Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/87518/26-aweinspiring-real-kitchens-and-how-to-steal-their-style

Achievable dream kitchens with bags of character

@girlandgrey / Instagram

Our kitchens may be the most functional spaces in our homes, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. We’ve rounded up the most amazing real kitchens across social media to show just how far a little creative thinking can go. Bursting with colour, character and ingenuity, get inspired by these beautiful schemes and try out their clever tips in your own home!

Glamorous black and gold kitchen

metals4U / @littleedwardian / Instagram

Bursting with creativity and drama, this bold scheme by Reece and Paul of @littleedwardian is a masterclass in uniqueness. Subtle but smart neutral cabinetry allows an incredible black terrazzo countertop and splashback to take centre stage. Reece says: “Our breakfast bar is a real focal-point of the kitchen. The resin based terrazzo worktop is a statement piece, but we like to contrast textures by incorporating metallics in the kitchen.’

Glamorous black and gold kitchen

metals4U / @littleedwardian / Instagram

The daring vintage-style scheme is packed with quirky attention-to-deteil. A striking aged brass oven extractor fan cover balances the busy patterned splashback while ‘tube-style- gold finish wall lights echo the Art Deco vibe. Reece and Paul advise: “When transforming a space, it’s so important to think about all the little detail. Every view matters because we see space from different angles, so it’s important to think about the materials we use and the placement of things.”

Eclectic family kitchen

@projectsfromwaltonroad / Instagram

With an eye for colour, pattern and design, Charlotte Jarega of Jarega Interior & Designs knows how to make a space work with form, function and “an added touch of that little something you didn’t know you needed”. She knocked through her own 1930s house to create an open-plan kitchen, diner and living area, with an industrial-style kitchen island with concrete worktop and vintage star tiles as the striking focal point.

Eclectic family kitchen

@projectsfromwaltonroad / Instagram

The patio doors flood the open-plan dining area with light to show off an array of quirky and original design ideas from Charlotte. An old ladder is suspended over the dining table to display hanging Edison lights and paper decorations. On the textured green feature wall, a pink neon typographic light looks super funky while trailing foliage ties in urban botanical vibes.

Fairytale country kitchen

@the_koo_koo_nest_ / Instagram

Gloucestershire cottage owner Kathie describes her Instagram feed @the_koo_koo_nest_  as “country life with a dash of pink” and it certainly is! Her incredibly idyllic kitchen teams a romantic paint combination of Dusky Blush Pink by Frenchic paint and a rich forest green tone by Lick, both offset further by balancing neutral walls. The rustic and botanical blend with trailing plants on wooden shelving and a farmhouse hero, cream AGA. 

Fairytale country kitchen

@the_koo_koo_nest_ / Instagram

The gorgeous country kitchen would not be complete without a ticking stripe Roman blind to frame the casement windows, in pink of course. A deep butler sink perfects the scene that’s used to prepare and arrange Kathie’s many bouquets of British blooms and flowers. 

Huge farmhouse-style family kitchen

Christopher Peters

The hub of the home is certainly the kitchen for the owners of this grand farmhouse kitchen. A huge central kitchen island (painted in Little Greene’s Hicks Blue) is the nerve centre for weeknight meals, studies and social family time. Gold pendant lights highlight the focal point and pay homage to the original sprung bells mounted above the cool grey cabinetry installed by Christopher Peters.

Huge farmhouse-style family kitchen

Christopher Peters

The matching slate-coloured AGA also ties the classic with the more contemporary. While glossy metro tiles and cabinets hand-painted in a combination of Little Green’s Slaked Lime Dark and Farrow & Ball’s London Clay, complete the calming effect. This real kitchen renovation by Simon Williams, a chartered surveyor, and his wife, Ellie, a primary school teacher was a huge investment, but money well spent.

Fresh green and white kitchen

@kittymccall / Instagram

Artist Kitty Mccall has poured her love of pattern and colour into her home in Folkstone and not scrimped on the kitchen. Crisp white walls allow the ‘L’ shaped run of Farrow & Ball Emerald Green painted cabinetry to zing!  “The kitchen colour brings me so much joy”, @kittymccall says. “I find it makes the space feel so uplifting and fresh”. The antiqued mirrored splashback reflects the colour into the rest of the room.

Fresh green and white kitchen

@kittymccall / Instagram

Opposite the vibrant kitchen cabinets, a mahogany (charity shop bought) dining table and chairs have been given an explosion of colour by being reupholstered with Kitty’s own busy and bright ‘Imaginarium collection’ of floral fabrics.

Navy blue Shaker kitchen

@elle_the_home_bird / Instagram

This inviting navy Shaker-style kitchen is suitably sympathetic to the age of Elle Hervin’s (@elle_the_home_bird) family home. Relocating the kitchen into the old dining room created plenty of new space to include a large kitchen island and chimney breast hearth for a huge range cooker.

Navy blue Shaker kitchen

@elle_the_home_bird / Instagram

The marble-effect open-shelves with gallery rail are a DIY upcycle project made from plain wooden planks, roll-out ‘marble’ effect vinyl and brass fixtures. Mounted onto dove grey toned shiplap walls, they are just the ticket to enhance a farmhouse feel for less.

Charming country-style kitchen

IKEA

When homeowner Edna (@ednas.house) set about transforming her kitchen, she wanted a warm and welcoming space to share meals with her family. Simple pale blue cabinetry and white square tiling are offset with green floral wallpaper. Open shelving showcases vintage homewares for an added injection of character, with mounted china plates referencing the scheme’s country inspiration.

Charming country-style kitchen

IKEA

Practicality was a key part of Edna’s plan too – she wanted to include clever design features that would support her green-fingered hobbies. This clever ladder-style plant stand is secured to the wall and offers the perfect spot to grow aromatic herbs without taking up additional workspace. Pretty smart!

Rustic kitchen with grasscloth walls

Liz Kamarul

Mural artist and home stager Liz Kamarul created this incredible kitchen full of colour and geometric shapes for One Room Challenge. Liz explains: “It has been infused with colour and personality while still remaining functional which is so important for a kitchen”.

Eclectic kitchen with grasscloth walls

Liz Kamarul

Army green subway tiles offset exotic grasscloth wallpaper while charming ‘Hula Hoop’ rattan scones add to the organic character of the space. Liz Kamarul’s signature mural artwork creates a subtle but stunning focal point above eye level on the ceiling to complete the beautiful space. 

Geometric blue and white kitchen

The Otto House

When The Otto House and her husband moved into this property, they needed a quick fix budget makeover to make their kitchen liveable for a few years while they considered an extension project. By stripping off the lime green paint and repainting the existing cupboards a smart white and blue, they totally transformed the look of the room.

Geometric blue and white kitchen

The Otto House

The pair breathed new life into the kitchen’s old white tiles by adding a splash of colour with budget-friendly blue geometric stickers for a finish that’s crisp, clean and retro. Simple open shelving enhances the nostalgic vibe, offering a space to display vintage tins and Kilner jar storage.

Rich emerald green galley kitchen

@Imjessicabrigham / Instagram

A hot colour trend, these deep emerald cabinets have us green with envy! This charming galley scheme has been lovingly nicknamed the ‘dark green kitchen glamazon’ by its owner @Imjessicabrigham. Brass handles and accents add a glamorous vintage feel and beautifully offset the dark rich tone of the units.

Rich emerald green galley kitchen

@Imjessicabrigham / Instagram

For the splashback, iridescent penny mosaic tiles, a surefire kitchen trend, enhance the refined grandeur of the space, while rustic light wood shelving adds a warming homely touch. Brass light switch plates and gold tile trims streamline the look for a polished finish. 

Boho pink kitchen with rattan units

Earthly Urban Interiors / Instagram

When Christin of Earthly Urban Interiors set about planning this bright and beautiful kitchen, her main objective was to create a bold pink scheme. The completed vision is an eye-popping mix of retro cupboards, natural wood units and stunning bottle-green tiling.

Boho pink kitchen with rattan units

Earthly Urban Interiors / Instagram

The boho-style elevated cabinets were a crafty DIY project, made from wooden frames and a roll of rattan. The units were raised to the ceiling to create space for stylish open shelving below. Existing worktops are now cleverly covered in concrete for an industrial feel, while the patterned splashback offers a stylish contrast to the pretty pink, candyfloss cupboards. 

Glamorous gold and white kitchen

@sugarandcloth / Instagram

Yearning for an airy, stylish kitchen, Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth achieved a thoroughly glamorous scheme thanks to fresh white walls and pale marble waterfall worktops. The kitchen island has been given a Hollywood makeover with gold-framed bar stools. The warm metal touches carrying through the room to the tap and appliance handles, adding an air of opulence.

Glamorous gold and white kitchen

@sugarandcloth / Instagram

The soft pink pantry door conceals a laundry room and lifts the cool white scheme. Transforming a large kitchen like this can seem like a daunting and costly task, but choosing relatively neutral cabinetry and worktops ensure the main structure of the kitchen stands the test of time. You can then swap out fixtures and fittings as interior trends change.

Stylish navy kitchen with a statement floor

Place of My Taste

Created by Aniko of Place of My Taste, this Shaker-style kitchen is a masterclass in sophisticated design. While the scheme looks fresh and new, the cabinetry is in fact seven-year-old dark wood IKEA units that have been transformed with a lick of navy paint. Blonde wood shelves complement the natural worktops, while a round dining table in the same hue is the perfect spot to grab a quick meal.

Stylish navy kitchen with a statement floor

Place of My Taste

Our favourite feature has to be the amazing statement floor tiles which balance out the simplicity of the units. Rustic accessories, such as the jute rug, rattan plant pot and placemats, add a homely, tactile finish, while wooden utensils and chopping boards complete the au naturel theme.

Colourful kitchen with graphic tiling

@dabito / Instagram

Part of a one-room guest house studio created by Dabito of design studio and blog Old Brand New, this sumptuous green and pink kitchen has us head over heels. The cabinetry has been painted a warm moss green, offset by a stunning salmon pink wall and graphic monochrome tiling. Previously a blank canvas, this killer colour combo has completely transformed a lacklustre space.

Colourful kitchen with graphic tiling

@dabito / Instagram

A white quartz worktop overhangs the units to form a micro breakfast bar. An oak floating shelf runs parallel to the cabinetry for space-saving open storage, while brass accents add an expensive flourish to the final scheme. 

Minimalist black and white kitchen

IKEA / Topology Interiors

Black kitchens are taking over our Instagram accounts and what’s more, this dark trend works surprisingly well in small kitchens too. Documented on Topology Athina’s cool and compact space perfectly balances monochrome tones for a stunning modern scheme. Team black IKEA base cabinets with white upper cabinetry to maximise the sense of space, then pair with black appliances and fixtures which pop against the pale backdrop.

Minimalist black and white kitchen

IKEA / Topology Interiors

Shiny white chevron tiling from Topps Tiles creates a subtle yet stylish focal point – proof that you don’t need a huge budget to make a wow-factor statement. Interesting design extras like the built-in wine rack and matt black gas hob show exquisite attention to detail, while brass fixtures add a warming accent.

Luxurious pared-back pink kitchen

Wu Haus

A chic and stylish space, Alison Wu of lifestyle blog Wu Haus, enlisted some clever budget-friendly ideas to execute her dream kitchen. IKEA cabinetry combined with compatible door fronts offers an affordable alternative to pricey high-end units without compromising on a stunning designer finish. Walls skimmed with a pink Venetian plaster complete this luxe yet understated kitchen.

Luxurious pared-back pink kitchen

WuHaus

Upper cabinetry was stripped away in favour of open wood shelving, creating an airy spacious feel that leaves plenty of room for statement pendant lighting to steal the show. Minimal accessories and touches of gold are key to achieving this luxurious less-is-more look.

Cool and contemporary family kitchen

@andthentheywentwild / Instagram

With plenty of creative imagination, Nicki Bamford-Bowes of @andthentheywentwild proves that you can combine a beautiful aesthetic with practical family living. The large light-filled kitchen features striking blue-black walls balanced by contemporary white units. A wall-mounted craft station is the perfect solution to keep children occupied while dinner is being prepared, and we love how the ceiling space has been utilised as a bookshelf.

Cool and contemporary family kitchen

@andthentheywentwild / Instagram

The monochrome shelving alcove is stunning yet relatively simple in design. Nicki tiled the splashback herself, opting for black paint behind the dark shelving to create a bold contrast. Pops of pastel across the accessories and pendant lights are the ideal way to balance out this dark feature.

