Inspirations: Paintwork (Inspirations (Merrell))

Decorative paint techniques provide the quickest, cheapest, easiest and most effective ways to create stylish and eye-catching interiors. Paintwork presents 25 original treatments, from whole-room schemes to individual furniture and home accessories. To create a country look, limewash your kitchen or use a dry-brushed technique to make new pine furniture look desirably aged. For a more classical approach, frottage your hallway using traditional green colours or try trompe d'oeil by painting an imitation Tuscan doorway. Alternatively, for a fresh and modern look, stencil using aluminium leaf to create a dramatic diamond-stencilled wall, or comb a tiled pattern on to your floors in oranges or reds, or even use sponges for a tile-effect wall design. Each project is clearly shown step-by-step, so that you know exactly what you will need to do at each stage. A comprehensive basic techniques section includes a catalogue of paint effects, showing endless ways in which paint can be applied, and information on mixing colours and using glazes and varnishes. Combining practical advice with innovative designs, Paintwork is the ideal way to transform your home.