A Lick curated collection of community focused stories, design inspiration, decor guides, how tos, home décor trends and more.

Decorating Tips, How Tos & Inspiration

Take a trip to Aldeburgh, a seaside town in Suffolk, England, where interior designer Elizabeth Stanhope has designed a joyfully colourful home for her client and her ever-expanding family. There was one key consideration when designing the home; it had to be fit for multi-generation use. Now grandparents, the client and her husband wanted the home to be multi-functional and welcoming, the perfect environment for hosting their adult children, grandchildren, as well as friends. To do this, Elizabeth used colour as a tool for creating a home that felt inviting, calm where needed, and cosy. Decorated top-to-toe in Lick, Elizabeth took inspiration from Aldeburgh's colourful beachfront houses for the home's colour palette. 

“When you look around Aldeburgh, it’s basically like looking at the Lick paint collection. It is awash with glorious, joyful colour.”\n

The first room you enter into is the open plan kitchen and dining room, painted in White 03 and Blue 04 (the two most used colours in the home). A busy space used for entertaining, the client wanted the overall feeling to be calm and inviting. Elizabeth looked to our whites and chose White 03, a creamy white with warm yellow undertones. As the front of the house is also east-facing, it can get quite a grey, cool light in the winter months, so White 03 was the perfect neutral to balance out the cooler light. 

"Whilst we opted for White 03 on the walls to keep the overall mood calm, we also introduced lots of pops of colour to create an inviting and joyful atmosphere."\n

The White 03 walls continue into the kitchen, but are paired with Blue 04 lower cabinets, for a warm and cosy feel. Rattan lights, open wooden-shelving and nautical stripes also add texture and visual interest to the space. 

It was important for the utility room to feel fresh and clean, but still colourful. Elizabeth chose Green 08, our refreshing mint green with warm yellow and blue undertones. 

We are led upstairs and onto the landing by Blue 04 bannisters and woodwork, creating a lovely visual flow. We are then greeted by a Green 07 bathroom, a joyful surprise. 

We are led upstairs by Blue 04 painted bannisters and woodwork, creating a lovely visual flow.

In this guest bedroom, Elizabeth opted for \nRed 03\n, our grounding terracotta with warming pink and brown undertones. Accents of red throughout the room help balance the Red 03 tongue-and-grove panelling, with subtle detailing on the scallop lamp, gingham curtains and scatter cushions. There is also a nod to nautical with the red, blue and creamy white colour scheme, without it being too gimmicky. 

"Red is not an obvious choice for a bedroom, but there is something about Red 03 that is so calming and cocooning. Our client fell in love with it."

Similarly to the Red 03 bedroom, Elizabeth chose to do a half-painted wall of tongue-and-grove panelling, this time in \nYellow 02\n. The yellow is paired with \nWhite 03\n painted walls and ceiling, fresh blues in the bedding and Pookie lamp base, and a \nBlue 04\n painted door.  

"We wanted each guest bedroom to feel comfortable, cosy and joyful. Colour was integral in creating this feeling."\n

Love the colours used in this house? Shop the palette below:

She's sat in the studio with the likes of Elton John and performed her avant-garde shows across the globe. Still, earlier this year, the multi-hyphenate Rina Sawayama found time to catch up with Tash Bradley, our Lead Colour Specialist, to discuss her most colourful collaboration yet. A creative through-and-through she spent lockdown writing her second album and decorating her house.\n

A lover of all things colour, Rina was looking for a home that felt soft and peaceful whilst also adding character with her paint palette. "I love that Lick is very curated. With other companies, I feel like there's too much option, and it just stresses me out", Rina says (we know the feeling). It needed to be the perfect backdrop for her creative outputs. She wanted the rooms to feel large and spacious with a sense of flow between them and that cohesive colour scheme. Here's how we got the look.\nRina Sawayama’s musical “man cave” in Electric Poppies 02\nThis is where the magic happens, where Rina sits at her piano and writes her latest songs, so it needed to be an environment that inspires. "I wanted to create my own little den. I didn't have my own room until I was 15—and now I'm giving myself that space. I feel very safe here". Not only does \nElectric Poppies 02\n act as a vibrant feature wall, but the texture from the wallpaper also helps to absorb the sound. Perfect then, for an in-house music studio. \n\nGet inspired by these \nfeature wall ideas\n to get the look.

Rina Sawayama’s cosy kitchen in Red 03 and green accents\nHere the pink and green palette continues in the form of \nRed 03\n cupboards and that enviable green terrazzo splashback. Not only is this an environmentally conscious choice (it's made from stone cut-offs, making it more eco-friendly), but it looks absolutely fantastic.

When contrasted with these rich green tones, \nRed 03 \nappears pink, giving the kitchen a warm and nurturing feel. It's the room that you just want to linger in with a cup of coffee.

"I'm so inspired by Pinterest", says Rina, and that's just where she got the idea for this incredible colour-block feature wall in her kitchen. "I love a lot of colours and lots of different shapes", and this curated collection of her favourite pieces is the perfect display of this. \n\nFind out how you can \nliven up your space with colour blocking\n.

Rina Sawayama’s dark and cocooning study in Blue 07\nRina's second bedroom was quite small and didn't get much light, but we decided to use that to our advantage and turn it into a dark and cosy room with \nBlue 07\n, yet with a hint of green to keep it from feeling cold. "I always like to trust the experts, but with colour, it's gut instinct. If it makes me feel good, I go for it", says Rina. We couldn't agree more and this room is a total triumph in moody blue.

“I always like to trust the experts, but with colour, it's gut instinct. If it makes me feel good, I go for it.”

As it doubles as an office, it could be quite stimulating by day, but by the evening, once the light has gone, it's cosy and cocooning—the best of both worlds.

Rina Sawayama’s dreamlike bedroom in Pink 03\n“I get a lot of inspiration from the hotels I stay in”, explains Rina. “Hotels have the most budget, so it’s great to take inspiration from really elevated designs”. Painted in \nPink 03\n her bedroom is just that. Ever so slightly on the bubblegum side, this pink has just enough grey to keep it muted and stop it looking too girlish.

Matching side lamps and \nthat\n velvet upholstered headboard create a seriously glam look, whilst the \npink walls\n keeps it warm and welcoming. \n\nGet inspired by these \nDIY headboard ideas\n.

To conclude? "This house really grounds and centres me. It makes me feel grateful, even when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I feel so lucky. Without people listening to my music, none of this would be possible". What more could you ask for? A house that gives you space to do more of what you love whilst also acting as a daily reminder to feel grateful and grounded. Who wouldn't want more of that?

Meet Amira Hashish, editorial director and founder of the creative and publishing studio \nRappor\n\nt\n and lifestyle magazine \nNeighbourhood Edit\n. An avid traveller and design enthusiast, Amira’s eclectic home is a treasure trove of trinkets, vintage finds, and art inspired by her travels. Learn about where Amira finds her inspiration, her love of vintage, and how she created her dream Lick colour palette.

What drew you to the Lick paint colours you chose?\n“I knew that I wanted my home to reflect my passion for the colours and culture of the Mediterranean, so I was drawn towards the warmer, earthier tones of \nTaupe 03\n and \nBeige 03\n, and the sea tones of \nGreen 09\n, \nTeal 01\n and \nBlue 13\n. I also love entertaining and hosting, so I wanted to choose Lick colours that felt really welcoming. As soon as people step into my home, I hope they feel a sense of warmth and joy.”

“I love blending eras, materials and colours to create design schemes that tell a story.”

In the kitchen and master bedroom, Amira opted for Taupe 03, a warm subtle taupe with red and grey undertones. Taupe 03 has a dependable, nurturing quality that makes a room feel calming and comforting. 

In the guest bedroom Amira also chose a neutral shade, Beige 03. A soft, earthy beige with balanced grey and yellow undertones, Beige 03 has a grounding quality that will make your space feel comforting and cosy, putting you at ease. The perfect colour for welcoming guests.

In Amira’s living room, or ‘snug’, she opted for something more cocooning and cosy - our Teal 01. A warm mid teal with blue and green undertones, Teal 01 pairs beautifully with the mustard and deep red accents in the cushions and furnishings. 

Your home is an eclectic mix of furniture and patterns. What draws you to blending different styles?\n“When it comes to styling, my home is filled with vintage discoveries. I have built up a contacts book brimming with antique dealers and reclamation yard owners. I think weaving in vintage in every space is the best way to make it feel lived in and characterful, as well as being kinder to the planet. I am drawn to objects that have lived a life.”

In Amira’s bathroom, a reclaimed basin adds a vintage charm, whilst the basin’s pink tones pair beautifully with the Blue 13 walls and deep blue tiles. A warm mid blue green undertones, Blue 13 has the refreshing qualities of paddling in shallow crystal clear ocean, making her space feel uplifted.

If you are inspired by Amira's design and colour scheme, explore her palette below or follow Amira on\n @thedesigneditor @clubrapport \nfor daily inspiration.

Tash Bradley, our Lead Colour Specialist, caught up with model and food enthusiast, Daisy Lowe, to talk all things colour, cooking, and home renovations. Earlier this year, we transformed her North London house into a cosy, modern-gothic-meets-vintage-inspired haven. In her colour consultation with Tash, Daisy described how she wanted to add character and a splash of colour to her home.\n\n“When I bought this house, I thought to myself, right, I’m going to be an adult! So it was all off-white and muted...But then when it came to the colour consultation, I realised—it has to be colour”. She wanted each room to have its own unique design element whilst using hues that flow throughout. Enter Lick.\nDaisy's kitchen decorated in Pink 02 paint\nIn Daisy’s words, the kitchen is “industrial country with a lot of pink”. \nPink 02\n, to be specific. Its warm tones are instantly inviting and contrasted with dark, modern farmhouse style cabinets and white marble splashbacks and countertops. It really stands out. The renovation work turned the space into an open-plan kitchen-dining room. In fact, that’s what it’s all about: cooking and entertaining. “I \nlove\n cooking”, says Daisy “it makes me so happy being able to fill everyone with all the love that I’ve put into it”.

The entire room surrounds a traditional aga on the kitchen island, allowing Daisy to cook whilst facing her guests (who can seat themselves on pink bar stools, what else?). Whilst Daisy uses open shelving to keep her go-to cookbooks within easy reach.\n\nLove this look? Find out \nhow to style open shelving in your kitchen\n. 

Daisy’s hallway decorated in Pink 04 paint with Pink 01 woodwork \nAside from the kitchen renovations, it was simply changing the colours throughout the house that achieved the biggest transformation. "House renovations are a huge commitment—and really costly. It's amazing how much you can change the look and mood of a room with just paint", explains Tash. In the hallway, that feels like a big, warm hug welcoming you home in the shade of \nPink 04\n walls and \nPink 01\n woodwork. "Being around pink just uplifts. You just feel cuddled", says Daisy. "I haven't done any building work in the rest of the house—it was just the colours—yet it feels so much warmer".

Being around pink just uplifts. You just feel cuddled.

Daisy’s living room decorated in Grey 07 paint and Pink 01 woodwork\nThe muted pinks with subtle greens (disguised as \nGrey 07\n, with its rich green undertones) continue into the living room. "I was a bit nervous about going dark", explains Daisy. "I'd been living with it so bright, and it didn't feel very homely. I wanted it to be light but also dark and cosy". The key to this turned out to be pulling through those lighter colours with a soft pink sofa, light curtains and keeping the woodwork fresh in \nPink 01\n whilst \nGrey 07\n serves as a perfect background, giving the room a muted earthy feel and creating an air of tranquillity. "Now, in the evenings when we're watching telly, it's just so cosy".

Daisy’s bedroom decorated in Green 09 with Pink 01 woodwork\nMoving upstairs, into one of the most important rooms in the house, the bedroom. We took inspiration from a stunning, statement vintage chandelier. Wall-to-wall \nGreen 09\n is instantly soothing—it's the perfect backdrop for a relaxing bedroom. Again, we’ve used \nPink 01\n instead of white on the ceiling and woodwork to create a feeling of warmth, plus it pairs perfectly with Daisy's signature pink velvet headboard and a dusty pink Louis XVI love seat.

"I don't wear that much pink, but it's one of my favourite colours". In this bedroom, paired with gold-vintage frames and antique lampshades, it feels feminine without being too 'girly', and instantly grown-up.

