PLAYFUL PAINT

Flex your creative muscles and use simple shapes and flowing patterns to make your mark. Add decorative trims and statement stripes with sample pots or use up any leftover paint.

Chosen well, stripes can bring a sophisticated feel. Consider the direction – vertical lines will create the illusion of height, ideal in rooms with low ceilings, while horizontal strokes help elongate a smaller room.

Stencils are just for kids’ rooms, right? Not so. They’re a great alternative to wallpaper and are effective at adding pattern to a wall. Use a scrap piece of paper to test your technique and gauge how much paint is needed first.

Painting a border around a window or picture frames is an ideal way to enhance a focal point. A tape measure plus masking tape equals a faultless finish.

White textured cabinet, £375; Emily Ottoman bench, £165; Soft Velour cushions, £8 each; Ocean Drive rug, from £80; Cactus Main framed print, from £40; all Next No 111 Balthus vagg paint, £47.90/2.5L, Nordfarg

Fiji matt, £42/2.5L, Graham & Brown