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 color)\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.

Monday blues are said to reach an all-time high on the third Monday of January every year, AKA Blue Monday. Said to be the gloomiest day of the year, what is it that makes this specific Monday more depressing than any other Monday? Well, it’s the perfect storm of post-Christmas financial pressure, failing New Year’s resolutions and dreary January weather. Oh, and there’s the fact that the much-loved festive season is suddenly behind us.\n\nSo, how do you stay motivated and inject some cheer into the ‘saddest’ day of the year? At Lick, we’re big believers in the power that color can have on your mood. Read on to discover 5 simple ways to make your Blue Monday a little less, well, \nblue\n by adding hints of uplifting color into your space. 

Color psychology: how do colors affect our emotions?\nNaturally, we turned to our Lead color specialist Tash for answers. \n\nOn the relationship between colors and emotions, Tash explains: “In psychological terms, color is emotion. Color has a specific influence on us on all levels: mentally, emotionally and physically. And color psychology can help us to understand how color can influence our mood, our behaviour, how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others.” \n\nShe went on to elaborate on how it works, “When light strikes the human eye the wavelengths are converted into electronic pulses. These impulses pass to the Hypothalamus (where the emotion comes from) creating an emotional response.”\n\nSo, what does color psychology tell us?

Color psychology can help us to understand how color can influence our mood, our behaviour, how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others.

So, how can you make color psychology work in your favour? Bring vibrant, energising colors into your home! Surrounding yourself with uplifting colors can have a positive impact on your mental health. Get inspired by these colorful bedroom and living room ideas and start bringing some energy into your living environment. A little less stress and more zen can improve our physical health too, boosting our energy and giving us healthier skin. Just ask DeMamiel founder Annee DeMamiel, who shares her tips on how to deal with stress and how it can affect our skin & body. Sign us up.\n\nHere are a few easy ways to bring mood-boosting colors into your life through interior design: 

Boost your mood with some colorful flowers\nFlowers are a super quick, easy (and cheap) way to add some instant color to your space. You don’t need a big fancy floral arrangement, just pop down to your local supermarket and grab yourself a small, fresh bouquet of whatever strikes your fancy. \nFor a vibrant vibe, opt for pinks, oranges and yellows. Or you could work with the colors of your soft furnishing and walls and use your flowers to accentuate the color scheme of a room.

Connect to nature by investing in some indoor plants\nIndoor plants are a millennial craze for a reason (search for #plants on Instagram and you’ll see what we mean). They enhance your mood, purify the air that you breathe, \nand\n add an easy dose of style. As Tash says, “Green is restorative, restful, and tranquil. Lighter greens can be refreshing and rich green helps us to connect to nature.” \nWe’d recommend adding some green into your bedroom space. Pop a plant on your bedside table or windowsill, or hop on board the trend of cascading plants on the shelf above your bed. Either way, plants add a splash of color and liveliness to your room. \nHave a track record of killing plants? Opt for succulents all the way. They’re super cute and very hard to kill.  Perfect for those of us without a natural green thumb. 

Deck your walls with color\nAdd color \nand\n your personal stamp into your space by decking your walls with your fave pieces of art or your most-loved photos. Not only does this add an instant personal touch to your home, but you can also bring an array of vibrant colors into your space without the commitment of painting entire walls with it. Mix and match colorful pieces with black and white prints and photos to create a cool and artsy vibe. \nFind affordable prints of your favourite pieces at local markets, art fairs, and online. Get them framed and pop them on the wall. Easy. 

Add bursts of color in your soft furnishings\nAnother way to bring in colors that’ll make you happy \nand\n look good? Through your soft furnishings. Make a statement with a vibrant colored piece of furniture, such as a yellow sofa. We know, it sounds daring, but hear us out. As Tash says, “Yellow is bright and cheerful and brings positivity to the heart of the home. Its warm and welcoming hue radiates happiness and optimism. Yellow 01 is great if you want a sunny, happy way to start the day”. \nNot quite ready to commit to a yellow sofa just yet? Bright cushions are a great way to add a pop of color without going all the way. Or you could dress your windows in blinds that are bolder and brighter to contrast with a more muted color scheme, such as our sunny Sun 01 roller blinds. \nRemember, the way you decorate your home and the colors you choose should be a reflection of your own taste and personality. Get some ideas on how to choose colors for different rooms based on personality with our posts on kids’ bedroom ideas and home office ideas.

Ready to start boosting your mood by using color psychology in your interior design? \nExplore our range of Lick paint colors \nand add a splash of what makes you happy through paint, even if it’s just a single statement wall or a couple of kitchen cupboards. Buh-bye Blue Monday. 

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

With the current combination of the lockdown and the uninvitingly frosty weather outside, there’s really isn’t much else to do but hibernate. Most of us are spending our days working from home and our evenings binging on Netflix. So why not create the ultimate hibernation haven to take your comfort levels up a notch, with a few easy decor touches? With Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to create a cosy cocoon for the eve, whether your V-day plans include a night in with your other half or a Zoom call with your friends. \n\nFrom candles and cushions to paint and plants, discover 5 easy ways to make your living room and bedroom cosier in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.\nCosy living room and bedroom idea: candles \nYour choice of lighting can make (or break) how inviting the ambience in your home is. Take it back to a good old fashioned option to add some instant cosy vibes: candles. Candles are classic for a reason. Not only do their flickering flames make you feel instantly warmer and cosier, but they’re also great for creating an intimate vibe without having to install a whole new lighting system. \n\nIt’s also a well-known fact that certain scents can trigger memories. Rekindle your fondest travel memories by getting a few candles with beachy scents such as sea mist or coconut. Or opt for calming scents such as lavender or eucalyptus to create that spa-like feel.

