Of all the rooms in our homes, the kitchen bears the brunt of our daily rituals. It’s a thoroughfare in the mornings, occasionally doubles as an office, and can feel like feeding time at the zoo in the evenings. So, it only seems fair that we give it a little love now and again. That said, whilst a kitchen makeover can be the most dramatic of interior transformations—it can also be the most expensive. You might be wondering: how can I update my kitchen without replacing it? Well, in the interest of not blowing the \nentire\n decor budget on one room, we’re sharing some of our experts’ top tips on how to nail a kitchen makeover on a budget.  \nPaint kitchen cabinets\nMuch cheaper than a full kitchen remodel and very effective, we always recommend using \neggshell paint\n when painting your kitchen cabinets, as it can withstand whatever life throws at it. Find \nthe best kitchen paint colour\n for you, learn some insider tips on \nhow to paint your kitchen cupboards\n, and you’re off. Whether you’re going for a \nneutral\n look or all-out maximalism, painting your kitchen cabinets will inevitably transform your space. 

Paint the island in your kitchen\nPainting your kitchen island in a different colour to the rest of your cabinets is a good way to create contrast. Great if you're after a bit of visual interest, whatever your kitchen decor style. If, for example, you're going for a \nJapandi style \nkitchen, you could create contrast by painting your cabinets in a soft \nwhite\n paint and your kitchen island in a deep \nblack\n. Alternatively, take some paint to your kitchen cabinets in Green 04 or Blue 11 and white to your island to really make a statement.

Paint or upcycle existing furniture\nUnless you're going for a completely sleek look in your kitchen, upcycling existing furniture is a financially and environmentally sound way to revamp things. 'Mix and match' chairs no longer mean families squeezed around the dining table during holiday celebrations. Today, it's a design statement. Unsure where to start? Take a look at our \nguide to upcycling furniture\n or these \ncolourful room ideas\n.

Create a feature wall\nA\n feature wall\n is a great way to define your dining space and make a design statement. And, with many of us opting for open-plan living, today, our kitchen is also our dining room. Using less paint than an entire kitchen paint job, creating a feature wall is not only the perfect excuse to \nuse up leftover paint\n, but it's guaranteed to spruce things up within a budget. Kitchens don't only have to be about \npaint\n, however. Not only is our \nwallpaper\n FSC® certified, it's high quality, durable, and most importantly, wipeable. 

Update your cabinet handles and knobs\nSimply replacing dated door knobs with sleek kitchen handles is a quick and easy way to give your kitchen the mini makeover it needs, especially if you're going for a \nminimalist kitchen\n. If you've got light kitchen cabinets, adding dark handles or vice versa is another way to create contrast and visual interest. Keep things calm and minimal with these \n6 neutral kitchen ideas\n.

Opt for open shelving\nIf there's one kitchen trend that shows no sign of slowing down, it's open shelving. Whether you're removing doors completely from existing cabinets or adding open shelving to your kitchen walls, however, you \nstyle open shelving in your kitchen\n, it will give the space a totally transformed look. From \nScandi kitchen style\n to creating a cohesive look in \nan open plan kitchen\n, open shelving is the way to go. Display your favourite ceramics, glassware, and indoor plants whilst making sure your spices and cookbooks are easily accessible.

Change up your lighting\nThe right lighting is essential in any room. But, in the kitchen, in what can sometimes be quite a stark space, something as simple as changing your lights to a warmer bulb can work wonders—especially if you've got spotlights or your kitchen doesn't get much natural light. Adding pendant lights above a kitchen island or above your dining table is an instant way to change the look of your room, or you could even add your favourite lamp to an open shelving display. Perfect in a cosy farmhouse-style kitchen.

Update your splashback and countertops \nA new splashback or countertop is a great way to add personality and texture to a kitchen, without committing to a whole new scheme. Marble can be on the pricier side, but these days you can get vinyl alternatives that look just like it, at a slash of the price.

Update your kitchen appliances\nA great way to smarten up your kitchen is through your appliances. By updating and matching your appliances, you create a cohesive look in your kitchen. A toaster, kettle, and coffee maker in the same style, for example, can tie a colour scheme together and give what are usually practical, industrial devices a softened aesthetic appeal. 