Daisy’s dressing room decorated in White 04 paint and Black 02 woodwork\nOk, we might not all have space for a dressing room in our homes, but if you do, you've got to go full glam, right? And that's just what Daisy did. The inspiration was a box of Coco Chanel No 5. What's more instantly glamorous? We achieved this by using \nBlack 02\n on the woodwork and \nWhite 04\n on the walls. This warming black and the soft, linen-like undertones of \nWhite 04\n prevented it from being too stark a contrast. The result is a dressing room that we can all be envious of.\n\nGet to know Daisy\nQ1 - What's the one piece in your home you couldn't live without?\n

My roll top bath - my favourite way to unwind is in that tub.

Q2 - What's one piece of fashion advice you would give to someone?\n

Dress in clothes that make you feel good, don’t worry about trends… as long as you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing- you will shine.

My dog Monty has the funniest character, I smile at him the most… and my boyfriend Jordan too.

If you’d like to take the full Daisy Lowe house tour (and learn her grandmother’s fail-safe Madeleines recipe), check out her chat with Tash below:

Model, writer, YouTube sensation, and authority on all things style, we were only too happy to help transform Jim Chapman’s new house into a home. ‘GQs Best Dressed’ and one of fashion’s most influential faces, he gives Tash the behind the scenes tour of what has become the family home for him, his fiance Sarah, and baby Margot.\n\nDecorated in rich blues, teals, and greens—with just a splash of \nPink 01\n for good measure—Jim’s home is a cosy and elegant family haven. Moving in just nine months ago, the house already feels loved and lived in. And that was kind of the point. From flat to cosy family home, the main reason behind the move was baby Margot. They needed more space and a renovation project gave them more for their money—and allowed them to really put their mark on it.\nJim’s living room decorated in Teal 03 paint\n“I \nlove\n green,” Jim proudly announces. “[Sarah] doesn’t,” he caveats. But they’ve managed to find a happy medium with this gorgeously rich \nTeal 03\n in the living room. It’s got a lot of blue in it, so it contrasts perfectly with their peachy sofa. The effect is a cosy yet colourful living room, with lots of artwork on the walls and some great \nopen shelving\n to display their photos and pieces collected over the years.\n\nFind out how you can use \ncolour blocking to liven up your space\n.

Jim’s hallway decorated in Blue 07 paint\nAccording to Tash, “when it comes to maintaining a sense of flow, the colour of your hallway is so important—it sets the tone for the whole house. Using darker hues will spark excitement on arrival and make every room leading off it feel bigger and lighter”. So, dark and dramatic it is with \nBlue 07\n on the staircase (not to mention some very clever understairs storage) in an \neggshell paint\n for a really durable finish.

Jim’s office decorated in Green 04 paint\n“There’s a bit of a green theme running through the house”, Jim admits. And he’s gone full \nGreen 04\n in his man cave. The walls, the woodwork, even the ceiling—it’s the smallest room in the house and the effect is one that totally cocoons. We love his gallery wall, filled with works of art he’s collected over the years, not to mention \nthat \nneon sign.\n\nGet the look with these \n10 gallery wall ideas\n or find out \nwhy neon signs are a must in your home\n. 

Jim’s bedroom and bathroom decorated in Pink 01 and Teal 01 paint\nIn the bedroom, Jim’s gone for light and bright \nPink 01\n on the walls and skirting, paired with grounding Teal 01 above the \ndado rail\n and on the ceiling. It accentuates the house’s incredible period features. “I try and tell clients the entire time, it’s not going to make the room feel small,” says Tash (if you don’t believe her, take a read of our blog on \nwhy you should paint or wallpaper your ceiling\n). The enormous bay windows allow in loads of light which, when accompanied by the gentle \ncomplementary colour scheme\n of pink and teal, leaves the room feeling fresh and bright yet calming and soothing. In the bathroom, they’ve used \nTeal 01\n, \nleftover paint\n from the bedroom, which creates a sense of flow and continuity. 

Margot’s nursery decorated in Pink 01 \nLast but definitely not least is Margot’s dreamy \nPink 01\n nursery. “This is actually one of my favourite parts of the house,” says Jim. “I do the mornings and Margot is always delightful first thing…I get really excited when I go to bed now!”. According to \ncolour psychology\n, pink is great for babies as it’s a really soft and nurturing colour. We can’t think of a better hue for a newborn’s nursery. “It’s the same colour as the bedroom, but it feels \nso\n much warmer,” says Jim, “thanks to warming woods and beige accents”. \n\nThey’ve also gone for one of our favourite looks which is a jungle-themed nursery with that \ntropical theme mural wallpaper\n and lots of stuffed animals and cuddly toys. Find out how you can create a \njungle or safari theme in your child’s nursery\n.

If you enjoyed this sneak peek into Jim Chapman’s home, then why not take a look around \nDaisy Lowe’s glam vintage abode\n or \nVogue William’s art-filled London home\n.

With installations across the UK and some exciting projects across the pond in the pipeline, interior designer Pandora Taylor’s work has featured on the pages of House & Garden and Town & Country to name a few. We fell in love with her idiosyncratic style because of the way she manages to seamlessly mix the contemporary and the antique. So, we met up with Pandora and her adorable Sealyham terrier, Mr Bingley, in their south London home for a little Q&A on all things \neclectic decor\n, affordable art, and home renovations.


As an interior designer, what would be your three top tips for a novice decorator? \n\nBe adventurous and push your boundaries, but always remember that function is key. \nDon’t be afraid to explore different styles and colours—you’ll be surprised by what you might  like! \nMost of all, trust your intuition. If you love it, go for it. \n

The wall mural in the living room\n—\nwe love it. What was the inspiration behind it?\n\nI love the idea of old country houses with large tapestries on the walls. They have such a warm,  earthy feel. I wanted to bring that feeling to the living room and create something a little unexpected for a Victorian house in London. 

What would your advice be for our readers who like the idea of a wall mural but are perhaps a bit scared to make the jump? \n\nStart with something not too expensive, then if you don't like it you can just paint over it!  \n\nYou’ve spoken before about inviting your clients to think about colours other than white. Why’s that? And what would your alternatives be? \nDon’t get me wrong, white certainly has its place. For me it just seems a shame when there are so many wonderful colours to choose from. I use the colour blue like other people use white—it’s my neutral. It’s the perfect uplifting base for everything else. Something like \nBlue 15\n.

You design your own furniture and have collaborated with Ensemblier. Where to begin when designing a  piece of furniture—where do you get your inspiration?  \n\nI am really inspired by architecture, whether it’s classical or modern, there are lines and motifs  that translate so perfectly to furniture. I particularly like sitting on the top deck of the bus as you notice details on buildings you just can’t appreciate from street level. I also pick up a lot of shapes and colours from nature—all my  headboards are named after the natural world.

And what’s your favourite piece in the whole house?\nVery tough! But I would probably say the toleware table in my living room. It’s from one of my  favourite antiques shops, Hand of Glory Antiques & Interiors. It was the last thing I bought for this room and it just feels like it was  made for the space. The top half is a tray which sadly no longer comes off, but the handles are so  handy for moving it around, which seems to happen a lot!\n\nWe love how you mix period pieces with modern designs. What’s the secret to doing so  without it jarring?\n\nI think even my modern pieces have an edge to them, they don't have a brand new untouched feeling. I try to steer clear of any new furniture that feels too sharp and clean. I prefer objects to feel  like they have seen a few things.

You’ve got quite the art collection. Where do you find your pieces and how do you decide which ones to buy? \n\nI have collected various pieces over the years. I used to love trawling through charity shops when I was younger which is where most of the small traditional pieces are from. But in more recent years I have bought pieces at the Affordable Art Fair as well as galleries like Blue Shop Cottage.\n


I never go out looking for art, but if I see something and have a physical response to it then I snap it up, as (luckily for my bank balance) it’s something that happens rarely.

Do you have a favourite?\nDefinitely the large oil painting of my old family dog. It was based on a photo I had taken of him  where he looked so soulful and imperious staring off into the distance, I wanted to portray him like an Edwardian gentleman.\n\nYou bought this house in 2019 as a fixer-upper. What would you recommend our readers look for in a renovation project?\n\nIt has to have great bones. The best thing about this house are the proportions, the ceilings are  really high and the rooms are generous and wide. These aren’t really things you can change unless you end up doing serious structural work.

Anything you wish you’d done differently?  \nThe only thing I don't LOVE are the timber floors. All the floors are original pine which is fantastic and made it much more cost-effective, but they came up so yellow once sanded. We did them in a bit of a rush and given more time I would have liked to look into painting them. Having said that, everyone else thinks I’m mad when I mention this as they love them!\n\nAside from your own house you’ve worked on some seriously  desirable projects. Which one would you say is your favourite and why?\nSo hard, as every project has its own highlights, however I did really love doing my Dorset House project. It was the first country house interior I had ever worked on and it was fun to be able to embrace the style fully. Although of course it has a Pandora Taylor twist on it.\n\nAnd finally, any words of wisdom for the budding interior designers out there?\nRemember to enjoy it! People often don't realise that there is a lot of admin that goes into interior design, but it is all worth it for the end result.

Oh, and it’d be rude not to. If you had to pick just one, what would your favourite Lick paint colour and wallpaper be?\nWeirdly, as you would think I would choose a blue by looking at my house, I love \nGreen 10\n. It is hard to find a really rich grass green like this and it can be a really fun punch of colour when used as an accent.\n\nIn terms of the wallpapers, I love Canopy 02.

Head over to \nPandora's website\n for more of her eye-catching interior designs or \nshop\n some of her statement furnishings. Give her a follow \n@pandorataylor for the latest updates.\n

A lavish hotel space bursting with retro-inspired colours and bright features, this Miami Beach destination is an interior designer’s dream…\n\nMiami is synonymous with opulence. Its historic homes, Art Deco architecture, and hedonistic lifestyle create a unique atmosphere that draws people to its shores throughout the year. Exciting new spaces are often emerging on the Miami hospitality scene, but one particular hotel is turning heads with its fresh design and playful spirit.

The Goodtime Hotel is a creative partnership between restauranter David Grutman and singer and producer Pharrell Williams. The duo describe the hotel as an escape from reality, a place to relax, and a home to revelry. Located in the heart of the historic South Beach area of Miami, the Goodtime Hotel is just moments away from the beach and hubbub of Ocean Drive.

Grutman and Williams called upon the famed designer Ken Fulk to create the vibe of the hotel. Based in San Francisco, Fulk's designs and productions are renowned to be sophisticated and theatrical, and include Boston members’ lounge The Quin House, San Francisco’s Battery Club and Boulevard restaurant, and the Big Sur wedding of tech guru Sean Parker (which made headlines with its extraordinarily lavish nature).

The aesthetic of the hotel is very much Miami and the striking entrance truly sets the scene. “When you arrive at the hotel and walk through our doors, it becomes a full-on experience,” says David Grutman. “When you’re at the Goodtime, we want you to feel like your worries and anxieties have been left outside.” 

A lush, double-height atrium bursting with plants greets guests and visitors, while an Art Deco palette of pastel colours, leopard prints and palm tree accents adorn the interior. The hotel embraces the use of bright, patterned wallpaper and hand-painted murals as well as plush furnishings to create an immersive design experience. Fulk’s attention to detail and playful approach to design is showcased throughout the Goodtime Hotel. Imprints of wet footprints – as if just imprinted by a guest coming from the pool – are incorporated into the hallway carpet and bright pink vintage phones are placed on the bedside table. 

One of the most interesting spaces is 'The Library', a co-working room to be utilised by the hotel's guests throughout their stay. The design team used Wes Anderson’s film \nThe Royal Tenenbaums \nas a creative touchstone, particularly focusing on Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Margot for inspiration.
\nThe whimsical design strikes an effortless balance between fun pieces, vintage furniture, and contemporary amenities to create a peach-hued space to work and relax. The guest bedrooms are compact but the design definitely still packs a punch. The vintage glamour of the 1920s is delicately incorporated in the palm tree print robes, custom drapes, wicker furniture, and pink-hued bathroom tiles.

Moving outside, the pool is one of the hotel’s standout features. Divided by a runaway and adorned with pink stripes, it is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places in Miami. The pool’s ‘Strawberry Moon’ cabanas are privatised areas where guests can lounge and relax away from the heat of the sun. The tropical experience is further enhanced by the pool area’s use of Palm trees and foliage, designed by landscaper Raymond Jungles. Each weekend, the hotel hosts DJs and entertainers by its pool, deck, and lounge area to further add to the party atmosphere.

