How to get a crisp paint line with decorators tape (and avoid paint bleeding every time)

Decorator’s tape has become hugely popular in the last decade for a myriad of DIY tasks but it’s no secret that everyone seems to get different results. If you’re trying to paint a straight crisp line, whether it be for stripes, colour blocking or a half wall, from the paint bleeding through the tape to the paint peeling off when the tape is removed, it can feel like a bit of a minefield!

I have used tape for a range of projects over the years, from simple colour blocking, a striped wallpaper effect hack and checkerboard floors. I’ve also experienced different results (mainly due to the surface I’m painting on) but one thing I do get everything single time is a beautiful crisp line.

DIY & Crafts1 November 2024diy tutorial, paint lines, crispy paint line, decorators tapeComment

Hand painting stripes with a laser level

This corner of our landing has been crying out for wallpaper ever since we’ve moved in. It’s been on my ‘non-essential’ to do list for so long and I guess the reason why I’ve actually never done it is because a) everything else in the house has broken and needed our time and money to replace, and b) the more I look at those angles, the more I feel it’s a job I don’t wanna do!

DIY & Crafts2 September 2024Comment

How to paint decorative furniture for beginners

As interior trends shift towards more traditional, and maybe a somewhat whimsical aesthetic, we are seeing a rise of hand painted vintage furniture popularised by talented decorative artists and illustrators who use repetitive pattern, small botanical shapes combined with stripes, spots and soft geometrical patterns.

I have loved watching these pieces evolve, from picture frames to wardrobes, bedside tables and mirrors, pioneers of the craft like decorative artists Tess Newall and Felicity Buchanan have opened up a whole new level of upcycling which many, including myself, are enjoying having a go at.

DIY & Crafts7 August 2024Comment

Living with bare plaster walls - and why it didn’t work for us

If you’re having your walls skimmed or plastered and are considering leaving them unpainted because you love the bare plaster look - this blog post is for you.

As a fan of muted peachy pinks, I have also always loved the bare plaster look, especially as it provides so much texture, similar to many of the lime wash paint effects that are so popular at the moment. Having had a disaster with natural lime wash paint already, I’ve never been tempted to try that again, however bare plaster felt like an achievable way to get a similar effect with minimal effort.

DIY & Crafts, My Thoughts On8 July 2024Comment

How to give your walls character with 3D wall coverings or panelling

In an age when home improvement has never been more popular and diy never more accessible than now, many are turning towards products that will add character, setting our homes apart from others.

Amongst many of the trends that have been accelerated by the number of growing home renovation tv shows and interior inspiration online is wall panelling. Whether it’s the more traditional intricate moulding, tongue and groove panelling or a more modern fluted or ribbed panelling, this option provides your walls (or furniture) with interest and personality without the commitment to pattern that wallpaper requires.

DIY & Crafts30 May 2024orac decor, press trips, wall covering, wall panelling, walls Comments

How to choose family friendly carpet

Choosing a family friendly carpet is such an important decision when finishing your home as it’s a big investment and something you won’t want to be changing regularly.

It can feel overwhelming with so many different choices from materials and weaves to tufted or polypropylene, however, with a little research, you’ll find yourself ruling out certain options, making it easier to choose the right carpet for you.

DIY & Crafts27 May 2024carpet, flooring, polypropylene Comments

The tools you need to get started with DIY

There is so much information online nowadays about every DIY project under the sun - to the point where it can become overwhelming as you scroll from one YouTube tutorial to another. However, if you’re taking on a renovation project or have some tasks you’d like to tackle yourself and you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a list of the tools I use the most.

DIY & Crafts10 May 2024Comment

Living with a thatched roof: The pros and cons

We’ve been living in our 400 year old thatched cottage for almost three years now, and, as it’s a relatively rare roof type for houses in the UK, feel like I can give a little insight into our experience so far.

In fact, there are only 35,000 thatched homes in the UK, of which 24,000 are listed, which means that thatched homes make up for just 0.1% (and unlisted thatched homes, likes ours, make up for 0.04%). There are many pros and cons to living and owning a home with a thatched roof, but it is undoubtedly the aesthetic that draws most people in to their charms. The unique, soft, country look, can certainly appear whimsical and romantic and the perfect backdrop for a wild cottage garden or a glisteningly white snowy day.

However, are they as magical to live with as they appear in a photograph?

DIY & Crafts, My Thoughts On4 September 2023 Comments

How to part-build a bookshelf for beginners - with DIY Alcove Cabinets

For years I’ve looked at the sad space (half-landing) on our stairs knowing we weren’t using it to it’s full potential. I spent months and months looking for second hand bookshelves but unsurprisingly, could never find a piece that was exactly the right size and shape for such a specific area. We also couldn’t afford to have one made and installed by a carpenter so I was really excited to find DIY Alcove Cabinets.

Before & After, DIY & Crafts9 August 2023Comment

Interiors and Renovation

Readers’ Favourites on the Blog

Come follow along on Instagram

As seen in: