Katie and Byron are a young London couple who reached out to us towards the end of their house renovation journey. With a goal to build their dream family home in the countryside, they embarked on their very own Grand Designs renovation project, converting a humble barn-style bungalow in Somerset into a spacious family home suitable for their two children and their new rural lifestyle.\nWhy did they come to Lick Studio for help?\nThis was Katie and Byron’s first whole-house renovation project, and by the time it came to finding a colour scheme, they felt totally overwhelmed by choice. Big projects, like renovations, can be incredibly draining, and they had lost their energy due to the process of the build and all the decisions they had to make. They came to us when they had reached a point of decision fatigue;\n“The pressure of getting the colours right was causing us anxiety. We had worked so hard on building this house and we really wanted to get the colour scheme right, but we just didn’t know where to start. We knew the feeling we wanted to create in our home, but we didn’t know the colours which would serve this. That’s why when we found Lick’s colour consultancy service, it felt like it was a no brainer”, explains Katie.

The pressure of getting the colours right was causing us anxiety...We knew the feeling we wanted to create in our home, but we didn’t know the colours which would serve this.

One of their main concerns was that their property would feel too new and lack personality. Being a bungalow extension, it ran the risk of feeling like a new build and losing its original country charm. We were tasked with alleviating Katie and Byron’s colour anxiety and helping the couple find a colour scheme that flowed harmoniously throughout their house, connecting the extension to the original property.\n\nWhat decisions went into our colour recommendations?\nKatie and Byron expressed a desire for the interior of their new home to embrace and reflect its gorgeous natural surroundings. They wanted each room to flow seamlessly into one another and for the colour scheme to feel warm and natural. We recommended light pinks and greens, which ended up being Katie and Byron’s ‘red thread colours’ that informed the colour scheme throughout the house, and were used to link all the rooms together.\nThe property boasts a beautiful open-plan kitchen-living room, which forms the nucleus of the home and a central family gathering area. They wanted the open-plan space to feel very warm and welcoming, and for the two areas to connect seamlessly. With this in mind, our Colour Consultants recommend the soft and warming \nPink 02\n to connect the kitchen to the living room.

Not only is \nPink 02\n an incredibly warming neutral that works wonderfully in large open spaces, but it is also the perfect complementary colour to their dark hunter-green, shaker-style kitchen (just \nlook\n at that stunning tongue and groove panelling). It also creates a tonal harmony with the pink framed wallpaper panels in their living room, which they wanted to be a focal point.

Their entranceway leads into the open plan living room kitchen and features a large glass front door. It was in this space that Katie and Byron wanted to create a wow factor, whilst bringing nature in. The house is in a U-shape with big windows, and they really wanted to pull in the garden. “Our whole reason for moving to Somerset was to be closer to nature”, Katie told us.\nWith this knowledge, our Colour Consultants knew this was a great opportunity to create a really biophilic feel in their home through the use of a nature-inspired colour scheme and botanical wallpaper. We encouraged them to wrap the entrance hall in wallpaper (floor-to-ceiling), in order to completely immerse themselves in the design. This botanical pattern, with its soft neutral backdrop, gives the illusion of space and makes the small entranceway feel expansive, bridging the gap between the inside and the outside. As there is no breaking point on the eye, it allows the eye to travel out into the garden.

In the dining room, Katie and Byron wanted to continue the biophilic theme we had introduced in the entrance hall. We recommend a tonal green colour palette of \nGreen 01\n walls and \nGreen 06\n woodwork, which formed the perfect backdrop to their botanical prints, house plants, and the natural textures and materials in the form of a large jute rug and a wooden dining table. We also encouraged them to refrain from having any window dressings, in order to allow the natural light to flow right through and really connect the space to the outside. \n


The colour palette for the bathroom also took on the pink and green colour combination. For Katie and Byron, it was about lifting the colours from the kitchen and flowing them throughout the house. We encouraged them to paint the walls of this bathroom in \nPink 02\n, which paired gorgeously with the dark green metro tiles.

In their master bedroom, they wanted to create a soft, warm feel. We recommended a tonal colour scheme with \nPink 01\n on walls and \nPink 02 \nwoodwork. Tonal colour schemes are very harmonising and restful to the eye. The dark wood and green accents ground the space and give depth to the room, whilst the dark wood and green accents ground the space and give depth to the room.