Traditional kitchen with antique charm

@colonialfarmstead / Instagram

An array of salvaged furniture forms the basis of this striking vintage-inspired kitchen. Lovingly assembled by Tammy of @colonialfarmstead, the eclectic design consists of a butler table, classic white units, an antique red cabinet and a beautiful copper farmhouse sink. A historic portrait creates a quirky focal point and draws the traditional scheme together beautifully.

Traditional kitchen with antique charm

@colonialfarmstead / Instagram

A bargain find picked up from an antique store, the handsome red cabinet on the worktop adds rustic charm to the space thanks to its time-worn finish. Antique extras, from the pendant lighting to the taps and vintage-style copper accessories, complete the enchanting look.

Sleek and contemporary black kitchen

@deense_zomer / Instagram

Blogger @dennse_zoomer prides herself on her eye for design, something that’s clear to see from her ultra-contemporary dark kitchen. Jet-black cabinetry looks sleek and minimal against a crisp white backdrop, while pops of colour are introduced through quirky accessories. 

Sleek and contemporary black kitchen

@deense_zomer / Instagram

Balancing out the dark and dramatic units, glass pendant lighting, a colourful graphic clock and bright crockery add a welcome lift. Wire wall-mounted shelving brings an industrial twist to the space, and pops of foliage soften the austere lines of the cabinetry.

Romantic French country-style kitchen

@homeonfernhill / Instagram

This beautiful, romantic design is the creation of Pamela of @homeonfernhill. Soothing mint green cabinetry is paired with French country-style seating, a wooden beaded chandelier and an antique dresser to create an elegant space that’s perfect for entertaining.

Romantic French country-style kitchen

@homeonfernhill / Instagram

The stylish wooden cabinets were repainted from dark grey to this refreshing shade, imparting a light and airy feel to the kitchen. Marble worktops and glossy metro tiles complete the polished style. Decorative accessories like the Greek urn, distressed mirror and green glassware add to the whimsical aesthetic.

Retro pink kitchen packed with personality

@soozidanson / Instagram

Instagrammer @soozidanson‘s snug kitchen is a riot of colour and retro charm. The fabulous pink floral wallpaper steals the show, especially against the vibrant fuschia laundry door. Modern additions like a ceramic hob and chandelier-style extractor fan bring the look up to date with a touch of glamour and bling.

Retro pink kitchen packed with personality

@soozidanson / Instagram

The upcycled bureau has been adorned with retro-inspired wallpaper offcuts, providing a stylish space-saving solution in the compact colourful kitchen. Fashion and textile designer Orla Kiely was a big influence on this unique kitchen design and its bold uplifting colours.

Elegant grey Shaker kitchen

@talesofsilverdale / Instagram

This super-sized kitchen is Jane’s favourite room in her home – and we can understand why! Documented on @talesofsilverdale, it’s a DeVOL design, so not a low-budget choice, but the investment has paid off. The refined Shaker-style cabinetry is painted in a beautiful warm grey tone, offset beautifully by the limestone flooring to create a restful, calming space.

Elegant grey Shaker kitchen

@talesofsilverdale / Instagram

An inspired design choice, the kitchen island with downlighting warms the cool grey scheme, while a display of pink and green accessories arranged across a row of open shelves adds a colourful contrast. A vase of eucalyptus is the perfect finishing touch with its silvery green leaves.

Stylish pink and navy kitchen-diner

@at_home_at_170 / Instagram

A trendy two-tone design, Amy of @at_Home_at_170 has created a glamorous family kitchen-diner, complete with petrol blue cabinets and an exquisite rose-pink patterned splashback. On-trend hexagon tiling adds an effortlessly cool architectural edge to the scheme, while pale wood shelving and countertops tie the design together.

Stylish pink and navy kitchen-diner

@at_home_at_170 / Instagram

The two-toned aesthetic is carried through to the snug dining zone, with navy blue paint running across the lower quarter of the wall, contrasting with a crisp white hue across the upper section. The retro table and chairs add a vintage twist and quirky graphic artwork imparts a personal feel.

Modern mountain kitchen

@girlandgrey / Instagram

Home renovator and Girl&Grey blogger, Courtney Equall transformed their 1980s kitchen into a ‘bright and open space with Northwest vibes’. Three large black-framed windows fill the newly opened-up space with natural light, showcasing the sage green cupboards wrapped in white quartz stone countertops. 

Modern mountain kitchen

@girlandgrey / Instagram

The slatted wood hood cover ties in with warm wooden shelving and a blonde wood floor, working with the exposed white brickwork to add a warm rustic feel. A huge butler sink and black faucet are practical and stylish, while brass elements like the cupboard handles unify the room and add a touch of lustre to the laid-back mix of finishes.

Rustic cabin-style kitchen

@tiffyandflow / Instagram

Bursting with charm, this rustic kitchen was created by @tiffyandflow for under £1,000 ($1,198). Warm wood cladding across the walls gives the small space a cabin-style vibe, balanced out by sleek white worktops and lower cabinets. A traditional rug evokes a country aesthetic and injects a splash of colour.

Rustic cabin-style kitchen

@tiffyandflow / Instagram

A key focal point, the stylish dark grey open shelves are filled with an array of quirky homewares, offset beautifully by the reclaimed wood. Industrial-inspired additions, including the exposed bulb lighting and metal signs, add a striking modern edge to the rugged scheme.

Tiny home kitchen

IKEA

This compact white kitchen in Tokyo is part of a tiny home that’s just 25 square metres. The all-white palette and clever storage maximise the space and make use of every inch. A wooden topped peninsula adds warmth, doubles as a breakfast bar and divides the living space from the kitchen

Tiny home kitchen

IKEA

Painted a brilliant white, the wooden beams and DIY storage add a certain rustic charm, warming up the cool walls and cupboards for a homely feel in this compact space.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/69774/67-stylish-lighting-ideas-to-brighten-your-home

Bright ideas and new trends to light your home

IKEA

An essential element of any room, the right lighting can take a scheme from dark and dingy to cosy and welcoming with the flick of a switch. From glamorous Art Deco lamps to neon signs and whimsical moon lamps, we’ve rounded up the best ideas and new trends to bring light into your home. Click or scroll on for plenty of illuminating ideas…

Install bedroom pendant lights

Industville / davidgilesphototgraphy / @lifeofaninteriorstylist

At present, you can’t flick over to a bedroom makeover page in an interiors magazine that hasn’t installed a fabulous pair of bedroom pendant lights on either side of the bed. The symmetrical suspended lighting option frees up space on the nightstand and creates an incredible focal statement that highlights the bed. Of course, it also means you can forgo the furniture altogether—so makes the perfect small bedroom idea. And best of all? You don’t have to get out of bed to turn them off.

Larger than life

Lightsandlamps.com

Over-blown lighting statements make interesting focal points in rooms without structural features to show off. Super-sized ceiling drums, dominating floor lamps or decorative wall lights are set to be the centre of attention in living rooms and large open-plan living spaces. 

Make it monochrome

Dulux

Monochrome decorating schemes that wrap rooms in one colour or tone create a stylish and contemporary vibe. Blending lighting into the scheme adds a three-dimensional element without upsetting the balance. We love this take on the trend where a copper-toned floor lamp peeps out from Dulux’s soft Dusted Heather tone of the upper walls but blends in perfectly below with a shade of Inca Orange below.

Scalloped edges

Marks and Spencer

Like the paint decorating effect, scalloped edges are going to be a hit lighting trend in 2023. Set above a dining table or kitchen island, the wave-like curves are soft and fluid, creating subtle attention to detail that’s totally up to date. 

Expose the wires

@_lifeafterlockdown / Industville

If exposed lighting cables conjure up visions of dusty construction extension leads trailing across the floor—think again! Uncovered wires create bespoke looks that offer an industrial edge in modern homes. From suspended spidery chandeliers to red braided rope lamps, there is an array of choices.

Soften with smoked glass

Next

Add a twist to popular bulb lighting with smoked glass shades and pendants that add a glamorous contrast to neutral schemes. The delicate addition adds a soft hue to create a warm traditional decorating idea that’s timeless and chic.

Feature a sculptural chandlier

Danetti

Chandeliers have been a decorative luxury lighting option for centuries. But, contemporary versions with sculptural interest are making a popular warm welcome in modern schemes. These architectural chandeliers are sleek, avant-garde, and artistic.

Pop in powder coated metals

HomSense

Powdered coated metal gives classic industrial-style lights a colourful update. Pastel tones are proving more popular than ever and will introduce pretty notes into neutral schemes or add a fresh finish to contemporary, minimalist rooms. 

Have fun with novelty bases

Joe Browns

From brass monkeys hanging from ceilings clutching light bulbs to exotic bird bases propping up patterned light shades, whimsical lighting ideas that add interest to a scheme are filling up the lighting aisle shelves. We love this little pink bulldog table lamp that will sit faithfully in a retro living room with a cool, kitsch character.

Calm with Japandi charm

johnlewis.com

As the latest trends are heavily influenced by the environment and sustainability, it’s no surprise that designers are looking to use eco-friendly materials in bold designs that really pack a punch. Naturally translucent, the beauty of a paper lantern is in the soft glow as the light is able to permeate through, perfect for the darker months when we’re looking for comfort and cosiness rather than clear, bright task lighting. Paper is also widely used in lantern making, which ties in nicely with the ongoing love for Japandi style.

Pick up a portable lamp

Nedgis

With the threat of possible blackouts looming, it’s no wonder flexible, battery-powered LED lamps are having a facelift. The Dipping Light portable lamp is a wireless splendour designed by Jordi Canudas. It delivers 20 hours of warm glow that is a far cry from those basic camping lamps we have been used to until now. 

Colour up rattan lampshades

Le Redoute

Rattan has been a popular lighting material in neutral and rustic schemes for a while, so it’s refreshing to see a colour update in the mix. The Hilo colourful woven straw lighting range is handcrafted from braided straw and brings a fun, bohemian vibe to colourful schemes. 

Light up rechargeable lamps

Pooky

Black-outs be gone as technology is changing the way we light our homes. This amber resin lamp really is a jewel as it’s rechargeable. With at least ten hours of dimmable charge, it can be moved into any dark corner to create an exotic glow without needing wires or sockets. 

Set up sustainable style

Furniture Village

Our need for sustainable style hasn’t fallen short in the lighting industry. As well as LED and rechargeable interior components, design aesthetics are also getting an update. Despite glass saturating lighting looks right now, we love materials such as wood and natural rattan, too.

Use strip lights in an alcove

Hera / Architonic

LED strip lights have opened up a world of possibilities for the home decorator. Simply attach them with a double-sided sticky backing and you can use these long illuminated ribbons anywhere, plus they’re battery-operated, so no unsightly wires. One simple way to create a glowing feature is to outline any architectural features such as alcoves, tray ceilings or wall recesses. As this project proves, curves, in particular, look stunning.

Add attention-to-detail text

Aurina

Give your Edison bulb feature lamp an extra style statement by adding a light bulb like no other. Text light bulbs are quirky and set the mood with a smile. 

Mix marble with metallics

Cult Furniture

From bedside lights to task lamps, table lighting is an essential consideration for any home interior. Pairing practicality with a sleek, modern design, this oversized gold-infused light bulb makes a glamorous statement with a marble-effect dome base. The combination of materials adds glamour to monochrome or Scandi-inspired schemes.

Choose an intriguing task lamp

B&Q

A good task light is a must if you want to pursue your work or hobbies on a dim winter afternoon. An angled desk lamp is your best bet. Look for a design that diffuses a little mood lighting through the shade while focusing a stronger beam on the task in hand will give you the best of both worlds. This contemporary Kiranat Matt table lamp embraces our new love of primary colours and has a striking flat, adjustable shade designed to reflect light onto walls and objects. 

Display a cloche lamp

Dunelm

Glass plinth lamps allow the owner to add a personal touch to lighting that tells a seasonal story or matches a particular decorating scheme. Remove the clear glass cloche base from the wood stand to display a touch of greenery or an ornament within. The decorative element makes a timeless addition to classic and country looks. 

Arrange an arc lamp

Cuckooland

Following the hot trend of curvy, wavy, and arch decorating, go for a large arc floor lamp to illuminate the area you need. Position one over the sofa for reading, watching television or just chatting with friends. You can even mix up the finishes—we love this copper design, but you could go for steel or black for a more dramatic feel.

Introduce modernist silhouettes and shadows

johnlewis.com

Ceiling lights with striking and contemporary vibes are pushing the boundaries with organic shapes. This Hiko light has been created with metal threads that curve into an uneven profile. The floating-style aesthetic glows from the centre through each narrow panel casting inviting shadows on nearby walls.

