We were so inspired by @tash_lickcolourpro’s DIY upholstered headboard that we thought we’d share her guide on how to make your own. No, you don’t have to be a master upholster to achieve it, you just need to be a bit of a dab hand with a staple gun.\n\nIt’s a great way to tie a look together using fabrics you’ve already got. You can even turn a pair of old curtains into a headboard (or pair of cushions to match). If you’d like to have a go at this DIY guide for yourself, here’s how. 

Step 1: ensure you’ve got the right tools for the job\nYou’ll need: \nFabric \nMeasuring tape\nFabric scissors \nHammer and tacks\nTack lifter\nStaple gun and staples \nStaple remover \nStep 2: measure your headboard\nStep 3: cut your fabric\nCut your fabric to the size of your headboard, allowing an extra 5 cms each side (so 10 cms total) for stapling.\nStep 4: secure your fabric in place\nStarting in the top centre of your headboard, using your hammer and tacks, secure your fabric in place and work your way out. You want your fabric to be snug, but not too tight.\nStep 5: staple\nOnce your fabric is in place and you’re happy with how it looks, grab your staple gun and begin securing it to your headboard, starting from the middle of the top of your headboard, removing your tacks as you go using your tack lifter. \nStep 6: cut in\nAs you get to the corners of your headboard, you’ll need to ‘cut in’ to your fabric using a Y shape, to avoid excess fabric and prevent it from bulging. Roll and fold over your cut edges to ensure a neat finish and secure using your staple gun. Don’t worry if you make any mistakes whilst stapling, you can take them out with a staple remover.\nStep 7: trim any excess fabric\n

And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a brand-new looking headboard. Now, you just need to re-affix it to your bed or your wall to complete the job. If you liked this idea, take a look at these \n9 statement headboard ideas for your bedroom\n for some more bedroom decor inspiration.

When it comes to creating a DIY painted wall headboard, the wall is your oyster. You can go for any design you like—from two-tone to multi-coloured. It’s a great way to use up leftover paint, as \nthis wall mural on a budget\n demonstrates.\n\nIn this DIY painted wall headboard ‘How to’ guide, we’re going to share how to create two of our favourite designs: a semi-circle painted wall headboard design and a rectangular painted wall headboard design—paintbrushes at the ready.\n\n\nShop bedroom paint\n\nHow to make a DIY semi-circle painted wall headboard\nThis DIY semi-circle painted wall headboard idea is a great way to create a cohesive colour scheme. It allows you to add a splash of colour without it being overwhelming. It’s an excellent \nboho bedroom idea\n.

Step 1:\n Make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job:\nYou’ll need:\n\nPaint\n (take a look at our full range of \npaint supplies\n to get the job done)\n\nMasking tape\n\nMeasuring tape\n\nPaint roller \nand \npaint tray\n\n\nPaint brush\n\nString\nPencil\nNail and hammer\nFiller\nSandpaper\n\n\nStep 2:\n As ever, \nprep your wall for painting\n. \nStep 3:\n Once prepped, paint the wall in your chosen base paint colour. This headboard idea is a great way to tie together colour palettes in a room. Take a look at our \nsample boxes\n for some inspiration. Leave your paint to dry.\nStep 4:\n Using your measuring tape, measure your bed to find the centre point  (horizontally and vertically) and mark it on the wall with your pencil.\nStep 4:\n Cut your string to the length of your desired circle diameter (leaving a few extra cms to tie the string around your nail and pencil).  \nStep 5:\n Hammer your nail into your mid-point (don’t worry, you’ll fill this later). \nStep 6:\n Using the string to guide you, with your pencil draw a semi-circle in one consistent movement. \nStep 7:\n \nVery\n carefully (easy does it), begin painting the edges of your circle using your cutting brush. Once you’ve covered the tricky outer edges, you can use a larger paintbrush for the inner circle.  \nStep 8:\n Remove the central nail and cover-up using filler and sandpaper. \nStep 9:\n Use a fine paintbrush for touch-ups where needed.\nHow to make a DIY rectangular painted wall headboard\nThis DIY rectangular painted wall headboard design looks great in highly contrasting colours: a light \nbeige\n with \nblack paint\n or gentle \npinks\n with deep \ngreens\n. Add some wall mounted bedside tables or lamps, and you’ve got an easy to execute stylish look on your hands.

Step 1:\n As ever, ensure you’ve got the tools to get the job done.\nYou’ll need:\n\nPaint\n (take a look at our full range of \npaint supplies\n to get the job done)\nMasking tape\nMeasuring tape\n\nPaint roller \nand \npaint tray\n\n\nPaintbrush\n\nSpirit Level\nPencil\n\nStep 2:\n Begin by \nprepping your wall for painting\n. \nStep 3: \nOnce prepped, paint the wall in your chosen base paint colour. Leave your paint to dry.\nStep 4: \nUsing your measuring tape, measure your bed’s width. Decide the width and height of your painted wall headboard and mark these points. You’ll probably want it to extend around 50cms either side of your bed and the same, if not more above your mattress.\nStep 4:\n Mark these measurements on the wall using your pencil. \nStep 5:\n Using your spirit level and a pencil, draw a straight line horizontally and vertically on either side of your bed. \nStep 6: \nNext, take your masking tape, sticking it to the wall on the outer edge of your pencilled line.  \nStep 7:\n Get your roller and chosen paint colour and paint between the lines. Leave to try. \nStep 8: \nOnce you’re certain your paint has dried (very important. Otherwise, you might end up smudging your hard work), remove the masking tape. Marvel at your razor-edge lines.\nAnd that’s it! A ‘How to’ guide for two of our favourite (and easiest) DIY painted wall headboard ideas. If you liked this, why not take a look at these \n9 statement headboard ideas for your bedroom.\n

It probably comes as no surprise that getting crafty at Christmas is one of the nation’s favourite things to do. From baking delicious treats, to dressing the perfect tree – we go crazy for a bit of festive DIY.\n \nThis year, more than ever – we’ve explored ways to keep ourselves busy and entertained, whilst having to spend more time at home.\n \nTo inspire your Christmas even further, we’ve pulled together five DIY decorations that you can try yourselves – and it won’t even break the bank to recreate them, either! Tried and tested by the following Instagram pro’s - here’s our favourite little designs, that can make a big statement this season…