The Lick colour palette\nLove Katie and Byron’s house colour scheme? Check out the Lick colour palette below:

How was the overall experience with Lick Studio?\nWe asked Katie how she found the consultation process;\n“Working with Lick Studio was an absolute delight. We were like a rabbit in headlights with so many different ideas and really feeling the pressure of our choices. They totally reassured us, and helped us navigate and explain colour (and colour psychology) which was a fascinating process. They gave us the confidence to choose a colour palette of pinks and greens and we developed our whole interior design off the back of it. The peel and stick samples were also extremely helpful when we were out shopping for furniture, making sure everything was also in line with the look and feel we wanted to create in our home.”\n\nWant to get inspired by more Lick studio transformations? Take a \nlook at this south London living room project\n.

Planning to paint a surface outside of your home? Before you kick off, take a look at the weather forecast. \nWhen\n you paint your exterior surfaces can have just as much of an impact on the finished product as the steps you follow.\n\nHere are a few tips to help you pick the best weather for your outdoor paint project: \nCheck the next day's weather forecast before starting a large exterior or masonry paint project. \nChoose a nice, dry day for painting to allow the paint to set and dry thoroughly. \nA poor exterior paint job is usually the result of one of two things: bad weather on the day or lack of surface prep. Get those things right (coupled with the right exterior paint) and you’re looking at a paint job that could last you up to 10 years. \nYour exact drying times will depend on the temperature and the relative humidity during paint application. If you use Lick's exterior & masonry paint, let it dry for at least 16 hours/overnight without any exposure to rain or frost. Keep drying time to a minimum by choosing a dry day.\nIn a nutshell: choose the right weather for painting and you’re well on your way to a flawless finish. Learn more about the best weather conditions for painting outside below.
\nThe effects of direct sunlight on painting outside \nAlthough picking a sunny day for painting may seem like the best idea, too much direct sunlight can actually cause paint to dry far too quickly. To stick properly to the material, the paint needs a little time to soak into the surface before it’s fully absorbed.\nLuckily (in this case) we don’t have to worry about many intensely sunny days in the UK! Choose a day that’s dry and not \ntoo\n sunny and you’re all set. Or just paint a bit later in the day when the sun is going down.\n\nThe effects of rain on painting outside \nThis is a more obvious one, but it has to be said: avoid painting any exterior surface when it’s raining outside, even if it’s just a light drizzle. The rain will wash away the paint before it’s fully set, leaving you with a less than professional finish.\n\nThe effects of wind on painting outside \nWhile a bit of a breeze is not an issue, painting externally in very windy conditions can lead to the binding agent – solvents or water –  evaporating too quickly. You also run the risk of sediment being blown into the wet coating.\n\nThe effects of high temperatures on painting outside \nAlthough you’d ideally paint outside on a day where the temperature is above 10 degrees, overly high temperatures in the UK can come with high humidity levels. \nWhen humidity levels are high, there’s more moisture in the air, which means it can take longer for the water or solvents within the paint to evaporate. This can affect the drying time, so we’d recommend skipping an overly hot day.\n\nThe effects of low temperatures on painting outside \nThe cold British weather can bring high relative humidity that affects certain paints.\nIf you’re using paint that’s based in natural oils and resins, it can become more viscous at low temperatures. This means that when painting in cold weather, some paints will become very thick or semi-solid. Not ideal.\n\nThe ideal weather conditions for painting outside \nSo, you may be wondering, when exactly can I paint outside for the best finish? For Lick exterior & masonry paint, we’d recommend an ideal example of a weather condition of 18 degrees with 65% relative humidity. Our exterior paint can dry in as little as two hours (with a recoat in 2-4 hours), and — when prepped right, and weather permitting — lasts as long as up to 10 years.\nFor the best results, paint above 10 degrees, apply a second coat after four hours, then allow to dry overnight before potential exposure to frost or rain.\n\nIn summary:\nThe ideal air temperature for painting outside is 18 degrees (or at the very least, above 10 degrees)\nRelative humidity of 65%\nWarm, dry, cloudy conditions\nNo risk of rain during the application or drying process. And you’re all set!
\nWant to learn more about the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of exterior paint? Check out \nour guide on the best masonry and exterior paint colours\n and \nlearn more about Lick exterior paint here\n.\n\n\nShop masonry and exterior paint\n

