Blog
Wallpaper vs Painting: Making the Right Choice for Your Space!
Wallpaper vs. Painting: Making the Right Choice for Your Space! When it comes to transforming the look and feel of a room, making a choice between wallpaper vs paint is one of the first decisions homeowners face. Both options offer unique benefits and potential...
Winter Decorating Trends
Winter is upon us, and what better way to embrace the season than by transforming your living space into a cosy haven that reflects the latest winter decorating trends? As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, updating your home décor can bring warmth and...
Exterior Painting Tips to Boost Curb Appeal
Exterior Painting Tips to Boost Curb Appeal Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and it makes a lasting impression. A well-maintained and beautifully painted exterior can significantly enhance your property’s curb appeal, increasing its value and...
Revamp or Remodel? How a Fresh Coat of Paint Can Save Your Space
Revamp or Remodel? How a Fresh Coat of Paint Can Save Your Space When it comes to transforming your living space, you might find yourself standing at a crossroads: should you undertake a full-blown remodelling project or opt for a simpler revamp? Before you start...
6 Great reasons why quality commercial decorating is important
6 Great Reasons why quality commercial decorating is important When it comes to commercial decorating, the quality of workmanship and the reputation of the decorator you choose can make a world of difference. Your commercial space reflects your brand and plays a...
4 Brilliant main reasons as to why paint spraying is so effective
4 Brilliant main reasons as to why paint spraying is so effective Paint spraying can be a highly effective method for painting properties, especially large-scale commercial projects that require a large amount of surface area to be covered quickly and efficiently....
How to choose the perfect colour to paint the interior of your house
How to choose the perfect colour to paint the interior of your house Choosing the right colour to paint the inside of your house can be a time consuming and daunting task. There are so many colours to choose from and you can often find yourself changing your mind...
Amazing Colour Trends for 2023
The era of vibrancy is upon us. The nation's top colour experts decree the reign of neutrals and cool tones over. Bold, playful tones leaning on the warmer side of the colour wheel are predicted to skyrocket in popularity in 2023. The reason: People are becoming more...
Wood panelling – the latest trend in decorating
Introduction Wood panelling has been popular for a long time, but it's still trending in 2022. It's not just for country cottages anymore and can be used in any room of your home to give it a cosy feel and rustic charm! Read on to find out more about this trend and...
What Are the Benefits of Paint Spraying?
CAL Painters & Decorators pride ourselves on the high quality of our paint spraying. It is a fantastic way to decorate your home or commercial premises, delivering a perfect, flawless finish. We are fully qualified in using the latest advances in technology to...
The Most Common Signs of a Poor Interior Paint Job
When you hire professionals to conduct painting and decorating jobs in your home, you expect a certain level of quality, and what you will also expect is not to see the mistakes we’re going to go over here! We feel it’s important for you to be able to identify the...
Principles of Interior Design
When it comes to interior design, there are certain principles that can massively help you in creating a professional, desirable aesthetic suitable for you and your preferences. By following these principles, you can create interior design to be proud of. Of course,...
7 Key Colour Trends For 2022
According to Country Living Magazine, there are 7 emerging key colour trends for 2022 coming through in terms of decorating our homes in the coming months. Key colour trends for 2022 are set against a backdrop of the last 2 years of uncertainty during the Covid-19...
Using Wallpaper to Transform a Space
Using wallpaper to transform a space is very 'on trend' right now! With advances in technology and production, interior designers have gotten their creative juices flowing, and are coming up with stylish, and quite frankly, stunning designs that can bring even the...
Is a Professional Decorator worth the money?
Is a Professional Decorator worth the money? The cost versus benefit question When it comes to hiring a professional to decorate your home, there are many factors that you may want to consider before making a decision. In this article, we weigh up the cost of...
The Top Colour Trends This Summer 2021
When summer comes around, the weather and the colours start to change. Things get brighter, bolder, and start to relax. So, where do you start when it comes to interior design and painting in the summer? The tones and shades you are most likely to come across when the...
How to Transform your Staircase
Your staircase is a necessity in your home which often means it gets overlooked. It is an access point that is purely there for getting you from one floor to the other. day to day use of your staircase can leave it looking unappealing. Scratched railings, broken...
Interior Decorating Trends of 2021
2021 has seen an increase of brilliant new interior decorating trends that you do not want to miss out on. Whether you are looking to redecorate your home, office or shop – here are some trends to keep in mind… BOLD & BRIGHT Do not be afraid to step out of the box...
Office Design: 5 Decorating Top Tips
When it comes to office design, how you decorate your office can have a big impact. Not only can it affect the productivity of your team, it can also influence your brand image and how visitors view you as a business. Giving your office a fresh look can improve its...