Add texture\nKitchens can run the risk of feeling cold and sterile, mainly due to the materials used in them. You see a lot of stone, steel, laminate, and plastic. A great way to counter this is by adding texture through rugs, kitchen cloths, curtains, and your soft furnishings. Textured materials will soften the space and break up the sleek, shiny surfaces elsewhere, giving the room a cosy, lived-in feel.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out \nthe best kitchen colour schemes\n, or take a look at our complete guide on \nhow to paint kitchen cupboards, doors and units\n. The hardest part is getting started, but we promise you won’t be disappointed with the results.  

We’ve noticed a growing trend in the world of interiors for stylish and statement board games. These aren’t your usual dog-eared nineties Monopoly editions, we’re talking hand-crafted, often personalised pieces that are objets d’art in their own right. From leaning into puzzles during lockdown to a celebration of more ‘analog’ hobbies, these stylish board games are guaranteed to inject a sense of play into your home.
\nBackgammon board by Jonothan Adler \nIf you’re looking for a gift for the person who has \neverything, \nthen look no further than \nJonathan Adler\n. His collection of homewares and curios transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. Like this \nMilano Backgammon Set\n, which would take pride of place on any coffee table. If you’re looking for something slightly cheaper and just as stylish, then this \nSt Tropez backgammon set by Maison Games\n (designed by our very own \nInternational Colour Consultant, Charlotte Cropper\n) is the way to go.

Playing cards by Liberty\nWhether you’re on holiday or just in your living room, a pack of playing cards brings with it endless possibilities. We’re not sure you'll find a better looking set than this \nfloral set by Liberty\n.

Chessboard by Casa Carta \nAccording to the prominent painter Marcel Duchamp, “while all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists” and this \nchessboard by Casa Carta\n would make the ultimate gift for the artist, chess player or eclectic decor lover in your life.

Jigsaw puzzles by Prints in Pieces \nPuzzles had an absolute renaissance over lockdown, with some people framing their finished pieces as a memento from what was an unprecedented time. Prints in pieces has a collection of puzzles that are works of art in themselves (we love this \nSpaghetti Party puzzle\n) and definitely deserve a place on your wall or coffee table. You’ve just got to finish them first!

Dominoes by Not Another Bill\nThis \nset of dominoes by Not Another Bill\n is a work of art in itself. Featuring illustrations by New York street artist, Keith Haring they’re fun, colourful, and a great way to create your own fun without a screen. We’re totally obsessed with \nthis Keith Haring chess set too\n.

Oliver Bonas’ pastel four in a row\nA classic, four-in-a-row is one of those games you can play in a pub on a slow Sunday or with kids’ to kill time. We love this \nwooden pastel version of Four in a Row by Oliver Bonas\n. Very in keeping with the \nDanish pastels decor trend\n and the perfect table topper. 

Like the look of these stylish board games? Take a read of \nour picks of the must-have retro accessories for your home\n.

What does your style about you? Well, if you like to be on-trend and are always keeping up-to-date with what’s going on in the world of interiors, then \ncontemporary decor\n might just be the style for you. Defined by clean lines, a play between straight and curved edges, and a sparing yet deliberate use of colour, it's cool, sleek, yet also lots of fun. Want to create the look at home? Here’s how. \nMADE\nBy working directly with independent designers and makers, \nMADE.com\n manages to produce high-end products without the high-end price tag. We like them for vases in particular. Their Long, Hector, and Gravity decorative vases would look amazing styled together on a console or mantlepiece. 

Soho Home\nIf you’re after contemporary cool, then look no further than \nSoho Home\n. Contemporary is known for its curved edges, and some curved pieces that have caught our eye are their Tisbury Side Table, Rolland Armchair, and Clyde Tub Chair. Grab someone with a Soho Home membership, quick, for 15% off.\n

Wayfair \nOne of the world’s largest online-only homeware shops, \nWayfair\n doesn’t specialise in any one style of design. What it does specialise in, is the latest trends.\nLiberty London\nLondon by name, international by nature if you do get a chance to pop into \nLiberty’s\n Regent Street flagship store, it’s a retail experience like no other. Known for their bold prints and eclectic range of designers, we’re lusting after this very on-trend curvy squiggle table.