An impeccably designed space that has certainly made its mark on the Miami world, guests of this hotel are sure to have a good time. \nBook a room at the Goodtime Hotel here\n and soak up what Miami has to offer.

Lovers of \nmid-century modern furniture\n should run, not walk, to Home Union: a bright space full of one-of-a-kind treasures for the home in Williamsburg, NYC. The vintage furniture store was founded by partners Daniel King and Meghan Lavery back in 2016, a natural outlet for their shared passion for 20th-century design and growing collection of antique finds. The duo share a keen visual eye; their backgrounds in fashion and woodworking inform a curated selection of textiles, housewares, and mid-century modern furniture.

We’re fans of mixing and matching pieces from different eras, and Home Union makes it easy to plan, envision, and experiment with that—whether you’re shopping online or in-store. Take, for example, the 1906s rattan basket chairs by Egon Eiermann, and imagine them illuminated by the 1970s Caprani lamp. Both are available either in-shop or online (...for now, and likely not for long). Or give your living room an upgrade with one of their stunning credenzas: a 1960s Danish teak option by Arne Vodder stands out for its subtle variation in drawer size and stunning wood grain.

It’s the little things that turn a space into a home, and Home Union has plenty of vintage candlestick holders, glassware, spice grinders, teapots, and other knick-knacks to stock your shelves. Hand-blown tumblers by Brooklyn-based brand Sticky Glass will add a playful element to your kitchen, and these sculptural ceramic dishes with a handkerchief print will do the same for your living room.

If you’re looking for a statement piece, there’s no better way to transform a room than by adding a modern rug bursting with colour or in an eye-catching pattern. If you’re open to both at the same time, consider the Home Union x PIECES collaboration: a line of unapologetically loud rugs inspired by the whimsical aesthetic of ‘60s and ‘70s modern Italian design and countless Italian-American institutions around Williamsburg.

Whether you’re looking to redo a room or simply add an eye-catching new element to a space you already love, \nHome Union\n might have just the pieces you need. Go have a snoop on \ntheir Instagram\n if you don't believe us.

Meet Marie, the chef behind \nArôme Cassis\n. Originally a pianist and subsequently a music therapist, Marie grew up in Cairo, Egypt surrounded by a mixed Egyptian-Greek family. This blend of cultures bloomed her interest in the intersection between art, food and music, and in 2020 she founded Arôme Cassis, a ‘celebration of sensory experiences’. Initially based around the documentation of a blended universe of food and music, Marie’s culinary artistry has evolved over the years, allowing for endless experimentation, self-expression, and innovation, turning the act of preparing food into a powerful creative outlet, where colour plays a pivotal role. To explore the relationship between colour, cooking, and self-expression, we challenged Marie to create a menu of dishes inspired by our \nSummer Palette\n. \nRead on to learn about Marie’s relationship with colour and prepare to drool over her delicious creations. 

How would you describe your relationship with colour and how has it influenced your craft?  \n“I’ve always been drawn to the sensory experience of colour, first in music and now in cooking. I remember my piano teacher would ask me, ‘What colour does this part of the piece transmit?’. Being encouraged to think about the relationship between music and colour in this way, about subjective interpretation, has informed so much of my creative process today. I love exploring the way colours in food interact to produce different emotions in us, and a variety of different sensory experiences. But what excites me the most is the unexpected. There is just so much to play with when it comes to colour, endless food pairings each with their unique colour palettes.”

"There is just so much to play with when it comes to colour.”

Are there certain dishes you enjoy cooking the most? \n“I think, for me, food has to be eaten. Some of my core memories are about being fed or feeding others. So for me, it depends on the situation. Sometimes it will be about making a big pot of comforting soup. Sometimes it will be about being a bit more experimental, playing with jellies, collecting moulds and things like that. But generally, I think what I like the most is creating food that people like to eat and that provokes interest.”\nOur Summer Palette\nA curation of refreshing minty greens and earthy neutrals, our \nSummer Palette\n was inspired by hazy summer evenings, transporting you poolside with a cocktail in hand.

Explore Marie’s colourful menu, inspired by our Summer Palette \nPistachio bread inspired by Green 09\n“For \nGreen 09\n, I decided to make pistachio bread with pistachio cream. A simple combination, but I did feel that this subtle flavour and colour combination conveyed Green 09’s warm, yet uplifting qualities that I just love so much. The comforting nature of the biscuits also complements the green, so I found it to be a great match.”

Panna cotta inspired by Pink 08\n“For \nPink 08\n, I decided to make a panna cotta with a layered jelly on top. I just found that the combination of strawberry and cream could not be more perfect for this colour. Pink 08 is vibrant and playful, but also warm and deep. Jelly and panna cotta, to me, have those same qualities”

Crème caramel inspired by Brown 02\n“For \nBrown 02\n, I decided to make a creme caramel. It’s very simple, but it’s one of my favourite desserts in the world. It’s jiggly. It’s playful. Everybody loves it. I can't think of a more comforting dessert. Brown 02 has that warm, comforting, grounding feel to it as well, so I thought the creme caramel was perfect.” 

Banana bread inspired by Taupe 03\n“For \nTaupe 03\n, I made a banana cake with a Tonka custard, a flavour that I love. I dusted the banana cake in a smoked demerara sugar. When I think about Taupe 03, I think about these warm, smoky flavours. This was the first thing that jumped into my mind. I was like, “For this colour, it must be cake.” And with cake, custard must be served. I just found that to be a very good match.”

Pea and mint ricotta pasta inspired by Green 13\n“For \nGreen 13\n, I made a pea and mint ricotta pasta. This colour is fresh and bright. I'm a big fan of the combination of mint and peas, and when paired with the ricotta, they work together to create a vibrant and fresh summer dish. Of course, red pasta sauces are amazing, but sometimes I crave the more refreshing green sauces made with mint.”

Candied pears and Laious cheese inspired by Beige 03\n“For \nBeige 03\n, I decided to make candied thin pears which I paired with Laious cheese that's cut in the manner of cutting Tête de Moine. I just find this manner of cutting cheese to be so wonderful and delicate. And I do think that this colour really conveys that delicateness.”

Follow Marie on \nInstagram\n for a daily dose of delicious inspiration.  

Our 2025 Colour Palette of the Year is here! And we’re calling it New Nostalgia. Simultaneously new and nostalgic, our 2025 colour palette consists of cosy, comforting colours with a contemporary twist. These are the colours you grew up with, reimagined. \nRead on to learn about 2025’s biggest trend, our colour predictions for the year ahead, the colour psychology behind the colours, and Tash’s top tips for styling them in your home. \nWhat is the nostalgia trend and why is it so popular?\nDefined as ‘a sentimental yearning for the past’, nostalgia is no new phenomenon. However, a new wave of nostalgia has emerged that we predict will persist and ramp up in 2025. More than just reminiscing over old photographs, nostalgia has become a universal sentiment and trending theme that has infiltrated mainstream culture and design, influencing everything from our fashion and food to the colours we choose for our homes.\nAt Lick, we know that colours have a profound ability to evoke visceral emotional responses in us, triggering memories tied to childhood experiences, family gatherings and cherished traditions. Colours that feel nostalgic can bring both comfort and emotional stability.\nAt its core, nostalgia is a feeling of cosiness, and in interiors, we’ve seen a move away from futuristic, white-on-white minimalist decor and towards a yearning for spaces that burst with colour, comfort and character, spaces that tell a story, reflecting lives lived and cosy memories cherished. 

"The powerful connection between colour and memory is at the heart of Lick’s 2025 Colour Palette. We’ve reimagined these nostalgic colours for modern interiors, creating a palette that’s both emotionally resonant and surprisingly contemporary."

What are the trending colours for 2025?\nEnter: our 2025 colour predictions. Next year, we predict that there will be a resurgence of cosy, retro colour palettes inspired by past decades, specifically the 1970s. Amongst the cosy colours in the palette are earthy brown, burnt orange, brownish red and plum purple. But now, these colours are making a comeback. These are the colours you grew up with, reimagined.  

The colour psychology behind our 2025 colours and Tash’s top tips for styling them in your home \nThe beauty of this palette is that all the colours can be used in one room, or throughout the house, and there are so many different ways to style the colours together to create new and exciting colour combinations. 

"What makes these colours particularly nostalgic and comforting is the heavy dose of black pigment in them, toning down their saturation and making them feel cosier, deeper and more cocooning."

Taupe 03\nA warm subtle taupe with red and grey undertones. \nTaupe 03\n has a dependable, nurturing quality, creating rooms that feel calm and restful.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“Taupe 03 is incredibly calming, lending itself particularly well to bedrooms. With Taupe 03, lean into its natural feel and pair it with warm woods, textured blankets and accents of dusky pink, brown or orange to warm up your space.” \n

Pink 08\nA warm mid pink with undertones of brown and yellow. \nPink 08\n, where dusty meets dusky to create a calming cocooning comforting feeling.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“A great way to use the richer, deeper colours in our palette is by colour drenching an entire room in them. This will tone down the intensity of the colour as there is less contrast, creating spaces that feel surprisingly calm. Take Pink 08 and paint everything from your walls to your woodwork in it. Think skirting boards, radiators, doors, window frames, picture rails and ceilings.”

Brown 02\nAn earthy dark brown with red in its undertones, \nBrown 02\n oozes warmth, making it perfect for creating grounded, comforting spaces. \nTash’s top styling tip:\n“Style Brown 02 with Purple 03 for the ultimate 2025 colour combination. These colours share a richness and depth of colour, supported by deep red undertones. This pairing works particularly well in a bedroom scheme, with Brown 02 offering grounding and assuring qualities and Purple 03 adding warmth and a touch of luxury.”

Orange 02\nA rich earthy orange with warm brown undertones, \nOrange 02\n has a joyful quality that is comforting, making your space feel relaxing and peaceful.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“The rich, grounding tones of Orange 02 pair perfectly with the more neutral colours in our palette, like Taupe 03. I also really recommend incorporating lots of warm woods and plants in the home, as the green and brown tones emphasise the earthy-ness of the Orange 02, creating tonal harmony and a grounding feel.”

Red 01\nA balanced mid-red with grey undertones. \nRed 01\n is full of passion with a warm energy that makes you feel daring and bold.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“Whether you're colour drenching a room or looking for a pop of accent decor, this energising red will entice all of your senses, whilst creating a timeless look and feel. Deep, warming and cocooning - Red 01 looks stunning paired with warm woods or orange accents for a cosy analogous colour scheme.”\n

Blue 04\nA cool mid-blue with grey undertones, \nBlue 04\n has a soft and gentle quality which makes it feel approachable. Perfect for calm spaces which evoke reflection and rest.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n"The power of this blue is it’s ability to elevate and expand a room. Go bold with a splash of Blue 04 on your ceiling, or colour drench an entire room for an enveloping and calming feel. Colour drenching with this blue will not only give your space a contemporary and sophisticated look, but it will also make the walls recede outwards, making the room feel bigger.\nFor an uplifting colour scheme, pair Blue 04 with its complementary colour, such as our rich and warming Orange 02. For a more natural and textured look, pair Blue 04 with warm woods and grounding neutrals like Taupe 03. The soft, earthy notes of this taupe complement Blue 04’s grey undertones, and when combined, the result is a colour scheme that feels balanced and soothing to be around."

Purple 03\nA dark velvety purple with blue and yellow undertones. \nPurple 03\n oozes cosiness and sophistication, creating warm spaces that offer a feeling of luxury and power.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“Embrace the darker colours in our palette to create a glamorous space. Purple 03 is so packed full of pigment and depth that it demands your attention. It looks incredible in downstairs bathrooms where you can afford to play around and go bold, and also in dining rooms where you want to create sophisticated, cocooning spaces. Pair Purple 03 with marble for added luxury and accents of fresh blue for a contemporary feel.“

Black 02\nA dark velvety black with warm red undertones. \nBlack 02\n exudes elegance, creating spaces that feel empowering and decadent.\nTash’s top styling tip:\n“Every room needs to have an element of black in it. Black helps to ground a room and brings a bit of character, I recommend adding black even for rooms with neutral colour schemes. A great way to incorporate black is by painting shelving, or upcycling a piece of furniture such as a chair or the legs of your kitchen table - this is a lovely way to bring a bit of depth to the room.\nDecorating your room in Black 02 can look so elegant. My biggest advice is to commit to the colour and wrap the whole room in the same shade, including woodwork. The black will wrap, soften and fall into the background of the room. I recommend painting the ceiling white to keep natural light and provide a contrast. If committing to this, keep your furnishings light and neutral or add a soft accent colour such as green or mustard yellow which will pop against black. These accents prevent the room from looking dark, heavy and dull and make the black look very elegant.“

Nostalgia is all about fostering emotional connections through design, and our cosy 2025 colour palette will do just that. Shop the palette \nhere\n. 

