Contributed by: AkzoNobel

'Tis the season for excitement and cheer!

With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no better way of getting into the festive spirit than giving your home a quick refresh. Here are some last-minute decoration ideas from AkzoNobel – the manufacturer of Dulux paints – to get your home ready for the holidays and the New Year.

Go Bold with Colour

One of the easiest ways to transform a room is to play with colour. Whether it’s a pillow or a wall, adding some bold hues can instantly revamp any room. For a festive look, incorporate richer tones like gold and dark crimson.

For best results, use bold shades as accent hues, either on a feature wall for a striking focal point, or through accessories, like a vivid crimson armchair or soft rug. Pair it with white tones for a sophisticated look or contrasting tones like emerald green for a dramatic effect.

Tip: Download the award-winning Dulux Visualizer app to see all the colours on your wall in real-time before you paint! Available for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Play with texture

Textures are often overlooked when it comes to redecoration. But, from shaggy rugs to soft cushions, textured accessories can change the atmosphere of any room in the house. Opt for cosier textures like wool or luxurious fabrics like velvet for the holidays.

For a look that truly wows, bring texture onto your walls using special effects paint. The Dulux Ambiance collection features a range of premium interior and special effects paints – such as Linen, Marble, Metallic, Velvet, ColourMotion and Desert (pictured) – that adds both a new physical and visual dimension, bringing a unique touch and feel to home walls.

Paint-it-yourself: A fresh coat

A fresh coat of paint can transform a tired décor into a brand-new room. Though it may seem daunting, painting a room can be a breeze once you break it down.

Here’s a step-by-step guide from the Dulux colour experts to painting yourself:-
1. De-clutter your room: move your furniture to the middle of the room and cover with a dustsheet to protect from accidental spills.
2. Use the right tools: aside from paint brushes, rollers, and trays, good-quality masking tape is also an essential for a clean, crisp paint job.
3. Prep your walls: to ensure a smooth canvas, check your walls for any holes or cracks that need to be filled using plaster filler. Prep your walls with a layer of the Dulux Sealer (water-based) to improve adhesion of the new paint.
4. Start painting: then tape around the area you are going to paint with masking tape. Grab a small brush and paint a one-inch border around the edges before painting the rest in with a roller.

To read up on more home renovation ideas, feel free to visit the Dulux website or reach out to a colour expert near you for further assistance.