You’ll likely have considered, at one point or another, how your online environment affects your mental wellbeing – how you feel after spending the day in front of a screen, and the kinds of social media posts that leave you uplifted, as opposed to anxious. But, have you thought about how your physical environment impacts your mental wellbeing?\nOur homes are intended to be the spaces we feel safest and most at ease in. However, if they aren’t set up to suit our very personal needs, they can end up becoming a stressor. So, to help you style your very own sanctuary, here are 7 interior tweaks that require little effort but provide a big mental boost.\n  \n1. Refresh the colour palette\nColour can have a huge impact on your state of mind, so if you’re finding it hard to relax in certain areas of your home, consider opting for a new hue. \nInterior Stylist and Art Director Pippa Jameson\n recommends checking in with yourself during day-to-day activities to observe how you feel in certain environments. ‘Whether you are out and about visiting exhibitions or walking in the countryside, make a mental note of how the colours around you make you feel. Which shades make you feel calm, and which have the opposite effect?’\nNeutral tones and those found in nature, such as blues and greens, are associated with feelings of calm and tranquility – ideal for bedrooms and living spaces, whilst bright and bold tones are more stimulating.\n‘Paint your ceiling in either a light blue or light pink,’ says \nTash Bradley, our Director of Interior Design\n. ‘Light blue is mentally soothing and can improve sleep quality. Whilst light pink is gentle and nurturing, making you feel safe.’

2. Declutter\n‘A clean house is a happy house.’ says \nSam Bramley, our Lead Colour Consultant\n. ‘When you’ve decluttered your home and done a spring clean, this can really help you feel calm and rested. It’s one of the most rewarding tasks you can do in your home.’\nClutter causes distraction and serves as constant, visual reminders of our to-do lists, so if you can keep on top of it (easier said than done, we know) you’ll find it easier to unwind at home. Take this opportunity to invest in nifty storage solutions too, so it’s easy to keep belongings out of sight.

3. Style a sociable space\n‘Use furniture to create areas of connection and conversation,’ advises Tash. ‘It's all too easy to come home from work and plonk yourself in front of the TV, but it’s really important for wellness that you create a space that invites moments of connection with others. When you're looking at the placement of your furniture, for example in a living room, ensure it is not all facing the TV. Instead, try investing in seating that’s lower to the ground, round, curved, or facing each other – all of these factors work together to encourage conversation and help create a welcoming feel in any room.’

5. Create a tech-free zone\n‘Create a space in your home that encourages you to be away from technology – a retreat space that’s just for you,’ says Charlotte. ‘It could be a reading corner, a space for yoga or meditation, or it might just be a seat with a view outside.’ Regardless, try to keep this space totally free from tech to allow yourself to be present, and calm.

4. Bring the outside in\nExposure to nature has been linked with decreases in stress and anxiety (just ask\n Dr. Daniel Maughan\n), so consider how you might be able to incorporate elements of the great outdoors in your home. ‘Introduce natural materials, textures and colours – rough exposed materials like stone or clay, natural textiles like linen or cotton, and colours that remind you of the outdoors, such as greens, blues, earthy neutrals, and warm clays,’ says \nCharlotte Cropper, our International Colour Consultant\n.\n\nOpen windows and window dressings throughout the day to get as much natural light and fresh air as possible into your home and, if you’re green-fingered, fill your pad with plants too.

6. Relocate your workspace\nWith many of us working from home since the pandemic kicked off in 2020, our homes and their purposes have evolved. It’s really important for your mental wellbeing that you separate work from rest, and by ensuring there’s a physical barrier between your work and rest spaces, it’ll make it easier for you to mentally switch off from the day’s tasks, too.\n\nIf you don’t have the luxury of an office, begin a ritual of packing away your work items at the end of every shift and tucking them out of sight so you aren’t at risk of being distracted by them and, consequently, reminded of work to-dos when you’re supposed to be resting.

