🖼️
The project:
We transformed a plain generic apartment using nothing more than thoughtful colour, careful planning and a few tins of paint. Wanting to avoid another all-white interior, we introduced rich blue and burgundy feature walls inspired by the building's 1950s character. The biggest challenge wasn't choosing bold colours—it was knowing where to stop. By painting only selected walls, we created warmth and personality without overwhelming the space, turning a once-forgettable apartment into a home that finally felt like it belonged
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/taubmans-4l-neutral-matt-endure-interior-walls-paint_p0024206
https://www.bunnings.com.au/zinsser-bulls-eye-primer-undercoat-sealer-and-stain-blocker-grey-1l_p1570016
Colours:
Red: To match Indian Red (British Paint)
Blue: To match Passionate Blue (Dulux)
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/frogtape-36mm-x-55m-multi-surface-masking-tape_p0088296
https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-2-6-x-3-6m-clear-plastic-drop-sheet_p1661260
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-50mm-cutting-in-and-framing-synthetic-paint-brush-50mm_p1660278
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-230mm-comfort-grip-roller-frame_p1560516
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-230mm-black-heavy-duty-paint-tray-230mm_p0464962
https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-230mm-all-purpose-ultra-microfibre-roller-cover_p1660029
https://www.bunnings.com.au/parfix-sugar-soap-wipes-50-pack_p0517073
https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexovit-230x280mm-240-grit-timber-and-paint-sanding-sheets-5pk_p0272125
- Step 1:
Develop the Design Concept
Before picking up a paintbrush, we spent time planning the overall look and feel of the apartment. We researched the building's history and explored colour combinations that would complement its character while creating a warm and welcoming home. Sketching ideas helped us visualise the finished spaces and confidently plan where colour would have the biggest impact.
- Step 2:
Choose Colours and Gather Materials
We visited Bunnings to compare paint swatches and brought them back to the apartment to see how they looked in different rooms and natural light throughout the day. Once we settled on our colours, we calculated the amount of paint required and sought advice from the Bunnings team on the most suitable primer, paint and application products for our existing walls.
- Step 3:
Plan Where to Use Colour
Rather than painting every wall, we carefully decided where colour would have the greatest impact. We wanted the apartment to feel bold and full of personality without becoming overwhelming, so we limited colour to selected feature walls. This planning stage was just as important as choosing the colours themselves.
- Step 4:
Prepare the Walls
Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting finish. We cleaned every wall thoroughly with sugar soap to remove dust, grease and residue, then lightly sanded the surfaces to improve paint adhesion. After sanding, we wiped the walls clean before applying primer.
- Step 5:
Mask and Protect
We measured and marked our paint lines carefully before applying painter's tape to achieve crisp edges. Drop sheets were laid throughout the apartment to protect the floors and make clean-up much easier once the painting was complete.
- Step 6:
Prime and Paint
Once everything was prepared, we applied primer to the selected walls before painting. Three coats of paint were applied, allowing each coat to dry fully according to the manufacturer's recommendations before applying the next. Taking our time produced a much smoother, richer finish.
- Step 7:
Remove Tape and Touch Up
After the final coat had fully cured, we carefully removed the painter's tape and completed any minor touch-ups. We also cleaned away any small paint marks to leave sharp edges and a clean finish.
- Step 8:
Style the Space
With the painting complete, we brought in our furniture, artwork and décor to each room. This was the most rewarding part of the project, as the carefully planned feature walls became a backdrop that added warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. Seeing everything come together confirmed that thoughtful colour choices can completely transform the feel of a room.