If you’re anything like our Colour Consultants, there are few things more satisfying than finding an absolute gem of a lamp in your local charity shop, or the adrenaline rush you get when you make the winning eBay bid on that vintage Parker Knoll armchair. That said, we all lead busy lives, and sourcing those ‘hard to find’ pieces is, well, \nhard\n. Not to mention time-consuming. Sometimes you just need a go-to ‘click and it’s delivered to your front door’ option. So, we spoke to our team of Colour Consultants about their recommended online homeware stores for all your interior decor needs.\n \nSam Bramley’s go-to online homeware stores\n\nBirdie Fortescue \n“I absolutely love \nBirdie Fortescue\n for pattern and form. This is where you need to be if you want those preppy, eclectic vibes. Adding splashes of colour and personality, you might even see people who love the contemporary style sneaking a few of these pieces into their space”. Go here if you’re looking for a contemporary twist on traditional-style \nrugs\n.

Trouva\n“For every style and genre under one roof, \nTrouva\n is my go-to. It brings independent homeware shops under one roof which allows you to source curated, artisan, and beautiful objects. A more thoughtful approach to shopping. My interior ideology is to buy things you love, that are well made and sourced with care”. Fortunately, Trouva allows you to do so with ease.

IKEA\nOnce the ultimate weekend destination, but now very much an online shop “for me my go-to shopping mecca is \nIKEA\n. I love nothing more than an \nIKEA hack\n. But be careful not to fall into the yellow bag of goodies and grab all the bargains, you can still be a considered shopper here and create some bespoke pieces that really can lift, elevate and compliment your home”. An oldie but a goodie, we’ll always love IKEA. Especially their ever-growing range of \nplants\n.

Tash Bradley’s go-to online homeware stores
\nLate Afternoon\n“Almost ALL of my ceramicware is \nLate Afternoon\n. I cannot go on enough about the quality of their pieces. And with that considered (you can chuck everything in the dishwasher and not have to worry about it) it’s really well-priced”. A must-visit online destination if you’re looking to create a colourful tablescape.

Sunday and Story\n“My lockdown find. I’ve not got not one but two of her rugs at home. All of \nSunday and Story\n’s rugs are vintage and sustainably made, championing Morocco’s women weavers. They \nare \nexpensive, but these pieces are an investment”. Just the ticket if you’re after that \nboho home decor\n look.

Pooky \n“What I like about \nPooky\n is their range of styles—there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re going a bit more minimalist or \nmaximalist decor style\n, you’ll find something. Also, because they sell their lamps and shades separately, it’s a great option for finding something to jazz up that Facebook marketplace lamp”. Your one-stop show for all your lighting needs.

Bert & May \n“My favourite tiles of all time. \nBert & May\n create handmade pieces, using traditional techniques to create unique patterned designs. The pigment and finishes of the paint, these are my absolute go-to for quality and style”. A must-visit if you’re looking at renovating your kitchen or bathroom.

Charlotte Cropper’s go-to online homeware stores \nGlassette\n“Love love love \nGlassette\n! It's an incredible platform for investing in unique handmade pieces made by UK designers and makers. There's something for every budget and it's a great place for supporting small businesses and brands”. Curated by Laura Jackson, pieces are chosen because of the creativity, care, and craft that has brought them to life. 

Mediteranea\n“I live in Italy, so for objects that promote that Mediterranean lifestyle, my go-to is \nMediteranea\n (but don’t worry, they ship worldwide). I'm in love with everything Valentina's brand stands for: slowing down, quieting the mind, and above all, championing artisans”. So if you’re looking to bring a little Mediterranean decor style into your home, take a look at Mediteranea’s laid-back collection. We particularly love their Tabletop & Kitchen edit, for curating that homely Mediterranean kitchen feel.

And there you have it: the ultimate go-to online homeware stores as chosen by our Colour Consultants. If you’re looking for something specific to suit your style take a look at our picks of \nthe must-have retro accessories for your home\n or \nthe best places to buy affordable antiques in the UK\n.

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the bedroom is the parasympathetic nervous system. Not quite as catchy, we know, but arguably more important. It’s a place with a lot of emotion attached to it and it means that the \nbedroom paint colour\n you choose is really important. According to \na 2021 study\n, around 1 in 3 Brits have trouble getting to sleep during the week, whilst 1 in 5 find it a nightly struggle. As our home and work life merges, 10% of the population admit to ‘working from bed’ whilst a massive 70% of people report sleeping with their phones next to their beds. All of this affects our sleep cycle and can lead to disrupted sleep patterns.\nWhilst there are several steps you can take towards \nbetter ‘sleep hygiene’ in your bedroom\n, the colour you choose to paint your walls is a great place to start. So, with that in mind, we spoke to \nTash Bradley, our Director of Interior Design\n, to recommend some of the best paint colours for your bedroom, according to colour psychology.\nHow do bedroom colours affect your mood?\nDid you know that the colours of bedroom walls have a huge impact on your mood, mental wellbeing, and how well you sleep? According to the principles of colour psychology, certain colours have the ability to make us feel calm and rested, whilst others can leave us feeling stimulated and anxious. So, when we’re asking ‘How do you want your bedroom to feel’ we’re really asking ‘How do \nyou\n want to feel’?

Warming, calming, relaxing, safe, and cocooning—these are the adjectives people choose to describe how they want their bedrooms to feel.

What are the best bedroom colours for better sleep?\nIf you’ve got one of those brains that simply won’t stop the chatter as soon as your head hits the pillow, then a gentle \nblue bedroom paint\n might just be the answer. The most mentally calming colour, Tash loves a soft blue in the bedroom. According to her “the softer the blue, the more calming. Shades like \nBlue 01\n, \nBlue 02\n, and \nBlue 13\n are perfect for a soothing bedroom and can help you sleep better”.\nDarker shades tend to be more stimulating, so if you’re set on going dark she recommends \nBlue 17\n. This grounded, muted blue will help you feel relaxed and supported, without being overstimulating. Alternatively, Tash recommends \nteal paint for your bedroom walls\n, as a calming compromise for dark blue. Those green undertones of \nTeal 01\n and \nTeal 02\n add a soothing softness to a space, whilst still creating a deep and cocooning effect.

What is the most relaxing colour in a bedroom?\nOf all of the colours, green is the least demanding on the eye. Without getting too sciencey on you, it’s the easiest hue for those rods and cones located in your retina to process. “The colour of balance, green connects us to nature. It brings a little of the outdoors in and instantly makes you feel more relaxed,” says Tash. So, if you’re looking to create a restful feel in your bedroom, reach for those \ngreen bedroom paints\n.\nThe holy grail of greens, for its versatility in different light conditions, \nGreen 02\n is a great mid-tone to use in your bedroom, whilst \nGreen 03\n is an excellent choice for creating an air of tranquillity and quiet reflection. If you want to go for something lighter, consider \nGreen 09\n, \nGreen 11\n, or \nGreen 14\n.

What colours are the most calming and soothing for a bedroom?\n“Whilst blues are mentally calming, pinks are \nphysically\n calming,” explains Tash. Pink is the colour of cuddles. So, if you go to bed every night with your shoulders up by your earlobes and your back in knots, then a cosy, nurturing \npink paint for your bedroom walls\n will work wonders for your sleep. Tash recommends opting for muted hues, like \nPink 07\n or \nPink 08\n. These dusky pinks are straight from nature. They are earthy and grounding, and that heavy dose of black pigment makes them feel really grown up.\nOn the other end of things, if you’re looking for a light and bright, barely-there paint, go for \nPink 01\n—a great alternative if you’re after something more neutral. Alternatively, if just the mention of pink makes you run a mile, Tash suggests “a fresh take on pink” \nPurple 05\n or \nPurple 06\n.

What neutral colours are best in a bedroom?\nFrom whites to beiges and through to taupe, we never met a neutral we didn’t like. Sometimes you just want a blank backdrop and nothing does this better than a neutral \nwhite bedroom paint\n. Oaty \nWhite 05\n will brighten up even the darkest bedroom, or for a really smart and serene palette, \nWhite 04\n has a linen-like texture to it and will bounce light around a south-east facing room.\nIf you want to add more depth and texture to your colour palette whilst still keeping it very relaxed, beautiful \nBeige 02\n and \nBeige 03\n will do just this. As Tash puts it, “these guys are there to make you feel safe. To create a sanctuary and a cosy, comforting environment”. Their yellow undertones inject warmth into a space—especially Beige 03 for a dark north-facing bedroom. Finally, Tash recommends earthy \nTaupe 03\n. Its red undertones give it a pink(ish) appearance yet the effect is really cosy and grown-up.

And there you have it. The best paint colours for your bedroom according to colour psychology. If you’re looking for some more room-by-room interior inspo, take a look at our favourite \nkitchen paint colours\n or discover these \nperfect living room paints\n.

In these modern times, it can feel like we need to make our lives more streamlined. That’s where the modern decor trend comes in. Despite what the name might suggest, the modernist movement gained momentum in the late 19th to early 20th century. Today, it’s as popular as ever and feels every bit as 'modern' in the colloquial sense. So, if you want to get back to basics and simplify your life, why not try out the modern decor trend in your home.\n\nWhat is modern decor style?\nModern decor is best defined by this simple mantra: “form follows function”. A piece of furniture’s functionality should come before its looks. It’s the opposite of fussy, frivolous decor—nothing should be without purpose. Sharing similarities with both \nScandi interior style \nand \nJapandi style\n, modern decor is sleek, uncluttered, and pared-back, favouring simple aesthetics. Think clean lines and carefully selected colour palettes, paired with abstract art with industrial elements like concrete, steel, and glass.\n \nThe history behind the modern decor style\nModern decor refers to a specific period in the early to mid-20th century. The style flourished in tandem with the industrial movement resulting in a preference for industrial materials like concrete, glass, and steel over more traditional materials like wood and stone. It’s no surprise then that modern decor shares several key characteristics with industrial decor. One of the most instantly recognisable and influential styles was the German Bauhaus school of design. It is defined by clean lines, geometric form, open-plan spaces and, of course, function over form—a look that appears just as cutting edge as it did when it first began.

Key characteristics of the modern decor style\nNeutral and earthy colour palette\nWhen it comes to modern decor you want to keep your colour palette clean and simple without it feeling austere. A neutral and earthy colour palette is a great way to achieve this. Opt for grown-up, grounding, and very soothing subtle \nbeiges\n to deep \ngreys\n. These neutrals will stand the test of time.\n\nIf you want to inject some colour, it should be carefully considered and used sparingly. When it comes to modern decor, avoid patterns, and opt for block colours instead.

A focus on industrial materials such as glass, steel and concrete\nWhen choosing materials, try and incorporate lots of glass, steel, and concrete. Opt for polished concrete floors rather than exposed wood. Or what about floor to ceiling steel and glass folding doors? Not only are they in keeping with the style but they also allow in lots of light.\nMinimalist and clutter-free\nModern decor is all about simplicity and streamlining your life. This also means a zero-tolerance policy on clutter. This applies to both decorative and personal items. In a bid to win the war on clutter, something you’ll see in a lot of modern decor homes is large sliding cupboards, particularly in corridors, as extra hidden storage. Keep your surfaces tidy by ensuring that you keep the mess to a minimum and out of sight.

Sleek lines and streamlined furniture\nSome of the most successful and recognisable exports from the modern school of design are its furnishings. The names of Le Corbusier, Florence Knoll, and Marcel Breuer are recognised globally for their no-nonsense yet aesthetically gorgeous furnishings. Large leather sofas, long glass dining tables, and design-led armchairs all speak of the modern decor movement. Remember: less is more, so think about investing in a statement piece you love.

If this simple yet dramatic style sounds like something you want to try in your home then why not take a look at these \n8 sleek modern kitchen decor ideas\n.

