It's the small things

From habitat plus - bedrooms

DIY projects to make your bedroom great.

Sometimes it's the small things that transform a house into a home. While in a bedroom the bed, bedlinen and walls are often the star, accessories and furniture allow you to introduce more colours to give the room depth, texture and dimension. Try creating your own DIY artwork using colours used in the rest of the room, painting the covers of old books, your lampshade or picture frames. Layer levels of sheen throughout the room, if your walls are painted with a low sheen paint like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen try using Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss to paint furniture such as a bedside tables or chest of drawers. Or try a matte finish with Karen Walker Chalk Colour paint and wax.

Furniture refresh 101

Transform tired furniture in five easy steps.

1. Remove any handles and sand using fine grit sandpaper (if needed).

2. Depending on the type of furniture and whether it is already painted, you might need to prime or seal it. Some projects may be fine to paint over existing paint or paint without priming. Ask your local Resene ColorShop what’s right for your project.

3. Using a paintbrush, paint the edges of the drawers and anywhere the roller won't reach. Resene Enamacryl gloss and Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss are ideal for furniture as the enamel-style finish is extremely durable.

4. Using a small foam roller to achieve a smooth finish, roll paint on the rest of the drawers.

5. Once this coat has dried, repeat with a second coat of paint.

Want to get your own free copy of future issues of habitat magazine?

Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.

• Specifiers: Sign up for habitat here. You can earn CPD points reading habitat.
• Sign up for a DIY card and save! Australian residents | New Zealand residents.

If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat plus, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.

habitat plus are not mailed directly. They are available free from Resene ColorShops and resellers while stocks last and available for viewing online.