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-colored. 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 color scheme. It allows you to add a splash of color 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 color. This headboard idea is a great way to tie together color 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 colors: 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 color. 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 color 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.”

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 color 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 colors 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 colors, 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 colors from this collection can be used in one room for that much-loved spring and summer vibe. All the colors 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 colors 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 color combinations here are endless. Discover how to style the Miami Neo Deco pastel paint colors in the different rooms of your home, with recommendations from our Lead Color 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 color 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 colors 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 color 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 color 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 color 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 color 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’ color 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 color 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 color in this palette.

Now, you may actually want to get a closer look at the colors 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 color 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 colors 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.

Colored glassware and mugs\nYour open shelf is only as stylish as what you display on it. Upgrade your glassware to a more eye-catching color 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 color 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 color \nMake a statement with a pop of contrasting color by painting the back of your shelves with a different color 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 color ideas\n and pop some color 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. 

From buzzing kitchen to downtime bedroom, you can use the neutrals in just-launched \nLick x Kelly Hoppen neutral paint collection\n anywhere and everywhere safe in the knowledge they’ll work every time. As \nKelly Hoppen\n put it: “you just can’t  go wrong with neutrals.” \n\nEffortless as they are, our resident color experts have picked out a few suggested palettes per room for you to stick with or twist, however, you, fancy…\nA guide to neutrals: textures and layering\nWhen we say neutral hues like those in \nKelly Hoppen’s neutral paint collection\n work wonders anywhere, we don’t just mean from room to room. Ceilings, walls, skirting boards, doors, architraves – they translate to every surface too. Kelly Hoppen herself is a great fan of painting walls and skirting in the same tone so that the wall almost bleeds into the floor, continuing the flow of color. That’s one way to layer – across surfaces. \n\nNot only that, apply more than a few \npaint colors\n in the same room, in any proportion to give rise to a neutral color palette that will feel harmonious and considered. And if you’re really feeling the neutrals, work with all six shades in the \ncollection \nand spread them throughout your home so you have a head-to-toe neutral color palette. That’s layering part two – overlapping colors to build a scheme.

But layering also involves building different levels of texture and depth in your room, something that these neutrals will inspire you to do to no end. They create a calming backdrop against more dominant furnishings and tactile finishes. Layer your neutral paint colors with:\nNatural linen upholstery\nRattan furniture (hello cane headboard or vintage bar trolley)\nVelvets in muted hues\nJute rugs (or sisal or seagrass for that matter)\nBouclé weave accent seating\nHoned or polished marble countertops in the kitchen\nPlenty of natural woods to boot from oak to unbleached pine and walnut\n

Now let's put layering into practice. Here are a few ideas for how to style the \nLick x Kelly Hoppen Neutrals\n in your home...\nHow to style neutral paint colors in a kitchen\nThe kitchen, where \nGrey 09\n or \nGrey 10\n will provide a breath of fresh air. Set against \nTaupe 01\n walls, a white marble work surface and plenty of greenery, your kitchen will feel clean, crisp and balanced. Even when you’re in there cooking for ten or throwing together a rushed breakfast, a sense of steadiness will always be there to fall back on.

How to style neutral paint colors in a dining room\nFor a relaxed yet sophisticated dining space (be it a dining room or breakfast nook), opt for \nGrey 11\n. Add texture with velvet chairs in muted warm hues and demarcate the dining area using a rug under your table.

How to style neutral paint colors in a hallway\nTry \nGrey 09\n on your walls and \nTaupe 01\n on any woodwork to create a powerful, sophisticated entrance that’ll set the tone for the rest of your home. When you hit the stairs, you could strip the carpet and paint those in \nGrey 10\n and then overlay a sisal flat weave or jute runner with \nBeige 04\n on the stairwell walls (\nread more tips on painting with beige here\n).

How to style neutral paint colors in a bedroom\nA dream neutral bedroom color scheme would be comforting \nBeige 04 \non the walls and then just a slight difference with \nBeige 05\n woodwork. By going just a hint darker, it’ll add an understated elegant twist. Picture this with a rattan headboard and throw pillows in a textured weave and you might just never get out of bed.

How to style neutral paint colors in a guest bedroom\nWe love the idea of a single cocooning tone throughout a guest bedroom, like \nGrey 11\n. With its soothing notes across walls, woodwork and even the ceiling complete with rumpled white linen bed sheets, any visitors checking in will feel like they’re sleeping amongst the clouds.