AMARA\nA treasure trove of some of the world’s leading interior brands, \nAMARA\n remains hot on the pulse of what’s in vogue in the world of interiors. This Mushroom Table Lamp would add instant sophistication to any \ncontemporary living room\n or \ncontemporary bedroom\n.  

West Elm \nStarting life as Brooklyn’s contemporary cool girl on the block, \nWest Elm\n has transformed into a global brand. We particularly love their \nmid-century furniture range\n.\niamfy\nInstilling a sense of fun into any decor project, \niamfy\n will bring any home up to date. How’s this Origins Canyon Rug for a pastel pop of colour in your living room?  

John Lewis \nAs dependable as rain in spring, John Lewis is one of those brands that’s loved by generations. \nConnox \nShowcasing the best in European design, Connox has built a reputation for its sleek designs and durable quality. Don’t mind us whilst we clear some space for this HKliving sideboard in our living room. 

Graham & Green \nKnown for its eclectic style and contemporary cool, \nGraham & Green\n offers a wide selection of new and exciting home and garden furnishings. This marble-topped drinks trolley will go down a storm with the entertainers amongst you.\n
From boho to eclectic, take a look at our other \nLick’s picks shopping guides\n to find the perfect pieces to suit your interior style. 

Want to bring a little boho style into your home? An excellent choice. All about boundary-pushing and freedom of expression, \nboho interior decor\n is a globally-inspired aesthetic that celebrates a laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re going for a neutral, \nboho chic decor\n look or a warm and vibrant \nboho style colour palette\n, these are our picks of the best online shops to furnish your boho abode. \nFrench Connection\n\nFrench Connection home\n has branched into homeware, conscious homeware in fact. Not only do we love their sustainability efforts, but we also love the boho aesthetic of their Poppy Field collection. From their POPPY RUG to their Poppy Field Pouffe, you can lean on French Connection to add a Moroccan, boho feel to your space. 

OKA \nBoho home decor champions global designs and \nOKA\n’s furnishings aren’t just made in Asia, they’re inspired by it—and this Sheki Upholstered Ottoman looks as though it was picked up somewhere along the hippy trail in the 1970s. 

SKLUM\nThere’s a lot to love about \nSKLUM\n, but what we love the most is that you can shop by style. Meaning that they’ve done the hard work for you when it comes to \nbuying boho chic\n. This macrame headboard is perfect for adding a textured, relaxed feel to your bedroom. 

H&M Home \nOrganic linens, cane furnishing, jute rugs: H&M Home has it all at a very affordable price, like this Low lounge rattan chair.

Nkuku \nEthical and eco-friendly, \nNkuku\n champions boho style and ethos. We love this Noko Wicker Floor Lamp for playing around with the height of your lighting in a bedroom or living room.

Ian Snow \nThe name ‘\nIan Snow\n’ doesn’t instantly conjure up images of India, but that’s very much where this company began. And its colours and prints certainly do. \nTikamoon\nThe stuff boho dreams are made of, \nTikamoon\n has been supplying the world with eco-friendly boho furnishings since 2008.

Trouva \nA treasure Trouva of individual sellers and boutiques from across the world, Trouva has some great boho finds. \nAnthropologie\nWhether it’s colour and pattern or warmth and texture you’re looking for, \nAnthropologie\n is a must-visit. 

Etsy\nA gold mine for one-of-a-kind and vintage homewares, if you can imagine it you can probably buy it on \nEtsy\n. It’s a great place for picking up handmade macrame wall hangings and hand-dried pampas grass—key components of that boho look.\nUrban Outfitters\nKnown for their retro homewares, Urban Outfitters is a one-stop for channelling those carefree boho vibes. Summed up no better than this ‘Grow Through What You Go Through' tapestry.

From our \nmaximalist decor shopping style guide\n to our \neclectic decor shopping style guide\n, find the best online shops for your home.

