GROOVY MOVES

Here are the basic steps for installing Easycraft ‘EasyVJ’ panels on existing timber stud and plasterboard walls –check the manufacturer’s instructions for your wall type. We added visual interest by running the panels behind the bed horizontally, and the others vertically.

Tools & materials n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Circular saw n Stud finder n Caulking gun n Spirit level n Drill with 3mm and driver bits n Hammer n Spatula n Cloth n 38mm paintbrush n Mini roller with pole and tray n Sugar soap wipes n VJ-look MDF wall panels n Construction adhesive (we used Selleys Liquid Nails) n 40mm galvanised timber nails n Wood filler n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block

Keep in mind…

n Before drilling into any wall, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework, and turn off the power. If unsure, call a professional.

n When painting or using adhesive, work in a wellventilated area.

n Always wear the recommended safety gear when using power tools.

1 Clean wall using sugar soap wipes. Measure the width and height then, using a circular saw, cut VJ panels to size, leaving 10mm gaps top and bottom for expansion. Use a stud finder to locate wiring, pipework and studs, then mark safe stud points on the skirting or floor with a pencil.

2 Turn off the power. Using a caulking gun, apply adhesive to the back of the first panel. Starting from one corner of the room, place panel offcuts as spacers on the skirting or floor, then enlist someone to help you place the first panel in position, checking for plumb with a spirit level.

3 At the stud marks, about 500mm apart, predrill pilot holes with a 3mm bit to avoid splitting, then nail. Tip: Only drive the heads of the nails slightly below the surface of the panel. Install subsequent panels the same way, using the tongue-and-groove system to slot together.

4 Using a spatula, fill nail indentations with timber filler and leave to dry. Wearing a mask and eye protection, smooth with 180-grit sandpaper and wipe away dust with a cloth. Tip: Our panels are pre-primed, so there’s no need for sealer or primer.

5 Using a 38mm paintbrush, apply your chosen paint colour to the grooves in the panelling first. Tip: Rather than dirty a brush, you could use your roller lightly loaded with paint, sliding it sideways along the grooves.

6 Using a roller and pole, apply paint to the remaining panelling and leave to dry, then apply a second coat.

Tip: Keep the area well ventilated for a couple of days while the adhesive and paint fully dry and cure.

Simple moulding detail and a rich, garnet shade combine in this feature wall – an impressive backdrop for velvety furniture and glints of gold

Trend Swatch

ABOVE AND LEFT DIY feature wall made using Porta 18mm x 11mm pine insert moulding in Clear, $9.90/2.4m, I/N: 0087658•, painted in Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in Dragon’s Eye, $144.40/4L, I/N: 0162963. Home Design ‘Globo’ wall lights, $69 each, I/N: 0332504 (globes sold separately). Sofa, ottoman and armchair, Priceworth Furniture. Japanese maple tree in Respect ‘Milano’ 48cm self watering planter in Black, $79, I/N: 0217102 (plant sold separately). Coffee table, Divano. Side table/stand, Levede. The Estate Collection ‘Romantic’ 230cm x 160cm panel rug in Red, $205, I/N: 0189072. Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential Noma’ 3m sheet vinyl flooring in Blond, $65.83/m, I/N: 6610233. Cushions, Adairs. (In Trend Swatch) Superfresco Easy ‘Wall Panel’ 52cm wallpaper in Grey, $84.95/10m, I/N: 0408576. Mollers ‘Hyland’ 2230mm x 1800mm room darkening pleat curtain in Navy, $99, I/N: 0358065†. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may

Expert Panel

DIY the look of classic wall panelling using affordable timber moulding

1 Decide on a design and mark it out on the wall using painter’s tape.

Tip: Evenly sized and spaced squares or rectangles work well.

2 Measure the tape sections to calculate how much moulding you need.

Tip: Bear in mind the lengths your chosen moulding is available in, and select those that create the least wastage.

3 Mark up the moulding with a pencil then, using a mitre box and handsaw, cut on a 45° angle. Smooth cuts with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe off dust with a cloth. Paint primer on the moulding sections and let dry.