Go bold with colour and pattern

Mindthegap

This season, lighting is all about bold colours and eclectic patterns, so why not combine the two to create a truly wow-factor space that is entirely your own? Forget white walls and complementary lamps, because right now it’s time to throw out the rule book and get playful with interesting prints and palettes. Pay homage to art and the latest global décor trend and you’re sure to create a living space you’ll never want to leave.

Hang handblown glass

H&M Home

The trend for organic, rounded shapes has moved on from seating to lighting, with clear glass as the material of choice for 2023. Handblown forms play on imperfection and asymmetry, while the translucent quality means this oversized lantern feels as light and airy as a bubble.

Make it all about orbs

houseof

Taking inspiration from the recent Art Deco renaissance, orb lighting is an easy way to bring your interior bang up to date. Evoke the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties with a gold wire pendant shade that frames the spherical bulb to perfection. Pair with a complementary floor lamp, like this stunning design from houseof, to carry the curvaceous aesthetic throughout your living space.

Go tough luxe with industrial lighting

Skinflint

You’d have to have been living under a rock to have missed the huge trend for Edison light bulbs, but industrial lighting has so many different strings to its bow. From pipework wall lights to reused bulkheads and fluted glass pendants, this modern style has a rustic, textured finish that looks great in all types of décor. 

Pick a pleated lampshade

H&M Home

Testament to the fact that the 1990s revival shows no signs of abating, the once-iconic pleated lampshade is making an unexpected comeback. Pair it with a weighty coloured marble base, team it with a brass lamp or add mini shades to wall lights; you’ll be surprised at how modern and appealing they suddenly look again.

Bring neon lights into the bedroom

The French Bedroom Company

The 1980s obsession also shows no sign of waning (thank goodness!), and one of the coolest ways to bring a little of this decade’s style into your home is through a statement neon light. Combine it with typography to nail two trends at once. Scared of fluorescent colours? Stick to a monochrome palette and use a clean, white light—it’s an absolute showstopper!

Illuminate an island with kitchen pendant lights

Kitchen Makers

Kitchen lighting usually requires three or four approaches: task lights for work areas, under lighting to highlight shadowy spots, and statement lighting to create the wow factor. A trio of pendants above an island definitely falls into the latter and the soft pools of light create a more ambient effect that’s perfect for socialising. There are as many styles of pendants as there are hot dinners, from smoked glass to rustic enamelware, so pick something that complements your scheme for a trendy kitchen that won’t go out of style.

Use wall lights to streamline a bedroom

The French Bedroom Company

Kill the clutter and get hotel style in one power move by incorporating two wall lights into your bedroom design. Not only do these provide the perfect reading light, they also free up space on a bedside table for more important things, like tea.

Illuminate shelves

Gera / Architonic

What better way to display your favourite objects than on this cool Gera illuminated shelf? Made from fine, anodised aluminium, this clever two-in-one solution is perfect for a home office, as it can double up as a reading light. We love how it adds an ombre effect to any wall, too.

Sparkle with a modern chandelier

MADE

The chandeliers of yesteryear might’ve been all about intricate layered tiers and crystal galore, but these days there’s a whole host of contemporary chandeliers more suited to the modern, minimalist home. Combining glass and brass, this sleek design wows with a fluted finish that casts a soft, warm glow. Use it to frame a dining table or illuminate a luxe living room.

Turn up the texture with a rattan lampshade

Habitat

Taking us right back to the 1970s, rattan, our favourite retro comeback kid, is taking over our home interiors all over again. Offering a wealth of texture and architectural interest, a woven pendant light is the way to go for those looking to make a serious statement. If you want to up the drama, opt for an oversized black rattan lampshade instead.

Add retro charm with Art Deco lighting

Original Article –

DelightFULL

The perfect addition to a period home or a new build lacking in character, 1920s-style lighting is a great way to inject instant personality into a lacklustre living space. With their warm gold hues and architectural curves, this Art Deco wall light and table lamp add a stunning vintage finish to this monochrome scheme.

Find your zen with a Himalayan salt lamp

inewsfoto / Shutterstock

Believed by some to boost your mood and improve your sleep, Himalayan salt lamps are the next big thing in zen lighting. With a soft pink pigment, these unusual lights emit a warming glow that’s perfect for cosying up a coffee table or adding a peaceful ambience to a bedroom. They’re available both as a rough-hewn rock or in a carved, polished design for a more refined finish.

Go for glass pendant lighting

Loaf

For an elegant and sophisticated scheme, you can’t beat a sleek glass light fitting. There’s no shortage of styles out there, from atmospheric smoked glass pendant lights to vibrant coloured shades. For a modern country scheme, this cowbell design, complete with industrial chain fitting, adds plenty of charm to a rustic-inspired space.

Create a spectacle with a sputnik light

Johnlewis.com

Mid-century modern fans rejoice—the sputnik chandelier is back. The perfect way to make a dazzling statement in a living area, this gold and green design from John Lewis oozes glitz and glamour. For a sophisticated dining room, pair with metallic accessories and jewel-toned tableware for a show-stopping space to entertain.

Round up a mirror light

Inbani / Architonic / Baumann Fotografie

We love this statement design by Inbani, which will give any bathroom the feel of a luxury hotel. With its on-trend round shape, bevelled edge, and backlight, it has a minimalist style while fulfilling multiple functions. Mirror lights are great for smaller rooms, freeing up wall and ceiling space, and creating an optical illusion of extra inches. Plus, they are great for doing your make-up.

Colour your home with smart lighting

Phillips Hue

No smart home would be complete without an integrated lighting system, but now Phillips Hue is making it easy for anyone to enjoy the benefits of smart lighting. All you really need is a smart LED lightbulb and the app to start customising your scheme using a Bluetooth connection with your smartphone. You can set up to 10 different lights to different settings, ranging from bright white light that’s good for working to these rich colours that will create the perfect ambience according to your mood. 

Curate a photo wall

Lights4fun

String up small fairy lights on a wall and use them to peg your favourite holiday photos and snaps of friends and family. It makes a wonderful alternative to traditional photo frames while adding light and illumination to the room.

Celebrate celestial

Furniture Village

Use lighting to set the decorating scheme for a room. Here, a stylish celestial pendant has been used over the bed. Teamed with a spherical bedside lantern, it sets the stage for a starry space-inspired scheme. Using moody colours, the lights take centre stage for this look. 

Go wild with animal designs

KSL Living

Why not ditch the same old lighting options and go for something a little out of the ordinary? In children’s rooms, it’s especially fun to use animal-shaped designs. This blue stag head wall lamp is a great feature in this blue and red bedroom.

Lay fairy lights along a ledge

Norsu Interiors

Look around your home for areas that are lacking in light. Instead of opting for a conventional table light, ceiling pendant or floor lamp, try something a little different, such as running a length of fairy lights along a shelf.

Bring in a moon lamp

LoomisCollection / Etsy

One for stargazers and dreamers alike, this gorgeous homage to the moon makes a beautiful night light. Whether you go for an oversized orb to hang from the ceiling or a smaller lunar lamp, there are lots of options available now that these beauties have grown in popularity. Some have LED lights that change colour at a touch and others come wall-mounted with remote controls, but all have that amazing texture and shading for a lifelike appearance.

Have fun with tactile tassels

Oliver Bonas

This season there are plenty of new and exciting lighting options, including these gorgeous velvet and tassel lamps from Oliver Bonas. They come in a range of colours and are a great way to add texture to a room—we can imagine these in pride-of-place in the living room.

Mix and match shapes

Nedgis

Bring together a variety of different pendant designs and position them in a line over the dining table or above a bed. For a minimalist feel, use the same colour, or if you’re feeling extra daring, mix up colours and finishes for a cool, mismatched look.

Lead the way

Astro Lighting

Create atmosphere in your home by installing low-level lights up your staircase. Ideal for safely moving between floors at night without having to switch on the main light, you could even install a handy motion sensor.

String up festoon lights

Lights4fun

Not just for the garden, festoon lights look great draped just about anywhere in the home. They’re often battery-operated, making positioning much easier as you’re not governed by a power socket. Try trailing them up the banister, across a headboard, along a shelf or around window frames. The trick to making them not look like Christmas lights is to go for large white bulbs for an industrial feel.

Hang a crystal pendant

Dar Lighting

A large, dramatic crystal pendant is totally worth its investment for a wow-factor centrepiece. Showing off hundreds of strands of individual crystals, this design from Dar Lighting refracts light around the room beautifully. One of the charms of lighting is playing around with shades to cast light in unusual ways, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Soothe with a baby night light

Follow the Flow / Shutterstock

Babies need colour and stimulation, so be sure to bring some light into their nursery or around their cot. An illuminated mobile hanging above the cot is ideal, but you could also add draped paper lights, a cloud-like wall lamp or a cute illuminated star. Whatever you incorporate, be sure that it’s not blindingly bright or overpowering and just omits a soft glow. ​

Add a playful touch

Lime Lace

How cool is this shark-fin floor light from Lime Lace? It really adds a playful touch to whatever room you place it in. Created by German designer Moree, the fin will look great in a living room, bedroom or hallway—we can’t think of a more impressive way to greet guests. It’s made from high-quality plastic and can be illuminated in a range of colours and controlled by remote.

Light up your art

Nedgis

If you have a gallery wall of photographs and paintings, think creatively as to how you’re going to illuminate them. Instead of the typical overhead ceiling lights or spotlights, go for a flexible wall-hung lamp that you can move around and direct to your favourite piece.

Create a cosy hallway

IKEA

The right lighting is essential for a warm welcome in your hardworking hallway. Combine overhead pendants with a wall light or table lamp to layer up your lighting and create a cosy atmosphere. For extra convenience, make sure lighting can be controlled from a switch next to the front door, ideally on a different circuit to the main light so you can opt for bright, functional lighting or a soft, homely glow.

Have a light bulb moment

Tala

Making sure you have the right light bulb is essential if you want your home to feel cosy and snug. Modern LED bulbs offer a vast colour spectrum to choose from, from almost orange to cool white. If you want your bulb to emit a warm glow, pick one with a colour temperature of 2700 Kelvins or less. 

Layer the lighting

Habitat

When it comes to selecting the lighting for a room, you don’t have to be stingy—layering is the key to any successful scheme. Instead of sticking to a single pendant light, build up the ambience in a living space by combining a ceiling fixture with a floor lamp for task lighting and a table lamp to create a soft glow in the evenings.

Add an antique lamp

Fritz Fryer

Take a look around antique fairs and shows to find unique lighting that you won’t see anywhere else. You can buy replicas, of course, but finding a one-off can be the starting point for a whole decorating scheme. This home office looks so stylish with this old industrial lamp from Fritz Fryer who specialises in restoring antique lighting and has a bounty of beautiful pieces.

Illuminate the windowsill

H&M Home

Don’t neglect the smaller spaces in your home—after nightfall, windowsills can become dark and lifeless without the sun streaming in. Banish the evening gloom by sprucing up your sill with a statement lamp or two. Not only will it add a stylish flourish to your home by day, but it’ll also provide a welcoming beacon after dusk.

Drape fairy lights

Graham & Green

A versatile lighting choice, string lights can work in an interior all year round. From illuminating artwork to adding a cosy glow to a snug or bedroom, there’s a wide array of designs out there to choose from. This latticed metal design casts a pretty pattern, elevating neutral walls and adding a welcome touch of warmth.

Fall for a floor lamp

Loaf

There’s an array of stylish ways to illuminate a dingy living room with a standing light. This coastal-inspired space pairs a gold-plated design with soft white walls and pops of seafoam green and royal blue. If you’re feeling daring, you could swap out the neutral shade for something bold in a contrasting hue.

Try a trio

Delightfull

Why have a single light source when you can have three—or more—in one? A multi-arm lamp really comes into its own when the season turns grey. You could, for example, use one light for reading, one to cast a soft glow on the floor and one to create an ombre wall or curtain. 

Beat the winter blues

Care Co

If you’re one of the 29% of people in the UK who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a light therapy lamp will introduce a much-needed ray of sunshine into your home. These LED lights simulate the spectrum of natural sunlight, triggering serotonin production in the brain and boosting your mood. 

Invest in daylight bulbs

Lumie

If the dark mornings are getting you down, a light-based alarm clock can help to ease you out of bed by simulating the dawn. The clock becomes gradually brighter over the course of 30 minutes, waking you up slowly and gently, just like the sun would. The Bodyclock wake-up lights by Lumie also come with an optional alarm beep, just in case. 

Light up a vanity mirror

Hollywood Mirrors

A staple of Hollywood dressing rooms, what vanity station is complete without a mirror studded with light bulbs? A must-have for carrying out morning ablutions, the right lighting is key for a flawless look. This circular design includes a handy mirrored pedestal to make getting ready a breeze.