If you’re the sort that likes to mix your striped wallpaper with leopard print cushions, and whose worst nightmare is magnolia walls, then you might just be a maximalist. This more-is-more style is full of pattern, colour, and fun. It’s all about individuality and the best part is, there are no rules. These are our pick of the best online shops to look for \nmaximalist decor\n.\nHouse of Hackney\n\nHouse of Hackney\n is known for its maximalism, lavish upholstery, and intentional play with pattern and texture. Their famous frilled BAMBUSA Tilia Table Lampshade will add a luxurious feel to your space, whilst the tiger motif on this SABER Medium Tassel Velvet Cushion will take you straight to the jungle.

Not On The High Street \nThe clue is in the name with Not On The High Street, selling unique pieces direct from boutiques and independent sellers it’s great for personalised pieces—a key component of the Maximalist home. Give your guests a gilded welcome with this gold leaf WELCOME sign.\nFy \nIn their words, “the first and only home and living shopping experience that learns your vibe and gets smarter as you go”, according to \nFy\n, they’ll know your style like Spotify knows your music taste. The jury’s out but what we do know is that we love this Tiger Temple pink woven throw by Camille Gressier Textiles.

Smithers of Stamford\n\nSmithers of Stamford\n’s motto is ‘Dare to be Different’ which could very well be the maximalist movement’s war cry. Selling homewares new and old their range of upcycled retro furniture is a must browse.\n
\nOliver Bonas\nYou can’t walk into \nOliver Bonas\n and not find something lovely. You might not \nneed\n it, but you want it all the same. We love these  Issey Coral Velvet Fringed Cushion covers - perfect for adding both colour and texture to your home!

Urban Outfitters \nA must-stop destination for retro homewares, \nUrban Outfitters\n is a great place to look for maximalist interiors. We’re currently loving this Leopard table lamp.

Etsy \nWhilst Not On The High Street champions independent boutiques, \nEtsy\n is more about individual sellers so it’s another great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces that you can often personalise.\nGraham & Greene \nWe love \nGraham & Greene\n for colourful and eclectic homewares. They tend to be ahead of the trend so you won’t spot the same designs everywhere. Curves are very on-trend right now and these metal side tables would add just the right amount of visual interest in a bedroom or living room.

Sasse & Belle \nStocked with fun and frivolous interiors \nSasse & Belle\n is for grown-ups that know how to stay in touch with their inner child. Add bursts of colour with a vibrant array of their colourful candle holders.

Chairish\nIt wouldn't be a maximalist home without at least a splash of leopard print, so why not check out these Custom Barrel-Back Armchairs in Leopard Velvet from \nChairish\n. We are swooning over these Venetian glass table lamps, too.

Jungalow \nRising to fame as one of the world’s most-followed interior decor blogs, you know \nJungalow\n is going to be filled with things you want to buy. The organic shape and nature-inspired design of this Optimism Fiesta Rug by Justina Blakeney® X Loloi are simply gorgeous.

Want some more interior decor inspiration? Take a look at \nthe best online shops for eclectic decor\n.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chairish \nMuch much more than just chairs, Chairsh is one of the internet’s largest consortiums of antiques. From sofas to serving bowls, we think these pink with red trim handmade scallop placemats will add a gorgeous softness to your tableware.

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

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

The ease of online shopping cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to buying plants (if you’ve ever tried to transport half the Amazon home on the bus, you’ll know what we mean). From subscription services to sustainable sourcing, we’re sharing our favourite online places to buy houseplants. Because a home is not complete, without a few plant pets.\n\nPatch Plants\nWith their helpful plant care tutorials, easy-to-remember names (hey there Sharon), and a useful quiz to help decide which plant is best for your space, \nPatch Plants\n is changing the game when it comes to buying plants online.

Bloom Box Club \nFounded therapist and psychology lecturer, Dr Katie Cooper, \nBloombox Club\n focuses on the well-being and mental health benefits of plants. In addition to its popular subscription service, it has a great range of indoor plants categorised by their mental and physical benefits. So, whether you’re looking for immunity boosting or air-purifying, there’s a pot plant for you at Bloom Box Club. \n\nThe Stem \nCurrently only delivering in London, we foresee \nThe Stem\n growing faster than a bamboo shoot. Aiming to “connect people to nature through plants and gardening” they’re big on sustainability with no plastic used in their packaging and all deliveries are made in electric vans.\n\nbeards & daises\nJust committed house plant murder? Need a last-minute gift? \nBeards & daisies\n offer next-day delivery for all your indoor plant emergencies. In fact, their easy-to navigate-website and wide range of house plants is everything we’ve ever wanted from an online nursery.