Beige is by no means bland and boring. Beiges range from light and airy to rich and grounding, playing a substantial part in the neutrals tribe of paints. Strictly speaking, neutrals refer to those colours that are ‘without colour’ – your whites, your blacks, your greys. But most people will count soft, biscuit-y beige hues like taupe, putty, and caramel as established relatives within the neutral family. Wondering whether to ask a beige paint to move in with you? Here’s how you can get colour confident and know which beige is destined to become your bestie.\nColour compatibility and room direction\nYour perfect beige is just one step away. The deciding factor is this – room direction. It’s not just your garden that benefits from knowing what direction it’s facing for planting and sunbathing purposes; your interior spaces need that knowledge just as much to determine what sort of natural light your paint colour has to work with. Let’s break it down in the name of beige:\nNorth-facing rooms: light warm beige paint\nCool and blue – that’s the sort of natural light you’ll be dealing with in a north-facing room. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a cool-toned beige is what you need, however. Blue light has a tendency to make cool colours feel flat, so a warmer beige is a better bet here. Step right up \nBeige 01\n, Beige 02, or Beige 07 whose warming yellow notes and dash of grey are a match made in heaven.

East-facing rooms:\n \nbalanced beiges, somewhere between warm and cool\nEasterly rooms are fickle things. They’ll get lots of lovely bright and clean light in the morning but come PM, things will feel more shadowed, so you should start by thinking, at what point of day will I use this space most and then play to its strengths. But, if you want it to look its best all day long, finding beiges with a balance of warm and cool undertones is the holy grail. Just as well two out of our three beiges provide just that.\n\nTry to pay attention to your time of day use though to pick between the two, favouring slightly warmer \nBeige 01\n if you’re using it in the afternoon (for example, an east-facing living room in \nBeige 01\n will fair better when they light can turn a bit grey so needs the yellow undertone to give it a boost). Or, play up to the crisp morning light – ideal if you’re a before-work shower person and have an east-facing bathroom – and pick box fresh \nBeige 03\n to enjoy it at its purest.

West-facing rooms: cooler beiges but with depth \nYou know everything we just said in the paragraph above? Basically reverse it for a west-facing room. They too have the most changeable light and so need extra careful consideration. They get their glow on in the afternoon when the sun sinks lower in the sky but will feel cooler in the morning. If you want to run with that glow, then pick a warm beige that will counteract the cool morning light and shine on bright in the afternoon. But, if you were seeking a chilled-out and muted beige, stick to grey-based paints like Beige 03 and Beige 06. These greys will tone down the evening light and have enough depth to not cast a chill in the morning.

South-facing rooms: grounding beiges\nSouth-facing rooms get the most natural light and are said to be the easiest rooms to work with. \nBeige 03\n will balance the light given its grey undertones. A beige with a bit more weight to it like Beige 06 is a strong contender due to its black pigment, stopping the golden glow from warming up the room too much and from taking over. Plus, it’ll feel completely calming too – perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms alike.

Now go paint the town beige, and why not consider a multi-tonal beige palette? All three work beautifully in the same room – great news for the indecisive!

​​News flash: choosing colours for north-facing rooms is actually seriously straightforward. Got yourself a room that’s north-facing? Discover what our \ncolour consultant Sam\n has to say about choosing the best neutral paint colours for dark rooms that face north.\nYou can also check out our advice on \nhow to brighten up a dark room\n.\nUnderstanding how the light hits your dark, north-facing room\nFirst things first, it’s wise to understand what you’re dealing with, for knowledge is key when choosing colours for a north-facing room. Natural light affects the way we perceive paint colours in a big way. It brings out its undertones, it throws light, it drops shade.

“In a northerly room, you’re going to get less direct light on the whole, and the light that you do get has a habit of drawing out a paint’s cooler tones and casting soft shadows”

As an example, a \nwhite grey paint like White 01\n with its grey base will look especially cool in a north-facing room. Similarly, \nBeige 02 \nwill come out on the cold side and is best avoided here.\n
How to select the perfect neutral paint colours for dark, north-facing rooms\nWhen it comes to paint colours for north-facing rooms, there are two schools of thought here – to brighten or to run with the darkness.\nRemember, no matter how dazzling the white is that you’re pondering, it’s never going to turn a dark room into a floodlit one. Paint is clever, paint is an illusionist, but it can’t change the laws of physics. That being said, choosing the best neutral paint for a dark room can lighten and brighten it to a degree. If you want to know \nhow to brighten up a dark room\n, a yellow-based neutral is your friend here, like \nWhite 03\n and \nWhite 05 \nwith their creamy base notes.\nIf you’re keen to embrace the dark side, then follow the cues of your northerly room’s reduced light and pick out a darker neutral that’ll act like a blanket over the whole room. “Go with the indirect light of a north-facing room and be bold with hues that are rich in pigment to create wrap-around cosy feels”, suggests Sam. In neutral speak, \nGreige 02 paint\n, we’re looking at you.\nNeed tailored-to-you colour advice? Speak to our colour consultants \nTash\n and \nSam\n and find the best colours for your home, no matter what compass point they face.\n\nThe best neutral paint colours for dark rooms\nStrictly speaking, neutrals are your whites, your off-whites, your beiges, your greys and by extension, your greiges. But we all know that there’s plenty more than one sort of white and greys come in fifty shades and counting according to some. So when it comes to neutral paint for dark rooms, where do you begin? Let’s break it down, starting with whites and beiges where a biscuity base is always best.

Then to greys and greiges, where the secret stays the same – keep things warm and wholesome whether that’s through a hint of brown in the base or soft-as-you-like purple below the surface.\nCheck out \nGrey 03 for our ultimate warm light grey paint.\n

Ready to make the jump and start painting? Don’t forget to read our guide on \nhow to prep your walls before painting\n, \nhow to paint a wall\n and \nhow to fix any mistakes when painting\n. \nAre you thinking of decorating your bedroom? \nDiscover the best paint colour for a bedroom here\n. Working with a very small space? Have a further read of our \npainting ideas for a small living room\n and \nsmall bedroom painting ideas here\n.

If you’ve ever walked into a room that’s had a really jarring effect on you, then you’ll know how visceral the effects of colours can be on our body and mind. Colour psychology - the study of how colour influences our emotions and decision-making - helps us to understand \nwhy\n. At Lick, we believe that colour psychology is fundamental for discovering the colours that help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. That’s why our Lick Studio team has carefully selected \n6 of the most calming colours\n in our \npaint range\n, to bring you a palette that will leave you feeling soothed. Take a closer look at the psychology behind our calming colour palette and how to style the colours in your home.\nThe colour psychology behind our calming colour palette\nFrom airy blues to grounding neutrals, comforting pinks, and nature-inspired greens, each of these six soothing hues features; low saturation, earthy notes and warm undertones. According to colour psychology, blue is the most calming colour for the mind; pink is the most physically soothing and will leave you feeling swaddled. Green, the colour of nature, is the least demanding of all the colours and is very restful on the eye. Whilst ever dependable neutrals help to ground us in the present moment. As Tash Bradley, our Director of Interior design, explains;

The result is a palette of hues that feel restful when you are around them, and give you that feeling of being wrapped gently in colour.

What makes these paint colours calming? \nSage \nGreen 02\n is restful on the eye and “the ultimate colour for quiet reflection and personal growth”, according to Tash. It will instantly breathe life into your home, transporting you to the great outdoors.

Whilst soothing \nGreen 09\n is “the perfect balancing hue for your mind, body, and emotions. It creates a sense of harmony and reassurance” explains Tash.

Fluffy as a cloud, \nWhite 06\n is much more than just a white paint. Those warming pink undertones will leave you feeling physically soothed.

The gentle hues in muted \nPink 07\n have an all-encompassing, nurturing effect. Pink is a colour that makes your shoulders drop and your body relax. Or, as Tash describes, "it's a cuddle in a paint tin".

The “the colour of the mind”, \nBlue 15\n “will soothe even the most frantic of mental chatter”, says Tash. For the dreamers amongst you, Tash explains how those soft grey undertones “will help you feel open and calm, encouraging self-reflection and clarity of thought". Blue can also aid sleep and help you unwind.

With just a touch of grey and yellow, \nBeige 03\n is the colour of chalky rock cliffs and will bring you back down to earth. This timeless neutral is a great colour for feeling grounded in the present moment and will leave you feeling stable, reassured, and supported.

How to style our calming colour palette in your home\nThe all-important question: how to style our calming palette in your home? Fortunately, all six colours have been curated so that they will work in perfect harmony. We’re not suggesting that you use all six in one room (although throughout the house, it would create a seamless sense of flow). Setting aside a weekend to refresh a bedroom? Add a splash of character with one of these \nfeature wall ideas\n. Repainting your home from floor to ceiling? Use this calming palette as the beginning of a mood board to inform your decor choices.\nDifferent calming colour combinations\nChosen for their soothing qualities, you can select your favourite colours to use in specific rooms where you want to create a sense of calm, or use the entire range throughout your home to create a cohesive colour scheme. Pink 07 and White 06 paired with Blue 15 would work well in a bedroom due to their mentally and physically soothing qualities, whilst a grounding neutral like Beige 03 paired with Green 02 and Green 09 in a living room would create an instantly relaxing space.\nApplying the calming paint colours to our Mindful 01 wallpaper\nIf you want to create your own \nMindful 01\n moment at home, pick up a paintbrush and have a go at \nP\nIY with our first ‘paint it yourself' wallpaper. Created with the soothing elements of biophilia in mind, the leafy, botanical design will draw you outdoors and take you into nature. Apply your favourite calming colour combination, from a leafy-inspired palette of Green 02 and Green 09, or something a little more neutral with White 06 and Beige 03. Simply choose your favourite colours from our calming palette, grab your paintbrushes, and get painting. 

Introduce a little colour therapy into your life and transform your home into a calming haven with our calming colour palette and mindful wallpaper. For more wellness tips at home, check out these \n7 easy home updates that can improve your wellbeing\n and these \n10 self-care tips to try at home\n.

A great way to showcase all your favourite photographs, posters or prints whilst making a striking design statement, gallery walls add personality and a pop of colour to bare walls. It’s a more is more look, ideal if the \nmaximalist decor trend is your style\n. \n\nThey can be used to create a feature wall as an alternative to wallpapering or colour blocking—but most of all, a gallery wall tells your story. From travel memories, movie posters, vintage prints to original artwork, a gallery wall is a representation of you. \n\nIf you’re thinking about curating your own, we hope these 10 gallery wall ideas give you the inspiration you need to get you going.\nMix up the styles or sizes of your frames \nCreate an eclectic look with a mix of colourful, rustic or vintage style frames. Or mix things up with different frame sizes. These are two of the easiest gallery wall ideas to get right, as you can make a puzzle out of their differing sizes, thanks to their mix-and-match style. Grow your collection over time and simply add each frame into the space it best fits.

Mix photography, artwork, and textures \nOn the other end of the decor sale, you could create a gallery wall through an eclectic mix of photography, artwork, mirrors, and even hanging macrame or plants for a multi-layered, textured gallery wall. Very much in the spirit of the \nboho decor style\n, this gallery wall idea really allows you to tell your story and create a personal decor narrative.

Arrange your frames on a picture ledge\nAnother unique way to display your artwork is by arranging your frames on a picture ledge. Not only does this create a multi-layered look, it means you can incorporate other items like hanging plants, vases, oversized letters and candles: whatever trinkets catch your eye. We love this look above the bed in a bedroom or above the sofa in a living room.

Keep it unified with the same frame colour or size\nIf your style is more unified, keep things matching by using the same frame colour or size. This style works well if you’re displaying a series of artwork or photography, for example, a collection of horticultural prints, or you’re trying to unify a range of work through cohesive framing. \n\nEither way, if you’re hanging the same sized frames, it’s more important than ever to make sure they’re properly spaced. So make sure you get out that measuring tape in the process!

Cover the entire wall\nGot one wall that needs some excitement? Create the ultimate gallery wall by covering the entire thing. Perfect if you’re after a feature wall effect. By hanging your artwork below the eye line, it gives things a playful, non-conformist feel. Vive la révolution.

Go chic with black and white photography\nKeep it monochrome with black and white photography. This creates a seriously chic aesthetic and one that is loved in homes with \nmonochromatic colour schemes\n You can support photographers by purchasing their work either directly from their websites or platforms such as The Affordable Art Fair to discover new talent. It’s coffee table book style, on your wall.\nCreate a staircase or entrance hall gallery wall\nA guaranteed way to make an entrance is with a staircase or entrance hallway gallery wall. This adds character to what are sometimes known as “dead spaces”: those little nooks and corners in your home you don’t know what to do with. Well, now you do.\nFor more hallway inspiration, check out these \nhallway decor ideas\n.

