WONDER WALLS

Project 1:

Install full-wall panels

The panels are 1200mm wide and come in various lengths. The legal minimum ceiling height in Queensland is 2400mm, so the room opposite has been fitted with 2400mm Easycraft panels. Installing the panels is not difficult, but you will need to refer to the full manufacturer’s instructions and call in a friend to help. A how-to video can be found at easycraft.com.au. In a nutshell, you measure from the floor to the cornice, subtract 10mm

(to allow for expansion) and trim the panel by 10mm. Next, locate the wall studs – this will be where you nail the panels to the wall, after applying stud adhesive all over the first 1200mm-wide section of wall. With a friend, lift the panel and place against the wall (the edge you have cut needs to be at the floor end). Align top of panel with cornice edge. Hammer nails at top, middle and bottom of panel where the studs are. Repeat with the next section – the V-groove panels will click together for a seamless finish. Attach skirting boards to the base of the panel to hide the 10mm gap at floor level.

Project 2:

Dado-rail wall The pink wall at right uses 900mm panels, which are attached as before. Paint the panels and the dado rail before affixing to the wall.

Project 3:

Paint the panels The panels come pre-primed. Make sure they are clean. Lay down a dropsheet. Fill any nail noles with putty, let dry, then sand putty for a smooth surface. Paint along the grooves using a paintbrush. Then paint the flat panels using a roller. If paint gets into the grooves, tidy with brush as you go. Allow to dry. Repeat the painting process.

Moody blue (left)

Contrary to popular belief, darker colours can open up a room. Small rooms, or rooms with limited light sources, like this beautiful main bedroom, really come alive when painted a dark, saturated colour.