foli8\nA plant shop after our own heart, all of \nfoli8\n’s plants come in coconut fibre pots meaning a healthier plant and a healthier planet. From flowering to hanging, palms to cacti, you can find the perfect pot to match too. Starting from just £5, they’re 100% recyclable.\n\nCanopy Plants\nFrom ‘rare and unusual’ to ‘perfect for beginners’ there’s something for everyone at \nCanopy Plants\n plus their pot offering is superior to most. There’s even a plant subscription if you want a little leafy treat delivered to your food each month.\n\nConservatory Archives \nUp there with the best places in London to buy house plants, if it’s too far to travel, \nConservatory Archives\n online shop is every bit as good. From plants to pots, tropicals to trailing plants, you’ll find everything you need to transform your home into an oasis on their website.

Hortology \nWith such a wide range of plants it’s easy to spend hours digging through \nHortology\n’s range of botanicals. From “retro and classic” to “cool and trendy” they offer a range of edits to help you find just what you’re looking for based on your interior style. Perfect for matching your plants to your decor.\n\nLeaf Envy \nYou’ll receive some serious leaf envy with a haul from \nLeaf Envy\n. Based in East London, they deliver nationwide, plus all of their plants are delivered in 100% recyclable packaging, using FSC® certified cardboard boxes. What’s more, for every order you place they’ll plant one tree. We like the sound of that.

House of Kato\nIf you want to try your hand at plant propagation, the \nHouse of Kato\n is the place for you. Champions of the minimalist aesthetic whether you’re looking for something little or leafy they’ll have the plant (plus a sleek pot to match) for you.\n\nIf you want to go pick up your house plants in person, then why not take a look at these 10 best places in London to buy house plants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to start boosting your mood by using colour psychology in your interior design? \nExplore our range of Lick paint colours\n and add a splash of what makes you happy through paint, even if it’s just a single statement wall or a couple of kitchen cupboards.

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

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Decorating Tips And Tricks - Paint & Wallpaper


 If you're looking for a way to make your period property stand out or if you want to add detailing to an otherwise boxy room: look no further. The ongoing popularity of dado and picture rails proves that decorating's latest trend is here to stay. That's why we're sharing with you six decorating ideas for how you can use our \nrange of interior paint\n to complement these 18th-century fittings and bring them firmly into the modern-day. \nWhat is a dado rail?\nA rail that runs roughly along the middle of a room, above the 'dado' – a panel made from wood – and is often painted a different colour to the rest of the room. Although today their use is aesthetic, they were designed to protect walls and wallpaper from damage caused by furniture being propped against it.

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

How can you modernise a dado or picture rail?\nSo, it's clear that picture rails and dado rails are two trends that are here to stay. Whether for practical or design purposes, if you're thinking about incorporating them into your home, here are six of our favourite modern dado and picture rails ideas to get your mood boards going.\n1. Create wall panelling\nTrès Parisian, whatever colour you go to, highlighting wall panelling with dado and picture rails can help create an instantly elegant feel. Learn more about how to do \nDIY wall panelling here\n.

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

3. \nContrast the colour of the rails to the walls\nYou can either keep things traditional by painting your dado and/or picture rails white to highlight your wall colour, or go bold and attention-grabbing by painting them in contrasting colours with the help of our \nliving room paint\n collection.

4. \nMatch the colour of dado and picture rails to the walls\nCreate a seamless effect by painting them the same colour, such as this relaxing \nbedroom paint\n shade. The traditional picture rail adds texture and interest to otherwise plain walls.

5. \nColour block using dado and picture rails\nYou can really get creative here. Perfect if you want to tie in several colours and mix your palettes. Try incorporating colour blocking between the picture rail and the ceiling. This will draw the eye upwards and create a colourful stripe around the room.

