POWER OF PAINT

from Absolutely West Essex February 2023

DRINKS

“Some people are opposed to painting wood, whether it’s in the shape of furniture, doors or fireplaces. I am not one of those people”

In this dressing room, the walls, floor, fireplace and trim are all coated in Blush by Little Greene, for a luxurious enveloping effect set against the darker shade of the bedroom

A cluster of small wooden cabinets painted in rich but muted shades of chalk paint become works of art on chalky painted walls P aint is accessible and easily achievable, a tool that anyone can use with zero experience or training and where the impact far outweighs the cost and time spent. Leaving aside the usual coat of paint on the walls, there are myriad ways to update your home using this versatile medium.

First of all, almost anything can be painted. Metal, wood, tile, ceramics, floors, ceilings – there is likely to be a suitable paint product for it.

There are many options for paints that are less harmful for both you and the environment, but my (admittedly unscientific) opinion is that using any paint to update a piece of furniture that would otherwise get dumped must surely outweigh the negatives. Some people are opposed to painting wood, whether it’s in the shape of furniture, doors or fireplaces. I am not one of those people. I certainly wouldn’t suggest coating a classic Ercol chair in high gloss, but there is so much brown furniture out there and charity shops and online marketplaces

The POWER

of PAINT

There are myriad ways to update your home with colour

Words EMILY HENSON Photography CATHERINE GRATWICKE ©RYLAND PETERS & SMALL

In the Lyon family home, few surfaces are le unpainted. In the formal sitting room, Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue provides a strong backdrop for Natasha’s collection of colourful vintage homewares and upholstery

A living room door is painted rich egg-yolk yellow, but the door frame has been le unpainted. The same yellow is used on the kitchen door frame just down the hall, linking the two rooms

are brimming with tired wooden chairs and tables of no particularly distinguished origin that can enjoy a whole new life with a lick of paint. Not everyone loves the look of bare wood, and for them there is paint.

I have a few favourite creative updates with paint. Painting old or unattractive radiators the same colour as the walls can make them disappear, while a contrasting colour will make them stand out. Paint internal doors with a pop of colour to make a statement, or link the colour palette of a series of adjoining rooms and hallways, so that the long view tells a story as well the room itself. If you’re feeling artistic, think about adding a border where the wall meets the ceiling or paint woodwork/trim a contrasting colour. Paint a panel of colour on the wall to create an interesting backdrop for a piece of art or a shelf. Paint is your go-to for instant impact, whatever your skill level.