Create a gallery wall with mirrors \nA subtle way to bring light into a dark bathroom or add drama into a dining room, not only is a mirrored gallery wall something a little different, it can make a room appear bigger by reflecting natural, artificial, or candlelight.

Create a playful display for a nursery or kids bedroom\nPlayrooms are all about creating fun and visually stimulating spaces, and a novel way to do so is with a playful gallery wall display. It doesn’t have to be artwork, you can use fabric toys or textured materials. Whatever you think your little ones will enjoy.

Create a gallery wall with ceramics or baskets\nNo, we're not talking about your grandmother's old plate display (although we're into those too). Ceramics and woven baskets are having a real comeback right now. Great in a kitchen or a living room, it's a stylish way to display your collection and adds depth and texture to the blandest of backdrops.

There you have it, 10 gallery wall ideas guaranteed to curate an art gallery out of the barest of spaces. If you want to make a statement but are after something a little different, why not take a look at these \n8 colour blocking ideas to liven up your space\n.

The proverbial heart of the home, there’s no space where \nmodern farmhouse decor\n is better suited than the kitchen. Incorporating characteristics of industrial decor style and \nScandi interior style\n, it bridges the gap between traditional farmhouse decor and contemporary living. Creating a relaxed and welcoming ambience, it’s perfect for both simple suppers and entertaining. It’s modern living with those ‘good life’ trimmings. Find out how to create the look with these modern farmhouse kitchen decor ideas.\nModern farmhouse kitchen idea: a light, neutral colour palette\nUnlike traditional farmhouse decor, which tends to be more colourful, modern farmhouse kitchens favours lighter, neutral colours, that also to make \nthe best kitchen paint colours\n, like warming \nwhites\n, \nbeiges\n, with charcoal \ngreys\n as accents. Create contrast by painting your upper and lower level kitchen cabinets in lighter and darker shades or layer on the texture with some \nshiplap cladding\n wall panelling. Whatever look you go for, get an in-depth understanding of the \ndifferent neutral colour palettes\n or get some inspiration from these \n6 neutral kitchen ideas\n.\nModern farmhouse kitchen idea: natural elements\nCreate that rustic feel by incorporating natural elements into your decor. Countertops are a great place to do this. Choose between glossy marble, dark granite, or rustic wood—gorgeous when contrasted with lighter or dark lower cabinets or white subway tiles. Terracotta, stone, or exposed wooden floorboards are all great options for creating warmth and texture (with an accompanying rug, more on that later). Or, opt for brushed copper, iron or brass cupboard handles and fittings.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: industrial pendant lighting\nWe’ve never met an industrial pendant light we didn’t like, but they look particularly on point in a modern farmhouse kitchen. Place them above a kitchen island or dining table to create a statement look and demarcate the space—and remember to always opt for warming, filament style bulbs to create that welcoming feel. Get inspired with these \n5 pendant lighting styles that will enhance your decor\n.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: textiles and fabrics \nSoften those industrial tendencies of modern farmhouse decor by introducing textiles and fabrics into your kitchen. It can be anything from a deep red Persian rug to a blue and white ticking stripe table runner—little splashes of colour in an otherwise neutral colour scheme. Or what about creating a stylish bay window dining nook with upholstered bench seating or patterned Venetian blinds?

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: mix in vintage pieces \nCreate that perfect balance between modern and farmhouse by mixing in vintage pieces, like flea market find teapots and copper kettles, to church pew seating or a butcher’s block as a quirky alternative to a kitchen island. Whatever curiosities you pick up, incorporating vintage or salvaged items creates an intriguing narrative whilst adding depth to an otherwise modern decor trend.\nModern farmhouse kitchen idea: open shelving \nAnd where better to display those vintage finds than on open shelving? Go for the classic industrial style with reclaimed scaffolding shelves with rustic iron supports or a more traditional farmhouse feel by painting your open shelving the same colour as your walls. The golden rule of \nhow to style open shelving in your kitchen\n? Leave the cereal boxes and tin cans to the cupboards. Be it cookbooks or ceramics, Kilner jars or indoor plants, make sure you’re storing pieces that you want to show off.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: large kitchen island\nWe know not everyone has space for a kitchen island, but if you do, you won’t regret including one. A stalwart feature of the modern farmhouse style, the kitchen island is the perfect combination of form and function. Whether you use yours for extra chopping space, instal a hob or sink or just as a place to congregate whilst cooking, not only do they look gorgeous they’re incredibly practical.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: rustic utilities \nAs with mixing in a few vintage finds, create that juxtaposition between old and new in your modern farmhouse kitchen by incorporating a few rustic utilities. Be it a deep butler’s sink (another beautiful yet practical addition), salvaged taps and fittings or a large gas stove—rustic utilities nod towards the traditional origins of the modern farmhouse decor style.

A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, so if you’re still not sure which is the one for you, \nget inspired by these 7 kitchen decor ideas\n! Or if you love a before and after, take a look at these \n5 kitchen makeovers\n.

Step into the whimsical world of Wes Anderson's movies, where every frame is a meticulously crafted work of art. Beyond their compelling narratives and iconic characters, Wes Anderson's movies are renowned for their enchanting interiors and captivating colour palettes. From the iconic pink hues of The Grand Budapest Hotel to the retro charm of Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson's interiors are an integral part of his storytelling, creating rich visual worlds that have captivated audiences and been a source of endless inspiration for decorators.\nCheck out our tips on how to bring the quirky director’s iconic style into your home. 

Stick to a Wes Anderson colour palette\nOne of the most instantly recognisable elements of any Wes Anderson movie is the colour palette. It is through colour that the Director does his world-building; using colour to define the era of his stories, create a mood and atmosphere in each scene, play around with character personas, and elicit emotion from the audience. Notably, the colour palettes he chooses have a 70s retro aesthetic, balancing muted earth tones with pastel or more vibrant, saturated colours.\nPastel pinks, earthy oranges, muted browns, mustard yellows, neo greens and sea blues. These are some of the colours Wes Anderson returns to time and time again, giving each of his movies their distinct look and feel. Think the candy pink exterior of The Grand Budapest Hotel to the minty-green grade on Asteroid City and that iconic yellow-drenched bedroom in Hotel Chevalier.\n

Think about symmetry:\nA distinct cinematic feature of Wes Anderson movies is his symmetrical framing, editing, doubling of architectural features, and interior styling. Shots are taken straight on, characters are positioned in the center of the screen, and buildings and furnishings often mirror each other. Symmetry is how he brings visual balance to his compositions and magnifies certain objects or characters to draw in the audience’s eye.\nIn your home, consider symmetry when styling your furniture to create visual balance. This could be matching bedside lamps, pairing sofa cushions, or mirroring your sofas. The result is a space that feels considered and elevated.

Invest in eclectic wallpaper and patterned fabrics\nFrom the iconic red zebra wallpaper of Margot Tenebaum’s bedroom to the mosaic walls and geometric prints in Darjeeling Limited, Wes Anderson is known for his love of eclectic wallpaper and patterned fabrics. Vintage wallpaper, in particular, is a prominent design element that not only adds texture and colour to his film sets but also conveys a sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers to the eras in which his films are set, creating a whimsical feel. Look out for stripes, dense florals, and animal-themed wallpaper.\n

Embrace a retro interior aesthetic\nWes Anderon's love for vintage design creates a visual feast for viewers. Combined with a 70s colour palette, his sets are filled with a blend of antique and mid-century furniture, retro telephones and quirky lampshades that you're most likely to see at your grandmother's house. And we can't get enough. \nIn your home, look to bring in retro decor pieces like a Roberts Radio or invest in a second-hand mid-century TV console.

Don't be afraid to colour drench\nWes Anderson uses colour drenching in his movies by immersing scenes (and even sometimes the entire screen with the use of a grade) in one colour. He does this to enhance the whimsical or surreal atmosphere. For example, take Hotel Chevalier. In the famous scene where Natalie Portman’s character is sitting upright in the hotel bedroom, everything from the walls to the furniture, accessories, lighting and even the character’s clothing is drenched in various tints and shades of yellow too.\nIn interiors, colour drenching translates as taking one colour and painting everything from your walls to your woodwork in it. Think skirting-boards, radiators, doors, window frames, picture rails and ceilings. Take this further and drench your furniture and accessories in that colour too for a really bold and playful space. \n\n

If you've been inspired by these interiors, then why not have a go at embracing Wes Anderson's style at home? Explore our collection of colours to find your perfect match. 

If you want to bring a bit of that \nMad Men\n aesthetic into your home, then look no further than our UK list of the 10 best places to shop for mid-century modern furniture. Whilst there are lots of online retailers and auction houses selling mid-century pieces, you can’t beat getting out your measuring tape and seeing a piece of furniture in real life. First used in 1984 by author Cara Greenberg, author of \nMid Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s\n, today it’s an everyday term, and the style has never been more in vogue.\n\nCharacterised by clean lines and classic shapes, mid-century modern furniture describes a style spanning from the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. Crafted from solid, warm-coloured woods like cherry, teak, rosewood, and walnut with warm red undertones that will instantly bring an understated and functional aesthetic into your home. So, here are the best places to shop to get that mid-century modern look.\n\n\n\nDesigns of Modernity\n\n25A Jasper Road, London, SE19 1SG\n
This south London stalwart of mid-century furnishings Designs of Modernity has become a go-to for interior enthusiasts, interior designers, and set designers alike. Not only do they keep an excellent stock of sympathetically restored furnishings, but they can also even help source specific pieces. And with free delivery to mainland UK, it feels rude \nnot\n to pay them a visit.

\nCHASE & SORENSEN\n\n238B Dalston Lane, London, E8 1LQ \n
This treasure trove of 20th century finds has been keeping East London homes in mid-century modern furnishings since 2010. With pieces sourced from across Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland they’re all painstakingly restored or re-upholstered. No upcycling projects here, these are the real deal.

\nOrange and Brown\n \n121 St Georges Road Bristol BS1 5UW\n
Making a name for itself as Bristol’s most reliable mid-century retailer Orange and Brown has an enormous array of pieces from across the 20th century that are constantly being updated, including art, textiles, and homeware—as well as furnishings.
\n\nTwo columbia road \n\n2 Columbia Rd, London, E2 7NN\n
A gallery-meets-showroom, two columbia road has made a name for itself as a reliable source of designer furnishings, dramatic light fittings, and original artworks since 1995. With works by the likes of Charles Eames, Hans Wegner, and many more you can drop in Thursdays and Sundays, otherwise, it’s appointment only. \n
\n\nAlfie’s Antique Market\n \n13 - 25 Church St, London, NW8 8DT\nA cornerstone of vintage furnishings in London, Alfie’s Antique Market is a veritable souk for the budding interiors lover. The mid-century modern enthusiast should make a beeline for the Quad and Decoratum in the basement, but give yourself time to browse. With a collection to match the eclecticism of the British Museum, this place is just worth a wander. Pop up to the roof terrace for a coffee whilst you’re at it and mull over your purchases. \n
\n​​\nRetrovintage\n \n121-127 Lancefield Street, Glasgow, G3 8HZ\nGlasgow’s number one destination for mid-century furnishings, Retro Vintage is a reliable source for well-priced household names. You’ll find the likes of Parker Knoll, Eames, and Ercol alongside Mies Van Der Rohe and Howard Keith all in excellent condition and an excellent price. Available to visit Monday to Sunday they deliver throughout the UK, so you can always visit their online shop if Scotland is a little far for you to travel.

\nThe Old Cinema\n \n160 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR\nAs charming as it sounds, today The Old Cinema is an Aladdin's Cave of antiques, vintage finds, original artwork, retro curios, and of course, mid-century modern furnishings. A family-run business since 1979 this collector’s paradise is well worth a visit. Spend your day exploring its 10,000 square feet of stalls and retailers as well as the charming neighbourhood of Chiswick whilst you’re at it.\n
\n\nJunk Deluxe\n\nBath Pl, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BN\n‘This is one my top little black book shops for mid-century modern and retro,’ says Mark. ‘Over the past five years, Ben has grown it, starting from what was essentially a corridor, to become a larger shop hidden at the back of the packed and stacked RG Scott Furniture Mart, which is itself well worth a browse.’\n
Now that you know the best places to shop for mid-century modern furniture, find out how you can get the \nmid-century modern decor style\n in your home. 

