Paint & paper

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to give your home a unique statement look. Whether you prefer to use wallpaper or paint, or even a combination of the two, there are lots of creative ways that you can reinvent your rooms for less. And, you don’t have to splash out on litres of paint or copious rolls of costly wallcoverings because, with our clever decorating hacks, small changes can make a big difference. All you need are a few tester pots or tins of leftover paint, or a single roll of wallpaper, to give your walls and furniture the wow factor without breaking the bank.

PAINTZone a space with colour blocking

Draw the eye around your home by adding an unexpected splash of colour. A painted bannister, door edge or archway can all create movement in a relatively pared-back scheme, and will only take a couple of hours. Use painter’s tape to mask off your desired area to ensure your painted edges are crisp and clean, and use a spirit level or plumb line to ensure your lines are perfectly straight and level.

To make a space feel really cosy and intimate, try painting the ceiling and top part of the walls a deep hue for a cocooning effect.

1Matt emulsion paint in I’m Blushing, £38 for 2.5L, Lust Home 2 Matt paint in Orange 01, £45 for 2.5L, Lick 3 Valspar Classic Walls and Ceilings matt emulsion in Art Deco, £30 for 2.5L, B&Q

Add personality with a painted border

Painted borders add an element of fun to your decor and they’re kind on the purse strings too, as they’re easy to create using tester pots or leftover paint. If you’re artistic, you can experiment with floral or geometric designs as your border. However, a simple undulating line is elegant, modern and easy enough that beginners can do it. Use a pencil to lightly draw your design on t