Broad strokes

Brush up on these creative ways with paint to bring colour and imaginative flair to schemes

- Kate Worthington

Art attack

Tap into your inner artist with a fabulous wall mural. ‘Take your inspiration from a favourite design in the room — it could be a print, ornament or cushion — and use the colour picking tool in the free Dulux Visualizer app, which lets you view colours on the wall and explore shades in your motif,’ says Dulux creative director Marianne Shillingford. ‘For a striking geometric design, all you need is masking tape and a small foam roller.’

PROJECT DETAILS

A focal point in fashion designer Alice Temperley’s house, this large-scale floral motif not only adds a burst of colour and pattern but also leads the eye upwards, drawing attention to the room’s impressive double height. Asian Paints has similar stencils and custom options.

Dynamic duo

Splitting a wall with two tones looks modern and sharp. ‘A light hue above a darker one makes a room seem larger,’ says Charlotte Crosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. A dado or picture rail makes a good divider, but where you draw the line will depend on the room’s features and where the light falls.

PROJECT DETAILS

This room’s low dado rail makes a natural split. For a similar paint shade, try Dulux. Find similar dining table and chairs at IDUS. Lightbox has similar pendant lights. Oma Living has faux flowers.

Dark and moody