Install a dimmer switch

DFS

If your living spaces feel cool and clinical, consider opting for lighting with dimmer switches to add warmth to your interior. An easy way to create ambience, they can be easily adjusted to suit the occasion, from offering a soft glow on a cosy evening in, to injecting drama and atmosphere during a dinner party.

Create a cluster overhead

Rocco Borghese

Sometimes more is more! Clustering lights together can transform even the simplest fittings into a striking installation, creating an irresistible glow. Group your lights in odd numbers to create visual interest and make sure they’re fitted to a dimmer switch so you can adjust them depending on the mood.

Add a bathroom glow

C.P. Hart

It’s easy to overlook bathroom lighting, but treating yourself to layers of soft light is a luxury you won’t regret when you’re enjoying a soak in the tub on a chilly night. Tiled rooms tend to feel colder, especially if you don’t have underfloor heating, but a bit of carefully-placed uplighting, downlighting, and recessed lighting using warm-spectrum bulbs will make even the coolest white bathroom feel cosy.

Display oversized light-up letters

Graham & Green

Letter lights make a bold decorative statement and are a fun way to brighten up a dark corner. Go for an evergreen word or phrase that will withstand the seasons—if you’re opting for larger letters, stick to four or five-letter words for maximum impact.

Play with different shapes

Lights4fun

Add a whimsical touch to your lighting scheme with fun shaped designs. These sparkling stars feature strings of white LED lights wrapped around a metal frame. You could try mounting them on a wall or attaching them to a base to create freestanding table lighting.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/91682/50-paint-decorating-ideas-youll-want-to-try

Transform your home with these ingenious painting projects

George Home

A fresh coat of paint is by far the easiest and cheapest way to breathe new life into a tired room. But you don’t have to pick just one colour or even confine your creativity just to the walls. From soothing ombré to graphic murals and fabulous feature floors, we’ve rounded up the best paint techniques to transform your home. Click or scroll for more…

Dazzle with diamonds

Farrow & Ball

A plain bath panel can be an ideal canvas to jazz up with paint. Here, the chequerboard floor tile pattern has been continued up onto the bath to create a continuous striking focal point of yellow and white diamond shapes.

Design an abstract mural

LICK

It’s not just kids that love a mural. Get creative and turn a blank wall into a grown-up panorama. For a bold statement, try an abstract pattern with plenty of straight lines. First, mark out the pattern with a pencil and a ruler or metre stick. Apply painter’s tape to its edges and paint, making sure to paint just over the edge of the painter’s tape so the shape is filled. Alternate contrasting colours – ice-cream shades look great with a shot of black on a crisp white background.

Paint a home office noticeboard

johnlewis.com

Turn your home-working desk into a defined and creative office by anchoring the area with a paint effect. This office nestled under the stairs has been given true purpose with a painted triangle of russet red set neatly under the staircase.

Compose an awning

Crown Paints

Inject a nod to alfresco dining in the dining room by continuing a painted area up and over onto the ceiling. Here, a soft panel of colour creates a shaded and secluded effect ideal for intimate dining. This impression also works well over a bed or on a living room wall to highlight and feature a mounted TV. 

Overlap squares

Habitat

Large squares look striking on a wall with high ceilings. This artistic design is even more effective when punctuated with the clever use of the internal door. Painting the frame and door in the same colours adds extra drama to the look.  

Mimic a night sky

Furniture And Choice

This dramatic ceiling is ideal for teen bedroom schemes that focus on celestial décor. Be bold and opt for a navy or black tone for the ceilings and upper walls just like outer space but balance the darkness with contrasting chalky white over the remaining space. Intergalactic artwork will enhance the effect and younger occupiers may appreciate a scattering of luminous painted or sticker stars to gaze at. 

Style up a staircase

George Home

Get creative on the staircase by painting your stair treads in various colours. These vibrant tones stand out all the more with black edging. Other fun ideas can be using tonal colour, or adding numbers, words or patterns with stencils.

Paint pretty scallops

Eliza Doodle Designs

The popularity of curves and arches means painting a scalloped shape pattern along the length of a wall is a super hot trend right now. The motif lends itself particularly well to children’s rooms. Start by painting a wall as you would two-tone but with a less refined edge. Then use a scallop stencil or paper plate to draw the curves along the top with a pencil and fill in. 

Stencil a floor rug

The Stencil Studio

Looking for a stain-resistant rug that cost little more than a can of paint? If you have wooden floors, look no further than a stencilled rug painted on the floor. Here a monochrome chevron design transforms a plain white wooden floor and there is no danger of slipping or tripping as you might on the real thing. Be sure to use the correct specialised floor paint and seal if necessary. 

Define with vertical stripes

Cuckooland

Give a room with low ceilings more height by painting walls with vertical stripes. When painted with the right tone and thickness the effect will elongate the walls. Two tones in complementary colours will create a subtle look whereas many panels of contrasting colours will add drama. 

Frame a dressing table

Dunelm

Make your vanity a focal area by creating an arched alcove impression. Use a painted arch to emphasise a circular mirror and dressing table. Choose a gentle tone to make a subtle but stylish statement fit for a boutique hotel. 

Blend the ceiling in

Annie Sloan

Wrap a room in one colour to create a moody vibe. A room with crown moulding works best for this look as the three-dimension adds definition to the single tone. A soft but pretty shade will be less dramatic. Here, a pinkish terracotta shade warms the room making it inviting while a contrasting ochre breaks up the block colour in subtle contrast. 

Outline horizontal stripes

Iconic Lights

Give the classic feature wall a creative twist with a horizontal stripe. While this project doesn’t require much paint, the results are dramatic, especially when using contrasting colours. For a crisp level line, measure the height of the wall and choose a width that can be easily divided. Using a spirit level draw a pencil guide along the wall and place frog tape just outside. Paint in between the masking tape. Allow to part dry and gently peel off. 

Break up colour blocks with wallpaper

Woodchip & Magnolia

This is a really easy way to add decorative design to a painted wall that is instantly eye-catching. It’s also a clever trick if you are not confident at crisp two-edging. Two-tone walls as normal and finish by adding a contemporary wallpaper border over the paint join. Choose colours that complement the wallpaper and be sure the feature is level by measuring up from the bottom of the wall. 

Zone areas

Sofology

This is a great way to section areas of an open-plan room. Mark out spaces and paint them energising colours and then add in some decorative dimension with wall panels and scalloped edges.

Make windows work harder

Crown Paints

Give a country property a contemporary twist by highlighting window frames. This neutral sitting room has been given a sunny update by painting the window recess a bright shade of yellow. We love how the frame has been painted too but only halfway up. 

Go retro with a rainbow

HomeSense

Give your bedroom a throwback vibe with blocks of saturated bold shades. Complete the retro look with a large and curvy rainbow design made famous by the dazzling decade.

Create soothing stripes

Benjamin Moore

A pretty border of watercolour paint looks amazing and works especially well in soothing pinks, blues or greens. To create this effect, roughly paint from the top of your wall in your chosen lightest colour. Let it dry and then move onto the next darker shade below overlapping slightly. For a softer look keep the edges uneven.

Contrast the ceiling

Benjamin Moore

Don’t neglect your ceilings. Also known as the fifth wall, who says they always have to be brilliant white? Throw out the rulebook and go for a statement ceiling in a happy shade such as yellow or pink to brighten and lighten the space. Or, go dark with navy or black to create a dramatic cocooning feel. If you’re not sure you can brave it, give it a go in your smallest space – the downstairs loo!

Use a repeat wall stencil

Dizzy Duck Designs

Walls stencils have come a long way since floral friezes were popular. Now there are literally thousands of modern stencil kits that create stylish wall paint effects. This Tsungi Spot wall stencil painted two-tone is an ideal alternative to expensive bathroom tiles. 

Frame the door

Dulux

Make a feature of a doorway by combining contrasting paint colours. Here, a terracotta tone has been used to paint the interior door and frame to make a focal point in the two-tone effect. For longevity, make sure you use a primer first and apply painter’s tape around the frame for a crisp finish. 

Get creative with circles

Dulux

Give the classic feature wall a creative twist with a circle. While this project doesn’t require much paint, the results are dramatic. For a perfect circle, tie a piece of string to a pencil and the other end to a drawing pin – the length of the string will determine the outer diameter of your circle. Push the pin into the wall where you want the middle of your circle to be. Holding the string tight, draw a circle on your wall, then fill it in with your chosen paint shade.

Be bold with colour blocking

Dulux

Adding blocks of bold-coloured paint is one of the easiest ways to give your walls a bit of personality. With a metre stick, spirit level, chalk and painter’s tape, simply section off the areas you want to paint and fill them in one by one, always making sure to paint just over the edge of the painter’s tape so that the section is completely filled. A clearly defined colour palette is a must for this look – we love this quirky mix of chalky white, spiced honey and jade green.

Create faux wallpaper with stencils

Nicolette Tabram Stencils

You can get the look of beautifully ornate wallpaper with stencils, they are easy to use, reusable and you can simply paint over the design when you fancy a change. This one is inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement and can be used on furniture and fabric as well as interior and exterior walls. Use the separate edging stencil to finish the design across the top of the wall.

Hone in on hexagons

Dulux

Hexagon paint stencils are available to buy online, and are really easy to use to create a feature wall. This design will add interest to a dining room as shown here. Blend the pattern into the room by choosing shades that pick out the décor. Here the gold is perfectly colour matched to the brass pendant lights. 

Set up a suede effect

Crown Paints

Create a soft, matt buff look to your walls with a specially formulated textured emulsion that will give your walls the same look as brushed suede. The uneven nature of the final effect is great for hiding imperfections and it’s easy to apply as you almost work the brush at random to create darker and lighter spots on the wall. If you favour neutral schemes, we think this is just perfect for a feature wall.

Add texture with a metal effect

Craig & Rose

A feature wall in a copper patina effect lends a rustic, aged look to a scheme – perfect for a vintage or industrial-style home. To create this stunning finish, you’ll need copper paint and patina-effect paint. Apply two coats of copper paint with a roller, then use the roller, a rag or a sponge to pat the wall, creating texture. Leave the paint to dry, then dab the patina paint over the top using a different sponge or brush.

Paint on a statement headboard

George Home

Give your bedroom an update with a faux headboard by applying a painted design on the wall behind your bed. Sketch out your design on paper first, then measure off an area slightly larger than the head of your bed and map out your faux headboard with a ruler, pencil and painter’s tape before painting. For best results, choose a colour that strongly contrasts with the shade of your wall.

Expose a plaster style

H&M

For a grown-up industrial feel, why not forgo paint altogether and let the natural beauty of your plastered walls speak for itself? If your wall has already been painted, you can create a faux-plaster look using two different shades of plaster toned paint – apply a lighter colour first, then daub a darker hue over it using a cloth, gently smoothing out any thick areas with a spatula.

Highlight a corner

Dulux

If you don’t want to commit to a full feature wall, why not highlight a corner of a room with paint instead? Use a metre stick, spirit level and chalk to mark the area you’d like to highlight, section it off with painter’s tape and fill it in with your chosen colour. Bold, bright colours will look great here – if you’re painting a smaller, overlooked area, it’s best to avoid shades that are too similar to your original wall hue, as they may not be seen clearly.

Two-tone walls

Furniture And Choice

Horizontally split two-tone walls are a fuss-free way to add drama and depth to a room. First, choose your colour combination. To create your dividing line, use a metre stick, a spirit level and some chalk. Apply a strip of painter’s tape just below your chalk line and paint the top colour first. Remove the painter’s tape, apply another strip just above the chalk line and apply your bottom colour.

Paint the door

Next

Take the two-tone wall effect a step further by painting doors to match. The continuity and trompe-l’oeil effect add a refined and striking finish. We love how even the bed has been brought in on the act in this invigorating blue and white bedroom. 

Draw up diagonal stripes

YES Colours

For a twist on the classic striped wall, position the stripes diagonally rather than horizontally or vertically. These violet stripes are a fun way of adding pattern to a staircase wall and are easy to create with your trusty metre stick, spirit level, pencil and painter’s tape. 

Brighten alcoves

Furniture And Choice

Draw the eye to any interior alcoves and supporting beams by painting them a contrasting colour, creating a shadowing effect. This works best in bright shades such as this zesty green against crisp white, or for a more subtle take, give it a whirl on a window recess. A fresh yellow will bring instant sunshine to a kitchen window. For perfect edges, mask the painting area with a good quality painter’s tape.

