OF PAINT
Who hasn’t spent hours in DIY shops, staring at tins while trying to pick the perfect paint colour, or turned walls into a patchwork of discarded testers? Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, so new décor company, Lick Home, has tried to keep things simple, curating a collection of just 49 paint colours (and 25 wallpaper designs) to choose from. Peel and stick samples can be bought for £1 and delivered to your door to help you choose the right one. Lick paint costs
£38 for 2.5ltrs.
Heather Foo, Bradstone regional sales manager (bradstone.com), on how to get the perfect patio
What must you consider?
First is what style – contemporary or traditional, for example – colour scheme and material finish you want, and what your budget will allow. It’s best to have your new patio installed in spring when the project won’t be hindered by cold, damp conditions. Your garden will then be ready for summer. If you’re using an installer, plan in plenty of time to ensure your preferred landscaper is available. A good installer should be able to assist in the early stages with design advice. It’s worth noting materials often equate to around 20 per cent of the cost, with the remaining 80 per cent made up with groundworks, sub-base and labour costs.
What’s the best material?
Porcelain, natural stone and concrete pavers are all extremely hard-wearing. Porcelain is popular for homeowners looking for a contemporary patio. Dense and durable, it’ll withstand the elements, and it’s resistant to scratches and stains. It is typically slightly more expensive but will stand the test of time. Natural stone is strong and robust with unique characteristics in each paver – and there are premium and lower-cost stones available. Concrete paving has something for every budget with endless design options, whether you want an aged appearance or a modern scheme.
Which styles are on trend?
Grey continues to be dominant in the home and the garden, with a range of shades from real dark greys to more silver tones. But, traditional colours, such as Buff and Dune, still have their place, particularly among country cottage-type properties. Also popular is for homeowners to match flooring across their kitchen and garden for a seamless flow. Many of our porcelain ranges come in a standard 20mm depth for the patio and a thinner 10mm tile for inside to continue the look.