Cosy living room and bedroom idea: flowers & plants  \nFlowers for Valentine’s Day? A bit cliché, we know. But instead of waiting for someone else to do it this year, gift \nyourself\n with a bunch of your favourite flowers. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just head to your local shop and find a small bouquet of something cute and colorful. It’ll add an instant pop of color to your space. And there’s the added bonus of that fresh floral smell. \n\nTo make up for the fact that we’re not getting out much these days, bring a little bit of green into your home with indoor plants. Plants aren’t just a pretty face; they’re also mood boosting, air purifying \nand\n they make your home homelier. Try a few smaller succulents in your bedroom and any bigger potted plants in your main living areas.

Cosy living room and bedroom idea: cushions & throws \nWhile our bed’s main function is to keep us comfy as we sleep, you can also turn it into a focal decor point in your room with just a few easy additions. Even just adding a few cushions and throws can take the cosiness level of your room up by a notch. And there’s nothing more inviting than a sea of comfy cushions waiting for you to jump (and sink) into.

Cosy living room and bedroom idea: window coverings  \nWindow coverings aren’t just to keep light and nosy neighbours out. The right window covering can transform your space and they don’t cost much at all. Try adding Venetian blinds or roller blinds as well as curtains for the ultimate cosy combo. Check out our advice on using \ncurtains versus blinds\n.\n\nWondering which blinds would go well in your space? Read our blog on \nbest blinds for a bedroom\n.

Cosy living room and bedroom idea: a lick of paint \nWant to go one step further by adding DIY to the mix? Another easy (and cheap) way to amp up the cosy in your home is with your choice of color. Color can have a \nbig impact on your emotions\n. Consider painting your space with \ncolors that are known to inspire wellness and positivity.\n If you want to keep your DIY efforts to a minimum, choose to create a feature wall by painting just one wall with a comforting color. \nHere are our recommendations for colors that are known to be soothing and cocooning:\n\nGo light pinks and greens for a nurturing effect \nWarm and nurturing, pink is the color of cuddles. You feel safe in it. Try \nPink O1\n or \nPink 04\n for soft and soothing vibes. \nSoft, light green is also very harmonising for a space. Opt for \nGreen 01\n to bring in a sense of calm to your space. \n\nGo dark for a cocooning effect\nDark colors can actually have a cocooning effect in a room while also adding a dramatic cosiness. We’d recommend \nBlue 07\n, \nGreen 06\n, or \nGrey 07\n for a cosy grey with a touch of green warmth.

Looking for more bedroom inspiration? Check out our recommendations for \nthe best paint colors for bedrooms here\n. We've also got some expert tips on \npainting your bedroom and living room green\n, to inject some calm and tranquility into your home.\n\nGot your cosy touches in place? We’d love to see them! Share your pics with us on Insta \n@lick\n

Plants are the perfect way to bring the outdoors in and add texture to your living room. They add nuance and a splash of color to a \nneutral living room\n, whilst looking right at home trailed out of a macramé hanging basket in a \nboho living room\n. In keeping with \nbiophilic design\n principles, not only can they reduce stress and increase productivity, but they can also improve a room’s air quality and our mood. What’s not to love? \n\nSo if you’re looking for ways to incorporate more indoor plants in your home and make them as much a part of your home decor as your cushions or artwork, take a look at these 7 ways to style indoor plants in your living room. Not sure which plants to pick? Find out the best indoor plants according to your decor style.\nIndoor plant styling idea: invest in decorative planters\nWhen it comes to indoor plants, \nwhat\n you plant them in is as important as the plants themselves. Think about your decor style, your color palette, and what would work in your living room. If yours is a boho chic home, go for woven baskets or macramé planters, or if your style is a bit more maximalist, then make a statement and choose a bright or novelty pot. Terrazzo planters look super stylish in a minimalist home, whilst concrete pots work well in an industrial style living room. \n\nIf you’re using outdoor plant pots, avoid disaster by remembering to include a tray or something to catch moisture. Otherwise, you’ll end up with wet patches on your flooring or surfaces every time you water.

Indoor plant styling idea: opt for a curated cluster\nTransform an unused corner of your living room using a selection of plants. One of the most important things to remember when styling plants is to create depth, texture, and a variety of heights. You can do this by using plants of varying sizes, but placing your plants on a stool or stand is an excellent cheat. Plus, it looks great too! Match your pots or create an eclectic look by using lots of different kinds. Whatever look you go for, opt for planters in keeping with your decor style.

Indoor plant styling idea: place them on open-shelving\nThe perfect way to bring some life into your living room is by pimping your shelves with a few indoor plants. Trailing plants or creepers, like ivy or string of hearts, is a great way to add texture and visual interest. Space them apart, on different levels, between books, photos, and ornaments for some gorgeous open-shelf styling.

Indoor plant styling idea: hang them up\nTrailing plants and macramé baskets go together like strawberries and cream. Hanging your plants is yet another way to add different height levels, but you don’t necessarily need to start drilling holes in your walls to achieve this look. Any coat hook, door handle, even a towel rail or showerhead can become a spot for you to hang your plants. Perfect for renters.

Indoor plant styling idea: create a tablescape\nGroup smaller plants, like succulents, spider plants or smaller ferns and snake plants on your coffee table and place them in colourful or statement pots to create a decor feature. It’s an excellent perennial alternative to flowers, is cheaper in the long run, and requires less maintenance—just the occasional water.

Indoor plant styling idea: add height\nTrees in your living room. Why not? If yours is south-facing and sun-filled, a large olive tree should thrive next to a window. It will also add lots of height (not to mention make you feel like you’re in the Med). If you don’t get quite as much light, parlor palms or fiddle leaf fig trees both do well in shadier spaces. All three are a great way to add height into your living room and bring the outdoors in.

Indoor plant styling idea: decorate your fireplace and mantlepiece\nEspecially if yours isn’t a working fireplace, you could decorate \ninside\n the fitting as a quirky little nook to display some of your favourite plants. If yours is in full working order—lucky you—why not decorate your mantelpiece with plantlife. It probably isn’t the place for trailing plants, as you don’t want them to get singed! That said, ivy will happily live just about anywhere. Instead, go for plants that thrive in dry environments, like succulents, cacti, devil’s ivy and ponytail palms.

