How to carry off a feature wall, why white paint is wrong, how to choose a sofa, quick fixes for rentals, and remembering that walls are not magnetic. Read on for the answers.
I am number 1 all the way and Kate’s advice on the monthly drop-in design clinic was invaluable. What struck me after I had done everything except the kitchen was that I ended up sitting or lying in each room and mostly thinking “yesssss”, except one room: “oh I would rather I hadn’t colour drenched my green guest room ceiling in exactly the same shade of green”. And my head didn’t explode. Another stylist on Substack said that part of the problem/ the cause (for herself anyway - and definitely true for me) is that there’s a mindset that this is a decision that you’ll have to live with forever (or as long as you stay there) and therefore it must be perfect. So you do nothing. I made a mistake in my last home with the bathroom. I learned from it, but I ended up not really thinking about it most of the time. We’re wired (and reinforced) to optimise, optimise, optimise. And “in the process”, we are hyper-focused upon every little detail. But: if that green ceiling was in my bedroom, I would repaint it. But the guest room: turns out it’s fine and I just don’t care enough. So trust yourself. If it’s hideous and reasonably easy to change, you can. But after a while, you probably won’t notice. Life gets in the way.
Quick question Kate, though lots of great advice in this post! What do you mean by “man made velvet” and as opposed to what? I’m planning a velvet sofa and looking at traditional velvets because they wear so well and last forever but would love more direction. Thanks!
I am number 1 all the way and Kate’s advice on the monthly drop-in design clinic was invaluable. What struck me after I had done everything except the kitchen was that I ended up sitting or lying in each room and mostly thinking “yesssss”, except one room: “oh I would rather I hadn’t colour drenched my green guest room ceiling in exactly the same shade of green”. And my head didn’t explode. Another stylist on Substack said that part of the problem/ the cause (for herself anyway - and definitely true for me) is that there’s a mindset that this is a decision that you’ll have to live with forever (or as long as you stay there) and therefore it must be perfect. So you do nothing. I made a mistake in my last home with the bathroom. I learned from it, but I ended up not really thinking about it most of the time. We’re wired (and reinforced) to optimise, optimise, optimise. And “in the process”, we are hyper-focused upon every little detail. But: if that green ceiling was in my bedroom, I would repaint it. But the guest room: turns out it’s fine and I just don’t care enough. So trust yourself. If it’s hideous and reasonably easy to change, you can. But after a while, you probably won’t notice. Life gets in the way.
Painting radiators.
I successfully painted lots of radiators with Dulux Emulsion paint. Never a problem in England or Italy.
I haven't tried another brand of paint but Dulux worked.
Quick question Kate, though lots of great advice in this post! What do you mean by “man made velvet” and as opposed to what? I’m planning a velvet sofa and looking at traditional velvets because they wear so well and last forever but would love more direction. Thanks!
You’re right it’s a silly phrase! It’s usually used to mean velvet made from synthetic materials as opposed to cotton velvet which is more delicate.
I meant to say traditional linen velvets.
love it thanks x
Great post, Kate. Point 1 particularly speaks to me at the moment - but we will sort it!