How To Decorate In A Day

Step 1: Choose a colour

Before you start, get rid of all the clutter to give yourself a blank canvas on which to be creative. Then think about what you're going to be doing in that room. Rich colours will give the room an opulent, striking feel - great for dining rooms. Warmer colours will create a cosy feel whilst calm shades will make the room feel relaxing and comforting - great for lounges.

And if you really can'tmake up your mind, then grab some Dulux tester pots or colour cards and see what looks best when it's on.

Step 2: Prepare the walls

Before painting anything, stop yourself making a mess by covering your furniture and floor with a dust sheet. Next, check the walls for any chips or cracks in the plaster. If you've got a hole caused by a picture hook then use plug it polyfilla to sort it out. Simply work this product into the hole and an hour later it'll be ready to put a screw back in, and you won't even need a rawl plug.

Step 3: Paint the walls

You'll have to carefully go around the edges of the wall with a paintbrush before you can cover the rest of it more quickly with a roller. Load up the roller evenly without overloading it, and apply with a light, even pressure. Start at the top of the room and work your way down so that any splashes will be painted over later. Don't worry about removing radiators - simply paint behind it with a small roller.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Don't forget the ceilings and the woodwork - a cracking paintjob on the walls won't look good next to greying skirting boards! If you've got cracked ceilings then give them the once over with Polycell Crack free ceilings - then they'll be white and crfack free. And think about the fabrics you're bringing back into the room - it might be worth adding some texture and depth with throws and cushions that complement the colours you have chosen.