Whether you're giving an existing piece of furniture a new lease of life or are upcycling a flea market find, painting wooden furniture is the perfect way to create a cohesive colour scheme in your home. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover tins of \nwood paint\n you’ve got lying around. To get the most professional and long-lasting finish, there are a few important steps to follow. So, if you want to learn the tricks of the trade for how to paint wood furniture, read on.\nWhat kind of paint do you use on wood furniture?\nYou can use both our \nmatt paint\n and \neggshell paint\n on wood furniture and other surfaces. \nWhat is the hardest-wearing paint for furniture?\nBoth our matt and eggshell paints are durable, wipeable, and very hard-wearing. \nWe’ve had many happy customers who have used matt paint to makeover bedside tables, drinks cabinets, and much more. When it comes to painting wooden furniture like a kitchen cabinet or wardrobes that will receive a \nlot\n of use, however, we’d recommend (with a lowercase ‘r’) using our eggshell paint as its higher sheen means it can withstand a heavy hand.\nWhen it comes to painting wooden furniture in your bathroom we \nmust\n insist on using our eggshell paint as it will withstand the hot and humid weather that a bathroom brings.\nOur 6-step guide on how to paint wood furniture\nStep 1: clean\nWe know it’s boring but whether they’re from your home or a dusty old vintage shop, furniture will collect dust and dirt over time that will affect the finish. Using warm soapy water, give your furniture a gentle sponge (or cloth) bath taking care to dry it properly afterwards. \nStep 2: sand\nOnce you’re all dry, sand down any rough edges using sandpaper or a sanding block. Again, this will give it a smooth and professional finish. \nStep 3: clean again\nJust a quick one this time! Give your furniture a final wipe down to remove any dust accumulated whilst sanding. Leave to dry. \nStep 4: mask off areas you don't want to paint\nUse \nmasking tape\n to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as hinges and handles.\nStep 5: time to prime\nYou’re so nearly there! If you are painting MDF, ply or unpainted wood, we recommend applying a primer before you start. These surfaces can be quite absorbent and porous, making it harder for the paint to adhere to them.\nA primer could be either a mist coat of 70% paint and 30% water or a wood primer. If you opt for a wood primer, we’d recommend using \nZinsser BIN water-based primer\n for the most durable finish. Once you’ve applied the primer, leave to dry before painting. \nGood news is, if your furniture is already painted you can skip this step. \nStep 6: paint\nTime for the fun bit! Grab your paintbrush and roller from our \ncollection of decorating tools\n, as well as your paint. If your furniture has details like doors, start with them first. We’d recommend that you:\nBegin with the door edges, followed by any mouldings and inlay panels.\nCover the surface with paint then use your brush to spread it evenly. \nUse consistent stroke patterns to ensure an even coverage. \nWhen the inlays are done, move on to the top and bottom rails then the side stiles. \nOnce the doors are complete, move on to the surrounding framework. Once the front is done, paint the side panels before finishing with the top.\nTime to admire your handiwork!\nPop the kettle on (or pour yourself something stronger), stand back, and admire a job well done. Remember to allow the paint at least 48 hours before you place anything on it or push it against a wall. This gives the paint time to properly bind.\nJust \nlook\n at this stunning example below of built-in wood cabinets transformed with Lick paint, from McClark Bespoke Kitchens.

Some of your FAQS on how to paint wood furniture \nCan you paint straight over wood furniture?\nYes! And no… Not all woods are created equal and it depends on what kind of wood you’re working with. If it’s MDF, ply, or unpainted wood, we recommend applying a primer. However, if your wooden furniture is already painted, there’s no need.\nDo you \nhave\n to sand before painting wood furniture?\nListen, we’re not here to tell you what you can and can’t do. We’re all grown-ups here. But for a better finish (and longer-lasting result) we’d always recommend sanding before painting wood furniture.\nWhat happens if you \ndon't\n sand wooden furniture before painting?\nSanding creates a better surface for your paint to stick to. So, if you skip it, over time your paint job might start to chip and flake. Which means you’ll have to retouch more regularly. We hate to sound like your mother, but time spent now will be time saved later. \nCan you paint over varnished or painted wood?\nGenerally speaking, if the surface is already painted, you don’t need to prime... However, if the surface has been previously varnished, we would recommend something like \nZinsser 1-2-3 BIN primer\n after thoroughly sanding. As varnish is a difficult surface to adhere to, a primer is required to help.\nDo I need to varnish painted furniture?\nNo, you don’t. However, if you are painting in a high-contact area, like a doorknob or handles, then you may want to consider sealing the paint with wood varnish for extra durability. \nAnd there you have it. The definitive guide on how to paint wood furniture. If you’re feeling emboldened and want to tackle more decorating projects, then why not take a look at our guide to \npainting kitchen cupboards\n or \nhow to paint your wardrobes\n.

Search for kitchen inspo on Pinterest and you’ll quickly realise that painted kitchen cupboards are \nall\n the rage. Adding a lick of \nkitchen paint\n to your cupboards is an easy way to give your kitchen a refresh without investing in a full-blown \nkitchen makeover\n. You don’t need to go super bold with your colour choices here. Even a muted and earthy tone or a cool grey can help give your kitchen a whole new look. \nNow, painting your kitchen cupboards isn’t a job to be rushed, with a fairly long drying time involved. But with the amount of time we now spend in our kitchens, you don’t want to be faced with a poor paint job every time you pop in for a quick snack. Which, let’s face it, is pretty much every hour on the hour if you spend your days at home. \nDiscover how to prep and paint your kitchen cupboards, doors and units by following our easy step-by-step guide.\nWhat is the best paint to use on kitchen cupboards?\nFirst, it’s time to decide which paint you actually want to use for your cabinets. Yes, there’s the fun \nchoosing your kitchen paint colours part\n, but you also need to choose a finish - eggshell or matt? \nWe would recommend using an \neggshell finish\n for your kitchen cupboards. \nRead more about our eggshell paint range here\n.\nPlease note: if you do decide to use a matt paint finish, ensure you use a varnish for maximum protection.\nWhat tools do I need to paint kitchen cupboards?\nAlong with the paint, we have all the \ndecorating tools\n you need to prep and paint your cupboards, doors, and units. See the full list of what's required below:\nLick kitchen cupboard paint\nPaintbrush\nPaint roller\nMasking tape \nPaint tray and kettle\nScrewdriver\nSandpaper or sanding block\nNon-abrasive cloth\n

How to paint your kitchen cupboards, doors and units \nFollow the steps below: \nStep 1: Prep \nStart with a good clean to make sure that your paint is applied onto a surface it can really stick to. All you need is water and a non-abrasive cloth, but make sure that you get all the grease off to ensure your paint can stick.\nNext, it’s time to remove the doors and drawers, hinges and all. Do \nnot\n try to paint everything in its place, as your paint may start to crack around the hinges. Save yourselves the trouble of having to paint and repaint by dismantling your kitchen cupboards before starting. \nStep 2: Sand and clear dust\nBuff your cabinets into a smoother state with sandpaper (or a sanding block) and you’ll find that the paint will stick better. Don’t opt for super gritty sandpaper as you could end up sanding them down to wood. We’d recommend something like 120 grit to give them just enough of a buff for the paint to stick. \nNext, get rid of any dust and debris. You don’t want to get any paint on the surface until it’s completely dust-free. Even a few pesky particles can leave your cabinets with a gritty looking finish. \nStep 3: Prime \nPainting laminate, melamine or MDF kitchen cupboards? \nApply a coat of primer to your kitchen cabinets and leave to dry for a few hours before reaching for the paint. We’d recommend using Zinsser BIN water-based primer to amp up the durability of your Lick paint. \nPainting raw, untreated MDF or wood that hasn't been painted before? \nThese surfaces can be quite absorbent and porous, so we recommend adding in a mist coat as your primer. A mist coat is a mixture of 70% paint and 30% water, and should be added after sanding. Let this mist coat dry before painting as normal. You’ll then get the finish you want with 2-3 coats of paint.\nStep 4: Paint \nTime to apply your chosen \nLick paint\n. Starting with the frames, start painting in even strokes and work your way from the inside out. Use a paint brush to really get into those corners. \nFor the cupboard doors and drawer fronts, paint their backs first. Allow them to dry completely before moving to the front surfaces. \nStep 5: Leave to dry \nDon’t rush to put your kitchen cabinets back in — not unless you want to undo all the hard DIY work you’ve just put in. In fact, we’d recommend leaving your paint to dry for around 7 days before putting back up.\nStep 6: Varnish (recommended)\nNow, varnish isn’t a \nmust\n for your kitchen cupboards. But if you want a bit more gloss than an eggshell finish offers, add a coat of varnish after your paint dries. Word of warning: this does just add more drying time to your whole process though, as you then have to wait for the varnish to dry before putting your cupboards back up.

Common mistakes when painting kitchen cupboards\nBefore you start the kitchen cupboard painting process, here are some commonly made mistakes to take extra care to avoid: \nUsing sugar soap when cleaning - \nSteer clear of sugar soap when cleaning your cupboard surfaces as prep. Water and a non-abrasive cloth is all you need to clean. \nNot sanding -\n Don’t underestimate the importance of this step. You want to give your paint a smooth and even surface to stick to so your paint job lasts longer.  \nNot allowing enough time for the paint to dry - \nPatience is key here! Be extra careful after painting kitchen cupboards (especially with wood - paint needs time to settle and absorb into the wood). We’d recommend leaving your freshly painted cabinets to dry for a full 7 days after.\nThere you have it. A refreshed and revived kitchen in just a few steps. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our advice on \nthe best paint colours for a kitchen\n and our definitive guide on \nhow to paint wood furniture here\n.

Never. Eat. Shredded. Wheat.Great for remembering your orientations, no use when it comes to determining them. If you need to know how to tell if a room is north, east, south or west-facing then you're going to need a compass (hang on, Columbus, your phone has one). Aim at the largest windows in the room and whichever way the dial points: that is the orientation of your room. If you're lucky enough to have a double (or even triple) aspect room, then you'll be getting light from several angles. All this means more flexibility with the colours you can opt for when decorating. That said, there are more intuitive ways to tell the orientation of a room. In this blog, we're going to help you find out how, and which colours to use in a variety of room orientations.\nNorth facing rooms\n\nNorth facing rooms get the least light of all four orientations. If you've got a north facing room, you're unlikely to have light pouring in at any time of day. But don't worry, it's not time to put your house on the market just yet, there are plenty of clever tips and tricks to make a north facing room seem brighter and more inviting.\n\nTo begin, you’re going to want to avoid anything with a blue or grey undertone, as this will make it feel cold and a little unwelcoming. If you want to keep things bright and airy, go for a lighter colour with warm red or yellow undertones, like our \nWhite 03\n, \nBeige 01\n, or \nPink 01\n. Looking for a splash more colour? Try \nYellow 02\n or \nGreen 01\n. Alternatively, if you want to create a cocooning effect, you can experiment with some warm, dark colours, like \nGreen 05\n for a more dramatic look. You can make things feel cosier with soft furnishings and gentle lamp lighting.

South facing rooms\n\nOn the other hand, if you get a good amount of light throughout the day, you've hit the jackpot. It's south facing. The prime orientation, the virtues of which estate agents across the land extoll, south facing rooms receive bags of natural light. There won’t be any sunrise or sunset, just a good amount of natural light from morning 'til evening. Lucky you, you can choose just about any colour you like. A south facing room can tolerate almost any colour palette, so go wild.\n\nThe light tends to be warmer, so you can go for cooler colours than you usually would, like a blue, green, or greige but you can really go as light or dark as you want. Alternatively, using pale tones like gentle pinks or a soft teal is a great way to maximise the feeling of space. You've got your pick of the lot, but some of our favourite looks in a south facing room include \nWhite 01\n or \nGrey 02\n for a neutral look or for a splash more colour, try \nPink 03\n, \nRed 03\n, and \nTeal 01\n. The take-home? If you're going to go bold, do it in a south facing room.

East facing rooms\n\nIf the sun is streaming through your windows first thing in the morning, you've got yourself an east facing room. Great if you're an early bird and a winning combination in a bedroom, but if mornings aren't your thing, it might be time to invest in a decent pair of Venetian or roller blinds). As always, think about what time you're going to be using this room. A soft \nBlue 02\n looks gorgeous in an east facing bedroom — you can get away with it because the morning sunshine prevents it from being too cold. On the other hand, light in the mornings means you'll have little in the afternoon. If your living room is east facing, then you'll want to look for warming tones, like a \nPink 01\n, \nPink 02\n or even a gentle \nGreen 01\n. Looking to inject some character? You can always tear up the rule book and go dark. Our \nBlack 02\n and \nGreen 04\n steer clear of being overwhelming thanks to their warm undertones.