We hope these 7 ways to style indoor plants in your living room have given you the confidence to go green and become a fully-fledged plant parent. Now you’ve got your planting sorted, why not take a look at our guide to \ndesigning a living room fit for entertaining\n. 

Those little marks in your hallway, a few nicks on the staircase, that time the builder propped his ladder up \ndirectly against your wall.\n Life brings with it a few knocks and bumps along the way and few places bear the brunt of this more than your walls. So it stands to reason that we might want to give our walls, masonry, or woodwork a little touch up now and again. How hard can it be, right? The truth is, it isn’t, but there are some factors that you need to consider before you begin your touch up to ensure that you get the perfect result, every time. Find out the dos and don’ts of paint touch-ups so you don’t get caught out.\nWhat is a paint touch up?\nWe’re sure you’re familiar with the idea of touch ups, but just so we’re all on the same page, a paint ‘touch up’ refers to the re-coating of a small area rather than the entire wall or surface, in order to conceal minor scuffs or marks. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? But there are some problems that can arise.\nWhat problems arise from touching up?\n\nSurface texture\nFirstly, the texture of a bare wall is different to that of a painted wall. So, if in the first instance you were painting onto a bare wall, whereas you’re touching up on a \npainted wall\n, you might notice some slight differences in the surface texture.\nColour difference\nOnce you've painted on a wall it will start \noxidising and curing\n. This will affect how much light is reflected on it as well as the paint finishing. It essentially means the paint has ‘set’ on your walls. Unfortunately, if you paint on a surface that is already cured, \neven\n if you’re using exactly the same paint (from the same tin no less!) the colour may be slightly different.\n\nWhy does it happen?\nDespite your best intentions, in reality, it’s just not feasible to achieve a perfect match when fresh paint is applied to old paint that has been affected by conditions like weathering and wear and tear.\n\nPrevention\nProper preparation is the best form of prevention. Ensure that your walls are \nprepped before painting\n to guarantee the best finishing. This includes making sure that your walls are as smooth as a baby’s bottom before you begin. Always make sure to use the same paint (if possible the same tin) as you did to begin with. And remember, a workman is only as good as his tools, so take care of your gear by \ncleaning and caring for your paintbrush and roller\n.\n\nSolution\nUnfortunately, as with most things worth having, there’s no quick-fix solution when it comes to perfectly painted walls. The \nbest\n solution is to paint the entire area. Fortunately, areas like our skirting boards (which usually bear the brunt of the heaving lifting) can be painted relatively quickly and easily as an entire area. If you’re looking to touch up your walls, this requires a little more work. Lighter colours tend to be a bit more forgiving because when you’re painting with darker colours, more pigment, any difference in colour or texture, will be more obvious. \n\nWe know it’s not the easiest, but the best solution is to paint the entire wall. Don’t shoot the messenger!

Colour differences between paint batches\nWhile we do test each new batch for colour consistency, minute variations between batches are experienced by all paint manufacturers.\n\nWhile they are minute, when applied onto the same wall, the human eye is extremely good at noticing the difference, so it becomes more obvious.\n\nWe check both our samples and every batch of paint with a spectrophotometer, and then by eye, as the human eye is actually far more sensitive to subtle differences based on specific lights.\n\nAs a result, in order to achieve a flawless finish, the most straightforward resolution is, again, to repaint the surface as a whole.\nFor more painting tips and tricks from our experts, find out \nhow to prevent picture framing on a painted wall\n.

We have all been getting more and more concerned lately about climate change and humanity’s effect upon the environment. Just like you, we’re constantly finding ourselves on the lookout for ways to lower our impact on the planet and create a better future for our kids. \nIs that always possible? Unfortunately, no. But even with something like painting, there’s always a better option. In this case - an eco paint with no nasties. Here’s where Lick comes into play.

What are the nasties and why are they bad for us and the planet?\n\nLet’s face it - paint is not always a harmless product. There are often ingredients that could cause skin irritation, or worse. Not to mention the strong smell that can easily make us nauseous, especially if we’re decorating a smaller place or have to apply more coats. And that’s before you factor in the environmental impact of solvents.\nLick’s paint is different. Yes, we know how that sounds, so let us tell you more about it.\nFirst of all, it’s super durable and wipe-clean. That means that you won’t have to worry about re-painting your room every few months if your Friday night guests accidentally spill a glass of wine on the wall. 

Our paint has low odour, so it’s perfectly suitable for people who are decorating small spaces or for those who are sensitive to smells. \nLick’s products are also \nlow VOC\n. We took extra care to formulate them this way because we strongly believe that you should limit your exposure to VOCs as much as you can. We’re water-based and have no solvents, so with our range of products we’re not only taking care of you but also the planet. Because if we don’t, who will?\nWe’ve tried to minimise our impact on the environment by cutting down on plastic and using wooden handles instead. That way you can enjoy a sturdy grip and long-lasting paint brushes & rollers that you’ll be able to use again and again.\nAnd, last but not least, Lick is absolutely child- and pet-safe. Now, you’ll still want to keep the paint away from the kids when you’re not around, but you can easily let them decorate the walls in their room with you - imagine how much fun that would be! Thanks to our paint’s \nlow VOC\n, low odour and zero solvents, you won’t have to worry about their exposure to dangerous ingredients: you can simply enjoy some creative time together. And yes, your dog can join in too.

We at Lick are working on improving our products so they’re more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re committed to changing the paint industry as we know it - and becoming better and even more responsible as we move forward. \n\nAre you with us?

