When deciding on wall finishes, ask yourself whether you want your walls as a background or a foreground.
Make sure that your lighting doesn’t pick out flaws – always use a matte finish on walls that have uneven surfaces.
A daring paint application will hide flaws. Painting over mismatched moulding and unappealing pipes makes them recede from view.
For instant impact, paint one wall in a living room or bedroom in a bold, vivid colour. In a larger room where you want to enhance a sense of cosiness, opposing walls can be painted in the same shade. Steer away from brilliant white paint. It contains a white-blue caste that will make northern-facing rooms dull and grey. Instead, opt for a standard white that includes a hint of pink pigment.
When choosing paint colours, always opt for a shade or two lighter than you are naturally drawn to. And unless you live in a historic house with beautiful architectural detailing, there’s no reason to draw attention to a ceiling.
* Courtesy of Nisrine Moghraby, creative director of Harf Noon Design Studio