West facing rooms\n\nAre you lucky enough to enjoy a glorious sunset from your window every evening? Then it's west facing. If that's where you'll be spending your evenings, any colours you use will be bathed in golden afternoon light. If you want a nature-inspired palette, \nGreen 01\n or \nGreen 09\n, are both an excellent option as they'll brighten up the space in the morning yet prevent it from appearing too yellow and saturated in the afternoon whilst a \nYellow 01\n or even our \nBeige 01\n, will pick up the best of the sun's rays without overpowering the space. If you're searching for a neutral our \nBeige 01\n looks excellent in a west facing room. The rule to follow is to opt for a white with a grey or blue undertone, like \nWhite 01\n or \nWhite 02\n. These will look cool in the morning but neutralise the warmer light later in the day.

Simply changing the colour or shade of your walls can go a \nlong\n way in updating the interior appearance and atmosphere of your home. Painting your walls is also a relatively easy way to freshen up a tired-looking decor without spending huge amounts. And no, you don’t necessarily need to choose bold splashes of neon or bright yellows to transform the mood of a room. \nProfessional paint application is just as important as the colour you choose, but luckily it’s not something you always need to turn to an expert for (well, unless you want to that is). Whether you’re a DIY expert or a total newbie, teach yourself how to paint a wall professionally with a little bit of patience, time and experience. Shake off those nerves, gather your tools and give it a whirl using our mini-guide on how to paint a room.\nThe tools you need to paint a wall\nHere’s what you’ll need to get started:\nA pot of \ninterior paint\n in a colour that you love\n\nPaintbrush and paint roller\n (& \ncutting in paint brush\n)\nPrimer (unless you're using Lick paint that is. In the main, our paints don't require the use of primer). Learn \nwhen to use primer paint here\n.\nSoap for pre-paint cleaning\nSingle room painting kit which includes a biodegradable eco-friendly \npainting tray\n\nPainters masking tape for painting clean lines (check out \nhow to use masking tape when decorating\n)\n\nDecorators dust sheet\n to protect your floor and furnishings \n\nPaint roller extension pole\n (if you need help reaching those high ceilings)\n

How to prep your wall for painting\nThe 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.\nDo I need to prime before painting?\nIf 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 two coats, and no primer base either.

How to paint a wall: painting instructions\nStart by stirring your paint thoroughly for an even texture.\nIf you're working on a large painting project which involves using multiple tins of paint, we strongly advise that you box your paint. What does this mean? Boxing your paint means combining your paint from different paint tins into a larger container and mixing thoroughly. Why? Slight variants in colour and tone in tins of paint of the same colour often materialise and are usually noticed only after the paint is dry on the surface. However, if you box your paint, this will ensure an even texture and colour throughout all your spaces where the same colour is used. \nFirst, use a paintbrush to tackle the edges and corners - this is known as cutting in (learn \n\nhow to cut in when painting\n\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.\nNext, get to work on the main surface areas in the middle using a paint 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. Top tip: remove the tape from the wall whilst the second coat is still wet.\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\nAs 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.\nAvoid the temptation to skip the priming stage if you want a vivid and consistent finish, especially if you’re painting over a darker colour (unless you’re using Lick paint that is - in which case, you won’t need to use primer).\nKeep your work area well-ventilated to minimise drying time.\n--\nRight, onto the next wall…or cupboard! Check out our guide on \nhow to paint furniture\n. Want to know if \nyou can paint over wallpaper\n? Read our guide on \nhow to paint over wallpaper\n.

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

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

DIY wall panelling is a cheap and easy way to transform any room in your home by making your walls look a little more interesting. Wall panels can give any room a bit more depth, and they’ve got that perfect blend of traditional and contemporary style. And not only do panels look great and revive your decor, but they can also help cover up any uneven surfaces or walls that may be in need of filling. Learn how to panel your walls with our easy guide, and take a look at our \npro decorating tools\n to help you with your wall panelling project.\nWhat wood should I use for panelling?\nMedium-density fibreboard (MDF) is the most common type of wood panelling used for interior walls in hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. When painted using \npaint for MDF panelling\n, wall panels give spaces a really textured, architectural look.\nHow thick should wall panelling be?\nTo get started, you need to first decide the width and thickness of the 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.\nIs it easy to panel a wall?\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.\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.\nWhat tools do I need for wall panelling?\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\n

How do you panel a wall yourself?\nDiscover our easy step-by-step DIY guide on how to panel a wall below.\nStep 1: Take your measurements\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 2: Prep\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:\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. \nStep 3: Attach your panels\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 4: Prime \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.\nTop tip:\n if you’re painting MDF that hasn't been painted before, add a mist coat (a blend of 70% water + 30% paint) before applying your choice of \nLick paint colour\n.\nStep 5: Paint\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.\nNote\n: if your panelling is in a narrow, high-traffic area (such as a hallway) you can opt for an eggshell finish)\nStep 6: Varnish (optional)\nWe recommend using Bedec water-based vanish after painting with your MDF paint, to protect the panelling.\nAfter you've painted and added vanish - sit back and admire your work. Yep, you did that.\n

Looking for inspiration?\nWe've got a few goodies for you direct from our decorating community. Check out the wall panelling examples below:

Hallway panelling\nHallways are often treated as an afterthought, but they can be instrumental in setting the scene for the design of your home and creating a wow factor. One of the easiest ways for your hallway to make an entrance is to add wall panelling. It will give these often dark, narrow spaces texture and depth. Ensure you grab some \nhallway paint\n to personalise your panelling.

Living room panelling\nAdding panelling to your living room is an easy way to give a space an elegant feel. Discover our curated range of \nliving room paint\n for your wall panelling.

Bedroom wall panelling\nAdd a luxurious, hotel-worthy feel to your bedroom decor by adding in wall panelling. Get your hands on some \nbedroom paint\n to paint your wall panelling.

Bathroom panelling\nBathroom panelling is a great way to smarten up your bathroom decor. Panels can add texture and colour to an otherwise stale space. From panelling your entire wall to opting for half-wall panelling, we've got the perfect \nbathroom paint\n for your wall panelling design.

Inspired to add panelling to your walls? We hope this DIY guide has given you the confidence to try it out. Check out \nthis amazing example of wall panelling on a budget for more DIY tips\n.

To understand the colour wheel is to get to grips with the science behind colour theory. Why are some pairings a colour match made in heaven and why others scream, “What the hell were hue thinking”? Did you know that the same Isaac Newton who discovered gravity also invented the colour wheel? That’s why we’ll be explaining the colour wheel \naccording to science\n and sharing this foolproof method to finding your perfect paint colour.\nIntroducing: the colour wheel\n

A simple colour wheel is made up of 12 colours, a combination of the three primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. The three primary colours are essentially the parents of the remaining nine on the colour wheel. Now, let's talk about mixers. Sadly not an accompaniment to your favourite tipple, but hues, tints, tones, and shades. The make-up of the colour wheel. \n\nHue\n: another term for colour. The pure colour.\n\nTint\n: the pure colour, mixed with white. \n\nTone\n: the pure colour, mixed with grey.\n\nShade\n: the pure colour, mixed with black. \nWarm and cool colours: a tale of two halves\n\nSimply put, the colour wheel splits into two halves: warm and cool. These are pretty intuitive. Warm colours are bold, vivid, and tend to appear larger or take up space, whilst cool colours are soothing and create an impression of calm and don't overpower. Conversely, white, black, and grey are considered to be neutralising.\n\nWhat lies beneath: undertones\n\nThe dominant colour, the one you perceive it to be, is called the overtone – although sometimes people disagree on this (that dress was blue!). The colour you don't see is the undertone, but they can make all the difference between a warm or a cool colour. For example, grey, green, blue, and purple are all cool undertones (calming colours), whilst orange, yellow, red, and pink are warm undertones (energising colours). All of our paints have a range of undertones and you should consider these when picking the right palette for your room.\n\nRoom direction: a brief orientation\n\nOne of the trickiest decisions is not just what colour to choose but what colour is right for it based on how much light it gets. We use spaces at different times and for different things. Not only does this affect the light but also how the colour will appear. If you’re not sure what orientation your room is, read our \nguide on how to tell if your room is north, east, south or west-facing\n. \n\nWith less natural light than their counterparts, north-facing rooms tend to be darker and can bring out the cooler undertones of a colour, whilst south-facing rooms enjoy generous lighting throughout the day. For the former, when it comes to your colour options, it’s best to opt for a lighter palette with warm red or yellow undertones, like our \nWhite 03\n, \nBeige 01\n or \nlight Pink 01\n, whereas when it comes to south-facing rooms, these are the ones to experiment in. You get a good amount of light throughout the day, so go wild!\n\nOn the other hand, east-facing rooms get lots of gorgeous sunrise light, whilst west-facing rooms see the sunset. A pale \nBlue 02\n would balance out the golden morning light of an east-facing bedroom, whilst a warming \nPink 01\n or neutralising \nGreen 01\n would work well in an east-facing living room, which will have less light in the hours you’re using it. The opposite is true for a west-facing living room or bedroom. Opt for warmer colours for rooms you’ll use in the morning, like \nYellow 01\n, \nGreen 01\n, or \nBeige 01\n and cooler colours for rooms that will see that sunset, like White 01. We could go on about this all day. Take a read of our blog on room orientations for a deep dive into which colours to go choose.\nThe fun part. Let's talk colour schemes\n.\n\nSo you've decided what colour(s) you're going with – sort of – or least settled on which room to start. Now it's time to talk about colour schemes. There are four basic colour schemes: monochrome, complementary, analogous, and achromatic. Which one you pick depends on whether you're going for a harmonious feel or want to make a statement.\nMonochromatic colour schemes\n\nOften mistakenly referred to as black and white, monochrome actually comes from the Greek' mono' meaning one and 'khroma' meaning colour. A monochromatic scheme means using one colour (for example, blue) in varying tones, tints and shades. The effect? A harmonious, visually cohesive look. For some gorgeous monochrome interior inspo, or just to understand the concept better, read our guide on \nunderstanding monochromatic colour schemes\n.

Complementary colour schemes\n\nOn the other side of the colour wheel, you've got \ncomplementary colour schemes\n. These involve picking \ncomplementary colours\n from, well, the opposite side of the colour wheel— e.g. pairing pinks with greens and oranges with blues. The result is one that really pops. That said, if you opt for more neutralised shades or tones, you can still create a complementary colour scheme without the palettes being quite so overpowering. It’s one to consider if you're trying to make a feature of cornicing or woodwork in your home. Read more about \ndado rails and picture rail ideas here\n.

Analogous colour schemes\n\nAn \nanalogous colour scheme\n is when you choose a group of shades, tints, or tones (usually three) that sit next to or very close to one another on the colour wheel. For example, red, who sits next to rust, who sits next to terracotta. The effect is easy on the eye and instantly compatible. You find this natural blending in nature, making the combination very soothing, promoting a sense of peace. Read more about \nanalogous colour schemes here\n.

Inspiration and Advice

Step inside a colourful seaside house, designed by Elizabeth Stanhope

Top picksHome toursView all

Step inside a colourful seaside house, designed by Elizabeth Stanhope

Inside the creative sanctuary of singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama

Step inside Editor Amira Hashish's eclectic London home

Top picksPeople & PlacesView all

Talking all things eclectic decor with Pandora Taylor in her south London home

The playful Art Deco charm of the Goodtime Hotel, Miami

A look inside Home Union: a mid-century furniture mecca in Williamsburg, NYC

Top picksAsk the expertsView all

Cooking with colour: from our palette to your plate

Lick's 2025 Colour Palette of the Year

Our Colour Consultants' go-to online homeware stores

Top picksInspirationView all

The best paint colours for bedrooms

The most calming colour palette for your home based on colour psychology

10 gallery wall ideas

Top picksHow toView all

How to paint wood furniture

How to paint kitchen cupboards, doors and units

How to tell if your room is north, east, south or west facing

Top picksTips and TricksView all

6 modern dado rail and picture rail ideas

How to create a colour scheme when planning a house renovation

How long does paint take to dry and cure?