7. Style an ideal sleep environment\nQuality sleep (or \nsleep hygiene\n) is imperative for good mental health, so to ensure you’re getting the best kip possible, pay attention to your bedroom environment. Try investing in black-out curtains and a white noise machine to block light and sound pollution, and make the room a strictly tech-free zone. Dress your bed with natural fabrics – linen, cotton, or bamboo, for example – for comfort, and pop some lavender essential oil in a diffuser for a soothing and calming aroma to aid sleep.

Speaking of sleep hygiene, why not check out our \n5 top tips for a better night’s sleep\n? And now that you’ve got some easy home update ideas to help you create your very own sanctuary, check out these \n10 self-care tips to try at home\n. 

If you’ve ever dreamt about building your own home, you’ve most likely watched and swooned over \nChannel Four’s Grand Designs\n. Presenter and designer Kevin McCloud has been running the show for more than 30-years now. He has seen plenty of setbacks, budget disasters and fallouts throughout his tenure of more than 200 episodes. So, what’s the secret to making a design project, no matter how big or small, go smoothly? We caught up with him to find out how best to embark on your own Grand Design.\n\nWhat’s your advice to anyone undertaking their own design project for the first time?\nKM: “I say this to everybody, and I’ve been saying this for 30 years – the world is full of brilliant people that want to help. Whether that’s your aunt, your best mate, your uncle’s friend who happens to be a builder, or your local architect. We show such extraordinary self-competence as human beings - we think we can do everything. But putting up shelves is very different from building a house. Asking for help in our lives is not something that most of us are very good at doing, but it’s a really important thing to do. When you do, your blood pressure drops, your heart skips a beat and you feel good. Just asking for help from any human being is the first step.”

What advice do you have for people to try to help them stick to their budget?\nKM: “That’s a really good question because it cuts right to the essence of what it is to be a human being. We are a species in which hope drives us. It gives us our ambition and desire to change our world – to make a better living room or bedroom, to build a new house, or to change our street. All of these things are good motivations, but with hope comes desire and an inevitable drive to overreach. We think we will get more done in a day than we can and we think we will build a house cheaper than we actually do.”

It’s like they said in the military: ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. If you plan and prepare it’s where you will save money.

“If you get a good quantity surveyor on board who can look at your project dispassionately and tell you how much it’s going to cost, then that’s a good start. It’s asking for help, and you need someone pragmatic to help you. It’s like they say in the military: ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail.’ If you spend three years planning a project you will spend three years building it, but if you spend five years planning a project then you may only spend one year building it. If you plan and prepare it’s where you will save money.”

What about dealing with setbacks in a project?\nKM: “The trouble is that on television we are used to seeing people get into trouble and then magically getting out of it. How did they do that? Usually by writing a very large cheque. Chequebook architecture, or spending your way out of a hole, is a lazy way of dealing with problems. I think that most of us forget that the best solutions are those which are thought about.”\n\n“We want things to be made good instantly in our lives, but that only happens with hard work, application, and thought. The best thing about us as a species is that we are creative and we can think our way out of problems. Don’t be duped by fairy tale stories – roll your sleeves up, sit down with those around you and share the problem to see how you can solve it.”

How is sustainability changing the way we design?\nKM: “Whereas the green home of 15 years ago might have had technology bolted on to it, now the sustainable home almost has an aesthetic. It can look like anything, but it should have thick walls and heavy concrete for cooling, triple glazing and external shading. These demands really affect how a building looks. Architecture is being driven by science and functionality, and the physics of the fact that summers are getting hotter and winters are getting wetter. As our weather patterns are changing, we are becoming much more aware of a need for resilience and so we are designing that into buildings and that’s changing the way that they look.”\nIf you could only choose one colour for an interior project, what colour would it be and why?\nKM: “As I get older, I’m fitting more into my socio-economic age group stereotype and I’m using more white. Here’s a piece of colour physiology: the average 70-year-old only has 12% of their colour receptor cells in their retina, so you need between seven and eight times as much light when you are older. If you ask a 25-year-old what colours they’re using to paint their house they use dark, rich and deep colours and they can because they’re in their 20s. Whereas I am at an age where I am thinking that I need five times as much light and I need everything to be white please.”\nTempted to embark on your own Grand Design project? We have all of the \ntools\n that you need to start your own home makeover. For more tips and insider info on how to get started, check out the \nlatest tips and tricks\n on our magazine.