How to style neutral paint colors in a study\nWorking from home asks for a calming home environment and colors like \nTaupe 01\n (for the walls) and \nBeige 04\n (for any woodwork) will give you just that. Team with plenty of plants to boost brainpower, a chrome desk for something more modern or oak for the heritage look and a tan leather chair.

How to style neutral paint colors in a living room\nComing home to a neutral living room day after day will help to melt any tension. It’s the most elegant, relaxing room to retreat to whether you’re entertaining or unwinding solo. Either \nGrey 09\n or \nGrey 10\n across walls and woodwork is a strong choice, paired with a bouclé sofa, architectural marble coffee table (site the centrepiece), rattan armchairs and a piece of large-scale contemporary artwork.

Confident? Tick. Calm? You soon will be as soon as you dip paintbrush into any \nLick x Kelly Hoppen\n paint tin. And if you need further advice on building your palette, why not \nbook a video consultation\n with one of our colour specialists?


Want to give your space a fresh look without much investment? \nUpcycling your furniture\n is one of the most affordable and effective ways to do just. Not only can it save you the expense of having to get new furniture, you’ll have a refreshed piece that’s totally unique. \nAnd\n it’s great for the environment.\n\nNot a DIY expert? No worries, once you’ve revived one piece, you’ll quickly realize that you don’t need to be a pro to upcycle with impact. \n\nWe’re lucky to have so many creative members who inspire us in our very own Lick community. \n@anotherfknflat\n from our community even gave us a full breakdown of the steps they took to do an IKEA Malm bedside table hack. Learn more about the steps they took to upcycle their bedside table and get inspired by this IKEA malm hack.\nWhat you’ll need to upcycle your bedside table \nFirst, get all your tools ready: \n\nLick paint\n\nIKEA Malm unit or any bedside table\nx4 Stripwood (28mm x 4mm x 2.4m) (you can get this from \nWickes\n) \nWhite multi-surface primer\nSandpaper or \nsanding block\n\nWood glue\nWood dye (optional)\n

IKEA Malm hack: DIY steps \nFollow the DIY steps that \n@anotherfknflat\n took: \nStart with sanding. \nRemove drawers and lightly sand down the surfaces/drawer edges using light sandpaper. \nGet rid of any dust. \nWipe down with a dry cloth to remove any dust from the sandpaper.\nPrepare with primer. \nUsing a white multi-surface primer, paint the whole unit on the sections which will be visible. You can paint the inside as well if you wish, but it’s not necessary. \nWait for the primer to dry. \nCheck primer to see how long the drying process is (we waited 2 hours before applying paint). \nStart getting that color on. \nUsing your \nLick paint color\n of choice and a small paint roller, paint your first coat all over the entire unit. \nLet it dry before the second coat. \nWait until dry and then apply another coat of paint. \nMeasure and cut the stripwood. \nStarting with the drawer fronts, measure the width and cut down x2 stripwood into the given length. Keep in mind that the drawer front is a different size to the top of the unit. \nOptional step:\n you can either keep the wood as is or dye the wood to a different tone. If you do choose to dye the wood, dab a cloth with the dye each time, rub it into the wood and leave to dry (we gave them two coats). \nStick the wood panels on. \nUsing wood glue, draw a line across the back of each wood panel and place into position. Hold into place with a bit of force for around 20 seconds to make sure they’re firmly attached. \nRepeat the last 3 steps for the top of the unit. \nAnd et voila, you’ve got your very own upcycled Ikea Malm unit. \nYou can use these same steps for any size unit and any size stripwood. Just keep in mind how much stripwood you may need and make sure the stripwood isn't too big/heavy for the wood glue to hold without using nails.

Not quite ready to end your upcycling journey? Check out our blog posts on \nhow to upcycle your chest of drawers using Lick paint\n and \nhow to upcycle bathroom cabinets with leftover paint\n\n\nFeeling creative? Read our tips of \nwhat to do with leftover paint\n.

