When they move in to a new home most folk want to make a few changes to the decor to get things looking the way they like them and to fit in with their own personal sense of style. If you are not that experienced at DIY it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge knowing exactly where to start. So we thought we would give you some of our best tips for getting your new home looking its best.
Preparation is everything, because it is extremely dificult to get the finished results you crave if things are a mess. So, first things first, make sure you clear out the room you are decorating. Not only does this help you to visualise things better, but there is less chance of an accident – someone tripping over something, for instance – in an empty room.
You should cover the floor, whether it’s carpeted or a solid wood or laminate floor, before you start work. Paint, plaster and dust can soon make a mess of your floorcoverings, so cover them up with some plastic film or if this isn’t available an old sheet.
If you have decided to replace the wallpaper, first of all get rid of the old. You can make this much easier by using a steamer or by soaking it in warm water before scraping it off with a stripping knife or similar implement. Just be careful when you are doing this, though, because if you scrape away too vigorously, you could end up damaging the plasterwork underneath. Patience is key.
Once the old paper is removed you need to prepare the wall surfaces for the new paper. If there are any cracks or dents these can be filled in with something like Ronseal 5 minute filler, which is perfect for giving even the roughest surfaces a smooth, sleek finish. For best results leave the filler to dry completely before sanding to a perfect finish.
As for woodwork such as skirtings, doors and door frames, these should also be cleaned thoroughly and then rubbed down to provide the best possible surface for receiving a new coat of paint.
And while you are at it, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on those other little tasks which need done, such as filing any gaps or spaces between window frames and skirtings.
The last piece of advice we have for decorating any room, harks backs to our initial advice. Be prepared – take your time choosing the right wallpaper and paint. After all, you are going to have to live with it for a while.
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