Paint the hallway floor

Annie Sloan

Painted original floorboards look particularly attractive. For a serene feel paint them a soft chalky cream or white. Or, if you’re feeling daring go for brighter colours. Annie Sloan created this unique and impressive painted hallway floor using Primer Red, and the design continues up the stairs for a striking entrance. We love!

Compose an ombré wall

Crown Paints

This beautiful paint effect is easier to create than it looks. Paint the whole wall in the lighter colour first and let it dry fully, then apply the darker shade to the bottom part of the wall. On a board, mix the two colours and apply this mixed paint to the middle section of the wall. Blend and blur the colours together using a clean roller. This effect works with any colours, but pastel hues such as this lemon yellow create an instantly calming effect within a space.

Get a glitter glaze

Craig & Rose

For full-on glamour, use a glitter glaze as a top coat over a matt emulsion. If the room doesn’t have a source of natural light add a statement lamp to show off the sparkle. As the pieces of glitter are suspended in a clear varnish, it’s best to try your brush technique first on a piece of card, applying liberally in a criss-cross motion or using a foam roller for bigger areas – but remember to wipe off the excess first.

Call on concrete-effect paint

Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

For a stylish grey scheme, exposed concrete walls lend a space an ultra-contemporary industrial feel, but if this isn’t doable in your home, you can create realistic faux-concrete using paint. Paint the wall in a medium grey, using sweeping, arched brushstrokes. Smooth out the brushstrokes using a wet cloth, then scrunch up the cloth and lightly dab it along the paint to add texture. Add vertical strokes of white paint using a block brush, then use a different wet cloth to blend it into the grey base.

Be brave with a dalmatian spot wall

Dulux

For a truly unique, glamorous feature wall behind a dressing table, try this simple technique. Starting with a white wall, cut out holes in varying sizes from pieces of A3 paper to create a dalmatian spot stencil. Fix the stencil to the wall with painter’s tape and fill the holes with black paint, repeating as many times as needed to fill the space.

Top up tile effects

Crown Paints

If you’ve always wanted a tiled splashback or border, but don’t have the supplies to hand, why not recreate a tiled effect using paint? Using a pencil and a ruler, draw out the ‘tiled’ area. Use tape to mask it off from the rest of your wall and apply paint in the colour you want your ‘tiles’ to be. When this is dry, measure, mark and mask off your ‘grout’ lines and paint them in a contrasting colour using a small brush.

Commission a woodland mural

Annie Sloan

Kids love having some creative input into their bedrooms and a wall mural offers the ideal opportunity to work on a project together. Start by painting the wall a deep shade, so that the mural pops. Once dry, add trees, plants, little woodland houses and cute animals, beginning with the basic outlines and then adding details. This design by Lucy Tiffney uses chalk paint and is stunning, but you can, of course, make yours simpler.

Let monochrome drip down

Rebel Walls

This striking feature wall design is incredibly simple to recreate. Paint the wall black, let it dry fully, then apply two coats of white paint to a rough section at the top of the wall. Next, load up some large syringes with the same white paint, squeeze it out onto the edge of the white section, and let the paint drip down.

Fall in love with liquid gold

Crown Paints

A foolproof way to create an instantly striking accent wall is to paint it gold – try this in a bedroom, bathroom or dressing area for a luxurious, glamorous feel. When using a brush to apply metallic paint, it’s likely that the brushstrokes will be visible. This can add a nice extra layer of texture, but if you’d prefer a smoother finish, use spray paint instead.

Design a geometric wall

Dulux

Geometric shapes on walls look ultra-contemporary – in this children’s bedroom, they’re used to add a sense of fun and playfulness. Draw each shape using a metre stick and a pencil, then apply strips of painter’s tape above and below your lines to paint your shapes evenly. To create the little cross shapes shown here, you can simply cut stencils out of A4 paper, tape around them and fill with a contrasting paint shade.

Brush on dashes

trendypeasdecals / Etsy

This look couldn’t be simpler to create. Take a small paintbrush and add small dashes to your wall, in a contrasting shade to your base colour. You can make the dashes as thick or as thin as you like, and they look great painted either vertically or horizontally. This look works well in monochrome, but dashes in bright shades would also look fantastic against a white wall in a kids’ bedroom.

Decorate a mountain mural

Dulux

To really flex your creative muscles, you could design a wall mural. This mountainscape scene in a nursery, painted in calming shades of blue, white and grey, is a stunning example. It’s fairly easy to recreate, using a metre stick and pencil to mark out the simple triangular mountain shapes, painter’s tape to section off each area before painting, and just four paint colours to fill them in. Remember to keep a little back in each colour to correct any mistakes!

Stick and peel with painter’s tape stencils

Crown Paints

If you want to jazz up a small section of your wall with a pattern, a stencil with painter’s tape is a simple way to do it. A quick search online should help you find the right design for you – we love this geometric pattern, but you could choose anything from a floral motif to a baroque design.

Choose a different colour on each wall

Dulux

For the more daring decorator, painting each wall in a room in a different shade is an easy way to make a space look striking. Avoid too many bold, bright shades – you don’t want to give yourself a headache! Make sure that when you’re painting, you mark off the edges of the walls with painter’s tape so the paint colours don’t bleed into each other.

Get practical with a chalkboard wall

B&Q

If you need somewhere to display notes, reminders or family messages – or just somewhere for the kids to scribble on – a chalkboard wall could be the perfect solution. Lots of brands offer chalkboard paint, which allows you to create a fun, interactive space to write and doodle with chalk, and is easy to wipe clean. Try a chalkboard wall in the kitchen, your home office space, or a child’s bedroom or playroom.

Catch a likeness to Venetian plaster

The Modern House

Anyone who lived through the 90s might remember the penchant for Tuscan-inspired terracotta plastered walls. Cut to 2022 and this beautifully soft, textured finish is making a comeback. Also known as lime-plaster, you can create the same tonal highlights with some clever products that are much more budget-friendly. The end result is somewhere between marble and a hand-skimmed effect.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/97161/fabulous-farmhouse-decorating-ideas-for-every-room

Update your interiors with modern farmhouse style

Poster Store

Farmhouse style is the perfect blend of modern and rustic that is clean and yet homely. More sophisticated than shabby, it takes traditional country style and adds contemporary touches. And, what’s more, you don’t have to live on a farm or even in the country to get the farm fresh look in your home. From pared-back colour palettes to modern typographical art displays click or scroll through and take a look at these fabulous farmhouse decorating ideas that you will never put out to pasture…

Display vintage signage

@rusticwildarrow / Instagram

Rustic signs and typography are crucial elements of farmhouse decorating. Look out for genuine vintage plaques at flea markets or stencil your own heartwarming quotes onto pieces of pallet wood. Hang the wall art in rooms that link to the wording, like Instagrammer @rusticwildarrow. For instance, a ‘farmers’ market’ sign will look humorous mounted above a kitchen larder or framed ‘family’ and ‘thankful’ quotes will make a living room cosy.

Embrace small spaces

Sophie Allport

Farmhouses and cottages of yesteryear were typically built with small rooms so they were easier to heat. If your home is on the small side choosing a cosy farmhouse scheme is an ideal tiny home idea. Maximise the sense of space in the compact room with a pale colour palette but make the atmosphere warm and inviting with wood-panelled walls and plenty of texture.

Be inventive with reclaimed architecture

Maisons du Monde

Head out to flea markets and antique yards on the search for disused features typical of farmyard structures. Barn doors, old window frames even elements from farmyard machinery can make fabulous and factual decorative statements.  

Choose authentic furniture

Maisons du Monde

Give a pale farmhouse palette depth and interest by adding furniture that is made of natural materials and has the authenticity of a bygone era. A well-loved leather sofa and armchair give this inviting living room a distinct industrial working farm vibe.

Consider floral wallpaper

johnlewis.com

Bring a hint of colour and pattern inspired by nature into the bedroom with a meadow print wallpaper. This light and airy botanical wallpaper adds interest behind this beautiful wooden bed painted soft grey. Navy and white bedlinen layered with a refreshing bedspread visually tie the scheme together. 

Keep kitchen shelving open

LochAnna Kitchens

Open shelving works wonders in country schemes as the rustic style not only opens up small spaces but is practical and cost-effective too. It’s also a great way to add colour to a muted palette by displaying all sorts of vibrant kitchenware.

Layer up vintage mirrors

@rusticwildarrow / Instagram

A feature wall full of mirrors creates a striking farmhouse statement in the simplest of forms. Holly’s #mirrorwall showcased on @rusticwildarrow overlaps antique mirrors on a plain white wall. The decorative effect is creative yet unpretentious—we love it. 

Set up a laundry space

@lavenderbrookfarm / Instagram

Play on the ‘working’ aspect of farms by fashioning a laundry and utility area. Instagrammer @lavenderbrookfarm has maximised this corner with drying rails, a folding table and double-wire laundry baskets that fit the part. Attention to detail such as the basket of flowers and framed ‘laundry’ looks charming. 

Fill your kitchen with copper

Rabbit Hill French Lifestyle

Create the feel of an old farmhouse with beautiful pieces from the past like Rabbit Hill French Lifestyle has done here. Copper kitchenware has a timeless style and gets better with age–group pots, pans or jars in threes to look put together rather than cluttered. Note that traditional copper pans do not work on induction hobs as they are not ferromagnetic. 

MIx and match Furniture

English Blinds

Furniture that doesn’t come from the same place or even era is a farmhouse decorating formula that works every time. Simplicity is the standout style in this rustic dining room, but the grey and white painted wood chairs make the eclectic scheme calm, balanced and charming. Why not get the chalk paint out and revamp your own furniture?

Bring in farm animal motifs

Sophie Allport

Enjoy a full farmhouse breakfast on a tablescape set up to celebrate rural life. Set a chunky wooden table with pale blue linens and then layer up classic white china embellished with delicate farm animal motifs. 

Cook on a range

Searle Taylor Kitchens

An Aga or cast-iron range stove warms the whole house and is an iconic country kitchen feature. Placed in a disused fireplace they look stunning especially if the kitchen wall tiles pick out the range colour (in this case soft sage green) to make it the feature. 

Frame farmland-inspired prints

Poster Store

Warm up a pared-back bedroom with a simple gallery wall dedicated to all things farmhouse. Choose photos and paintings of classic farmyard or rural pictures and mix up the media with wooden wording or craft pieces. Finish the fun by echoing tones using plenty of linen cushions bedlinen.

Install barn doors

Plankbridge

Not just for the farm anymore, barn doors are sliding into farmhouse decorating schemes too. Not only do they cry out with rustic style, but they also look wonderfully organic and take up less foot space. This barn door looks the part of a charming shepherd’s hut guest suite, but would also make an ideal solution in small bedrooms. 

Choose a rustic splashback

Original Style

Frame a practical butler sink with an authentic splashback to ensure it’s water-tight. Go for a bevelled finish to nail the rustic vibe, choose patchwork patterns or hand-painted farmhouse motifs for country-style interest or stay plain for minimalist charm.

Stick with stone flooring

Hyperion Tiles

Stone flooring will give even a modern kitchen a farmhouse twist. The only downfall is natural stone flooring can feel cold so stay on the lookout for intriguing antique rugs to soften the hard surface. Add warmth to white units with well-oiled natural wood worktops.

Style up a shower curtain

Annie Sloane

Give a regular bathroom farmhouse appeal with a few simple additions. Mount wood panels on walls and the bath panel but protect the natural material from the humid environment by painting it with specialist paint. Then hang a pretty shower curtain that features striped ticking or gingham pattern. We love the scalloped edge of this country textile. 

Sew a sink skirt

Neptune

Before fitted kitchens were invented sink skirts were common practice to cover up exposed pipes under kitchen and utility room sinks. The ruched fabric features have recently had a revival as they instantly pretty up spaces when on a budget. Due to their simple nature sink skirts make a fun and easy DIY craft project. 

Hunt for Shaker-style furniture

Garden Trading

Shaker-style furniture was American-born and fits the farmhouse trend like a gardening glove. The distinctive well-made (usually wooden) pieces are designed and crafted to be functional and long-lasting rather than ornamental and fashionable. Think curved spindle rocking chairs, timeless wooden kitchen cabinetry and ladder-back dining chairs. Why not personalise yours with a lick of chalk paint?

Whitewash and distress

Industville

The older and more vintage a piece of furniture looks the more suited it is to a farmhouse decorating home. If a chest of drawers, wooden floor or bathroom door looks a bit too shiny and new, it’s time to give it some upcycling TLC. First clean and dry the furniture. Then sand off as much polish and lacquer finish as you can from its surfaces and clean off any sanding dust. Then, leave distressed or paint with chalk paint, stain or wax.