Homemade gift bows\n \nLuke (\n@lukearthurwells\n) very kindly built a tutorial, showing Instagram how to create the perfect DIY bow for your gifts, this Christmas. Why not give it a go, and impress all your family and friends with some expert gift wrap.\n \nWhat you will need:\nRibbon of choice\nDouble sided tape\nNeedle & thread\nRuler\nScissors\n \nStep 1: \nTo begin, cut 5 pieces of ribbon; x2 at 18cm long, x2 at 16cm long and x1 at 10cm long. Then fold each ribbon in half (apart from the smallest one), allowing a crease mark to appear.\n \nStep 2: \nFold over and under one end of the first piece of 18cm long ribbon, and use your double-sided tape to secure it to the middle of the crease. See images for direction. Do the same for the other side of the ribbon, so both ends now meet in the middle. Repeat for both lengths of 16cm ribbon, too.\n \nStep 3: \nTake another piece of double-sided tape and secure the two newly formed pieces together, in a cross-like shape. See images for direction.\n \nStep 4:\n With the remaining 10cm ribbon, take your needle and thread, and run a loose stitch down one side of the ribbon –  also making sure you leave a couple of centimetres of thread either side of the ribbon too. Once this is done, pull each end of the thread, allowing the ribbon to bunch up - then tie them together. This will create a small, rosette design for you to stick in the centre of your bow.

“ Handmade gifts always go down well, and I think the same goes for wrapping presents - those details really make them feel extra special.”

Pampas mirror topper\n \nTaking inspiration from Instagram’s obsession with pampas grass this year, Nina (\n@nina_moves_in) \ncreated a beautiful, dried grass mirror topper for her arched mirror. In the search for something less traditional, she designed this cloud-like topper to sit at the top of the mirror and jazz it up Christmas.\n \nWhat you will need:\n-       6-8 fluffy stems of pampas grass, and any other dried grass you wish to include\n-       Floristry wire\n-       Oasis (suitable for dried grass)\n-       Small Christmas baubles attached to fishing wire (optional)\n \nStep 1:\n Take the oasis and the floristry wire and attach it to the top of your mirror - using the brackets at the back.\nStep 2: \nSplit your pampas grass stems into smaller branches, then begin adding your grasses into the oasis; ensuring that you create an even design of pampas on both sides. Start from the sides and slowly build around to the middle.\nStep 3: \nOnce you’re happy with the design, you can start adding your small Christmas decorations by attaching them to fishing wire and tying them into the centre of the fixture – allowing them to dangle down delicately. This will help to add a touch of glamour and sparkle to the design.  

“Getting creative at Christmas time is one of my favourite things to do.”\n

Paper origami stars\nDan (\n@_millergrey)\n gave his Instagram followers the perfect tutorial for making your very own paper origami stars, to use as decorations or gift wrap design. We just love how simple and effective this is – and we can’t wait to perfect this one ourselves!\n \nWhat you will need:\n-       Paper, in the colour of your choice\n-       Template downloaded from Dan’s website\n-       Pencil and ruler\n-       Scissors\n \nTo follow Dan’s step-by-step tutorial \ndownload the perfect sized template\n for the activity.– click the link below.

“These stars are an amazing way of using up leftover scraps of wrapping paper - though be as creative as you want to be.”

Foliage mantle display \nDaniela (\n@danielatascayork\n) created the most beautiful arrangement for her mantel piece, by spending just £20! The arrangement contains some foliage bought from her local supermarket, as well as some foraged items that she found by heading out on a walk with a pair of scissors.\n \nWhat you will need:\n-       Foliage and/ or flowers\n-       Oasis\n-       Secateurs\n-       Floristry wire

“I wanted the design to feel ethereal and cloudy, like a frosty winter’s walk through the forest.”

Hand painted / DIY Christmas baubles\nTeam Lick decided to use some of Lick’s trusty, pre-primed paint to up-cycle some ceramic baubles this Christmas. Using colours to suit anyone’s aesthetic, we simply used some sanding paper to sand down the baubles, took a paint brush and got to work. Upgrading simple baubles with just a lick of paint!\n \nWhat you will need:\n-       Plain (ceramic baubles)\n-       Sandpaper\n-       Paint brush\n-       Leftover paint\nIf you fancy giving any of these DIY decorations a go yourself, be sure to tag us @lick. Want more festive decor inspo? Join in on our \n12 days of Christmas content series\n.

Did you hear? We’ve just launched our \ncollab with Livingetc\n — the \nLick x Living Etc palette: Neo Deco pastels paint collection\n. With 7 playful colours to choose from, it’s the perfect palette to set your home up for summer, \nMiami Art Deco style\n. Once you’ve had a good ol’ browse through the paint colours, you’ll soon be wondering which ones you should select for your space, which rooms to use them in, and how creative you can get with this palette.\n\nThe good news? Multiple colours from this collection can be used in one room for that much-loved spring and summer vibe. All the colours in this palette are yellow based and have been carefully designed and developed to work harmoniously together.\n\nJust feast your eyes below...

Equally, the colours don’t \nneed\n to be used side by side to make an impact. This collection is designed to decorate your whole house - use them across different rooms and they’ll all compliment each other. For instance, you could use the blues and creamy white on the walls and the deep burgundy as a highlight detail around a door frame in the living room, leading into a dusty pink dining room. Other great combinations include pairing the white, yellow and green mint blue, the white and burgundy, or the pink & white.\n\nDon’t be afraid to get super creative with this palette — the amount of fun colour combinations here are endless. Discover how to style the Miami Neo Deco pastel paint colours in the different rooms of your home, with recommendations from our Lead Colour Specialist, Tash.\nHow to style mint green paint in your home\n\nAlthough it’s called \nBlue 09\n because of its strong blue undertones, this paint colour is actually a soft mint green (our take on \nduck egg blue paint)\n. From bathrooms to hallways, you can use it in multiple rooms to bring those calming outdoor vibes in and create the \nultimate spring colours palette\n in your home.

