5 stunning paint effects for 2015

Create an illusion

Make low ceilings in old houses feel higher by using two contrasting shades on the walls and doorways in a room to create a false horizon. The dark shade will anchor the bottom part of the wall, while the lighter shade on the top half will draw the eye upwards giving the illusion of extra height.

Blur the lines with graduation

Be inspired by ethereal rural landscapes and apply the ombré technique to your walls. Try using the Dulux colour for 2015, Copper Blush, and a simple matt emulsion, both just £24.49 for a 2.5 litre tin. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, suggests using warm colours and allowing them to ‘evaporate into a neutral to expand the sense of space.'

Trick the Eye

Add interest to a plain staircase with a decorative painted runner. Experiment with varying widths of stripes and source suitably hardwearing floor paints such as Shirting and Blue Verditer, £27 a litre from Little Greene.

Upcycle crates

Get crafty and add new life to a junk shop find. "Chalk paint is perfect for decorating wooden furniture due to its incredible sticking power with no priming or sanding necessary, ‘ says design expert Annie Sloan. She used just two colours from her own collection, Barcelona Orange and Greek Blue, both £18.95 per litre, in varying quantities to create the graduated effect on an old chest of drawers.

Stencil walls with sprig designs

Add pattern to the walls without paper. A repeat delicate floral sprig stencil will add charm and character to a tiny cottage bedroom and a steady hand, some adhesive repositioning spray and a stippling brush is all you need to get going. Maintain a modern feel with a statement wall and a palette of just a couple of colours.

Like this? For more ideas and inspiration visit the Country Homes and Interiors homepage.

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