Grand Designs Live will return to Excel London from 30th April – 8th May 2022.\nGrand Designs: The Streets airs on Wednesdays, 9pm on Channel 4.\nFor more information visit \nwww.granddesignslive.com\n.

Eclectic decor is all about a sparing yet deliberate use of statement colour, texture, and unique finds. It’s characterised by careful curation and unpredictability. Blending old and new, incorporating pieces from different periods and styles, an eclectic home will always feel entirely unique. Because of this, there’s no one store that does all things eclectic decor. You’ll have to shop around. But if you’re a true eclectic interior magpie, that’s half the fun.
\nGlassette\nOur \nInternational Colour Consultant, Charlotte Cropper\n’s go-to homeware store, Glasette is all about investing in handmade pieces made by UK designers and makers. “There's something for every budget and it's a great place for supporting small businesses and brands”. These \nCasacarta blue and green linen cushions\n will be a gorgeous addition to an eclectic home. 

Edition 94\nLondon born and bred Edition 94 scours the continent for quirky fabrics, lighting, tableware, and curios. A piece from here will be the talking point of your home, like this \nBlack and burnt orange floral silk-lined lampshade\n, or \nthese stunning swirl candles\n.\n

1st Dibs \nCelebrated as bringing the antiques industry into the 21st-century, \n1st Dibs\n is loved by interior designers and home decorators alike. There are some eye-watering prices, but pieces like this \nsunburst mirror\n are on-trend without breaking the bank.\n\nRockett St George \nFrom poppy to sophisticated, \nRockett St George\n has a wide range of eye-catching eclectic pieces, at an affordable price. *Adds the \nOlive Twisted Tube vase\n and \nBanana candlestick holder\n to bag.  

Tat London\nFounder Charlie Porter has made a name for herself collecting ‘This & \nTat’\n over the years. Today, her website boasts some of the most enviable and unique design inspiration. We love these \nPortmeirion Greek plates\n.\n

Etsy\nLet’s not forget good old Etsy. An Aladdin’s cave of one-of-a-kind pieces we love it for kooky candlewear, like these joyful \nneon ombre numbers\n.  \nRejuvenation\nOriginally focusing on renovated antique pieces, \nRejuvenation\n gives furnishings another lease of life. This \nLucite Propeller coffee table\n would make a design statement in your eclectic style living room.

Vinterior \nA collection of more than 1800 sellers, \nVinterior\n describe themselves as “the antidote to sameness”. You could spend a fortune here, but also pick up some bargains. We’re currently obsessing over the \ngreen velvet art deco sofa\n. Definitely \nnot\n a bargain. 

Chairish \nMuch much more than just chairs, Chairsh is one of the internet’s largest consortiums of antiques. From sofas to serving bowls, we think this \nsummer palette acrylic on canvas by Logan Ledford\n would set off an eclectic gallery wall perfectly. And these \npink with red trim handmade scallop placemats\n will add a gorgeous softness to your tableware.

Graham & Green\nGraham & Green is a must-visit for affordable, eclectic homewares. This \nabstract face print throw\n would be just the ticket for adding a quirky edge to your bedroom or living room.  As would any of their collection of \nframed artwork\n, from bold and colourful contemporary prints to intricate, historical botanical styles.

Like the style? Take a look at interior designer \nPandora Taylor’s eclectic decor home\n for some serious design inspiration. 

Sustainability is one of our top priorities. We are always looking for new ways to minimise our impact on the planet, as well as the latest \neco-friendly home decor ideas\n. One of the best places in the home to incorporate some eco-friendly life hacks is in the kitchen.
\nSustainable kitchen hack: ditch the plastic\nPlastic alternatives are on the up and it’s easier than ever - and more stylish – to use them. Swapping plastic containers for mason jars is a great step to embracing your own eco kitchen as well as being a fun décor hack too. You can buy jars online or in homeware stores and you can get refills at \nzero-waste supermarkets\n which continue to rise in popularity. We all know that plastic straws are a top polluter that will most likely end up in the ocean. Luckily, alternatives now come in multiple materials from bamboo to metal. They’re not expensive either, making it an affordable eco switch.