How to style baby sky blue paint in your home\nGet permanent blue skies in your home office by painting your study with the perfect \nsky blue paint: Blue 08\n. This soothing colour will evoke a feeling of calm as you deal with your workday. Hey, anything to reduce the stress of those back-to-back Zoom meetings. 

How to style warm sunset yellow paint in your home\n\nCraving some sun? Inject some warmth into your home with a few coats of \nYellow 03\n. This warm sunset yellow would work well in hallways or add a playful touch to a guest bedroom, potentially on the ceiling if you’re not \nquite\n ready to add that much yellow to your walls. It’s also a great accent colour to use on tired-looking furniture pieces that could do with a bit of a make-over.

How to style dusky powder blue paint in your home\n\nAdd a burst of the powdery, \ndusky powder Blue 10 paint\n for a pop of colour in your bedroom or bathroom. This shade would also look great on ceilings, giving you that bright blue Miami sky throughout the year.

How to style dusty blush pink paint in your home\n\nWant to create the ultimate cocooning spot? Paint your bedroom walls with the earthy blush \nPink 05\n and snooze in style. It would also work really well in a living room, giving you the perfect backdrop to lounge. Or add a burst of this comforting colour in your dining room, painting the ceiling pink and pairing with creamy white walls.

How to style dark velvety purple paint in your home\n\nThe most ‘dramatic’ colour in this palette, \ndark Purple 03 paint\n is a rich burgundy purple with deep blue undertones. It may be a little too rich to paint all over the four walls of a room, but Tash recommends using it as an accent colour in your bedroom or hallway to add a bit of depth and drama. It would also look great on your kitchen cabinets, especially if you contrast it with creamy white walls.

How to style creamy white paint in your home\n\nFinally, we’ve got the creamy \nWhite 03\n with a warm yellow base. This would work well in a south facing bedroom or a living room where you’re looking to create the illusion of more space. It also pairs well with pretty much every other colour in this palette.

Now, you may actually want to get a closer look at the colours yourself to test them out on your own walls. Easily done, simply \norder some peel-and-stick paint samples\n from the \nLick x Living Etc Neo Deco pastels paint collection\n and work out which colour combinations and shades work best for your space.

Although it’s become increasingly popular over the last few years, open shelving is one of those design trends that has been around for ages, dating all the way back to the 18th century. It’s one of those design choices that you either love or you hate, but with \nthe rise of Japandi interior style\n (a blend of Japanese design with \nScandinavian decor\n) and \nminimalist kitchens\n, open shelving is a feature that looks set to stay on-trend.\nSo, what is open shelving?\nOpen shelving is shelving that isn’t tucked away inside a cupboard or a cabinet, meaning that everything you pop on the shelves is out for display. It essentially looks like a cupboard with shelves but no doors.\n\nNow, it may not be for everyone, but there’s a lot to like about it, as it offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. And there are ways to work around any clutter concerns you may have. Read on to discover more about this ‘controversial’ interior design trend and how to best use open shelving in your kitchen.\nOpen kitchen shelving - why the buzz? \nSo where do all the strong opinions on open kitchen shelving come from? Here’s the good stuff:\nIf well styled, open shelving gives you an aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable corner of your kitchen. Search for ‘kitchen shelf styling’ or ‘kitchen shelfie decor’ on Pinterest and you’ll be served with thousands of chic ideas to get you started. Your open kitchen shelves give you the perfect place to show off all your cookbooks, indoor plants, and favourite glassware. More on kitchen shelving ideas later. 
\nOpen shelves are convenient, offering you easy access to all your plates, pots and whatever else you choose to stash there. And you get a clear view of your kitchen items, which saves you having to root around the back of a dark cupboard.\nIf you’re working with a \nsmall kitchen\n, overhead cupboards can make it feel even smaller, while open shelving can help open up a space, making the room feel lighter and less enclosed. On the note of small kitchens, \ngreen kitchen paint\n is one of the best colours for a small kitchens.\n

All that sounds great, so what’s the issue? One of the main concerns that many people have with open shelving is the fact that all their clutter will be out on full display. But you could also say that having everything in open view would help eliminate clutter, as you may keep things tidy to avoid facing an unsightly mess every time you pop in for a snack.\n\nAnother point that open shelving nay-sayers bring up is that the shelves look slightly ‘unfinished’ without cupboard doors. But that’s also where you can really make use of styling to turn shelves into a design feature rather than just an old fashioned cupboard. Open shelving offers you the opportunity to tackle storage \nand\n style, with just a few slabs of wood.\nIdeas for decorating your kitchen shelves\nOnce you’re sold on the idea of open shelves, the next step is figuring out how to decorate them. Check out some of our favourite kitchen shelf styling ideas below:\n\nCookbooks\nWe’ve all got a hardcover cookbook or two lying around somewhere. Dust it off and display with pride on your open shelves. And hey, it may even inspire you to try a new recipe or two.

Coloured glassware and mugs\nYour open shelf is only as stylish as what you display on it. Upgrade your glassware to a more eye-catching colour and make your drinking experience a lot more pleasing to the eye.

Indoor plants\nAn affordable and impactful addition to your open shelves, indoor plants will add splashes of colour to your kitchen shelf while also helping you nail the current interior design trend of bringing the outdoors in. 

Handmade clay plates\nGet your hands on some handmade dinnerware for a trendy and unique look. We love the look of handmade clay plates, the type that you may find in your coolest local independent coffee shop.

Paint the back of the shelves a different colour \nMake a statement with a pop of contrasting colour by painting the back of your shelves with a different colour to the rest of the walls. It’s a sure-fire tactic to turn your open shelves into a design feature without having to worry too much about styling them. Explore our \nrange of designer wall paints\n for \nsome kitchen paint colour ideas\n and pop some colour onto those shelves! You can also play around with contrasting your shelves to your kitchen cupboards. Learn \nhow to paint kitchen cupboards here\n.

Looking for painting tips and decorating advice? Check out our blog posts about \nhow to paint different furniture surfaces\n, \n8 Japandi home decor ideas\n and \n10 tips to decorate your home like a real Scandinavian\n.