Spring is all about new life, new beginnings, and colors. One of the most popular interior color trends of the year is pastels. The good news is that you can bring your favorite pastel \nspring colors\n into your homes.\n\nDiscover how to use pastel colors in your home to bring a burst of spring all year round.\n\nRising spring interior trend: pastels \n\nWhat makes pastels so popular in the world of interior design? According to our Lead Color Specialist, Tash, “Pastels are great communicating colors”. They create a feeling of calm and happiness in your home as they don’t have any black pigment in them. Pastel colors are light, fresh and airy, with white and neutral undertones for simple zen.\nWhy you should use pastel colors in your home \n\nAs Tash says, pastels are relaxing and inviting: “Pastels are a lovely way for someone to bring in some color into your home as they are soft and don't demand a lot from you”. \n\nAt Lick, all our pastel pinks and light colors are designed to bring softness and happiness to a room. And you don’t have to pick a favorite—you can use all of the pastels from our \nNeo Deco pastels collection\n as they all harmonize with one another. Wander from a dusty pink to a soft mint green to a sky blue room; the colors from this room work very nicely together as they’re all yellow-based.\nHow to use pastel paint colors in your home\n\n\nPastel pink paint\n\nCreate the ultimate spot to lounge in with our favorite nurturing color -  pastel pink. Deck your living room or bedroom walls in the super-soft \nPink 01\n or the muted bubblegum \nPink 03\n and it’ll be like watching your fave shows while wrapped in a warm hug. 

Pastel blue paint\n\nKnown for their soothing and de-stressing qualities, soft shades of blue make the perfect choice for your bedroom and bathroom. Take your pick from the \nsky blue paint Blue 08\n, the mint green \nBlue 09,\n the fresh clean minty \nBlue 02\n or the light \nBlue 03\n with green undertones for added zen factor.

Pastel green paint\n \nBring the outdoors in with the color of nature - green. Add the relaxing energy of green with paint colors such as the uplifting \nGreen 09\n or the fresh neo \nGreen 08\n. These would look great in any room, but we love a pale green for kitchens.

Pastel yellow paint\n\nWho said pastels have to be soft and subtle? Add a burst of bright pastel with an energetic yellow. The soft creamy \nYellow 01\n or the warm \nYellow 02\n could add a lovely, playful vibe in your hallway.

Explore our new range of trendy pastel colors from the \nLick x Living etc. \n\nNew Deco pastel paint collection\n and learn more about \nhow to style these new pastel paint colors in your home\n.


Annem is 31 years old and works for PlayStation, but also runs her own cheese business – hence her memorable Instagram username - \n@ahousebuiltoncheese\n.\n \nShe lives in North London with her husband Mike and they own a 1930s semi-detached, which required a lot of love and renovation when they bought it back in 2019. Sadly, in January 2020, a huge water pipe burst meaning they couldn’t move in until all the damage had been repaired. This meant they were only able to officially move in last September, but we are so glad they are finally settled and able to begin enjoying their home renovation journey.\n \nAnnem has chosen to share the recent makeover of their home office, which has become a busy hub of activity as they now both work from home. It was important to create a space that allowed them both to comfortably work alongside one another, as well as create a large storage space for all their books and files.

Before the IKEA Billy bookcase hack\nAnnem described this room as bland, confused and small – telling us that the previous owners had placed big, bulky items in this space and it really didn’t do the room justice. They were ready to give it a brand-new look, and ensure that the design suited their new-found WFH needs.

Planning & inspiration\n“Since buying the house, we knew that we wanted a wall in the office to be made entirely of bookshelves. We scaled Pinterest and found a lot of built-in bookshelves painted the same color as the walls, and knew we wanted to recreate the look. In terms of color, our old flat had a rusty red piece of space-themed artwork, so we may have subconsciously fallen for this color because of that!\n \nWe chose \nRed 01\n, as it’s a gorgeous rusty red with chocolatey notes! I couldn’t think of a better room to get snug and read a book in”.

“We chose Red 01, as it’s a gorgeous rusty red with chocolatey notes! I couldn’t think of a better room to get snug and read a book in.”

"We wanted the office space to be cozy and warm. Many hours are spent in here so we wanted to move away from the look and feel of a corporate office space as much as possible. Natural textures, plants, throws, artwork, family photos, soft lighting etc.”.

