Teal wall in a cottage

When it comes to smaller spaces, we naturally want to use light colours in an attempt to make a room space feel more open than it is. But contrary to popular belief, a subdued colour palette is not your only option even if you’re looking to create a little ambience.

Approaching small rooms is all about creating a mood. Whether your project is to create an intimate reading nook or a bedroom to unwind in at the end of the day, complimenting your area with rich colours can offer a warm and lived-in feel to your home. The secret to achieving such an effect is by striking a balance between your dominant wall paint colour of choice against the room’s décor. When combined with soft lighting and the right window treatment, dark colours in your sleeping area can bring a sense of comfort and has the potential to offer a better night sleep. 

We put a contemporary spin on a bedroom with rustic interior wall cladding and updated them with N439 Abyss from our Feel the Colour collection. The earthy tones of greenish-blue in this shade, while primarily being a cold colour, is softened when paired with a natural palette of timber window frames, reclaimed woods and laundered bed linen in heather grey. By introducing lighter shades through textiles and textures, this small space instantly feels light and fresh. The sumptuous matt finish of Optiva Matt 5, mixed with N439 Abyss, was used to paint the bedroom’s log walls and the result is nothing short of spectacular.  

 

This small space has been transformed into a retreat, that is harmonious of the outdoors while remaining a bedroom that one can feel relaxed and cosy in. Remember when we said about getting the lighting right in your new sanctuary? When the darks nights are longer, the use of free-hanging lamps placed lower than you would have in other rooms will brighten the space and contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Have a look at our other interior wood paints for more colour ideas.

Putting the idea into practice

1. PREPARATIONS 

Preparing a cabin wall before painting

Begin by wiping the surface of the wall clean. If the surface requires a deeper clean, use Tikkurila Maalipesu cleaning agent to remove any unwanted dirt and leave to dry. Lay down dust sheets to protect the floorspace and cover mouldings and sockets with masking tape. 

Sand down any well-attached varnish until matt and remove the sanding dust with a dust brush or a dust-binding cloth. 

2. PAINTING

painting the cabin wall

Stir the full-matt Optiva Matt 5 interior paint and apply 2-3 coats using a paint roller with an extension pole. Optiva Matt 5 can be recoated within a minimum of 4 hours of painting or may take longer depending on a low temperature or in conditions of increased humidity. Once completed, gently remove the masking tape before the paint has time to dry. 

Clean your tools with water and soap, or use Tikkurila Pensselipesu tool cleaner for deeper results. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label. 

Paint Calculator

How much paint do I need? 

Use this calculator to work out your requirements, if you have any question please get in touch with one of our team who will be more than willing to help you.

Wall 1
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Disclaimer: Tikkurila UK Paint Calculator is provided as a guide only. The coverage rates will vary depending on surface being coated and the particular product range being used. More information on these products can be found on the cans, on the technical data sheets on individual product pages, by using our live chat service or by calling our technical team on 0131 334 4999.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the estimate, however paint requirements may vary depending on the surface, type of paint, sheen level and colour chosen.