They say that love is blind but when it comes to interiors, that’s definitely not the case. Our research shows that over a third of Brits \nwouldn’t\n continue dating someone if their interior choices gave them the proverbial ‘ick’, and nearly half of you think that good decor makes a person more attractive. What's more, nearly 1 in 2 Brits think that home decor is a better indicator of someone's personality than their fashion choices. As Tash Bradley, our Head Color Specialist explains:

How we style the interiors of our homes and ourselves are really good indicators of who we are, so it makes a lot of sense that colors also play a part in the dating world.

“How we style the interiors of our homes and ourselves are really good indicators of who we are, so it makes a lot of sense that colors also play a part in the dating world. Often couples who have similar interior decor styles and attitudes to their home can find more harmony in their home life.”\n\nThis is not to say, however, that a successful relationship relies on having the same decor style - just a little bit of compromise. So, we’re here to ensure your decorating journey is a harmonious one, with our definitive guide on how to decorate your home if you and your partner have different decor styles.\n\nCouples’ home decor tip: focus on what you both love\nOur International Color Consultant Charlotte Cropper says “a good starting point is to focus on what you have in common”. Perhaps they’re partial to that urban \nindustrial decor style\n whilst you like all-things \nmodern farmhouse\n? Don’t worry - it’s not time for one of you to move to the city and the other out to the country. Just start by thinking about what these styles have in common: rustic woods, metals, industrial pendant lighting, exposed architectural features, house plants, and a neutral backdrop. In fact, fine tuning your decor choices in this way can actually make design decisions that bit easier.

A good starting point is to focus on what you have in common.

Couples’ home decor tip: find a way to compromise \nThis is just good relationship advice full stop, but finding a way to compromise is key to decorating your home if you and your partner have different decor styles. You might love neons but they prefer neutrals. That’s ok. You can still incorporate colorful elements against a neutral backdrop. Whether that’s through \ncolor blocking\n, \nneon signs\n or \npainting or wallpapering your ceiling\n. There are lots of ways you can inject a little color into your home even with a \nneutral color palette\n.\n\nCouples’ home decor tip: create a personal sanctuary \nThat said, we all need a space that feels like a bit of us. According to our Color Specialist Sam Bramley; “it’s part of our makeup to have territory and to mark it, to make us feel safe. So expressing yourself in an agreed area is good for harmony at home”.

It’s part of our makeup to have territory and to mark it, to make us feel safe. So expressing yourself in an agreed area is good for harmony at home.

Whether that means your very own man cave, a la Jim Chapman or a dressing room that’s a total boudoir. Even if you don’t have space for an entire room, use the principles of broken-plan living to carve out a space that is yours. Whether that’s a reading nook or yoga corner create a personal sanctuary that’s unapologetically you.

Couples’ home decor tip: do it gradually \nOne for the \nmaximalist decor\n devotees and \neclectic decor\n clutter bugs, if ‘more is more’ is your design mantra but your partner prefers things minimalist, then tread lightly. Don’t overwhelm them by creating an entire \ngallery wall\n all at once - add to it gradually. You can also add a few scatter cushions here, a couple of trinkets there, the odd plant pot where you can. Just go slowly and allow them time to adjust.

Couples’ home decor tip: find a color scheme you both love\nThe colors in our home affect both our mood and how we feel about our partner, whether it’s a first date or long term lover. Whilst almost half of Brits claim they’d be happy if their partner's bedroom was painted white, almost two-thirds of women claim they dread finding out their partner’s bedroom is painted brown. “If your partner hates green but you love it, look at the \nundertones,” \nsuggests Charlotte Cropper. You could go for a neutral with green undertones or even a teal.

This was the case with Jim Chapman when decorating his family home; “I \nlove\n green, but my wife doesn’t”. So they managed to find a happy medium with their gorgeously rich \nTeal 03\n in the living room. Check out how they decorated their family home by watching the home tour below:

Couples’ home decor tip: create a joint bedroom sanctuary\nThe bedroom is a space you both share and want to feel like a joint sanctuary. It’s also a very emotional space, and according to \ncolor psychology\n, different colors conjur different emotions. So think about how you want your bedroom to make you both \nfeel\n. Whilst almost half of Brits claim they’d be happy if their partner's bedroom was painted white, almost two-thirds of women claim they dread finding out their partner’s bedroom is painted brown. In fact, according to our research; brown, orange and black were the most dreaded colors to find in a bedroom.\n\nSo, if your less decor-savvy half is after one of these, some alternatives could include; \n\nGrey 07\n or \nGrey 08\n in place of black\n\nRed 01 \nor \nRed 03\n instead of orange\n\nBeige 05\n or \nBeige 02\n as an alternative to brown\n\nOr if you’re desperate for pink but your partner wants a neutral, look for a white with pink undertones, like \nWhite 06\n or\n Pink 01\n masquerading as white, as seen in Tash’s bedroom below.

One of our top tips is to ask yourself a number of questions; what do I use this room for? When do I use this room? And don’t forget to consider \nwhether your room is North, East, South or West facing\n. Once you’ve nailed these, you can whittle down your choices and pick from the paint colors that are left—a much more diplomatic way to choose. And if you’re really stuck, speak to the experts and book an \nonline consultation with our Color Consultants\n—happy to help settle all your interior queries.

A dramatic headboard is a surefire way to make a statement in your bedroom, but buying a new bed can be quite the investment. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your sleeping quarters take a look at these 4 DIY headboard ideas to try at home. We promise you, they’re DIY beginner-friendly.\nDIY headboard idea: wall panelling\nIn case you hadn’t noticed, we’re a bit obsessed with \nwall panelling\n. There isn’t a room we don’t like it in—but have you ever thought about using wall panelling as a headboard? It’s a great way to add texture to a \nneutral bedroom\n.\n\nWe love how @fallonpowellhome has created a zen Japandi-style bedroom by painting her walls and pannelled headboard in our grounding Beige 02. Whilst @krystaltrips proves you can create a sophisticated look for less, in \nGreige 01\n. Read her guide on \nhow to decorate on an £80 budget\n for some helpful DIY tips on batten board wall panelling.