4 Mark guides around the corners of the painter’s tape with pencil, then remove the tape from the wall.

5 Apply construction adhesive to the back of the bottom sections of moulding first, and press into position on the wall, then secure using a brad nailer and 25mm pins. Repeat with side and then top sections.

6 Once all the panel pieces are complete, fill nail indentations with timber filler

When dry, sand, wipe away dust and paint the wall.

Trend Swatch

Fuss-free materials lend a modern edge and will wear well, too

Raw texture

Sculptural objects

Metal mesh

Soften the feel of an industrial-inspired space with textiles, cut blooms and living foliage

True Grit

Recreate the textural appeal of polished concrete by updating a wall with specialty paint. We used Dulux Design ‘Concrete Effect’

1 Mask off areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape and place a drop sheet on the floor. Stir the paint well with a paint stirrer, scraping the bottom of the can to ensure particles are evenly distributed.

2 Starting in a top corner and working in small sections, use a long-nap roller with tray to apply paint to the wall.

3 Smooth the surface with a steel trowel held at a 60°-80° angle, wiping paint build-up from the trowel with a damp cloth.

4 Repeat over the entire wall, overlapping sections as you go, then dry for at least two hours. Apply three more coats using the same method.

5 Allow the final coat to dry for at least two hours but no longer than 24 then, using 600-grit abrasive paper, lightly polish the surface in a circular motion.

6 Use the edge of the trowel to further polish, keeping the trowel edge flat against the surface, but take care not to gouge the finish. Dust with a soft cloth. 

LEFT DIY feature wall made using Dulux Design ‘Concrete Effect’ paint in Pale Elements, $228.90/4L, I/N: 1400923. Home Design ‘Tre’ pendant light in Black, $163, I/N: 7071874 (globes sold separately). Ficus ‘Burgundy’ plant in Respect ‘Milano’ 48cm self-watering planter in Black, $79, I/N: 0217102 (plant sold separately). Dining chairs, Raimon Furniture. Dining table, Priceworth Furniture. Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential Noma’ 3m sheet vinyl flooring in Blond, $65.83/m, I/N: 6610233. Tablecloth, Adairs. (In Trend Swatch) Vase, Ivory & Deene. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. Delivery charges may apply.

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Fine Lines

For a contemporary take on wall panelling, opt for a narrow ribbed profile, like these sleek Surround by Laminex lining panels. The installation method is similar to that of Easycraft ‘Easy VJ’ (see page 15), but to paint this intricate surface, we recommend using a spray gun. Mask up the area with painter’s tape and place a drop sheet, dilute the paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then follow the gun manual to check the paint viscosity. When it’s correct, make sure the room is well ventilated, don your safety gear and spray away!

MAKE IT HALLWAY ORGANISER, SEE PAGE 88

ABOVE DIY feature wall made using Surround by Laminex 3000mm x 1200mm x 12mm primed MDF 25mm batten lining panels in White, $326 each, I/N: 0281889†, painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen interior paint in Herb Planter, $91.90/4L, I/N: 1370158. Adoored disc hooks in White, $4 each, I/N: 0089506. Madras Link ‘Home’ 80cm x 50cm large vinyl backed coir outdoor mat, $22.90, I/N: 0115331. Happy Tails ‘Donut’ 120cm dog lead, $7.98, I/N: 0364803, and melamine bowl, $6.50, I/N: 0364822. Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential Noma’ 3m sheet vinyl flooring in Blond, $65.83/m, I/N: 6610233. Hallway organiser, see page 88 for DIY instructions. Door, for similar try Parkwood ‘Duramax’ 2040mm x 820mm x 40mm fibreglass UP FVW entrance door, $874, I/N: 0074454†, painted in Dulux ‘Aquanamel’ low gloss paint in Pale Buttercup, $59.50/1L, I/N: 1400966, with Gainsborough ‘Neue Series’ square rose angular privacy leverset in Matt Black, $62.58, I/N: 0264679. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.