A major part of decorating success? Arming yourself with the right tools. \nNavigating your way through the decor aisle can be daunting, we know. If you’ve ever stepped into a DIY store and walked out feeling slightly overwhelmed, we’re here to simplify matters a little. Gather the goods you need using the list below.

Brushes\n
Along with a quality tin of paint, the right paintbrush or wallpaper brush is \nessential\n for a flawless finish. Invest in a 2-inch angled brush to ‘cut in’ the edges so you can reach all those inner nooks and crannies. It’s easy to control so you’ll also find it useful for painting door and window frames.\nRollers\n
Use a large roller to apply paint to bigger surface areas three times faster than you would using a paintbrush. Invest in a mini roller for tight corners and to blend your cut in edges.\n\nIf you're painting high ceilings, opt for a \npaint roller extension pole\n to help you reach them.

Painting tray\n
Pour your paint out into a \npaint tray\n that you can easily dip your roller into. Look for a stable base with a deep enough pit and invest in some disposable liners to save yourselves the scrubbing hassle.\nWallpaper adhesive/paste\n
Hang wallpaper up with a lick of high-quality wallpaper and wallpaper adhesive/paste and it’s up there for the long haul. Lay a trimmed sheet of wallpaper down on a table and apply a thin film of wallpaper paste on the back using a paint roller. Allow the paste to soak in (using the manufacturer’s recommended time) and proceed to hang. \n(Tip: Find out whether your wallpaper material requires a specific paste before you buy. You can get wallpaper paste as a powder to mix with water,  but we’d recommend investing in ready-mixed adhesive to save time.)

Masking tape \n
What DIY project does good old fashioned \npainters masking tape\n \nnot\n help with? Use masking tape (AKA painter’s tape) to protect those areas that you don’t want splatters of paint on. Simply mask off your skirting board and the edge of your flooring before getting your paint on. Trust us, it’ll stay put. \n(Tip: Remove masking tape immediately after painting to avoid peeling off any of your handywork. For more tips, check out \nhow to use masking tape when decorating\n)\nSteamers\n
Sick of the sight of your current wallpaper? Remove it using a wallpaper steamer (learn \nhow to use a wallpaper removal steamer\n). It works by using hot water to soften the wallpaper adhesive so it comes off with easel. It’s a lot quicker than tackling the entire area with a stripping knife. Which takes us nicely to the next tool… \nWallpaper stripping knife\n
Get rid of your wallpaper traditional way - using a sharp wallpaper stripping knife. We’d recommend using a 4-inch wide stripping knife and using sharp and short movements to strip your wallpaper off.\nProtective glasses and masks\n
Safety first. Slip on some safety glasses to protect your eyes from any sawdust or old peeling paint. Put a mask on to protect yourself from any fumes. \n(Tip: At Lick, we’ve designed our paint to be fume-free and low in VOC.)\nFiller/caulk\n
Deal with any holes or gaps in your wall by adding wall filler or caulk for a smooth and solid surface to paint/paper on. The difference? Filler sets hard and can be sanded smooth, so it’s best to use pre-painting or wallpapering. Caulk is a better choice for flexible fillings, such as around windows and stairs. \nFilling knife \n
Use a filling knife to apply filler into those holes and gaps. Choose one with a stainless steel blade and a comfy handle for easy use. \nScraper \n
Get a sturdy wide scraper to (you guessed it) scrape away old paint and wallpaper. \nSandpaper \n
Keep a few pieces of sandpaper at hand to sand down your freshly filled in walls and smooth away any bumpy surfaces before painting or wallpapering. (It’s actually quite enjoyable...) \nDrop cloth\n
Usually made of canvas or plastic (we’d recommend canvas), use a drop cloth to protect your floors and furnishings from paint splodges and splatters.\nExtension handle\n
\nUse an extension handle to make it easier for you to reach high walls and ceilings with your paint roller. 

If you have a shed in your garden, you’ll know that it’s more than just a spot to stash that never-used treadmill or other abandoned piece of gym equipment (hey, we all have one). A good-looking garden shed can contribute a lot to the overall ‘look’ of your outdoor space. \n\nOne of the main ways you can transform your shed from a simple storage space to an aesthetically pleasing garden attraction? Revive it with a lovely, durable paint colour of your choice.\n\nSo if you fancy sprucing up your shed for a little bit of garden eye candy, keep reading. We break down all the essential tools you need to paint a shed, how to paint a shed and the \nbest shed paint\n out there.\nTools you’ll need to paint a shed\n\nLet’s kick off with what you’ll need: \n\nMild cleaning solution\nA bucket filled with water \nCleaning sponge \nSanding block \nPaint brush \nA tin of weather-resistant \nexterior and masonry paint\n\nWhat is the best paint for sheds?\n\nWhen choosing paint for your shed, durability and wearability should be your priorities. Obviously, you want a fabulous colour that’ll spice up your garden space - but it also needs to stand the test of a fair few British rainy seasons. \n\nOur \nrange of Lick exterior and masonry paints\n is designed to be weatherproof, self-priming and highly durable. Perfect for all those tired-looking garden sheds out there. 

How to prepare your shed for painting \n\nBefore you start slapping the paint on, there are a few essential prep steps to get your shed surface ready: \n\nClean the shed surface.\n Boring, we know. But an essential step to get that shed surface paint-ready. Use a bucket of water and a mild cleaning solution to sponge down the surface. \nSand down any old paint. \nTo prep your shed for its gorgeous new paint, it’s time to say goodbye to the old. Sand it down to get rid of any old, flaky paint bits. Our \nwall repair kit\n comes with a 120 grit sanding block.\nMake sure the surface is completely dry. \nOne of the mantras of painting - never, ever paint a damp wood surface. \n\nCheck out our blog for all the steps you should take to \npaint wooden furniture\n and other surfaces with Lick. \nHow to paint a shed - the step-by-step process\n\nStep 1 – Apply primer (if needed)\n\nWhile this step isn’t essential if you use Lick paint (all our paints are self-priming), we’d recommend it for previously painted surfaces or drastic colour changes. \n\nStep 3 – Apply your first of coat of Lick paint \n\nTime to actually paint the shed AKA the fun part. Start to apply your first coat of Lick paint colour of choice evenly over the surface of your shed. Feeling like going bold and colourful? Try our \nyellow shed paint\n.\n\nStep 4 – Allow the first coat to dry \n\nYou’ll be pleased to find that this part requires absolutely zero effort on your part. Sit back with a cuppa and wait for that first coat of shed paint to dry. \n\nStep 5 – After at least 4 hours of chill time, apply that second coat \n\nWe’d recommend two full coats to give you that professional paint job finish you’re after. \n\nAnd there you have it, a spruced-up garden shed that’s \na lot\n more exciting to look at than it was a few hours ago. Save the shed decluttering session for another day.\n\nExplore our range of \nexterior and masonry paint colours\n.