Or what about @edwardian_love’s \nWhite 03\n batten wall panelling as a headboard? We love this painted look but think it would also be gorgeous left bare, for a \nJapandi style\n bedroom.

If you want to create your own DIY wall panelling headboard, take a look at these guides on our three favourite styles: \nbatten panelling\n, \nboard and batten panelling\n, and \nshiplap cladding\n.\nDIY headboard idea: paint a headboard onto the wall\nA great example of \ncolor blocking\n, painting a headboard on your wall is not only a cost-effective decor hack, but it’s a gorgeous \ncolorful bedroom idea\n. But you don’t have to use all-out color - try going for a neutral color to create a subtle headboard effect. \n\nAccording to Tash Bradley, our Lead Color Specialist, “a painted headboard adds a visual focus to a bedroom, adding height and depth, so it works really well in new builds or properties without period features”.\n\n\nShop bedroom paint colors\n

If you want to make your own, take a look at our guide on how to make a DIY painted wall headboard, where we share how to paint a semi-circle and rectangular painted headboard design. Or get inspired by our Real Homes of Instagram on \nhow to create a wall mural on a budget\n.\nDIY headboard idea: wallpaper feature wall \nThere’s a time and a place for a feature wall and we think behind a bed is one of them. A chance to use that work-of-art bedroom wallpaper that you might not want to use to paper the entire room, but instead to make a thought-out design statement. \n\nWe’re a bit obsessed with how @our_victorian_home has combined two of our favourite DIY headboard ideas in one: \nbatten panelling\n and a wallpaper feature wall using \nElectric Poppies 01\n to create a colorful sleeping nook. Take a look at some of our \nbest floral wallpapers in a bedroom\n for more inspiration.

Creating a wallpaper feature wall is much like wallpapering an entire room—except you only need to do one wall! Fortunately, many of our most popular wallpaper designs are now available in our \nself-adhesive range\n making it \neven\n easier. But if you’re opting for the traditional past-the-wall method, read our fool-proof blog on \nhow to hang wallpaper\n.\nDIY headboard idea: reupholster a headboard\nFrom using luxurious fabrics like brushed velvet for a grown-up boudoir or colorful patterned prints to make a design statement, creating an upholstered headboard is a seriously stylish look but one that doesn’t have to break the bank—as @tash_lickcolourpro proves in her \ngrey Pink 01\n bedroom. \n\nIt’s a great way to create a cohesive look in a room and to tie in different fabrics and colors or even use up leftover fabrics. You can easily turn a pair of old curtains into a stylish upholstered headboard, with a bit of know-how. 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\nTake a look at our \nDIY guide on how to reupholster a headboard\n to create your own.

We hope these DIY headboard ideas have got you reaching for the paintbrush or the staple gun. If you like the sound of these, then why not take a look at these \n9 statement headboard ideas for your bedroom\n.

Usually the smallest room in the house, there’s no reason that the bijou size of the downstairs bathroom should dictate its style. Often reserved for guests or the occasional, ahem, quick dash, the downstairs bathroom gets less footfall and wear and tear than the rest of the home. These things considered, you can afford to be a little more avant-garde with your decor down here. So, if you’re planning on hosting a drinks or dinner party in the near future, take a look at these 10 ideas to get your downstairs loo guest-ready. \nDownstairs bathroom idea: a fresh lick of paint\nIf even in the downstairs loo wallpaper’s not your thing then you can always transform yours with a fresh lick of \npaint\n. Again, you don’t need to consider light and room orientation in the way that you usually would: you can assume it will be small with little natural light. This almost gives you carte blanche when it comes to choosing your \nbathroom paint color\n. Join the \nblack bathroom decor trend\n to lean into the small, dark cosiness of the downstairs bathroom or take a look at these \nmodern small bathroom paint ideas\n for some up to date inspiration.

Downstairs bathroom idea: upcycle bathroom cabinets\nIf you don’t want to think about wallpapering or repainting the whole room, simply \nupcycling bathroom cabinets\n or shelving using leftover paint is not only an excellent and budget-friendly way to get your guest bathroom guest-ready, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover paint and create a cohesive color scheme throughout your home.\nDownstairs bathroom idea: wallpaper \n\nWallpaper\n is a really popular option in the downstairs bathroom. Unlike other rooms, you won’t be spending too much time in here, so you don’t need to think about the \ncolor psychology\n behind your color choices too much. Just go bold! Take a look at our range of \nbathroom wallpaper\n for some inspiration or to make your life even easier, our range of \nself-adhesive wallpaper.\n In fact, you’ll probably only need one roll to get the job done making wallpapering your downstairs bathroom a cost-effective option that makes a huge impact.

Downstairs bathroom idea: matching towels\nMatching, colorful or towels in keeping with your decor can work wonders in place of paint to tie together a look in your downstairs bathroom. It doesn’t feel very welcoming to dry your hands on mix-and-match towels that look as though they’ve seen better days. If those sound like yours, treat yourself and your guests to a brand new pair.

Downstairs bathroom idea: candles & diffusers\nFew things make a guest feel more welcome than a richly scented candle in the guest bathroom. Not only do they create ambient lighting, but they can also set the mood for the evening. Scented candles can sometimes be too overpowering on the dining room table, masking the flavours and aromas of the food. But your favourite candle in the downstairs bathroom and hallway will set the scent for the evening.\nDownstairs bathroom idea: nice hand soap & moisturiser\nIf we’ve learnt anything from the pandemic it’s that hand soap, moisturiser, and ideally, anti-bac are essential features in your guest bathroom. As with candles, they’re a sensory experience. Sure, anti-bac almost always smells like neat vodka, but opt for something more gentle and nourishing like honey or lavender for your soap or moisturizer. 

