no wallpaper? no problem!

From Habitat magazine - issue 33, top tips

Annick shares some hand-painted wallpaper hacks and handy decorating advice.

Ever fall in love with a design from the Resene Wallpaper Collection and then feel disheartened to find that it is no longer available? Many popular designs sell out quickly while others get discontinued after two to three years to make way for newer collections. With a little time and patience, there are many Resene Wallpaper Collection designs that can be achieved with paint. Annick shows how to recreate the look of the wallpaper designs in her daughters' bedrooms.

On the dot

"To recreate Esther's wallpaper design, I started with two basecoats in Resene Wafer. Next, I used a ruler and level to draw a grid, with lines 5cm apart in both directions. Then, I used a large round artist's brush to 'dot' Resene Double Alabaster on each of the grid's intersections in two coats. But you don't need to be too precious with the placement of your dots – it looks even better if you take a relaxed approach."

Sweet scallops

"To get the look of Lottie's wallpaper design, I painted a basecoat of Resene Double Alabaster first. Once that dried, I traced a large dinner plate to create an overlapping circle pattern. You can choose to go big like I did or go smaller and more detailed. Using a round artist's brush, Resene Chelsea Gem and a casual, free-spirited approach, dot around the bottom edge of your round outlines. Then, add a second or third ring inside each one."

Annick's top decorating tips:

• Aim for a neutral base in communal areas and let art and potted greenery add interest and colour to the space – but go for a character neutral like Resene Half Truffle instead of white for warmth and richness.

• When using colour, don't just think about how it will look on the wall but also how it will make you feel when you are in the room. Paint walls, trims, skirtings and doors all the same colour as it makes a room feel larger and sleeker. You can create contrast by using a low sheen finish on the walls and a semi-gloss finish on trims, mouldings and doors. Try Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen teamed with Resene Lustacryl.

• Create a mood board of things you love. This can be anything from food and florals, to fashion and other people's design ideas. It will help you identify the themes and colours you are drawn to and can guide you in the direction of your home's colour palette.

Styling: Annick Larkin
Images: Bryce Carleton

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

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