6. Opt for dado rails on your staircase\nMake an entrance by creating a feature of your staircase. Follow the curve of the stairs by mirroring dado rails to the height of the banisters. Use our range of curated \nhallway paint colours\n to find the perfect hue to complement hallway or staircase dado rails. For an even more dramatic or unique look, see our guide on \nhow to paint your staircase\n.

It doesn't matter if you decide to keep things simple or go all out and make a statement; however you decide to use these design trends, dado and picture rails are both a great way to upgrade your home interior.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The difference between \npaint\n drying and paint curing could be the difference between you being happy with your paint job or not. What's more, getting it right the first time will save you hours (if not days) in the future. So let’s take a closer look at the difference between these often confused decorating terms.\nWhat does it mean for paint to cure?\nThe paint curing process is what happens when your paint is fully hardened and preserved. It means it's ready for whatever life throws at it—the odd bump or occasional wipe-down. Lick paint is high formulation multi-surface paint, so this hardening process can take upwards of five days. Until then, it can have a flexible, almost plastic-like sensation to it. Once this has gone, your paint is fully cured, and you're ready to start rearranging your furniture and putting your room back together!\nWhat is the difference between paint drying and paint curing?\nPaint 'drying' happens when the solvents evaporate from your paint coating, leaving the paint feeling dry to the touch—even though it is not 100% dry. Whilst paint 'curing' happens when your paint coating is completely hardened and fused to the wall. Now (and only then!) is it completely dry.\nHow do you know if paint is cured?\nTo test if your paint has fully cured, press your fingernail or a knife gently onto the coating. If it leaves an indent, then you know that your paint is not fully cured. If, however, there is no indent and the surface remains hard, then you can be confident that your paint has cured.\nHow long does Lick paint take to dry?\nWe advise leaving between 2-4 hours before you start painting your second coat. Once your second coat has been applied, your paint will take about 24 hours to dry. But like we've said, this doesn't mean the job is done just yet!\nWhat happens if you apply a second coat of paint too soon?\nIf you apply your second coat of paint too soon after painting your first coat, this will likely result in streaks, peeling paint, patchiness in colour, or paint flaking when dry. Ensure you leave at least 2 hours between coats. To be safe, for best results leave 4 hours.\nHow long does it take for paint to fully cure?\nIt's not always an exact science. Factors like whether you've plastered, the temperature of your room, or even the weather can affect how long your paint takes to cure, but depending on moisture levels and heat, Lick paint takes 5-10 days to cure fully.\nIf, for example, your painting conditions are hot with high moisture (like in a bathroom), then both drying and curing time can take longer. In this case, we'd allow 7-10 days for your paint to fully cure.\nWhereas, if the room you are painting is hot and dry (hello, toasty living room), both drying and curing time can be much faster. We'd recommend 5-7 days.\nWhatever the environment, we'd recommend waiting 5-10 days before you put any objects directly against your walls or hang any paintings. If your paint is not fully cured, it might stick to these surfaces or peel off.\nDoes paint dry quicker in heat or cold?\nPaint dries quicker in heat. However, high humidity doesn't allow paint to evaporate adequately. Dry heat, as opposed to humid heat, is best.\nWhat helps paint cure faster?\nAs explained above, dry heat helps paint dry and cure faster. Factors like ventilation, humidity, and temperature all impact the way in which paint dries and cures. To speed up the process;\nInvest in a heater if your room is too cold.\nClose windows and invest in a fan or air conditioning if your room is too humid. \nI’ve painted onto plaster. Why is my paint peeling off in sheets?\nA common mistake, don't beat yourself up about it. If you've painted straight onto plaster, the paint can either get absorbed into the plaster or have problems adhering. This is why it's peeling off—it's the surface it's painted onto rather than the paint itself. It's actually sticking to itself rather than the wall. The good news is, this is a fairly easy fix. It just requires a little patience. All you need to do is wait for a few days and allow your paint to dry fully before you repaint.\nTo ensure this problem never happens in the first place, we'd recommend applying a mist coat of 70% paint, 30% water onto fresh plaster, as this is perfect for the porous nature of plaster. Once this has dried, you can begin painting as you usually would, over the top.\nAs ever, before you get going on a DIY project, don't forget to prep. Take a look at our guide on \nhow to prep a room for painting\n and \nhow to paint a wall\n.

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