Downstairs bathroom idea: statement mirror\nA large, statement mirror will not only act as a design feature in your downstairs bathroom but it will also make this small, often low lit room feel bigger. Not to mention it’ll make touch-ups between courses and ensuring sure you’ve not got spinach in your teeth, much easier.

Downstairs bathroom idea: a mini library \nBefore mobile phones were invented, the guest bathroom library was a country home essential. The fact that there’s an entire genre of books dedicated to the past-time shows you the extent of its popularity. From fun facts to fan fiction, coffee table-esque picture books to ‘best ofs’, you’d be amazed at what you can learn on the bathroom. Give your guests something to stare at other than their phones with a miniature downstairs bathroom library. \nDownstairs bathroom idea: good lighting\nAnd whilst your guests are checking themselves out, make them feel a little more confident by giving them some good lighting to do it in. You probably won’t have any plug fittings to use, so go for warm, ambient ceiling lighting. Alternatively, if hosting a dinner party, you could set the scene using candlelight.

Downstairs bathroom idea: those little essentials\nOk, this one is the advanced level. You’re entering the realms of hotel and club toilets but if you really want to ensure that your guests pay you and your bathroom another visit, keep your cupboards stocked with any essentials they might have forgotten. Sanitary products, deodorant, even a spare toothbrush and toothpaste in case you have any unexpected overnight guests. And it goes without saying, make sure you’ve always got plenty of toilet paper. 

Have these 10 ideas to get your downstairs bathroom guest-ready inspired you to go for a full redo? Explore our \nbathroom paint colours\n and \nbathroom wallpapers\n and get decorating.

Discover our tips & tricks around all things decorating. Learn about the latest DIY hacks, budgeting ideas, painting & interior styling ideas, and more.

Decorating Tips And Tricks - Paint & Wallpaper


 If you're looking for a way to make your period property stand out or if you want to add detailing to an otherwise boxy room: look no further. The ongoing popularity of dado and picture rails proves that decorating's latest trend is here to stay. That's why we're sharing with you six modern dado and picture rail ideas so that you can bring these 18th-century fittings firmly into today.\n\nFirst thing's first, for those of you wondering if a dado rail has something to do with an extinct bird or since when pictures came on rails, and what on earth is the difference between the two? Let us explain.\nThe dado rail\nA rail that runs roughly along the middle of a room, above the 'dado' – a panel made from wood – often painted a different color to the rest of the room. Although today their use is aesthetic, they were designed to protect walls and wallpaper from damage caused by furniture being propped against it.

The picture rail\nA rail that runs close to the top of the room, around the height of the door frame or just below the ceiling. Similarly to the dado rail, picture rails were designed to prevent damage to your walls when hanging artwork. Unlike the dado rail, they are sometimes still used for practical purposes and make for a very elegant way to hang a picture. They're also a gorgeous feature in any room and a great way to break up colors.

Coving v cornicing \nOh, and in an attempt to avoid any/create more confusion, during your interiors inspo search, you may have come across the terms coving and cornicing. So what exactly is cornicing, and how does it differ from coving? In short, cornicing is the generic term applied to describe moulding designed to conceal the join between the wall and the ceiling. They're often highly ornate and decorative. The term coving may be used to describe a plain, non-decorative version, more common today.

Interior trend: modern dado and picture rails \n\nBut why are these preventative decor decisions making such a comeback in 2021? Well, they're an excellent way to add additional color and textures to an otherwise bare wall. At Lick, we know paint, and it's clear that sometimes our customers don't want just to pick one color for a room, they want several. By breaking up the room, not only can you use multiple color palettes and textures, but it also creates an instantly dramatic, sophisticated, or layered look.\n\nSo, it's clear that picture rails and dado rails are two 2021 trends that are here to stay. Whether for practical or design purposes, if you're thinking about incorporating them into your home, here are six of our favorite modern dado and picture rails ideas to get your mood boards going.\nIdea 1: create wall paneling with dado and picture rails\nTrès Parisian, whatever color you go to, highlighting wall paneling with dado and picture rails can help create an instantly elegant feel. Learn more about \nhow to do DIY wall paneling here\n.

Idea 2: paint white above the picture rail\nBy \npainting the ceiling above the picture rail\n, it appears to increase the room's height and create the illusion of space (just one of the reasons you should \npaint or wallpaper your ceiling\n.

Idea 3: \ncontrast your dado and picture rails to your walls\nYou can either keep things traditional by painting your dado and/or picture rails white and highlighting your wall color, or go bold and attention-grabbing and paint them in contrasting colors.

Idea 4: \nmatch the dado and picture rails to the walls\nCreate a seamless effect by painting them the same color, adding texture to otherwise plain walls.

Idea 5: \ncolor block using dado and picture rails\nYou can really get creative here. Perfect if you want to tie in several colors and mix your palettes. Try also color blocking between your picture rails and your ceiling. This will draw the eye upwards and create a colorful stripe around the room.

Idea 6: opt for dado rails on your staircase\nMake an entrance by creating a feature of your \nstaircase\n. Follow the curve of the stairs by mirroring the dado rails to the height of the banisters.

It doesn't matter if you decide to keep things simple or go all out and make a statement; however you decide to use these design trends, doing it with dado or picture rails is a great way to upgrade your home. And whether it's dado or picture rails, \nskirting boards\n, or cornicing, Lick is here to help you along your home decor journey.