Make wooded beams the star

Industville

Exposed wooden beams are probably the most iconic architectural feature of farmhouse style. If you are not lucky enough to live in an original farmhouse or a converted barn there are plenty of budget-savvy ways to introduce this supreme rustic look. Manufactured faux beams made from polyurethane are most life-like. However, reclaimed wood, distressed pine beams and even batton and board painted crisp white can create the classic cottagecore vibe. 

Furnish with stripes

ILIV

Striped fabrics can add warmth and personality to farmhouse schemes. The cheerful, clean and uncomplicated lines echo the linear floor of panelled walls and pair nicely with natural wood furniture. Look for ticking stripes on textured flax materials or go for botanical tones layered with fresh whiten linens. 

Install vintage lighting

Industville

When looking for farmhouse lighting ideas think industrial style. Wire framed Edison light-bulbs, grey galvanised zinc lamp shades and glass pendant lanterns fit the simple yet practical look. 

Use baskets as storage

Next

Give your home a rustic farmhouse feel by using baskets as creative storage containers wherever you can. This plain kitchen wall comes to rural life with textured baskets hung from a peg rail. This trio from Next come with labels already attached but sewing your own on would personalise low-budget versions too. 

Work in floor-to-ceiling panelling

Furniture Village

Wood panelling is having somewhat of a moment in interiors. Country-look panelling creates a cosy ‘cabin in the woods’ feel that’s lovely for an inviting dining room. Darker shades work when tongue and groove is added just halfway and balanced against chalky painted walls. Or, here fully covered walls are part of a cosy yet pared-back scheme where muted colours are layered and lovely.

Transform a cupboard into a pantry

Dunelm

As well as farmhouse decorating, why not embrace a practical farmhouse way of life by curating a well-stocked larder or pantry? Remove the door of a storage cupboard and mount staggered shelves. Then fill up the space with dry goods dispensed into glass jars and store vegetables in baskets underneath.

Grow herbs in rustic pots

Dunelm

Pale farmhouse palettes can look bleached and stark without a touch of colour or texture to add character and depth. Well-loved terracotta pots are simple and rustic so are ideal to grow fresh herbs on windowsills in the kitchen. 

Bring in chopped wood

ILIV

Add colour and texture to a neutral living room by emptying the woodshed. Piled wood next to an open fire or wood-burning stove adds to the cosy atmosphere. Don’t pile them too close though, for safety reasons. However, you don’t have to have a real fire to get the look; piled wood looks just as effective in a disused fireplace or why not go faux with chopped wood effect wallpaper?

Go for a black and white colour scheme

Industville

For a contemporary twist, introduce black accents to your farmhouse décor. Set against a white backdrop a black chimney breast will become the main feature. Or, for less drama choose a few key pieces for a clean look. A Shaker chair, painted black or a round black framed mirror will add depth and interest. 

Adorn corners with wreaths

Light4fun

Displaying pretty wreaths all year round is a great way to add farmhouse foliage to your home. Oozing with rustic charm this wooden summerhouse has been transformed into a farmhouse haven with a pretty display shelf filled with decorative lanterns, greenery and a lavender wreath. 

Repurpose rustic finds

Wayfair

Eclectic details that tell a story sums up farmhouse decorating. Look out for shelving solutions to upcycle and display vintage homeware finds and rustic treasures in interesting ways. Remember it’s the small and thoughtful touches that create that lived in and personal style.

Adorn a dresser

deVOL

A large dresser is a farmhouse style staple that can be passed down through generations yet always look the part. Add a floral freshen up by hand-painting illustrative flowers within the cupboards and finish the country garden feel by popping plenty of potted plants on the shelves too.

Hang a porch swing

@lavenderbrookfarm / Instagram

No farmhouse is complete without a hanging swing chair on the front porch (if you have one). Stick to a rustic formula by keeping the seat natural wood and use a strong rope to secure the seat to the porch roof. Layer the swing seat up with plenty of cosy textures and cushions, like @lavenderbrookfarm. If you don’t have a lot of space a wooden rocking chair will look the part too.

Pop peg rails everywhere

IKEA

Shaker-style peg rails are a farmhouse favourite as their simplicity and practical use means they are a joyful asset in any room, and most definitely a hardworking hallway. Use the sturdy pegs to hang almost anything and the narrow ledge above to display country art and accessories.

Feast at a farmhouse table

Neptune

A heavy, well-built farmhouse kitchen table will allow everyone to gather around together. Made with chunky wood, it will stand the test of time and look better with use. This is why a second-hand version is a good option as once the top has been re-sanded and legs given a fresh coat of pastel paint it will soon become part of the family.

Invest in a metal bed

Amara

A metal bed is a farmhouse bedroom hero as its vintage simplicity is a country classic. For a touch of contemporary style choose a charcoal finish and combine with industrial-style furniture for a modern farmhouse scheme that’s monochrome chic.

Draught-proof doors with fabric

Annie Sloan

Here’s a clever way to add simplistic country style. Keep the chill out with a classic blue-and-white striped ticking fabric curtain in front of the kitchen door but use a sturdy treated branch in place of a boring curtain rail for a rustic twist. Whitewashed walls and painted furniture are two classic country decorating tricks you can use to get the look.

Stick to a pale palette

IKEA

Almost every farmhouse scheme has a clean and fresh colour palette. Start with a neutral or barely-there backdrop and then layer up natural textures with wood and wicker furniture. Weave in cosy textiles, again in muted and neutral tones, and create subtle and clean contrast with a few pops of black or grey accessories.

Go for a Shaker kitchen

Kitchen Makers

Shaker-style kitchens are made predominately of wood so of course, make the perfect stylish and versatile kitchen choice for country homes. A sure-fire kitchen trend that won’t go out of style, they’ve been around since the 18th century so have had a fair few updates since then—like this family-friendly version. The trio of pendant lights and contrasting kitchen table adds a contemporary twist.

Display your china

Blinds 2Go

Muted colours will make the perfect country backdrop to display pretty rustic-look china on shelves in a dining room or kitchen. Or if you can upcycle a dresser, that’s even better. Choose a chalky colour for painted woodwork and add a pretty Roman blind for a coordinated country look.

Introduce powder blue

Argos

A chalky pale blue will set the scene for a pretty country look in any room of the house, particularly when paired with white painted woodwork. This lovely living room is light, airy and inviting with blue accents and a farmhouse-style classic stripe armchair.

Install a deep sink

deVOL

Looking to update your kitchen? A farmhouse kitchen is not complete without a deep butler, apron-front or Belfast sink. Made of sturdy white porcelain and with a simple rectangular shape, their depth make them as practical now as they ever were.

Expose the walls

Harrison Spinks

Stripping back walls to show off their original state whether it’s stone or brick creates an organic feel. If you can, combine this with exposed beams for the ultimate country backdrop but be sure to warm the space with plenty of soft layered furnishings, especially in the bedroom.

Focus on the fireplace

Garden Trading

There are plenty of ways to update an old fireplace. Turn the warmth into a feature by storing logs beside the mantelpiece in a log basket and add plenty of candles and votives on top to add to the ambience. Complete the cosy charm with inviting vintage armchairs to snuggle up in.

Add a nook

Neptune

Country homes are renowned for being full of small rooms and secret spaces full of intrigue so why not create the same illusion with an enchanting place to escape to? Fill a deep window with a storage bench and cushions to enjoy the outdoor country views.

Swap in a bench

Next

Looking to squeeze in a dining space? Replacing dining chairs with benches and stools will create a rustic look dining space as well as make room for more bottoms if needed. Here, an uneven but hardwearing wooden table and bench adds an organic alternative to a classic farmhouse table. Pop a faux fur on top for a homespun finish.

Match pretty motifs

Sanderson Home

You don’t necessarily need woodland creatures to create a country vibe, as this fresh bird-printed bed linen proves. Soft grey with a hint of yellow is pared-back and calm, which means the matching floor-to-ceiling curtains looks considered rather than corny. Team up with white wooden furniture for a simple, tasteful bedroom look.

Plump for a roll-top bath

Garden Trading

A freestanding tub makes a great addition to a country bathroom as it is both rustic and showstopping, especially when positioned in front of wooden panelling. And it doesn’t have to blow the bathroom budget. Add some wow-factor with a deeply toned backdrop like this stunning petrol blue shade; it will make the white traditional tub a standout feature.

Choose natural carpet

Carpetright

Tactile textures make a house warm and cosy so a durable carpet in sisal or seagrass is stylish, rustic and super practical for high traffic areas. Team with two-tone olive green and off-white walls to create a look that puts a modern spin on country chic.

Go for gingham

Golden Boys & Me

Everything in this gorgeous scheme by Golden Boys & Me blogger, Courtney Affrunti channels the comfort and joy of a cosy farmhouse kitchen. Cheerful green and white gingham fabric is a classic country choice for the café curtains and under-sink storage area. To get the look in a cream kitchen, hang copper cookware from a suspended pot rack, add cute vintage accessories like the enamel bread bin and egg bucket, and dress with bunches of bright flowers.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/92128/the-ultimate-diy-hacks

Make DIY disasters a thing of the past

Fit For The Job / Amazon

Perfect your home improvement skills with our round-up of the best top tips and crafty shortcuts you’ll wish you’d known sooner. From simple paint tricks for touch-up jobs to industry secrets from the professionals, check out these genius DIY hacks that will change your decorating life forever. You can thank us later!

Paint decking with a broom

@dad.dancer / TikTok

Painting the decking is a weekend DIY job that can make a big difference to your garden terrace but it can be back-breaking work. Social Media user @dad.dancer took to TikTok to prove how he got the job done in record time with a broom which resulted in minimal bending. 

Protect door knobs with Vaseline

AppleDK / Shutterstock

Painting doors with intricate features can be tricky as without a flat surface masking tape can fail to fully protect areas. Here’s where petroleum jelly can be a saving grace. Before painting use a cotton bud to cover any metal fixtures such as handles, plates, keyholes and lock mechanisms with plenty of Vaseline. Try not to paint over the metal areas but should a mistake be made simply wipe off the jelly with a cloth and the paint will come with it. 

Use ring pulls to hang art

UpcycledStuff / YouTube

Before you throw your fizzy drinks can away pull off the ring pull first as it has many uses. One, in particular, is to use it as a handy ready-made hook to hang art and crafts on walls with. Centre the tab on the back of the frame or artwork, then drill a screw into the smallest hole of the tab to secure it onto the frame. Finally, slightly lift and bend the tab outwards so it’s easier to hang onto the wall. UpcycledStuff shows how it’s done here.

Heavy items need wall anchors

ANDY RELY / Shutterstock

Need to hang a heavy mirror or piece of art on a plaster wall? Don’t attempt it without first adding wall anchors or you could end up with a few large holes or worse still a serious accident. Matt Michaels a spokesperson from Lowe’s Home Improvement explains why. ‘Because drywall is too weak to hang things from, a drywall anchor is necessary. The anchor essentially allows you to insert screws into the wall without causing the soft drywall to crumble around it’. 

Wrap rollers in clingfilm

Karl Solano / UnSplash

Need to keep your roller moist overnight? Painting and Decorating experts at Toolstation.co.uk explain what to do. ‘If you’re finishing for the day and don’t fancy washing your rollers, simply load them up with paint and then roll them up in plastic clingfilm works a treat. Leave them somewhere shady and they won’t dry out overnight.’

Fill holes in walls with brick dust

The DIY Guy / YouTube

Here’s a great tip from The DIY Guy to cover up old holes in brick walls. First, make the hole slightly bigger using a drill but be sure to save the red brick dust. Then, fill the hole with motor repair cement. Whilst still tacky dab the red dust over the grey residue. Hey presto—a perfectly camouflaged and filled hole. 

Make lines crisp and perfect

Yuriy Golub / Shutterstock

A two-toned wall looks super stylish right now. But the wall paint technique has to have a clean line for a professional finish. Here’s the hack: paint over the edge of the tape with the colour already on the wall to ‘seal’ the tape. Once that coat dries, apply your new colour on top. The results will be much crisper!

Tape a disposable cover to the floor

Superstar / Shutterstock

Save time and protect floors fully by covering floors with an inexpensive plastic drop cloth. Make sure it’s paint protected tight by taping the edges to skirting boards. When you are done simply grab all four corners to pick up the splashed cover in one go and it throw away. 

Paint banisters with a sock

Furniture And Choice

Here’s a genius time saving-trick to transform your hallway. It’s super handy for fiddly hard-to-reach areas such as staircases. First, put on a plastic glove. Then slip an old but clean sock over the top. To paint the method then requires dipping your sock-covered hand into the paint and simply ‘hand’ painting by using the glove as a brush. Wrap your whole hand around the spindle to get full coverage. 

