Interiors: How to choose . . . paint

We’re constantly told that paint is the cheapest and most effective tool for transforming a room yet as a nation we’re notoriously conservative about colour. However, getting colour confident and finding the right hue for our living spaces can have a huge psychological impact.

Arlene McIntyre of Ventura Design believes in working with colours that make us happy, rather than slavishly following trends. So where does this leave our love affair with grey? “I think less is more with grey. I always like to inject sunshine into people’s homes, especially with Irish light which involves a lot of grey skies.”

Bold hues are big for autumn/winter and there are plenty of options to incorporate statement shades. Good places to splash out,Arlene suggests, are in hallways as a backdrop to artwork or in downstairs bathrooms. “Don’t be afraid to paint your ceilings in fun colours also. I do this a lot and it can create a cool injection of colour in a room.

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Subtle tones: the bedroom walls and furniture feature Chalk Paint decorative paint by Annie Sloan in Country Grey. The bed and bedside table have been finished with Annie Sloan Clear Wax

Feature ceilings are set to feature increasingly in new season schemes, according to architect and interior designer Denise O’Connor of Optimise Design, and colour consultant to Dulux. “Ceilings can look fantastic in a very dark colour. It works well in bedrooms and bathrooms, adding a luxurious effect.”

Perfect palette

Paint manufacturers are making it easier to achieve that pulled together look. The Signature collection by Dulux, comprises three colours to make up a basic interior design palette. Different tones from the same trio can be applied to woodwork, walls and ceilings, or between rooms, to facilitate flow. Pre-selected hues can be used as pops of colours to highlight key furnishings or on accent walls.

Crown Paint's website features a section on getting the right tools for the job, which is key to success, according to Crown colour consultant, Neville Knott. This will advise on whether you should use a short or medium pile roller or a natural or synthetic bristle brush.

Art can be a good source of inspiration for a colour scheme. A typical trap, O’Connor says, is to use yellow in a north-facing room. “That can make the space feel cold whereas you want a cosy effect. Warmer, richer tones will give a more relaxing feel,” she says. “In south-facing rooms, anything really works but you can afford to go very dark because the area is going to get a lot of light.”

The tone used on woodwork such as skirtings, panelling, architraves and doors is important too. “Traditionally shades of white are used on woodwork, but builders’ white just won’t do. All woodwork needs a proper shade of white, be it almond white, grey white or warm white to complement the colour on the walls,” says McIntyre.

Testing times

Try before you buy is the mantra. Investing in good quality paint from a reputable brand, having bought tester pots is wise. Painting onto a piece of card makes sense so you can move it around in different lights. A matt finish tends to be a practical choice as you can easily clean it.

Cheap paints have different base tones to more expensive options which can look alarmingly different when up, McIntyre says. “However, some of the more expensive ones can be a painter’s nightmare. They cannot be rolled but only hand painted in brush strokes. Some may also require three coats of paint instead of two to achieve their promised tone.”

Following manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines, particularly on the correct base coat or undercoat to use with your chosen colour is a must. After the undercoat is applied to walls, you usually need two to three coats of your chosen colour.

Be prepared

Walls should be clean and dust-free. Kevin Haughey, head of retail at Colortrend, recommends a light sanding. He suggests

using a micro fibre sleeve roller or a polyester brush, while Denise suggests using an arc motion with the roller on walls to avoid an orange peel effect. If you’re stopping and starting while painting, Una Foley of CA Design advises wrapping the brushes and paint tray in a plastic bag and putting them in the fridge.

Colour in

Sarah Cole, director of Farrow & Ball, which has seen a huge rise in popularity here in recent years , says: “A room with little light will be enhanced by a warm, rich tone. Consider jewel-like colours such as Pelt or Stiffkey Blue in small downstairs bathrooms or cloakrooms. These spaces are a great place to experiment with bold schemes.”

Using paints to refresh pieces of furniture is a great way to experiment and be creative with colour, Cole says. “Painting chairs or tables in a vibrant hue can really tie a room together and create a layered look. For example, Yellowcake and St Giles Blue will add instant pops of colour to any room, without being too overpowering.”

For those fading to grey, Sarah’s advice is to take time to consider a group of greys that will work together. “The Farrow & Ball new greys, which include Purbeck Stone and Ammonite are versatile and easy to live with, being neither too cool and contemporary, nor too warm and traditional. Try painting walls and woodwork in Purbeck Stone for a more modern feel, or for a contrast pair with Wevet or Mole’s Breath.”

Expensive edge

Dark colours can help achieve an expensive edge on a budget, says Foley. “In a room with imperfections, dark shades, and painting the skirting board the same colour as the walls can create a cocooning effect and draw attention away from the imperfections.”

Unusual finishes

When it comes to achieving unusual finishes such as polished plaster looks, Chalk Paint decorative paint by Annie Sloan can be used to create colour, depth and interest. Margaret Corscadden of Twenty Six in Nenagh, distributor for the collection in Ireland, advises using a sponge roller to give the wall a sophisticated look. "Apply two coats of your chosen colour. Use a sponge roller and work to have some solid areas of paint, avoiding a completely opaque or textured look as this may make the wall too busy. Apply clean wax when dry, using a cloth," Corscadden advises.

“Any pattern created will then become more visible. The wall can be polished or buffed the next day for good sheen. Chalk paint, which is water-based and non-toxic, is also perfect for old walls as it allows them to breathe.”

Damask or simple stencils can make striking feature walls, according to Corscadden. “Stencilling in a random fashion using several colours to create a unique pattern that isn’t at all formal or defined is decorative and interesting. It’s this randomised stencil that gives the look added charm. Add a little glamour by gilding your wall stencil.”

TOP TRENDS : BRAVE AND BOLD

Brave and bold is the trend for autumn/winter, says Neville Knott, colour consultant with Crown Paints. “By using blues and greens as background colours such as Crown’s Pot Plant, Stepping Stone and Powder Blue, we usher out light summer tones in favour of autumnal leaves and skies. He recommends bold angular shapes in vibrant hues for an unexpected twist on a feature wall. A real statement can be made with leftover colours or match pots and some masking tape, he says. Try English Fire, Opening Season and Summer Season to create this look. In step with fashion trends, the best- dressed walls will be sporting rich, earthy hues such as burgundy, greens, very dark beige, tans and caramels as well as navy.