Sustainable kitchen hack: minimise food waste\nMinimising food waste isn’t just better for the planet – it’s better for you and your wallet too. When you fail to plan ahead, you can often end up throwing out food. This isn’t ideal. The vegetables at the back of your fridge will judge you for it. Create a meal plan that’s easy to stick to and cook enough for leftovers. Avoid the temptation of a mid-week delivery when you know you already have food. If you do have food that’s going to waste, then think of repurposing or compositing it to keep your kitchen eco-friendly.

Sustainable kitchen hack: use eco-friendly cleaning products\nThere can be all kinds of nasties and harsh chemicals in cleaning products. Not to mention the plastic you buy and throw away with each item too. Switch to eco kitchen products instead. Many of these you can buy in re-fills too to help keep your plastic consumption down and save money.

Sustainable kitchen hack: grow your own vegetables and herbs\nWe know we’re quite obsessed with \nbiophilia\n at the moment, but plants in your kitchen that not only look good but you can eat too is the definition of sustainable living. Growing your own veggies and herbs is easy. If you don’t have outside space, don’t worry, a basil plant can thrive perfectly well on a windowsill.

Sustainable kitchen hack: recycle and upcycle\nInvest in a separate recycling bin to encourage you to recycle any plastic or cardboard. You can also be sustainable in your decor choices. Got \nleftover paint\n? Don’t waste it – use it to \nupcycle some furniture\n. Bring some life back into some old kitchen chairs or even a table. This can be a great way to create a fun colour scheme if you’re decorating your kitchen. Don’t forget all of our paints are of course eco-friendly too.\n\nThe kitchen is the heart of the home, and it can be the focal point of your sustainability efforts too. If you are looking to find new ways in which you can refresh your approach to sustainability, then having a sustainable kitchen is a great place to start.

Decorating a home can get expensive, so it’s always a good idea to look for penny-saving tricks where you can. Trusty IKEA has loads of simple structures that with a few savvy improvements, can be transformed into statement pieces. Take the IKEA Ivar cabinet - we’ll show you how to turn it into a stunning sideboard that’ll be the perfect finishing touch to any boho-chic themed space.\n\nLet’s get hacking.\n\nStep 1: Gather your bits.\n2 x IKEA Ivar cabinets\n\nLick paint\n (for the boho-chic look, go for a neutral colour)\nJigsaw (try your local tool hire joint if you don’t have access to one)\nDrill with wood drill part\n\nSand paper\n\n\nPaint brush\n\nMini roller\n\nCane webbing\n 2 - 3 metres. \nStaple gun\nScissors\nHandles\nPencil\nTape measure\nHandles (optional)\nStep 2: Cutting\nRemove the doors of your Ivar cabinets. With a pencil and tape measure, mark the area that you want to cut out. Leave 4 cm minimum from the edge as you need enough space to attach the cane webbing.\nDrill holes in all four corners of your marked area, then use a jigsaw to cut out the middle of each door.\nSandpaper the edges that you’ve just cut so they are nice and smooth.\nStep 3: Painting\nChoose your Lick paint of choice (to keep it Boho Chic check out our \nwhite paint\n)\nWith a good quality brush and mini roller, two coats will do it.\nStep 4: Cane webbing\nDivide and cut the cane webbing into four (soaking the webbing for 30+ mins makes it easier to cut).\nStaple the webbing to the inside of the doors. Start by stapling at the top, then work your way down, pulling the webbing tight and crucially - straight! You don’t want any wonky lines taunting you.\nOnce all is secured in place, cut off any excess webbing from the edges.\nYou’re now ready to reattach your doors to the cabinets.\nStep 5: Handles - optional\nIf you fancy it, attach handles of your choice. Go rustic with natural materials, or bring in some contrast with brass (Etsy is a great place to source this kind of thing). Or go for the paired back look and leave the cabinets bare.\nAnd there you have it - an impressive boho-chic cabinet at an even more impressive price. Panelling like this breaks up blocks of wood, making furniture less imposing and much more versatile. Read more about the \nBoho Chic interior decor style\n for more inspiration.\nFeeling galvanised for more IKEA hacks? Check out \nour hack on how to upcylcle IKEA's malm bedside table\n, or their ubiquitous \nBilly bookcase\n.\n. 