Always map out a gallery wall layout

Desenio

Create a gallery wall of your dreams with perfect frame placement. First experiment by placing the prints on the floor. Then, take the sheets of paper that came out of new frames and use them as the template for planning your layout. Arrange them on your wall using washi tape.

Make your own chalk paint

The Carpenter’s Daughter

When it comes to upcycling old furniture, our go-to has to be chalk paint. There’s no need to prime or sand, meaning you can get straight down to the creative stuff! But, while chalk paint can create stunning results, it can be expensive. DIY blogger The Carpenter’s Daughter has an effective formula for making your own at a fraction of the price of well-known brands. Vikkie Lee mixes regular emulsion paint, calcium carbonate and water to make homemade chalk paint, and promises the quality will be just as good as your favourites. Why not give it a try?

Roll wallpaper outside in

View Along The Way

Invested in some fancy new wallpaper to add a little wow-factor to your decor? Make the job easier by taking the wallpaper out of its roll a few days before installation and re-roll it the opposite way. The paper will then lie flat as you work. Top tip: before you begin, make sure all the rolls have the same batch number printed on the label, as colours can vary. This floral wallpaper used by View Along The Way is pretty and pre-pasted, making hanging even easier! 

Apply wallpaper paste with a roller

Maydos

When applying adhesive to your wallpaper use a paint roller instead of a sponge or brush. The paste will spread more evenly and consistently. Some papers now require you to paste the wall before hanging, which means the paper weighs less and doesn’t get soggy, so there’s less chance of tearing. If this is the case for your product, use the roller, only this time on the wall!

Place a rubber band over your paint can

Dulux

Fed up with messy paint tins and paint dripping on the floor? A simple rubber band stretched across the middle of the paint can will allow you to wipe excess paint off the brush, allowing it to fall back into the container, rather than dripping down the sides. This DIY decorating hack is super simple yet so effective! 

Line a paint tray with a plastic bag

Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

Question: how do you paint a room while keeping your paint tray like new? Answer: simply cover the tray with a plastic bag before you pour in the paint. When you are finished just remove the bag and throw it away. You can also use heavy-duty cling film or foil. Your paint tray will remain as clean as a whistle underneath and you won’t need to wash out any more paint trays!

Use a sticky note as a dust collector

Acme Tools

The next time you need to drill holes in any wall or surface stick a folded sticky note underneath. The fold will catch the dust before it falls onto the floor. For bigger jobs, tape a cut cardboard cereal box to the wall or ask someone to hold a dustpan underneath as you drill. Simple!

Make wood filler with sawdust

Instructables / Handy_Bear

Remember that sawdust you saved on the sticky note? Use it to make your own wood filler to smooth out any annoying gaps. All you’ll need is some wood or craft glue to work as a binder. If the sawdust comes from the same workpiece, the colour with be similar to the original surface. Take a look at the Instructables tutorial by Handy_Bear for a full guide.

Fix sticky drawers with wax

The Real Milk Paint Co

Solid wood furniture is so appealing but over time, warping and wear and tear can take its toll and make drawers hard to open. There is, however, an easy solution to get them running smoothly again. Pull out the drawer and using a clean cloth apply a thin layer of wax to the glide tracks. You can buy specially formulated furniture wax or for a quick-fix, candle wax will do. For a more in-depth how-to check out The Real Milk Paint Co’s blog.

Hammer nails with a clothes peg

NZ Ecochick

Tackling a weekend DIY job? If you’re not a pro, using your hand to steady nails can lead to hammer injuries. Keep your fingers safe by holding the nail in place with a wooden peg. That way your fingers can remain well clear and the nail stays in place, as NZ Ecochick demonstrates here. This trick also works with a comb in place of a peg.

Fill a bucket with a pool noodle

Instructables

DIY jobs often need water but how do you fit a large bucket into a small sink? Those clever DIYers at Instructables have a smart idea involving a swimming aid! Avoid having to lift a heavy water-filled bucket by using a pool noodle as a hose. Slide one end over the tap and point the other end into the bucket and turn the tap on – it’s that simple!

Make a magnetic wrist band

My Altered State

Using your mouth to keep nails and screws within reach is unhygienic and a tad dangerous! Why not hot-glue a magnet to your drill handle and stick your nails on there? Or, better still make a magnetic wrist band like this grey design by My Altered State that fits perfectly.

Clip a pencil onto a tape measure

Tool Craze

DIY projects can often feel like you need two pairs of hands to get the job done. So, when working alone, hacks to help you multi-task are the key to success. Look out for a tape measure that has a pencil holder attached so you can measure and mark with ease. Or, clamp a small pencil or piece of chalk into the belt clip.

Use a rubber band for broken screws

RTA Cabinet Store

We’ve all come across a dreaded stripped screw (where a screw head is damaged so much that it is impossible to remove with a screwdriver). A simple way to remove one is to use a rubber band. Lay the band over the screw and insert the screwdriver on top. The rubber acts as a grip and fills the damaged void. RTA Cabinet Store goes into more detail on their blog.

Hang frames with toothpaste

Loving Here

Take the headache out of hanging a picture frame by using everyday toothpaste. To find the perfect spot to drill in the wall, dab a blob of toothpaste on the frame where the nail needs to go, and then hold it up to touch the wall. Toothpaste will transfer onto the wall exactly where you need it. Then just wipe off the toothpaste when the nail is in place. Melissa from Loving Here has used this DIY hack for creating many gorgeous gallery walls in her home. 

Use masking tape for caulking

How To Nest for Less

Decorators’ caulk makes grouted bathroom or kitchen wall tiles fully water-resistant around the edges. Keep the caulk line perfectly straight and clean by marking out a straight margin with your trusty painter’s tape. Squeeze the caulk along the centre of the tracks and smooth it out with your finger. Allow to dry for 10 minutes and peel off the tape for a smooth crisp waterproof sealant. Check out this method from start to finish with How To Nest For Less.

Add sealant with a filled bath

BC Profiles

Sealant is vital when installing a bath to keep the area watertight. However, DIYers can often make a big mistake when caulking the bath edge. Luckily Jon Cooper, owner of BC Profiles, has given us this tip for new and replacement sealant jobs: “When the old sealant has been removed, fill the bath with water (before laying the new). This added weight will ensure that the sealant won’t crack when the bath is used later.’ Great advice!

Use matchsticks as tile spacers

Mamas Mercantile

Tile spacers are little plastic crosses, wedges or sticks that are inserted between tiles (when being laid) to keep them an equal distance apart. Once removed they leave behind a narrow trough in which to apply grout. If you don’t have any to hand, matchsticks work too and are an effective tool for small tile jobs like this splashback by Mamas Mercantile.

Always remember your paint colours

LiveLoveDIY

Planning your next paint decorating project? Remember the names of paint colours for each room in your home by making a handy keyring of colours. Cut out small squares of sample chips or cards and glue them onto key tags, then write the paint name and room on the back. Keep them together on a keyring for easy access. This idea comes from LiveLoveDIY—Virginia takes her keyring with her when she goes shopping for matching fabrics, furniture and decorative accents too.

Protect skirting boards with a paint edger

Fit For The Job / Amazon

If you are repainting existing walls or skirting boards that butt up against carpets and walls be sure to invest in a paint edger. The inexpensive handy piece of plastic or steel will protect as you go. Choose one with various curves and angles to suit all project shapes. 

Use duct tape to strengthen sandpaper

Duck Brand

Make sandpaper work twice as hard by backing it up with duct tape. Whether you are sanding freehand or using a sanding block, reinforcing the back stops the paper from tearing and helps it last longer. Add the tape to the back in strips to make sure the sandpaper is still flexible. 

Lift wooden floorboards with apple cider vinegar

Pavilion Broadway

Restore tired period features like natural floorboards with an eco-friendly apple cider vinegar solution. Lead interior designer David Ewart from Pavilion Broadway explains: “It offers an all-natural cleaner that will also protect the finish or varnish on your flooring”. Sweep or vacuum your floor, then mix one full cup of apple cider vinegar for every five litres of warm water in a bucket. Mop or clean the floor by hand with a cloth, and make sure not to leave any excess dampness on the floorboards by gently wiping it down after.

Store excess paint in mason jars

Reece with a C / Shutterstock

Changes of temperature can spoil leftover paint, so if you have any surplus after your latest project, pop it in a mason jar, rather than in the garden shed. Let’s face it, paint cans take up a lot of space in the home, so this nifty storage hack is the ideal way to keep paints handy for touch-ups without cluttering up your home.

Erase wood scratches with walnuts

wikiHow

Have you got a few light scratches on wooden furniture? Take the natural approach and erase them with walnuts. wikiHow advises DIYers to rub the raw nut over the affected area and let the nut oil absorb into the wood. Buff with a soft clean cloth and the scratches will be sealed and gone! 

Remove watermarks with toothpaste

Charles + Hudson

No matter how many times you put out coasters, there’s always someone who accidentally leaves a glass directly on a wood surface, right? Stay calm as you can eliminate those water rings with toothpaste. Using white paste (not gel), dab a small blob on the area and rub gently with a cloth. Charles + Hudson have a detailed tutorial for this hack on their website, where they try out other unusual household stain removers such as mayonnaise and baking soda too!

Unstick adhesive with a hairdryer

Salvaged Inspirations

Need to peel off that pricing label without leaving a sticky residue? Use the hot air from a hairdryer to melt and lift the glue. Salvaged Inspirations removed packing tape with this method when upcycling a dresser. This DIY hack also works wonders on children’s stickers that may have been ‘creatively’ added to bedroom doors or furniture without parental permission. 

Remove paint with coconut oil

Mom 4 Real

Clean up after DIY jobs by making a natural cleaning solution that is kind to your skin. Mom 4 Real uses coconut oil, baking soda and lemon essential oil to clean spray paint off hands in a jiffy. Take a look at her blog for the full recipe and method. 

Use tape to keep a drill steady

Tim Carter / Ask The Builder

Drilling onto slippery ceramic tiles can be tricky. If it goes wrong the tiles will crack and replacing one tile in a pattern is not a fun task. Ask The Builder recommends using a brand-new carbide-tipped masonry drill bit, at low speed and with light pressure. But first, mark the area you want to drill by placing duct tape over the tile as the matt surface will help control the wandering drill bit and stop it from sliding.

Turn your phone into a spirit level

APK Pure

There’s no need for that large, chunky spirit level. Did you know an iPhone can act as a substitute level? If you have an updated IOS, go to the apps section and look for the measure app. Click on the level tab and hey presto—when the phone is level on a surface the screen turns green! If you don’t have an iPhone there are many spirit level and measuring apps such as Precise Level that can be downloaded onto other smartphones too. 

Remove carpet dents with ice cubes

Sasima / Shutterstock

Moved furniture around during a revamp? If you’ve been left with unsightly dents in your carpet, try this hack. Lay ice cubes on the dents overnight and leave them to melt. In the morning blot any excess, and if there are any remaining dents, fluff up your carpet with a fork. Trust us, it will look as good as new!

Always use painter’s tape

Make it Yours / Rust-Oleum

Masking tape is a decorator’s toolbox essential. However, a poor-quality tape can let paint seep through leaving jagged edges. Ensure a professional finish every time by using a quality painter’s tape such as Frog Tape or Ambro Professional. They are so much more effective at reducing paint bleed and will not mark the surface when you remove it to reveal that oh-so-satisfying clean finish. For freshly painted furniture or walls, opt for a tape designed for delicate surfaces.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70704/fabulous-front-door-ideas

Upgrade your kerb appeal with a front door glow up

Ursula Page / Shutterstock

First impressions count and your front door is the key to adding that all-important kerb appeal to your home. From welcoming guests to conveying your own personal style, a few careful touches can make all the difference. Whether you’re repainting an existing door, freshening up with a new doormat or giving your porch a complete overhaul, these front door ideas will give you an entrance to be proud of.

Marry up porch frames

Annie Sloan

Enhance a bright front door colour choice further by continuing it onto door frames and porch timber. This glorious yellow named Tilton is part of the Annie Sloan and Charleston Farmhouse collaboration. This striking front door channels artistic flair when teamed with decorative stained glass door panels. 

Install a box light

Davey Lighting

Modern box lights work fantastically well outside contemporary homes and but they also look smart on older period properties. Clean-lined and weather-proof, they can be installed with a motion sensor to turn on automatically when you come home.

Paint PVC

Rust-Oleum

Give a dingy and drab uPVC front door a bright makeover. The project is so easy to achieve and the results look brand new. Ensure your door is free from dust and cleaned thoroughly, then allow to dry. Cover and seal the door fixtures with masking tape and apply one to two coats of all-surface paint.