Dulux’s Colour Forecast for 2021
The year is coming to an end, which means it’s time for Dulux’s colour forecast for next year. With 2020 being taken over by a global pandemic the chosen colours are understandable. The paint manufacturer has explained that the forecast for 2021 reflects the desire...
Choosing Colours for Small Spaces
At CAL Decorators we know that small spaces can be the hardest to decorate. They can easily feel cluttered and messy, and it always feels like a struggle to make them feel bigger or get them to look right. But it is not just what furniture you put in a room that can...
Home Decorating Trends of 2020
With many people spending the vast majority of their time this year confined to the home, 2020 has been a year of decorating. This has allowed for a range of creative, colourful and interesting trends to occur in the decorating and home-wear industry this year. Nature...
Have you had a DIY painting disaster?
Did you know that the number of people doing DIY has increased by 28% during the Coronavirus outbreak, according to rare consulting? If you’re looking for a do-over after a DIY disaster, why not contact us? The most popular DIY activity that have been taking place...
Spring Temperatures Ideal for External Painting
I hope we have seen the last of the really bad weather and a bit of sunshine is hinting that Spring is well and truly on its way. No doubt thoughts of Spring cleaning are uppermost in your minds but it is also an excellent time to think about having the exterior of...
Top 10 Worst Decorating Trends of the Decade!
I expect you have noticed the plethora of articles and blogs about the best/worst things of the decade that have been appearing since the turn of the year. Not wishing to buck the trend, here are 10 of the worst decorating trends, according to Ideal Homes anyway! 1....
Thinking of Selling? Renovate These Rooms…
Checkatrade recently conducted nationwide research to see what UK homeowners are thinking about the current housing market, what with the election and Brexit looming. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority (68%) of homeowners are expecting to be staying put for the next...
Hanging Wallpaper? Get a Professional!
Unlike many technical trades, hanging wallpaper is something that many people think they can do themselves. In most cases, they succeed but I can always tell if a professional was involved or not. There are notoriously tricky areas of a room, such as chimney breasts...
“Fail to Prepare & Prepare to Fail!”
t may be an old cliché but to my mind, when it comes to decorating, it is spot on! Prepping a room for decorating is the major factor that separates a professional decorator from an amateur. An amateur is prepared to cut corners to rush to get a job finished. I and my...
Best Paint Colours for Every Room!
I recently spotted an article on The Spruce website proposing the 9 best colours for painting each room of your house. They even supply a bit of psychology to back up each of their choices. 1. Best for Kitchens – Yellow. A yellow kitchen will increase your motivation...
We Do Commercial Decorating Too!
I regularly talk about domestic decorating but don’t forget that we are also commercial decorators. We have recently carried out some work for the Keir Group. Now you may know that they are a leading property, residential, construction and services group. They invest...
Farrow & Ball – Child Friendly Paints!
I have talked before about my admiration for Farrow & Ball paints and wallcoverings. I really do think they are some of the best available. It isn’t just the quality, but their whole ethos. They are passionate about conservation and using environmentally friendly...
Cool Colour Combinations for this Summer!
I think we can just about agree that summer seems to be with us. That being the case here are some of the latest colour combination trends. • Black & Metallics. Now, black may not be everyone’s first thought of a colour for the warmer months, but it is definitely...
Eco-Friendly Decorating Tips!
I am as concerned as anyone about the future of this planet and always looking for ways to improve our environment. Often it is little things that we all can do to help bring about change. Here are four simple tips to make your decorating and interior design more...
Are You a DIY Procrastinator?
I read survey results recently that revealed 95% of us suffer procrastination problems, putting off or postponing something we should be getting on with. When it comes to DIY I think procrastination is totally understandable. A growing to-do list combined with the...
Check Out our Glossary!
You may not be aware but I have prepared a glossary of terms used in the painting and decorating business. Here are a few of the more unusual ones that you may not have come across before: • Alkyd – an oil based paint made from a synthetic resin rather than natural...
Give Your Kids the Room of Their Dreams!
I know that Spring is traditionally the time to think about redecorating but this year don’t forget your kids. Don’t they deserve a special nursery, bedroom or playroom? These days it is very easy to theme a room to meet the dreams of a child. There are plenty of...
Grey Doesn’t Mean Dull!
I am going to surprise you by saying that grey is not necessarily the dullest of colours for painting walls. In fact it can be quite inspiring. These days grey is no longer associated with dull industrial environments, school toilet blocks or hospital corridors. It is...
What is the Best Paint for Wood, Doors & Skirting Boards?
Now there’s a question for you. Which is best? Gloss (shiny) vs Satin (satinwood or semi-gloss) vs Eggshell (flat matt) Here’s a breakdown: • Gloss – a shiny high sheen finish that is almost reflective in effect. Always popular because of its hard-wearing nature but...