Image via @teawithruby\n\nColor schemes are the secret to making a room feel relaxing and harmonious while still having a distinct personality. Instead of your favorite furnishings competing for attention, a color scheme gives each piece its own moment to create impact. When you go a step further and apply a color scheme to your entire home, you’ll immediately notice how it improves the sense of flow as you look through doorways and move between rooms.\nCreating a color scheme for an entire house might seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s possible to break it down into smaller steps that are much more enjoyable to plan. Let’s take a look at how to pick the best color scheme for your own house renovation.\n\n1. Think about the vibe you want to create in your space\nBefore you even look at color swatches, it’s important to pin down how you want the atmosphere in your home - and each individual room - to feel. Do you like the idea of a pared-back, continuous tranquillity throughout your home, or would you like each room to contribute to a bold, cheerful statement?\nWhen it comes to individual rooms, where do you want to feel most alert, and where should be restful? Which spaces deserve a formal atmosphere, and which should be more cozy and intimate?\n\n2. Consider the time of day when you use each room\nColor is going to play a big part in uplifting you in the morning and soothing you in the evening so, factor in the time of day you’ll most likely be using each room. For example, an en-suite shower room might be a good candidate for bright, zesty colors to bring energy into your morning, while your living room could be a soothing pink or cocooning navy if that’s where you like to curl up after dinner.\nThe natural light in each room will also have an impact on color. In the morning, light tends to be brighter and clearer, gradually turning more golden and red-toned throughout the day. For this reason, home offices are often best kept in a restful, neutral color that won’t be too intense at any hour.\n\nRead our blog on \nnorth, east, south, and west-facing rooms\n and how this affects light and color. Have you got a north-facing room and don't know which color to paint it? \nCheck out all our \ncolors for north-facing rooms\n.

3. Understand your fixed elements\nWhat items or features are already going to be part of your house renovation? Use them to start informing your color palette. For example, creating a scheme around a beloved rug, rattan console, vibrant wallpaper, or stylish set of furniture to use as a centerpiece. Find the neutrals or background shades to use as the base of your home’s color palette, then use brighter colors within the patterns to inspire smaller splashes of color in soft furnishings and accent décor. Check out these \n5 ways to style your room around your favorite statement furniture\n.

Maybe you’re hoping to keep lovely timber floors exposed, or emphasize a gorgeous wood or \nmarble fireplace surround\n? Create a visual connection in other rooms by choosing the same kind of timber, or a multi-tonal wood that picks out the same colors but also pulls in other shades. \n\nIf your woodwork has a clear undertone, you can pick a paint palette that matches and emphasizes the shades, or contrasts with it. A third option is to choose \ncomplementary colors\n as the undertones; balancing yellow-toned woodwork with a violet- or blue-toned paint, like \nGrey 02\n or \nGrey 03\n, for example. Shop our \ngrey paint colors\n.\n\nLet the architecture guide your color transitions. Corners, molding, staircases and archways are natural points at which to change to a new color or pattern, and you can break up large walls by \npainting a wall mural\n. Let your staircases's wood tones naturally color block or paint them a contrasting color (check out these \npainting stairs ideas\n for more inspiration).

4. Finding your favorite colors and style\nDon’t fall into the trap of renovating just because of a current trend, or to impress friends or neighbors. It’s your space and home: fill it with colors you love and that make you happy.\n\nYour color palette should be imbued with your favorite colors and should avoid the ones you like least. A good exercise to help you find these is to find lots of inspiration from magazines, Pinterest and Instagram to slowly identify a pattern of what you’re drawn to. Create a visual \ninterior design mood board\n with your favorite magazine clippings and notice how you gravitate towards certain colors and patterns. Find yourself gravitating to bright and bold colors? You'll probably love these \ncolorful bedroom and living room ideas\n. It's all about what works for you and which colors you are drawn to. Check out Tash's advice below:

Of course, you might have known your favorite interior colors for a long time: \nTash Bradley\n, Lick’s Lead Color Specialist explains, “My favorite color is a warm, burnt, buttercup yellow. My mum, who is a property developer and interior designer, has decorated all hallways and front doors in this beautiful yellow color. It’s a very uplifting and happy color, which always reminds me of my childhood. This is why I’ve used this color in pockets in my home - it brings me great comfort and instantly takes me back”.

“Your colour palette should be imbued with your favourite colours and should avoid the ones you like least.”

Maybe your colors aren’t as specific, but there’s an era or style you want to evoke.\n\nDecorating a beautiful 1920s home, for example, might have you reaching for the dusky pinks and blues from our \nNeo Deco pastels paint palette,\n while groovy ‘70s architecture is the ideal canvas for \nretro colors like warm reds and yellows\n (read about our \nretro color palette\n). For something more contemporary, try the \nJapandi style\n and embrace a combination of \nstripped-back neutral paint colors and earthy tones\n.\n\nLooking for inspiration? Check out \nhow to style the Miami neo deco pastel paint colors in your home\n and real all about the \nMiami art deco style\n.

5. Choosing your neutrals\nBright colors can be daunting, so it’s okay to start with a relaxing neutral hue and gradually add colour. Your neutral colors are the motif that appear in every room to tie everything together. It might be on your hallway walls, your bathroom floor, your kitchen counters and your living room woodwork - the arrangement is up to you.\n\nAnd so is the color - although the majority of people choose a shade of white as their neutral color, you can use something else. For example, \nlight Pink 01\n is one of our most popular neutral shades.\n\nThere are warm neutrals, like \nWhite 06\n, which has a delicate touch of pink, or \nBeige 03\n, which has gentle yellow tones (read up on the difference between yellow based and \ngrey beige paint\n). Our collection of cool neutrals includes the blue-toned \nGrey 01\n, and \nWhite 01\n, \nWhite 02\n or \nWhite 04\n, which each have hints of grey. To balance a palette that’s a combination of warm and cool, try \nGreige 01\n or \nGreige 02\n.\n\nOr check out our \ncollaboration with Kelly Hoppen CBE\n and the \npalette of 6 timeless neutrals\n we've curated. From\n taupe paint\n to \ncool grey paint\n, these timeless neutrals will work in any scheme.

6. Creating color harmony\nThere are three main ways to build a color scheme, each creating a different kind of atmosphere:\n\nMonochromatic color schemes\n use the same color in lighter and darker shades, for example, pale blue, mid blue (like our \ndusky Blue 10 paint\n) and deep blue. The effect is usually serene and relaxing - perfect for bedrooms or tranquil home offices.\n

\nAnalogous color scheme \nuse colors that are next to each other on the \ncolor wheel\n, like supporting a burnt orange with accents in deep yellow and red. The effect is a little more energized to look at than tonal colors and can bring a hint of spice into a hallway or dining area. Another great way to spice up a hallway is through wallpaper. Try an analogous color scheme in the design and instantly energize the space.