Run with a theme

The Painted Hive

This modern monochrome entrance has been lifted with a refreshing lick of duck egg blue paint across the front door and accessorised with an on-trend display of beautiful wall baskets. The look is tied together with a matching geo-style doormat and a lush faux fiddle-leaf fig plant that definitely won’t wither!

Add impact with green

Farrow and Ball

A classic racing green front door jumps out against a whitewashed porch and looks ultra-confident. The smart Victorian monochrome tiles make a traditional addition that’s charming and well-suited to the period property.

Choose a neutral palette

Farrow & Ball

Famous for their refined and stylish colour charts, Farrow & Ball is our firm favourite when it comes to rejuvenating a front door. This subtle palette, painted in F&B’s Stony Ground shade, blends in beautifully with its sandstone background to create a calming and elegant first impression.

Match the garage

Everest

Give your home coordinated kerb appeal by painting the front door and garage the same colour. This soft mint green looks refreshing and clean set against a white exterior. Silver chrome door furniture and porch lighting add a smart finish to the entrance. 

Go for statement glazing

Everest

For an entrance hallway that’s starved of natural light, it makes sense to opt for a glazed or partially glazed front door. If you’re concerned about privacy, you don’t have to use clear glass –  you could go for patterned, frosted, coloured or tinted designs to blur the view in. To ensure that the door remains secure, it’s advisable to install toughened glass.

Add a welcome sign

Amazon

Cheer up a plain black door with a cheery welcome sign. The rustic addition adds a  shot of homespun charm with farmhouse friendly looks. 

Blend into the background

Pulfrost

Front door ideas don’t have to be bright and beaming. If you’d prefer a more discreet entrance choose a neutral colour that blends into its back-drop. This urban grey door looks sophisticated and the simple spelt-out number ‘NINE’ above the door is just enough detail to wonder what design-conscious decor might lay beyond. 

Embrace cabincore

Lights4fun

If you are lucky enough to own a cabin or a rustic country home, make a play on the woodland charm with idyllic door decorations. Think vintage festoon lights, lavender wreaths and illuminated potted trees. Complete the warm welcome with lanterns and candles placed on simple wooden stools. 

Go Dutch

Everest

A stable-style front door, or Dutch door as it is sometimes known, is especially useful for homes that have few windows and require extra ventilation. Split horizontally, the top half of the door can be opened independently of the bottom half to allow airflow. The design lends itself best to rural homes but can also be very effective in quirky industrial-style properties.

Add an eye-catching door knocker

Dunelm

Motif door knockers are proving popular – and we can understand why. Endearing brass characters such as bumblebees, dragonflies and even hedgehogs make an instant impact, or take inspiration from the French and opt for a hand for something more quirky.

Hang a pretty wreath

Dulux

If you want to make a strong statement, turn the colour wheel up a notch. This teal front door looks bold and beautiful against the white surround and classic brickwork. Not just for the festive season, you can go for arrangements with fresh green foliage and sunny yellow blooms to adorn the door all year round.

Lay a smart path

Walls and Floors

Make the walk up to your newly painted front door a modern masterpiece. These dark grey, sage green and ivory flat brick tiles create a striking herringbone pattern with tones that pick out the teal-coloured door.

Plant exotic trees

Urban Front

Give your front door a tropical makeover by framing the entrance with striking ferns, palm trees and striking sculptural plants. Don’t be afraid to go for verdant colour on the front door – just stick to a vibrant shade rather than a dark forest green to make it pop. 

Cheat glazed numbers

Pulfrost

Glazed numbers look refined on traditional front doors but can be expensive to buy and install. Instead, fake the real thing with specialised peel and stick window film. 

Calm with lavender

Dulux

Paint colour experts Dulux state that restful shades such as lavender will set a calm tone at the entrance to your property. Enhance the romantic scene by planting climbers such as Wisteria or Honeysuckle to tap into wistful country style.

Wow with a floral arch

Dobbies

Floral arches are a striking social media trend and a huge step up from the humble door wreath. They are made by layering up a metal frame and chicken wire with flowers and foliage. If it looks too complicated commission a florist to create a seasonal sensation to blow guests away with floral colour and aroma when visiting. 

Echo design elements

Davey Lighting

Look for lighting similar in style to an elegant glazed door to highlight the intricate design. The matching black framework looks effortlessly chic set against white exterior cladding. 

Channel coastal vibes

@vine.and.willow / Instagram

Whitewashed cladding and a pale sand-coloured door will create a calming entrance that conjures up seaside vistas. Here, a blue porch rug, storm lanterns and a wooden swing chair create a stylish yet relaxed beach house vibe that wouldn’t look amiss on the Californian shorelines. Plenty of leafy foliage in galvanised pots finishes the coastal style.

Makeover with moody cladding

Garden Trading

Cabin-style wood cladding looks stylish and contemporary when painted in tonal shades of slate grey. Lift the look with symmetrical wall lighting, a touch of topiary and a simple iron heart wreath to evoke modern-country cool.

Hang pretty baskets

Dobbies

Nothing beats hanging pretty baskets for an injection of colour, especially when matched with a petal pink door. This romantic cottage entrance is picture-perfect – the charming bumblebee door knocker adds a whimsical finish to this idyllic country home.

Create curve appeal

Dobbies

Front doors don’t have to be all right angles. To soften your home’s exterior consider going for an arched porch and a circular-paned front door. This rounded shape works with both double and single doors and adds a touch of elegant post-war nostalgia. 

Choose vintage details

Melody Maison

Attention to detail will make your front door stand out from all the others in the street. With an embossed dove design, this vintage cast iron mailbox looks endearing and will make the perfect companion piece to a classic or country-style door. 

Supersize your door number

Lisa Sarah Designs

Be a postman or delivery driver’s best friend with a front door number you can’t miss. This sleek monochrome porch looks smart and tidy, with large graphic numbering adding a bold stylistic feature. Follow suit with a well-kept lawn that’s landscaped with a modern and minimalist planting scheme.

Update the doormat

House of Bath

A doormat will keep your hallway clear of muddy footprints and add some personality to the entrance. A durable and hardwearing material such as metal or rubber works better for exterior steps and this attractive scrollwork design will offer a warm welcome. It even has a secret compartment for hiding keys!

Screen it off

Lisa Sarah Designs

Modern front doors can be just as attractive as period doors, especially when they’re integrated into the architectural design. Set behind a contemporary privacy fence and porchway, this black door is sleek and discreet. To tie the whole building together, colour-match the window frames and garage door in the same hue. 

Add some sunshine

@blondegirlfrnd / Instagram

Hardwearing door paints are now available in every colour of the rainbow so you can experiment with an understated neutral, a soft pastel or a daring, bold hue. Here, a bright yellow shade contrasts beautifully with the dark blue front of this home. When you feel the need for a change, you can simply paint it in another shade and it’ll refresh the whole facade of your home!

Call on the classics

Jeld Wen

How you dress your front door has a major impact on the final look. Symmetrical fixtures such as the porch lighting and lavender pots here will create an ordered and elegant look. For a timeless finish, you can’t go wrong with a wood stain, while a stained glass panel will draw in light and add architectural interest.

Go with the grain

Urban Front

A solid oak door makes a beautiful addition to a home entrance, especially when it’s in keeping with the rest of the house. Barn conversions and country properties, in particular, are the perfect choice for this type of door. Make sure it withstands wear and tear by regularly treating the wood to protect it from the elements.

Let it glow

Lights4fun

Pretty porch lights needn’t be displayed just at Christmas time. Outdoor lanterns will add a welcoming glow to your front door as the night draws in. Opt for outdoor versions that are designed to withstand the weather, while a solar-powered model means no messing about with unsightly wires or batteries. 

Ring the changes

TakaTomode

A doorbell is a necessity but that doesn’t mean it has to be mundane. Think outside the box for a fun twist on tradition – you could opt for a sleek and contemporary video doorbell for extra security, a brass push button for a classic look or even a wall-mounted bell in turquoise that’s sure to make visitors smile.

Light it up

Evalution

Porch lights serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. Movement-activated models can help you navigate the way when returning home after nightfall, as well as deterring would-be intruders. With an array of designs available, they can also create ambiance and help frame your entrance way – we love this stylish orb-style fitting.

Experiment with unique lighting

DelightFULL

Create a playful first impression with a colourful front door and bespoke statement lighting. This fun porch is a perfectly balanced scheme, pairing lemon curd yellow with a dazzling one-metre-high neon letter in royal blue.

Style it sympathetically

Jozef Sowa / Shutterstock

The first thing to consider when choosing a front door is what kind of style will be in keeping with the rest of the house. Try to choose a sympathetic design that looks like it belongs there. If in doubt, do a little research into the history of your house to find out what would have been there originally.

Pick a pivoting door

Urban Front

Most front doors are hung on a door frame with traditional hinges, but pivoting doors are on the up in modern homes. Fixed with pivots at the top and bottom, they are particularly suited to very heavy doors, distributing the weight more evenly and making opening and closing a doddle. 

Keep it classic

David Papazian / Shutterstock

Make a regal entrance with a classic Colonial-style front door. Formal in design and pleasingly symmetrical, they’re a treasured choice for their refined aesthetic. Here, high windows in the door and side panelling allow light to flood into the entrance hallway whilst maintaining privacy.

Go for Georgian

@madamecherry / Instagram

Known for strong craftsmanship and attention to detail, a Georgian front door traditionally features panelling and a glazed grid window pane. Generally painted, this style of front door is well suited to country homes and cottages. Here, this blue-grey design is beautifully offset with an arch of foliage and ornate cornicing. 

Glaze in swathes

BondRocketImages / Shutterstock

If you have an inner porch door or live in a gated property, a fully-glazed front door is a great option that’ll give instant wow-factor to your home’s facade and draw in plenty of natural light. Toughened glass and the latest locking systems will ensure it’s super-secure.

Call on composite

Anglian Home Improvements

Designed to look and feel exactly like wood, composite doors usually contain an outer skin made from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or UPVC to prevent them warping, expanding or shrinking like timber. Lighter in weight, they also tend to be cheaper than wood models and come in a variety of colours.

Settle on steel

Samson Doors / Hormann

Popular in America, steel doors are great thermal insulators and one of the hardest materials to break into. Steel doors now come in a variety of colours across both traditional and contemporary designs, and are available from a range of retailers.

Evoke Edwardian elegance

700billionreasons.com

Heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, Edwardian-style front doors tend to be elegant and refined. Sometimes set within a wider intricately glazed frame, these entrances often feature simple panelling, organic shapes and stained glass. If your home has history, why not show it off?

Style-up both sides

Farrow & Ball

A well-designed front door will look good from the inside of your home as well as the outside. Don’t feel constrained by the external colour – you could opt for a completely different shade for the interior to match your entrance hallway’s aesthetic.

Makeover with metal

Urban Front

Our interiors are awash with metal finishes at the moment, so why not take the industrial trend outside to your entrance way? This boxed metal porch is cleverly engraved with the house number for a stylish finish. A glass roof and sides offer a dramatic modern finish and illuminate the hallway.

Embrace engineering

Benchmarx

Cheaper than solid hardwood doors, engineered wood doors are made from layers of wood pressed and glued together with a hardwood veneer skin applied on top. An engineered door is less likely to warp or move than a solid wooden door, whilst offering all the traditional charm of the real thing.

Keep it country

mubus 7 / Shutterstock

Traditional chocolate-box cottage doors tend to be simple in construction with minimal detailing. Here, the letterbox is inserted vertically to reflect the lines of the planks in this traditional design. Painted a chalky sky blue and accessorised with a rustic wheat wreath, we think it looks picture-postcard pretty!

Dare to go double

David Papazian / Shutterstock

A double front door will give your home’s entrance a regal feel. For ease of opening, one door tends to stay bolted shut, while the other is used day-to-day. This wide design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing – being able to open both doors means you can transport bulky items such as beds and sofas with ease.

Create contrast

Benjamin Moore

For a refreshing entrance, paint your front door and porch a contrasting mix of white and green. Pick out the door, shutters and bannister with the botanical hue and accessorise with plenty of potted plants. Balance with bright white walls and a dark wood floor to warm up the space. Seashells decorate the steps and add a whimsical touch.

Pair dark wood with black and white

Ursula Page / Shutterstock

Joanna Gaines knows a thing or two about design, and her go-to palette of white, black and wood is the backbone of her signature Magnolia style. A pair of traditional wall lights marry up with the black painted shutters and two impressive ornamental ferns create symmetry that’s incredibly pleasing to the eye.