An easy way to transform your outdoor space and brighten up your garden is by giving your fence a fresh ‘lick’ of paint. This is a paint job that’s incredibly easy even for DIY newbies, as it doesn’t take a huge amount of time and skill. If you’re working with a small space, you can even use your choice of exterior paint colour to make your garden look bigger. Opt for lighter colours if you want to open up a space.\n\nLearn how best to prep and paint your fence by following our easy step-by-step guide.\nTools you’ll need to paint a fence\nFirst, the tools you’ll need: \n\nLick exterior paint\n: explore our range of 13 \nexterior and masonry paint colours\n \n\nPaint brush\n or \npaint roller\n\nSanding block\n\nBiodegradable dust sheet\n or a \ndecorators canvas\n to protect surrounding areas \nProtective clothing\nStain block (for plywood, red cedar or any resinous woods)\nChoosing the right exterior wood paint \nNews flash: we’ve just launched a range of exterior paint that works wonderfully on fences. Our exterior paint range includes 13 colours of high-coverage paints designed to be used on all kinds of outside surfaces. \n\nOh, and you don’t need to worry about messing around with primer or varnish. With all the pigment-rich vibrancy of our indoor paints, our exterior paint has the extra durability needed to withstand the elements and has a lifespan of up to 10 years once applied.

When is the best time to paint a fence? \n\nOther than the prep step, \nwhen\n you paint your fence is one of the most important factors that’ll decide how long your paint job lasts and how flawless the finish is. Here’s when we’d recommend:\nTry and paint your fence in the summer months when it’s more likely to be dry. This will allow the paint to set better.\nSchedule your fence painting for a day where the temperature outside is above 10 degrees and there isn’t any rain forecast before the paint has had time to dry. This helps you avoid bubbling, blistering and the paint running back off the surface with the rain. \nStart painting earlier in the day to prevent your paint job from getting damp once the temperature drops in the evening.\nHow to prep a fence before painting \n\nPut the prep work in and you’ll find that your freshly painted fence will last you a lot longer. Here’s how to prep your fence before painting:\nRemove any loose or flaking bits and sand down for a smooth and even surface,\nIf the wood is new or well-weathered, apply a diluted first coat (70% paint and 30% water). This is the most important step for long-lasting results. \nSome woods will stain and bleed through light colours, including plywood, red cedar and other resinous woods. Apply a stain block to these before painting.\nHow to paint a fence \nIf the wood on your fence is new and treated, we advise exposing it to the elements for at least 6 months before painting. The treatment needs to weather before you apply any paint. \nNon treated wood can be painted straight away (with a diluted coat first). \nStarting at the top and working your way down, use a paint brush or roller to paint the fence panels with your chosen colour. If the wood panes are horizontal, use horizontal strokes, or vertical strokes for vertical panes of wood. \nFollow the direction of the timber grain for a smoother finish, as this allows you to cover all surface areas more easily. \nLeave your first coat to dry for a few hours before applying a second coat. We’d recommend a second coat for added durability and longevity. \nLeave to dry. Ideally, the paint would need 16 hours to completely dry without any exposure to rain or frost. If possible, leave it to dry overnight. \nWake up to a better looking garden!\nInterested in learning more about \nexterior paint\n? Read more about \nLick's exterior paint here\n \nand discover \nthe best masonry and exterior paint colours\n.

NEWS FLASH: we just got into the \nmasonry and exterior paint\n business. Over the last few months, we’ve learnt a lot about what it takes to develop exterior house paint that’s durable with excellent coverage.\n\nNow that we’ve conquered that, let’s take a look at the ‘how’. If you’re considering giving your house exterior a fresh lick of paint, learn how to paint your house by following our easy step-by-step guide.\nStep 1: Choose the right paint for your exterior walls \nSo, what should you look for when choosing the right paint for exterior walls? Consider the following:\n\nThe type of surface: \ndoes the exterior paint work on the surface you want to paint? Although many exterior house paints are multi surface, there are some that will stick better to certain surfaces, so find the paint that will offer the best coverage and durability for the surface of your home. It’s worth pointing out that Lick exterior paint goes on almost every surface (yes, it even works as great \nconcrete wall paint\n) but we don't recommend it on stock/fletton bricks, granite and any surfaces where lime is present, such as the very old lime render.\nThe weather when you paint:\n make sure the weather is suitable for painting by choosing a nice, dry day. Give yourself as much time as possible to get the job done by following our step-by-step guide. You’ll find that there is very rarely a problem with the actual paint, a shoddy exterior paint job is usually the result of bad weather on the day or lack of surface prep. \nThe quality of exterior paint:\n this one’s an easy fix. Choose Lick exterior paint for a highly durable paint that’s rainproof and offers a life span of up to 10 years.\nStep 2: Equip yourself with the right tools\nFirst, gather your tools: \nPaint roller: the \n9” paint roller\n is a good size for exterior surfaces \n\nPaint roller extension pole\n\n\nPainters masking tape\n \n\nLick exterior paint\n: explore our colours to find the right one for your home \n\nPaint brush\n\nStep ladder\n\nBiodegradable dust sheet\n or a \ndecorators canvas\n to protect floors and surrounding areas\nFinally, painting the exterior of your home can be a messy (but fun!) job. Wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting splatters and splodges on.\n