It’s Official – Less Than Half UK Adults are DIY Confident!
I have thought this for a while and now an official study has confirmed that fewer than half of the adult population are confident undertaking DIY projects in the home. The study was carried out by Local Heroes, a home improvement and repair service backed by British...
New Farrow & Ball Colours
As you know, I am a strong supporter of Farrow & Ball’s excellent range of paints. They have recently added nine new hues to their total of 132 different colours. Each of them has a wonderful story behind them – here are some to whet your appetite. • Yeabridge...
Decorating Around Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel has proved to be a real boon to kitchen design. Not only does it have a smart, modern look and feel it is also long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain. Not only that, you can match it with a host of essential kitchen accessories made from the same...
Beware the Dangers of DIY!
I know that a lot of people gain great satisfaction from carrying out home improvements and general DIY jobs. However, there are inherent dangers for the amateur and if things go wrong you could become one of the estimated 222,000 DIYers who end up in hospital each...
Yee Ha! 5 Common Cowboy Decorating Errors!
We’ve all seen them on the TV programmes about rogue traders and incompetent workmen. They are the cowboys that get us professional and reliable tradesmen a bad name. Here are 5 typical mistakes to help you spot the John Wayne’s from top quality decorators. 1. Cheap...
What do Dads Want for Father’s Day? No DIY!
As you are no doubt aware Father’s Day is almost upon us. I spotted an interesting survey carried out by the MyBuilder website asking Dads what they actually wanted as a present for their special day. Now, I know that many people have an image of Dad as a DIY expert...
Are You Asbestos Aware?
I am pleased to say I am, having successfully completed an Asbestos Awareness course with training provider High Speed Training. Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance which can cause serious health problems to those who handle it. It is vital that anyone likely...
CAL H&S Success!
I am pleased to confirm that my team have recently been working with major construction company Kier on the Shire Hall recladding and refurbishment project. Not only that but we have received a letter from Jeremy Mann, Kier’s Contracts Manager, complementing us on our...
‘Paint Safe’ Initiative Launched!
I was interested to read recently about a new scheme called ‘Paint Safe’ which aims to promote the safe use of paint and provide best practice for decorators during preparation, application and drying. The initiative is the brainchild of the British Coatings...
Decorating Market Hits £925m!
A recent report by AMA Research has revealed that the market for paint, wallcoverings and wood care products was worth a staggering £925m in 2017. Having hit an all-time low in 2009, the upturn in the construction sector in 2014 stimulated demand...
Specialist Decorators Ready to Baroque & Roll!
I read recently that national property maintenance specialists Novus Property Solutions had begun restoring the exterior of a magnificent baroque mansion in York. Beningbrough Hall is an 18th century Italian-style baroque mansion house set in beautiful landscaped...
Survey finds Service put before Profits!
I was very interested to read the results of a recent survey which found what I have always maintained – good workmen value their reputation for good service over the money they receive for a job. Last month Dulux Trade published the results of a survey of...
Tips for Internal Wood Care!
As anyone who knows me or has read any of these blogs will know, I am a great believer in getting the preparation right. This applies to internal wood care as well. Older or recycled wood will often have cracks, drill holes or other damage which needs to be attended...
Heart Wood – the Dulux Colour for 2018!
Dulux has recently announced that their colour of the year for 2018 is one called Heart Wood. That’s all very well, I hear you say, but what colour is that? Heart Wood can best be described as a delightful heather-grey. Apparently it is intended to evoke the concept...
DIY Bodgers – the Facts!
Take a look at these facts: • Britons spend £244 a year per head correcting DIY disasters adding up to a staggering £6 billion for the nation annually • There are currently 31.7 million unfinished DIY jobs in the UK • One in ten Britons has injured themselves...
Into the Digital Age with Farrow & Ball!
I’ve mentioned in these blogs before about my admiration for Farrow & Ball’s fantastic range of paints and associated decorating products. Don’t think they are old fashioned and just concentrate on the traditional, though. They are very much part of the modern...
Keep Your Brushes Clean!
If you read my blogs regularly you will know that I am a stickler for good preparation and workmanship. This is most certainly the case with one of our most valuable tools – the humble paintbrush. Brushes should be cleaned immediately after you have...
Explore the Colour Thesaurus!
I am always interested in the many different shades of colours and constantly on the lookout for new tones. Recently I came across a fascinating blog from Ingid Sundberg. Ingrid is a children’s book illustrator. She found simple words like blue or red didn’t...
Homeowners to Spend £35bn on Home Improvements!
