More often than not, enamel paint is thought of as glossy and hard, to be used sparingly. However, DIYers and hobbyists frequently use enamel paint to add vivid colours and revamp old metal and wooden surfaces. Enamel paints are in fact an excellent option to paint things that are going to be used outdoors or surfaces prone to a lot of wear and tear, such as furniture, stairs and cabinets. Enamel paint can also be applied on the walls, especially in the kitchen, storeroom and entryway, giving it a smooth and soft sheen.

Enamel paint is quite easy to use but there are a lot of things that can still go wrong if you haven’t done your research. If you’re up for some quick DIY project, to help you out, we have listed down four major steps for applying enamel paint for walls and wooden/metal surfaces:

Step 1: Clean the surface before you begin painting

Clean the surface that needs to be painted. Dust and debris can interfere with paint adherence that results in an uneven finish. There is nothing more annoying than having to redo the painting because something got stuck on the surface of the wet paint. So it is important to clean the surface thoroughly. If the surface is very dusty or dirty, use some soapy water and a cloth to clean it. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Prime the surface

You can skip this step depending on the surface condition. If the surface is uneven or prone to warping, don’t miss this step. If you are painting a wooden surface, always prime it before painting it to protect it from chipping too fast. Simply apply the primer to the surface as evenly as possible and let it dry for a few hours. Look at the surface very closely once dried and if you notice any uneven parts, simply apply another layer of primer onto it.

Step 3: Prepare the enamel paint

Once the primer has completely dried off, open your enamel paint and stir it with a stick before you begin painting. You can skip this step if you are using spray cans. When you dip the paint brush in the can, wipe off the excess paint from the brush.

Step 4: Apply the paint

Begin painting with the surface’s centre and paint your way outwards from there. Use the best quality brushes and tools. Try to apply even pressure when painting to avoid overloading the brush with paint. If the project has some hard-to-reach areas, begin with them first. If you wish to give it a second coat, ensure the paint has dried well before you begin.

If you follow these 4 tips, you will end up with a very fine and smooth finish when working with enamel paint.

If you wake up feeling tired and uninspired every day, it might be time for a change. Decluttering your bedroom and adding new comfy textiles can go a long way. Next step? Create an accent wall. Here’s how:

Choose a wall

There are a few ways to help you choose the ideal accent wall in a bedroom. The wall behind your bed/headboard is a good choice if your room lacks a focal point. Or you can choose a different wall too. Find a wall that stands out, something your eye is naturally drawn to as soon as you enter the room. Ensure the wall is free of large pieces of furniture. An accent wall should stand alone to create enough impact and drama. If you can’t find the right accent wall, consider the fifth wall in the room, aka the ceiling.

Choose a colour

Once you decide which wall to use, next comes the creative part of choosing a colour. Remember that an accent wall does not have to be bold. You might want a calming colour for an accent wall in your bedroom. For bedroom colour ideas, a monochromatic accent wall will have a subdued, relaxing effect. If your room’s walls are painted a neutral colour, go for a shade or two deeper for a saturated tone of the same colour as your accent wall. To add a pop of colour, choose a colour from your bedding to tie the entire look together. It is worth noting that warm colours such as orange, yellow and red make a space appear smaller whereas cool colours like green, blue and purple make a small bedroom appear larger, so pick your colours wisely.

You can use these bedroom colour design tips for any space, be it the master bedroom, nursery or guest room. Painting an accent wall is a simple project and you can enhance it with the use of artwork, different finishes and architectural elements.

A child’s bedroom should be a place they love spending time in. While it is tempting to give in and over-decorate the space, bright primary colours and bold designs can be distracting, especially if you expect the bedroom to provide your kiddo with a good night’s sleep.

Not sure where to start? Check out these tips to style a soothing kids room ideas:

Use colour theory

There is a reason why nurseries have been long painted in light blue, pale pink or soft yellow- lighter tones are considered to be soothing. While you might want to ditch the trends and honour your daughter’s love for Garfield with bright oranges and reds, these bold colours are too stimulating. Use them in limited doses and for larger canvases, like walls, bedding and rugs, opt for muted, soothing colours.

Use sustainable and clean materials

You don’t want any artificial, synthetic, cheap materials in your child’s room that can pose a threat to their health. Opt for wood, soft shades and textiles over metal or plastic. When it comes to kids room paint, Berger Easy Clean Fresh is a safe bet. It makes cleaning stubborn stains from the walls super easy while giving it an elegant appearance. Moreover, it is also green label certified and imparts a fresh fragrance to the room!

Make it cosy

Fill the room with cosy pillows, throws and rug. All fabrics and materials should be soft to touch so test them out before purchasing. Seeing pictures of loved ones surrounding them can make children feel safe and comforted, so incorporate pictures of friends and family.

Arrange furniture wisely

For a healthy and well-balanced bedroom, plan for each activity and element- sleep, play and learn. Create distinct zones within the room to divide the primary function. Ensure there is enough moving space and the furniture is child-proof to avoid any injuries or accidents.