Step 3: Prep your house exterior for painting\nProper prep is crucial to how flawless your exterior paint job will be. Get your surfaces ready with the below steps and your \nessential prep tools for painting\n:\nThoroughly clean and dry the surface\nIf the walls have been painted previously, remove any flaking or peeling paint with a pressure washer or wire brush \nRepair any cracks with exterior fillers \nMove any climbing plants and trellises out of the way as much as possible. \nOnce all the cleaning is done, leave the surface to dry completely before you start painting\nStep 4: Use masking tape to cover windows and door frames\n\nPainters masking tape\n is an essential tool for a precise paint job. Learn more about \nhow to use masking tape while painting\n. \nStep 5: Paint your first coat\nIf you’re working with masonry, brickwork (shop our \nbrickwork paint\n) or any other porous surfaces, apply a thin down coat of paint first.\nAlways start painting from the top down so you can catch any drips and runs.\nCut in around the edges with a small paint brush, then fill in with the paint roller. Learn more about \nhow to paint clean lines when decorating\n. \nWork your way over the exterior of your home in sections\nStep 6: Let it dry \nYour exact drying time depends on the temperature and the relative humidity. An ideal example of weather condition would be 18 degrees with a 65% relative humidity, then standard drying times would apply. Which is touch dry in 2 hours and follow with a second coat of paint in 2-4 hours.\nStep 7: Paint your second coat\nWe would always recommend using two coats of paint on the exterior of your home, even if you’re seeing great coverage with just one. That second coat adds durability and longevity to your paint job. \n\nNote that some darker or brighter colours may need three coats, as the covering power might be lower. Such colours can also fade more quickly in the sun, so that third coat gives you a little more durability.\nReady to pick a fresh colour for the exterior of your home? Explore our \nnew range of masonry and exterior paint colours\n.

A colourful front door is good for the soul. Walking up to a neighbour’s yellow front door will put a smile on your face, for sure. Front door colours matter and should never be an afterthought so here’s an easy guide on how to find your perfect match…\nThings to consider when choosing the right front door paint colour\n
\nNaturally, your door colour needs to be one that turns any frown upside down. In other words, you’ve got to love it for it to work its magic – so don’t pick one to simply fit in with everyone else's on the street. \n\nThat being said, if you live in a line of cottages where front door paint colours all sit in the realm of quintessentially country, it’s worth pausing for thought. Your home’s architecture can point you in the direction of paint colours that will complement it best. \n\nDo you have stained glass windows aside your front door or a patterned tile entryway? Features like these will play a part in the look and feel of your front door so make sure they’re harmonious with one another. You could even pull out one of the colours from the tiled floor and use that as inspiration for your front door paint colour. Also look at your window frames, any fencing or pots and plants at the front of your house so you can be confident the colours you choose work as one cohesive whole.\n\nAnd when you think you might have found the one, order a \npeel-and-stick paint sample\n of it first and check it out at different points of the day to be 100% sure you like it in all versions of daylight. \nHow to pair your front door colour to your home\n
\nNow to get hands-on with your preferred hues as we talk colour harmony. \n\nLots of houses have their entire exterior painted, whether that’s in classic crisp white or a pretty pastel. If that rings true for you or if you’re thinking of cracking open a tin and giving it a go (check out our guide on \nhow to paint your house exterior\n), you’ll want to be as sure as can be that your front door colour is going to complement your masonry paint.\n\nLick colour specialists step right up in that case with colour pairings for all of our \nexterior & masonry paint colours\n:\nGrey front door paint\nWhether you’re going pale and whisper-soft or deep and slate, a grey front door is one that suits all eras of architecture and is so easygoing that it’ll work with all manner of masonry paint colours. If you want to keep things 100% neutral, grey outdoor paints pair well with tones like \nWhite 01\n or \nWhite 04\n. Or, see grey as your neutral and a foil to perkier hues like \nPink 04\n.\n

Red front door paint\nLess pillar box, more warm and welcoming terracotta-style \nRed 02\n that’ll give a rosy glow to home modern and heritage. Just like with yellow, we suggest colour pairings from the neutral camp for a red front door – grey and white outdoor paints, that’s you. \nWhite 04\n is our personal favourite match for \nRed 02\n – a classic coupling if ever there was one.

Pink front door paint\nTurning the dial down from red, a pink front door is the answer when you want something delicate but still with plenty of pick-me-up. \nPink 04 \nhas grey undertones so it’ll work wonders with our other grey exterior paints – choose softly-softly \nGrey 01\n for something more country and \nGrey 08\n for contemporary feels.

Green front door paint\nGreen front doors galore, we say. A feel-good hue that’ll go down a treat in any style of home, don’t take away from its majesty with anything too colourful as its partner paint – neutrals are the best way to go here, which means you’re back to the likes of \nGrey 01\n and \nWhite 01\n. \nGreen 02 masonry and exterior paint\n works a charm with these two. But if you’re keen on colour, \nPink 04\n is the best path to take – they’re something delicate and floral about pink and green in close confines.

Yellow front door paint\nWe’re talking the golden tones of warm ochre yellow rather than anything too dazzling, and brining you our ray of sunshine \nYellow 02 masonry and exterior paint\n. Pair with a neutral to balance things out like either of our grey or white exterior paints. Fancy a bold contrast? Try \nBlack 01\n.

Blue front door paint\nThere’s the barely-there sky blue option of \nBlue 01\n or sultry slate \nBlue 06\n in our blue front door offering,  and if you want to keep things effortless, you can’t go wrong with \nWhite 01\n or \nWhite 04 \nas their partner in crime. Because of its deep sea depths, you can introduce a pop of brighter colour as a foil against \nBlue 06 outdoor paint\n however, like \nYellow 02\n or \nPink 04\n.

Black front door paint\n \nA black front door is bold but it’s also demure and classic. Remember that you can liven it up with a buzzy yellow masonry paint if you're feeling daring or bring out its classic credentials with \nGreen 09\n for company. And as always, failsafe monochrome is waiting in the wings with \nWhite 01\n being the crisper contrast of the two.

White front door paint\nAnd finally, if you’re painting your front door in a pure and simple white, we have some good news. Both \nWhite 01\n and \nWhite 02\n get along fabulously with every single masonry paint colour in the collection. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and jump right in.

Pick the right front door paint colour for your home with our new \ncollection of exterior and masonry paints\n and learn what your choice in front door colour says about you.

Learn & explore Lick's how tos on paint & wallpaper decorating, including how to cut in paint, how to dispose of paint,  how to hang wallpaper and more.

How To - Paint & Wallpaper Decorating Tips From Experts

Simply changing the colour or shade of your walls can go a \nlong\n way in updating the interior appearance and atmosphere of your home. Painting your walls is also a relatively easy way to freshen up a tired-looking decor without spending huge amounts. And no, you don’t necessarily need to choose bold splashes of neon or bright yellows to transform the mood of a room. \nProfessional paint application is just as important as the colour you choose, but luckily it’s not something you always need to turn to an expert for (well, unless you want to that is). Whether you’re a DIY expert or a total newbie, teach yourself how to paint a wall professionally with a little bit of patience, time and experience. Shake off those nerves, gather your tools and give it a whirl using our mini-guide on how to paint a room.\nFirst up, tools\n
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:\nA pot of \ninterior paint\n in a colour that you love\n\nPaintbrush and paint roller\n (& \ncutting in paint brush\n)\nPrimer (unless you're using Lick paint that is. In the main, our paints don't require the use of primer). Learn \nwhen to use primer paint here\n.\nSoap for pre-paint cleaning\nSingle room painting kit which includes a biodegradable eco-friendly \npainting tray\n\nPainters masking tape for painting clean lines (check out \nhow to use masking tape when decorating\n)\n\nDecorators dust sheet\n to protect your floor and furnishings \n\nPaint roller extension pole\n (if you need help reaching those high ceilings)\nHow to paint a wall: basic prep steps\n
The key to a seamless finish lies in the prep. Kick off with the simple preparatory steps below and you’re good to go: \nStart by clearing your working area to give yourself ample painting space. Put away your favourite furniture items and anything you don’t want to get splatters or splodges on.\nPut a protective dust sheet down to save your flooring and any furniture that’s too heavy to move. Newspapers and bedsheets won’t be sufficient here, but either a canvas or a plastic drop sheet should work equally well.\nExamine your wall for any flakey areas or little bumps. Use filler and sealant to fill up any cracks or holes or a scraper to even bumps and flaking paint. Don’t skip this step if you want to achieve a smooth and professional finish.\nNext, get your painting surface ready. Clean your walls thoroughly but gently using a soap and water mixture. Wipe clean and leave to dry.\nOnce the surfaces are dry, use painter’s masking tape (the best \ntape for painting\n) or good old fashioned masking tape to cover any sockets, switches and skirting boards in the area (check out more about the \nbest paint for skirting boards and how to paint skirting boards\n). Line up the edges of the tape with precise care to avoid a lopsided paint job.\nTime to prime. Apply a smooth and even base coat of primer using a roller. Work into smaller crevices using the tip of your paintbrush. Leave to dry for a few hours before starting to paint.\n(Tip: if you happen to be using a Lick paint, then 1) great choice, and 2) you can skip the primer step - our paint has been carefully developed to ensure you only need a few coats, and no primer base either).

How to paint a wall: painting instructions\n
Start by stirring your paint thoroughly for an even texture.\nFirst, use a paintbrush to tackle the edges and corners - this is known as cutting in (learn \nhow to cut in paint\n). Load enough paint to cover the brush halfway up the bristles. Tap your brush on the side of the can and get rid of any excess paint before brushing. Paint brushes are especially useful when painting radiators (read more to learn \nhow to paint a radiator and what paint to use on radiators\n).\nNext, get to work on the main surface areas in the middle using a roller. Dip your roller into the paint can and start to paint your wall in ‘W’ or ‘M’ motions for even distribution.\nLeave the first coat to dry for a couple of hours before you apply another coat. Most walls shouldn’t require more than two coats of paint. Remove the tape from the wall whilst the second coat is still drying.\nLeave to dry for at least 24 hours and remove your dust sheets to reveal your brand new wall.\nEt voilà- you’re done!

What to watch out for\n
As is life; things don’t always go to plan - and the same can be said for when you’re painting a wall. But there are a few things you can do to ensure a stress-free painting experience. \nStash upholstered items far away from your work area to skip the stress of dealing with deeply embedded stains.

Avoid the temptation to skip the priming stage if you want a vivid and consistent finish, especially if you’re painting over a darker colour (unless you’re using Lick products that it - in which, check our our paint information - in the main you won’t need to use primer).\nKeep your work area well-ventilated to minimise drying time.\n--\nRight, onto the next wall…or cupboard! Check out our guide on \nhow to paint furniture\n. Want to know if \nyou can paint over wallpaper\n? Read our guide on \nhow to paint over wallpaper\n.

Tools you'll need\n
Gather these \nwallpaper tools\n before you get started:\nSmaller wallpaper brush for nooks and crannies \nWallpaper paste/ adhesive\nWallpaper (well, that would help) \nMeasuring tool \nSharp scissors\nSoft, clean cloth for smoothing \n\nBest way to approach wallpapering corners \n
First thing's first; are you papering inside corners, or outside corners?\n\nPapering \ninside\n corners? Here’s what you need to know: \nMeasure the length of wallpaper that you’ll need and add an extra couple of centimetres in width before cutting. \nUse your brush to get the wallpaper paste into corners. \nProceed to hang wallpaper with care from top to bottom, making sure to align the pattern to the previous strip. \nGently press the wallpaper strip into the corner using a small brush. \nCarefully press the overlap onto the next wall so it forms a new overlap for the next strip. \nSmooth your strip from the centre using a soft, clean cloth.
\nWhen hanging wallpaper on \noutside\n corners, follow this process: \nMeasure the length and allow for an extra couple of inches (for the overlap) before cutting. \nApply paste using your handy little brush. \nHang the wallpaper using the same process as above, taking care to meet the edges of the last strip you’ve applied. \nWrap the piece around the outside corner.\nCreate a smooth edge by adding your next strip to the other side of the wall.
\nThings to remember\n
Keep smoothing as you go for the best finish. Always smooth out from the centre of the strip to avoid air bubbles.\nSmooth wallpaper surfaces gently. Don’t put too much pressure on it or the paste may squeeze out from the corners.\nDeal with any residue paste before it dries by cleaning it up with a natural sponge as you work.  \nTry not to rush the process. Hanging wallpapers in corners should take a little time for a newbie. Work slowly to avoid making mistakes. \n--\nNow you know \nhow to put up wallpaper\n! Master these steps and you’re one step closer to becoming a professional paperhanger. \n(Yes, that’s a thing.)\n\nRead our \nwallpapering for beginners guide\n and what mistakes to look out for, \nhow to remove wallpaper\n and \nhow to wallpaper a feature wall\n.

