You can easily update old pieces of varnished wooden furniture using Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer. Designed for use on previously varnished surfaces, it cuts out the process of stripping and priming. Simply paint on the sealer with a brush and allow to dry – you’ll have a paint-ready surface.

Light or dark

Knowing what colour to paint a room is a gamble and first-time decorators can be tempted to opt for bold colours that they later regret.

When considering colour schemes remember to match the weight or intensity of the colours you plan to use. The rule of thumb is two-thirds of one colour, one-third of another colour. This will give you a balanced final result.

Magnetic Blackboard

Resene Magnetic Magic paint is a popular choice for many children’s bedroom designs. Resene Blackboard Paint is another favourite. If space is restricted, try using Resene Magnetic Magic underneath Resene Blackboard Paint to create a magnetic blackboard. The kids will love it!

Expensive tastes

If you fall in love with an expensive wallpaper but can’t justify using it for a whole room, you can wallpaper the wall that the bed head rests against as an accent wall, and still get to use your much-loved paper.

Reshaping a room

Depending on how you use it, colour can help to alter the proportions of a room.

• To create an open airy room, paint the walls to match the floor and use pale, cool colours.
• To make a long narrow room seem shorter, paint a warm deep colour on short-end walls and a lighter colour on the longer walls. This tricks the eye into believing the room is more evenly proportioned.
• To make a room appear more enclosed, use a strong colour on the lower part of the walls, from picture rail height down, and a lighter colour above and over the ceiling.
• To widen a room, make the floor and ceiling a similar colour, with the walls painted in a lighter colour.

Styling tip: If you want to add bright colour to a room without using it on the walls, cover cushions or a changing table pad with cheap and cheerful fabrics. Or grab a testpot and paint up some frames and canvases.