\n\nComplementary color schemes\n involve colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, like green and purple. These bold combinations are fun and inject life into a room, but can be a little overwhelming in large doses. Try sprinkling these kinds of contrasts into statement kitchens or vibrant living areas.\n

Choosing colors with the same weights and undertones will make even the brightest combinations feel easy on the eye, rather than jarring.\n\nFind rhythm in the repetition of your colors throughout the house. Even if each room has a different base shade, add flashes of each accent color to keep a sense of consistency and balance. The rule of thumb is that your space should be 60% your dominant shade, 30% your sub-dominant shade and 10% your accent color.\n\nRemember that color is everywhere, not just walls. Add textiles, paint woodwork and cover shelving with wallpaper if it helps tie your rooms together.

7. Getting practical: choosing colors and samples\nWe would recommend choosing 8-10 colors for your palette to cover an entire house renovation with some variety. In addition to our pre-curated \nNeo Deco pastels\n, \nJapandi style\n and \n70s retro color\n palettes that we mentioned earlier, we’ve got \npastel color tips\n, \nspring colors inspiration\n, and \nthe Year of the Ox shades\n to give you more ideas.\n\nOnce you’ve decided on your colors, ordering \npaint samples\n is the best way to understand how your palette will come to life. Start with one space, like the entryway or the room you want to have the biggest impact (probably your living room or kitchen).\n\nNext, move onto the connecting rooms and areas you can see from the first room, choosing different colors from your scheme. Each part of the house can still have a distinctive style and focus, as long as you link them together through trims, flooring, accents or neutral elements.\n\nOur \npeel-and-stick paint samples\n allow you to move them between walls, helping you to understand the way the light hits the colors at certain times of day and how they look in different rooms and corners. Stick them up 1-2 days minimum to see how they make you feel and you’ll be much more confident that the colors you pick are 100% right.

Renovating a whole house is a big undertaking, but the process should still be enjoyable. Choosing a color scheme is a surprisingly simple way to add personality and make your decisions easier at the same time. Now that you know how to create a color scheme when planning a house renovation, check out our range of \npaint colors\n and \nwallpaper designs\n, and \norder some samples online\n or read on for more \ndecorating tips\n.\n

The difference between paint drying and paint curing could be the difference between you being happy with your paint job or not. What's more, getting it right the first time will save you hours (if not days) in the future. So let’s take a closer look at the difference between these often confused decorating terms.\n\n\nShop Lick paint\n\n\nWhat is paint curing?\nThe paint curing process is what happens when your paint is fully hardened and preserved. It means it's ready for whatever life throws at it—the odd bump or occasional wipe down. Our \npaint\n is high formulation multi-surface paint, so this hardening process can take upwards of five days. Until then, it can have a flexible, almost plastic-like sensation to it. Once this has gone, your paint is fully cured, and you're ready to start rearranging your furniture and putting your room back together!\n\nWhat is the difference between paint drying and paint curing?\nPaint 'drying' happens when the solvents evaporate from your paint coating, leaving the paint feeling dry to the touch—even though it is not 100% dry. Whilst paint 'curing' happens when your paint coating is completely hardened and fused to the wall. Now (and only then!) is it completely dry.\n\nHow long does Lick paint take to dry?\nWe advise leaving between 2-4 hours before you start painting your second coat. Once your second coat has been applied, your paint will take about 24 hours to dry. But like we've said, this doesn't mean the job is done just yet!\n\nHow long does Lick paint take to cure?\nIt's not always an exact science. Factors like whether you've plastered, the temperature of your room, or even the weather can affect how long your paint takes to cure, but depending on moisture levels and heat, our paint takes 5-10 days to cure fully. \n\nIf, for example, your painting conditions are hot with high moisture (like in a bathroom), then both drying and curing time can take longer. In this case, we'd allow 7-10 days for your paint to fully cure. \n\nWhereas, if the room you are painting is hot and dry (hello, toasty living room), both drying and curing time can be much faster. We'd recommend 5-7 days.\n\nWhatever the environment, we'd recommend waiting 5-10 days before you put any objects directly against your walls or hanging any paintings. If your paint is not fully cured, it might stick to these surfaces or peel off.\n\nI’ve painted onto plaster. Why is my paint peeling off in sheets?\nA common mistake, don't beat yourself up about it. If you've painted straight onto plaster, the paint can either get absorbed into the plaster or have problems adhering. This is why it's peeling off—it's the surface it's painted onto rather than the paint itself. It's actually sticking to itself rather than the wall. The good news is, this is a fairly easy fix. It just requires a little patience. All you need to do is wait for a few days and allow your paint to dry fully before you repaint.\n\nTo ensure this problem never happens in the first place, we'd recommend applying a mist coat of 70% water, 30% paint onto fresh plaster, as this is perfect for the porous nature of plaster. Once this has dried, you can begin painting as you usually would, over the top.\n\nAs ever, before you get going on a DIY project, don't forget to prep (and the right \ntools for the prep\n). Take a look at our guide on \nhow to prep a room for painting\n and \nhow to paint a wall\n.

Tips and Tricks

IKEA Ivar cabinet hack: get boho chic for cheap

Color psychology: how color affects our emotions

Jargon busting: What do these common paint terms actually mean?

5 cosy living room and bedroom ideas for Valentine's Day

7 ways to style indoor plants in a living room

Paint touch-ups: the do’s and dont’s

Painting the way to a lower-impact future

How to decorate your home if you and your partner have different decor styles

DIY headboard ideas to try at home

10 ideas to get your downstairs bathroom guest-ready