As you learn more about \nhow to hang wallpaper\n yourself, you’ll quickly realise that the hardest bit (by far) is getting the corners to look perfect. Sadly, you can’t just push the paper into the corner and expect it to look great. Still, you can learn the techniques and approaches that professionals use for a seamless finish. It’ll be a little tricky at first - but with the right know-how, you’re up for the challenge.\nRead on for our top tips on how to wallpaper corners like a pro.

DIY wall panelling is a cheap and easy way to transform any room in your home by making your walls look a little more interesting. Wall panels can give any room a bit more depth, and they’ve got that perfect blend of traditional and contemporary style. And not only do panels look great and revive your decor, they can also help cover up any uneven surfaces or walls that may be in need of filling.\nDIY wall panelling - can I do it myself? \n\nThere’s a general misconception out there that putting up wood panelling is too hard to bother with. If you’re wondering whether you can fit panelling yourself, the short answer is: yes. If you have basic DIY skills, you’ll find that wall panelling is actually easier to fit than tiles.\n\nOne of the most important (and some would say most challenging) parts of the wall panelling process is getting the measurements just right. Once that’s done and your panels are in place, you’ve just got to follow the standard prep + paint process to get the look you want. \n\nDiscover our easy step-by-step DIY guide on how to do wall panelling below.\nMDF panelling: what you need to know \n\nMedium-density fibreboard (MDF) is the most common type of wood panelling used for interior walls. To get started, you need to first decide the width and thickness of MDF you’re going to use. Now, this is usually based on personal preference. We’d recommend cutting some sample pieces of panelling down and placing them on your wall to select the width and thickness that works best for you. \nHow to do wall panelling \n\nStep 1: Gather your equipment. Here’s what you’ll need: \n\n\nMDF suitable paint\n\nMDF cut to size  \nA trusty tape measure\nPencil\n\nPaint brush \n/ \ncutting-in paint brush\n\n\nPaint roller\n \nSpirit level \nGlue\nSealant\nFillers \nStep 2: Take your measurements \n\nStart by measuring how wide your wall is. This is an important one to get right so grab that tape measure and take your measurements at least 3 times to be super sure. Write down those measurements so you don’t forget!  \nDecide how many panels you’d like on your wall. Sketch out a design of how you’d like your panel wall to look - this can be a huge help to visualise and stay on track as you work your way through all the steps.\nStep 3: Prep \n\nAlthough panelling can hide a multitude of sins on surfaces, there are certain problems you’ll want to fix before going ahead with attaching your panelling: \n\nGet rid of any flaky plaster or peeling paint by sanding down with a gritty sanding block.\nFill in any holes or gaps by carefully pushing filler in with a filling knife.\nOnce you’ve got a smooth surface to work with, it’s time to start attaching the panels onto your wall. \n\nLearn more about \nhow to prep a room for painting\n.\nStep 4: Attach your panels \n\nStart with your base rail. Using strong glue, stick each panel to your wall, making sure to press down for a secure fit. Leave to dry. \nOnce you’ve finished attaching your base rail, start attaching your top rail. You can then move on to your side stiles, which should slot in between your top and bottom rails. Use a spirit level to ensure they’re straight before sticking them down. \nContinue to fit the remaining stiles one at a time and finish off by adding in horizontal rails between them. \nRemember to ensure each panel is securely fixed on before moving to the next. \nSpotted gaps in your panelling? Caulk any such areas and leave them to dry for a smooth finish.\nStep 5: Prime \n\nFor a good pre-paint prime, we recommend preparing the wooden surface first with Zinsser BIN oil-based primer for a paint finish that sticks and lasts. Use a foam \nroller\n to apply your primer coat onto the wooden areas of your panelling. To get into the nooks and crannies, use a smaller brush for application. Leave your primer to dry.\n\nTop tip: if you’re painting MDF that hasn't been painted before, add a mist coat (a blend of 70% water + 30% paint) before applying your choice of \nLick paint colour\n.\nStep 6: Paint\n\nYour panelling is all primed and ready for paint! Opt for a durable and easy clean Matt finish for wood panelling. Cut in using a \ncutting-in paint brush\n (\nlearn how to cut in when painting here\n) and use a roller to paint the rest of the wall and panels. Leave to dry for at least 4 hours before applying your second coat.\n\nWe recommend using Bedec water based vanish after painting with your Matt paint, to protect the panelling.\n\nAfter you've painted and added vanish - sit back and admire your work. Yep, you did that.\n\n(Just a note - if your panelling is in a narrow, high traffic area (such as a hallway) you can opt for an eggshell finish. We are currently out of stock on a few of our eggshells, so check back on the site next month if your colour isn't available)\nLooking for inspiration?\n\nWe've got a few goodies for you direct from our decorating community.\nHallway panelling\n\nHow gorgeous would \nGreen 03\n panelling look in a hallway? Here is some inspiration from the living room of @Bigg_house_project

Bedroom panelling\n\n(Check out Krystal's \n£80 bedroom transformation with Greige 02 wall panelling\n)

How to

An easy DIY on how to reupholster a headboard

How to make a DIY painted wall headboard

5 easy DIY Christmas decorations to try at home

How to style the Neo Deco pastels colours in your home

How to style open shelving in your kitchen

How to use different decorating tools

How To Paint A Shed & The Best Shed Paint To Use

How to paint a fence

How to paint your house exterior

How to pick the right front door colour