This updated guide focuses on practical room decoration: choose DIY or a professional based on skill and scope; expect preparation to take most of the time; consider lining paper or modern primers for uneven walls; prefer low-VOC and washable paints; test colors; and pace projects so you can upgrade later. Address mold, rot, or suspected asbestos with professionals.

Decide: DIY or hire a professional

Start by matching the job to your skills, time, and budget. A single fresh coat of paint is often a straightforward DIY task. Complex work - plaster repairs, extensive wallpapering, structural problems, or dealing with mold or suspected asbestos in older houses - usually benefits from a pro. Play to your strengths: do what you enjoy and hire specialists for the rest.

Prep matters most

Preparation is the heavy lift in any decorating project. Expect preparation to take the majority of the time - often up to three-quarters of the total. That includes removing old wallpaper, stripping loose paint, filling cracks and holes, sanding, sealing, and priming.

When you remove old coverings you may uncover rot, mold, or uneven surfaces. Address these problems first. For potential asbestos or major structural issues - common in homes built before the 1980s - stop work and consult a licensed professional.

Lining paper and modern finishes for older walls

For older or uneven walls, lining paper still works well. It smooths surfaces, makes subsequent painting or wallpapering easier, and lets you change decor later without extensive rework. Modern alternatives include skimming plaster and specialized primers designed for bonding to difficult surfaces.

Paint technology has improved. Low-VOC and washable paints reduce odors and fumes and make maintenance easier. There are also peelable wallpapers and paste-the-wall options that simplify removal and updates.

Flooring, lighting, and the finishing choices

Once surfaces are ready, focus on color, texture, and function. Test paint colors on several walls and view them at different times of day. Consider durable flooring choices for high-traffic rooms and layer lighting - ambient, task, and accent - to make the space flexible.

Use online inspiration (design sites, image boards, or retailer visualizers) to develop a cohesive plan, but keep your choices practical. If you have an existing piece - like a carpet or built-in - you may need to design around it rather than replace it immediately.

Practical tips and pacing

  • Take your time. Simple base work now lets you upgrade later.
  • Rent tools for one-off jobs (sanders, stepladders, wallpaper pasting tables) to save cost.
  • Patch and prime thoroughly; a good underlayer yields better final results.
  • Get quotes for specialist tasks and check references.
Good decoration balances careful preparation with realistic scope. Start small, focus on prep, and build toward the look you want.

FAQs about Room Decoration

How much of a decorating project is preparation?
Preparation often takes the majority of the time - commonly up to three-quarters of the total - because of removal, filling, sanding, sealing, and priming.
When should I hire a professional decorator?
Hire a pro for structural repairs, large plaster jobs, tricky wallpapering, extensive mold or rot remediation, and any suspected asbestos removal. Also consider a pro if you lack time or experience.
What is lining paper and when should I use it?
Lining paper is a reinforcing underlayer applied to uneven or older walls. It smooths surfaces and makes later repainting or wallpapering easier to achieve consistently.
Are low‑VOC paints worth using?
Yes. Low-VOC and washable paints reduce odors and fumes, improve indoor air quality while drying, and make future cleaning easier.
How do I test paint colors before committing?
Paint small test patches on different walls and observe them at various times of day and under your room lighting. Live with the patches for a day or two before deciding.

News about Room Decoration

Forget ‘Instagram interiors’: The living room trends defining 2026 - House Beautiful [Visit Site | Read More]

Home Bargains fan has 'no regrets' buying giant '5ft decoration' - facebook.com [Visit Site | Read More]

I’m obsessed with decorating with green – why it's my go-to colour and how to choose the perfect shade for your home - Ideal Home [Visit Site | Read More]

Dunelm shoppers 'delighted' with 'tasteful' sale chair that suits any room decor - Manchester Evening News [Visit Site | Read More]

Mixing Old and New: The Secrets to Creating a Home That Feels Curated, Balanced, and Effortlessly Lived-In - Homes and Gardens [Visit Site | Read More]