About to kick off your next paint project and feeling a touch confused with the overwhelming amount of decorating jargon? We hear you. The world of paint and design does contain many a confusing term. We’ve created this mini jargon-busting guide to decipher and explain some of the most common painting terms out there. So you can focus on getting on with the actual decor work. \nPrimer\n
A special type of paint that’s applied as a base coat, primer helps your paint grip the surface you’re covering more firmly, covering up any stains and giving it a more hard-wearing finish. It’s essential for metal and wood surfaces and highly recommended for bare plaster walls. \nPaint sheen\n
Sheen is the term used to describe the gloss level of the paint. The higher the sheen, the shinier your paint finish will be. Choose from different types of sheens including eggshell, gloss and matte. More on those below. \nEggshell\n
What is eggshell paint? Eggshell is an eggshell paint finish that, quite literally, looks like the surface of an eggshell. It’s relatively low sheen when compared to satin or silk, but not \nquite\n as matt as durable matt. If you’re after a classic look for your walls and ceilings, it’s pretty much your go-to choice, and it's the best paint for a bathroom ceiling.\n(Tip: Our low sheen semi-gloss eggshell emulsion has been specially formulated for interior use on woodwork and plaster, and if priming first - on metalwork and other surfaces too. A water-based solution that leaves an easy-to-clean and smooth finish - this paint is long lasting, durable and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Think of it as the tough-but-sensitive hero of the paint world. Want to find out more? Check out our eggshell paint overview and more on what eggshell paint is)\nDurable matt \n
Durable matt paint has a wonderful velvety texture and is ideal for covering up any stains and imperfections. It doesn’t reflect light so expect a completely different finish to glossy paint. Durable matt works well for any room where you’d prefer a more traditional look and feel.  \n(Tip: Though specially designed for interior use on plaster walls and ceilings, our highly durable flat matt emulsion paint can also be used on wood, masonry, primed metal and on radiators too. Yes - you can paint radiators! Better yet; our matt is quick drying, it's easy to apply, and leaves you with a wipe-clean surface finish - ready for anything that everyday life might be throwing at it.)\nGloss \n
Gloss paints are highly reflective, durable and usually oil-based. They come in two levels of gloss: semi-gloss and high-gloss. Their mirror-like finish works well with wooden surfaces and suits lighter colours. Top tip: gloss paint can provide an interesting contrast to nearby matt surfaces. Mix and match if you dare. \nEmulsion\n
Emulsion is the term for water-based paint, with acrylic resins for extra durability. Choose from varying levels of sheen in the finish - and keep in mind, the shinier the finish, the more hard-wearing the paint. You can get durable matt, eggshell, gloss, silk and satin emulsion paint. Oh, and emulsion is the best choice for interior walls and ceilings. Which is why we’re big fans at Lick. \nSelf-priming\n
Refers to paints that contain enough resin to stick firmly onto surfaces without any need for a primer. Kinda like our entire paint range at Lick.\nCutting in \n
Cutting in refers to painting those nooks and crannies that paint rollers can’t wiggle their way into. Brush paint into the edges of walls or around switches and sockets and you’re officially ‘cutting in’. It’s usually the first step in paint application. \nFilling in \n
Refers to the process of adding filler into any holes, cracks or gaps into a surface before painting. Filling in is an essential prep step to smoothen up a ‘gappy’ surface before reaching for that brush.\nMasonry paint \n
Masonry paint is acrylic-based paint that is used on most exterior surfaces. It’s weather-resistant and formulated to stick to even the coarsest of surfaces. \nVOC\n
VOC stands for 'Volatile Organic Compounds', which can be found in several household products (including paint). Water-based paints tend to have a much smaller amount of VOCs, which also means they don’t let off that typical pungent paint odour. Not to toot our own horn \ntoo \nmuch; but all Lick paints are water-based and low-VOC.\nUndercoat\n
The undercoat is essentially the base coat of paint. Paint an undercoat under your top layer to achieve that professional and vivid finish you’re after.\n\nBuy paint online

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

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. 

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