Sure, you can paint your walls with a fresh coat of paint, and you’ll end up with a very nice looking result. But what if we told you that your walls have the ability to go beyond “‘nice”? What if instead of your typical feature wall, you try something a little more unique in design?
Available painting techniques and effects have come a long way; nowadays you can create a concrete-like wall, add texture with a suede look, or even turn walls into blackboards for the kids – all with a lick of paint.
To help you be bold and brave when making a decision, we talked to Dulux colour expert Andrea about some of the interesting effects you can use throughout your own home.
Two-tone effect
A two-tone wall featured in a big girls’ bedroom. Photo: Lynden Foss
The two-tone effect really comes in handy when you’ve narrowed your wall colour down to two similar shades, but can’t quite pick between them. It’s also useful when you want to inject a sense of playfulness into a room – these are the reasons why this particular effect is a great choice when it comes to nurseries. You have the option to keep these colours tonal, or you can use contrasting colours to really create an impact.
Expert tip: “When creating a two-toned wall, the traditional approach is to paint the top half of the room a lighter colour than the lower half. By doing so it makes the ceilings appear higher and will completely change the look of the room,” explains Andrea. “In order to get the line perfect, use a spirit level and a pencil to mark out a straight line about one third of the way up the wall, and tape off the divide with masking tape. Paint the lighter Dulux colour first, so if there are any drips they’ll be easier to cover up when you paint the lower half of the room.”
Concrete effect
Concrete effect adds a raw and industrial look. Photo: Dulux
If you’re looking to add a statement wall to your living room, bedroom or study, consider the concrete effect as an option. This is a great way to give your space a raw and industrial look that is both contemporary and cool. And what’s more, you can make it as soft or as richly textured as you like.
Expert tip: “The subtle texture and natural colour of the Dulux Design Concrete Effect provides a contemporary and modern look to any space,” says Andrea. “This look is available in two colours; Pale Elements, a lighter more traditional concrete colour, and Onyx Edge, a darker, moody grey.”
Chalkboard effect
Use chalkboard effect in a kids’ bedroom to add a sense of fun. Photo: Dulux
Chalkboards are no longer just for school rooms. They have now become a trend in the home, often used in rooms such as the kitchen or kids bedrooms. The use of chalkboard effect paint helps to introduce a sense of fun into a space; one where writing shopping lists can actually be enjoyable and the kids are encouraged to unleash their imagination for hours on end.
Expert tip: “Dulux Design Chalkboard Effect has an ultra flat paint effect which can be further sanded to reveal a vintage, rustic look, similar to a distressed finish,” says Andrea. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be black either. You can create a chalk wall in subtle tones of powder blue or a soft pink.”
Suede effect
Using suede effect adds a textural element to a space. Photo: Dulux
Giving your wall a suede-like appearance can create interesting tones to a room, but perhaps more noteworthy, it can also add a textural element which further presents a sense of sophistication. This look works really well within the living spaces and bedrooms, as these are hotspots within the home that tend to need the most texture.
Expert tip: To achieve the Dulux Design Suede Effect, Andrea suggests using soft, earthy and neutral tones in grey, beige, tan and taupe as these can easily be schemed alongside most Dulux greys and whites.
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