I’VE been decorating (and re-decorating) my house for five years now, and the walls have changed colours more times than I care to admit.
If you’ve fallen into the all-grey-everything trap in hopes of making your home look chic, this guide is for you.
Sign up for the Shopping newsletter
Thank you!
I’ve used Lick Paint to give my house a spring warmth
Shop Lick Paint
I’ve tried several paint brands and landed on one that I adore: Lick Paint is scattered throughout my home and has brought the character and spring warmth that I’ve been looking for.
Here are some tips that I use to help my home look effortlessly chic.
Drench your room
Colour drenching is subtle, but instantly elevates a room
Taupe 03 Soho Roc House at Lick Paint
This isn’t a new concept, but you have to trust me.
There isn’t a skirting board or ceiling in my house that isn’t the same colour as the walls.
It brings uniformity to the room. People don’t notice straight away; they just know that something feels… elevated.
It blurs the eyeline and is especially great in new builds, which often have low ceilings. This makes them look a bit further away.
It also allows furniture to pop, in the same way black fencing allows plants to stand out. This works really well if you have natural textures like wood or metal in your space.
I love a matt finish, but if you’re in a high-traffic household or have pets and kids, don’t be afraid to eggshell everything; it makes it wipeable and bounces a really gentle light around without the same sheen that satin or gloss demands.
I used Lick’s Taupe 03 Soho Roc House in my guest room in an eggshell and took the paint nearly everywhere.
It’s an easy clean-up job, too, which is handy when my mucky Labrador sneaks into the guest room for a shake after a wet walk.
SHEET DREAMS
Simba’s bedding is ‘softer than silk, cooler than linen’ – I tested it
BRIDE AND JOY
My Cricut machine saved me £100s on wedding prep – from clothes to stationery
Pink is the new neutral
Pink isn’t usually considered a neutral, but it adds a subtle warmth
Pink 01 Eggshell at Lick Paint
Stick with me here.
I have drenched my living room in Lick’s Pink 01 – it’s the gentlest of pinks with a touch of grey. It’s often mistaken for a white or a really light taupe.
I know you’re thinking it: “But what about resale?”
For that, I have two answers: firstly, you must enjoy your home now. Secondly, when we unexpectedly put our house on the market last year, the first three people who came to view it all offered above the asking price. People want something tastefully decorated, not just another sad, grey box.
People don’t usually consider pink as a neutral, but it’s so enveloping and warm, and really works well with other colours and textures. My red fireplace pops against it, and my herringbone floor looks all the more elevated.
Don’t stop at pink, though – the same Taupe 03 Roc House that I used in my guest room has also been used in my hallways.
It’s light enough not to feel overpowering, but it gives a gentle warmth to the space.
Hallways can often feel really clinical, but some dark wood floor, nice art and a gentle paint colour can make all the difference.
Don’t sleep on green (or… do)
I used Lick’s beautiful Green 05 Rome House in my bedroom
Green 05 Rome House at Lick Paint
Green is a beautiful colour and can create a lovely atmosphere in a room.
In my bedroom, I have used Lick Green 05 Rome House on my wrap-around panelling and complemented it with Lick White 05 on the walls, woodwork, ceilings and wardrobes.
It’s a deep, rich, olive green that makes the space feel really indulgent and premium. It pairs so well with wood and metal elements, making it the perfect backdrop for bedside lighting and tables.
The most important advice I have is to be brave and believe in your taste, and if you can’t believe in yours, believe in mine, because I’ve given you the proof that by making a few changes, you can create a gorgeously elevated home.
Happy decorating!