I spotted a recent report that claimed homeowners in the UK are expected to spend around £35bn to upgrade their homes by the end of the year. It might be a sign of the current political and economic uncertainty in this country or the sheer expense of moving home....
Painting Classes that are Out of This World!
I was fascinated to read of a new education programme launched by paint manufacturer PPG in partnership with the National Space Academy. Their aim is to inspire young people to consider working in the space-sector or other related Science, Technology, Engineering and...
Going the Extra Mile!
I do like to do a thorough job when I am painting a room. It makes for a professional finish and can save money for you, the customer, in the long run. Here are just a few of the ‘extras’ I provide: • Door handles and window catches. Wherever possible I will...
Resolve to Redecorate!
I am not one for New Year resolutions myself but I know many people make them and hope I can help some of them come to fruition. It is quite common to think about redecorating at this time of year and this is where I can help. Whatever you are thinking of having...
The Farrow & Ball Story!
I have mentioned before that I am a great fan of the Farrow & Ball range of paints. This month I thought I’d tell you a bit about the history of the company and why I think their products are so good. John Farrow and Richard Ball first met when they working in a...
‘All White’ on the Night!
I am sometimes asked whether white is a good choice as a room colour. There seems to be some confusion as I have been told it can make a room bland or even clinical. In my opinion it is an ideal colour for creating a room that reflects the individuality of the person...
We Don’t Paper Over the Cracks!
In my mind prepping a room for decorating is the one big thing that separates a professional decorator from an amateur. While an amateur is prepared to cut corners to rush to get a job finished I will always take my time to get it absolutely right. Here are some of...
What to do with Unused Paint
As you know I am passionate about the environment and recycle whenever possible. A recent survey by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) highlighted some problems with recycling unused paint. It is estimated that a staggering 55 million litres of leftover paint is...
Is the Customer Always Right?
I am well aware of the old adage that ‘the customer is always right’. It means in effect that you should always carry out the instructions given to you by a client, no matter what you think about them. I am a great believer in communication, however, and would rather...
Barry Bucknell and the Birth of DIY!
I don’t know if you watch those DIY programmes on television such as BBC’s Changing Rooms and DIY SOS: The Big Build. I was interested when I stumbled across an article about the father of television DIY, Barry Bucknell. Barry first appeared on television in 1956 on...
Tidying Up After the Bodgers!
I was amused to read a recent survey which confirmed what I’ve thought for a while – much of my work is completing jobs started by over-confident amateurs. Armstead Trade, a professional paint brand, surveyed some 2,000 homeowners and found that three quarters of them...
Why Grey is the New Black
Or perhaps that should be the new cream or beige, as I’ve noticed grey has become a fashionable colour choice for interior design and decorating. Grey can give a room depth and sophistication, as well as complimenting a variety of strong colours. It works beautifully...
Why Should You Hire a Professional?
You may have heard of Red Adair who was famous as an oil well firefighter in the 1960s and ‘70s. One of his most famous sayings was: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur.” Many people are pretty good at decorating but...
Which Colour for What Room?
Often I am asked to help with choosing colour schemes for rooms. In my book the customer is always right, although some are more right than others! Here is a brief guide to what colours suit which rooms best: • Blue – this is recognised as a calming colour, perhaps...
Never Mind Rogue Traders – Meet the Rogue Customers!
I am always interested to read about home owners reactions to tradesmen such as myself. However, the results of a recent survey by Powered Now (an app used by tradespeople) turned up a category of client that I have so far been fortunate to avoid – rogue customers!...
Gloss v Satin v Eggshell – Which to Choose?
So which interior paint finish should you choose for your woodwork - gloss, satin or eggshell? Each, of course, has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick summary: • Gloss – this will give you a high sheen that is almost reflective. It used to be the...
Exterior Paint Peeling – No Problem
It is a damp, dismal day out there, just the type to get your exterior paintwork peeling! There can be a number of reasons why your paint is peeling, including environmental problems and living in areas with high humidity and rainfall. The problem is easily...
Environmentally Friendly Decorating!
I am always looking for ways to cut down my environmental footprint. For example, I will reuse and recycle wherever practical and possible. One thing I am especially concerned about is minimising the risks of VOCs. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are...
The Importance of Prep!
As far as I am concerned, prepping a room for decorating is one of the most important parts. Anxious amateurs will often cut corners at this stage in a rush to get the job finished but I will always take my time to get it right. Here are some of my tried and tested...
Straw House Gets Perfect Paint Job!
Now I’ve been known to attend a panto or two, but I’ve never actually seen a straw house, whether it’s lived in by the Three Little Pigs or not! However, a terrace of holiday cottages featuring load bearing straw alls has recently been completed at Elmfield Farm, near...