How to: IKEA Billy bookcase hack\n\nMake sure the wall you’re putting the bookshelf again has the skirting removed. This is so it’s flush with the wall. If you can do this carefully, you can re-use it later.
\nGive the Ikea furniture a super light sand and a wipe, and then apply two generous coats of Zinsser Bin Shellac Primer, letting it dry between both coats (read our guide on \nhow to prime and paint wooden furniture and other surfaces\n).
\nOnce primed, leave them to dry for a few hours, or even the next day, so you can get painting. Use a roller to get a nice smooth finish. Apply 2 coats of paint, ensuring you let it dry between both coats. You can also use a spray gun to do this part, so if you’ve been thinking about buying one – now might be a good time to invest!
\n‘Curing’ time. Make sure you give avoid assembling for a week to ensure the paint has enough time to fully dry and adhere.
\nAssemble, push against the wall and figure out where you’re putting it.
\nIf you realize you have seriously wonky floors, then on the bottom of each bookshelf, attach kitchen cabinet legs. These can be adjusted/turned to get the height you want. (Full disclosure: Annem and Mike did all the assembly themselves but asked a local joiner to assist them with this so they didn’t get it wrong). Now that they've seen how it’s done, however, they reckon they could do it again themselves! It really depends on your level of DIY skills.
\nUsing a laser guide, adjust the kitchen legs until the height is level all the way across.
\nCut out some MDF to fill the gap on the front base of the bookshelves. If you have gaps either side you can also use MDF to hide it. Apply the MDF using some glue and if you want, nails. At this stage, you should also secure the bookshelves to the wall. Ikea give you the brackets to do this at the back.  You should also drill the bookshelves together so they are flush and neat.
\nOver the MDF, apply the skirting board making sure it’s straight and level. If there is a gap at the bottom, don’t worry – you can caulk it and then paint over so it’s barely noticeable.
\nAnnem and Mike purchased some decorative molding from Wickes which they cut and placed at the point where the Billy bookshelves meet. This gave it a lovely built-in, custom look!
\nCaulk the molding and skirting boards, as well as filling any holes from where you drilled in. Once dry, paint the skirting and the molding, as well as any touch ups if you’ve chipped anywhere!
\nGive it a day to completely dry out, and then start styling your bookshelves!\n

Establishing the IKEA Billy bookcase budget\n“The inspiration images we found for the bookshelves appeared to be custom made and built-in; but after enquiring about costs; many carpenters quoted us no less that £1800-£2000. Woodwork is an art form, so I appreciate trades being paid for their craft but unfortunately when you’re renovating a rundown house from the ground up, you have to compromise and prioritize your budget. Instead, we found and purchased some ‘Billy’ bookshelves from IKEA; which set us back about £300”.\n\nAnnem spent between £500-£600; which included the bookshelves, as well as the necessary tools and products. This kind of project can differ in costs depending on the number of bookcases you go for, teamed with the type of finish you desire.\n\nThis project cost them a quarter of the fee quoted by joiners, and we think they did an incredible job of building their very own dream bookshelves!

Annem’s experience with Lick\n\n“The Lick paint went on beautifully in this room. It was thick, had great coverage and has so far been pretty durable! In terms of choosing the color, our advice would be to really try to think about how you want to ‘feel’ in a room. Warm, cozy, productive, energized? Everyone’s idea of what these words mean, may differ; so, focus on the environment you want to create and then maybe shortlist 5 colors you feel do that for you. The Lick team have also been super communicative with their customer services, so if you’re really struggling to make sense of your shortlisted colors, you can seek advice.

Seeing \nRed 01\n go on for the first time in this room was my favorite part of the whole project. I’ve never lived in a house with a color this rich. It was one of the first rooms we painted and I thought I might cry. It was so beautiful!”

Annem’s DIY advice & tips\n \nThere are some tasks during big renovations that you have to call in the experts for. When they’re in your house don’t be afraid to ask them a million questions and get advice, like I do. You never know what you’ll learn, and it’s a good way to gage whether you can try your hand at it yourself again, in the future\nSpecifically, when transforming furniture, be prepared for how much time it can take between priming, sanding, filling and painting. It’s not a quick job. It requires patience, but it’s super-duper satisfying when you see the final result\nI don’t always love the DIY process, but it can be extremely rewarding when you’ve worked so hard to achieve the look you wanted. I would encourage everyone to give it a go at least once!\nFeeling inspired to do some DIY? Check out this \nIKEA malm hack\n and get upcycling!

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 color 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 color 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 color 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 color (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 realize 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 color\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 color 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 colors in your home

How to style open shelving in your kitchen

How to use different decorating tools

How to style these timeless neutral paint colours in your home

IKEA Malm hack: how to upcycle a bedside table

How to use pastel colors in your home

Get inspired by this IKEA Billy bookcase hack