Get creative with a LICK OF PAINT

Six ways to add impact using a pot of paint and paintbrush

- NICKY PHILLIPS

Wall painted in Pleated absolute emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene; and Hardwick White estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Large wall scallop stencil, £16.99, Ideal Stencils, Etsy. Isaac three-seater sofa in Alabaster brushed linen cotton, £1,725, Sofa.com. Plant pot, £19, Arket

Scallop edge

Brighten a plain wall by using a scallop stencil. Simply paint the top of the wall, extending down further than the line you want your scallops to fall at. Then paint up towards the stencil in your base colour.

Give it a twist Change the scale of the stencil – small scallops create a pretty country feel; oversized ones give a bolder, contemporary look.

Wall painted in Red Earth, Borrowed Light, Hague Blue, Lulworth Blue, Green Blue, all £52 for 2.5ltr (or use tester pots, £4.95 each) Farrow & Ball. Bulb candle holder, £44, Dowse Design. Tress Azure Blue velvet chair, £445, Oliver Bonas

Colour block

Highlight architectural details with colour blocking. Painting blocks so that they break into a fireplace, or continue over coving, gives a real designer paint effect. Choose three or four shades in striking contrasting colours for a bold statement.

Give it a twist Use large circular or arch shapes as an alternative to rectangles and squares.