can work wonders if you’re after a fast and effective interior update that doesn’t break the bank, or involve a complete re-think of your furnishings. Read on for bright ideas in painting projects that go beyond the four walls
A feature wall gives permission to go bold. Vivid colours can overpower a space, but used sparingly, they can create an eye-catching accent – particularly useful in new-build properties that come without a natural focal point, such as a period fireplace. Forgo the single splash of colour, opting instead for geometrics and colour blocking to turn your living space into a work of art. Luxury paint brand Little Greene have done exactly this with their Mondrian-inspired feature wall (opposite), giving the apartment a cool art studio feel. Whether you commission it or dare to DIY, this look is all about the mix of mid-century colours used: muted hues of Mocha, Tan, and Deep Space Blue.
Stockists include Leyland, 139-141 Notting Hill Gate, W11 (020 3220 0001; littlegreene.com)
Keeping colour schemes neutral in the bathroom has its merits: such a major investment in your home requires considerable future-proofing, despite the urge to impulse-buy a suite in the Pantone colour of the year. But fortune favours the brave and, ingeniously, Heritage Bathrooms are here to argue that you can indeed have a tub in spring-fresh Greenery – before you move on to 2018’s prediction of Minion Yellow, that is. Perfect for those who like to customise, Heritage’s paintable cast iron baths come hand-finished, sanded down and primed with an undercoat that’s ready to paint. The free-standing roll top above, the Dorset cast iron double ended bath, is a beauty in itself. Brightly painted, it’s even better. £1,845 (including bath feet).
Stockists include MP Moran, 25 Iverson Road, NW6 (020 7328 5566; heritagebathrooms.com)
Whisper the word “stencilling” and you’d be forgiven for grimacing. Thoughts of dusky pink decals, a DIY bedroom frieze, and episodes of Changing Rooms all spring to mind. But forget those ’90s walls of shame; stencilling is having a renaissance in 2017, with hand-painted pops of colour that make this form of crafting cool again. The Annie Sloan stencil collection features 21 patterns that mix strong abstract designs with nature-inspired elements. Using the Trees stencil, Annie has created a striking tabletop that gives the rustic kitchen above a contemporary edge. Applying Old White with a sponge roller, she adds interest by painting over this with various trees, houses, roofs and doors using bright colours from her chalk paint palette, including Antibes Green and Barcelona Orange.
Stencils from £6.99 (anniesloan.com)
Choose brilliant white for your walls and upcycle vintage furniture with bright paints to create a vibrant look that marries traditional shapes with contemporary hues. Go one step further with crafty painting techniques that add texture and shabby chic charm. This kitchen cabinet, right – the second project from Annie Sloan painter in residence Agnieszka Krawczyk – was painted in Florence Chalk Paint, before it was sanded back in places to reveal its natural golden wood colour, for a lived-in but loved feel. Finished with Dark Wax, to give the piece an aged, antique look, it works brilliantly as a stand-alone statement piece. Do the same with your favourite junk shop finds and you’ll have a home filled with unique furnishings.
Dark Chalk Paint Wax, from £4.95 for 120ml (anniesloan.com)