Inspiration Articles

Looking to update your home for the season but don't have time or budget for a major renovation? Do it right with these three easy DIY paint projects that can each be done in just a day.

"The seasonal transition from winter to spring is the perfect time to freshen up," says Sharon Grech, colour and design expert for Benjamin Moore. "If you're like me, you don't have unlimited time to devote to working on your home, which is why small weekend projects are perfect because they're quick, easy and affordable."

Hit refresh with paint. Nothing says refresh quite like bringing new life to a tired piece of furniture. A fresh coat of paint is the perfect solution to make old, dated furniture seem trendy and new. Look for pieces that have solid construction and interesting shapes. Grech says headboards, wardrobes, chairs and side tables are all great pieces to transform. If you are unsure of the condition of the furniture or how to paint it, visit a local paint retailer to ensure you get the product that is right for your project.

Amaze with an accent wall. Feature walls are a great way to make an impactful change to a space. "Many people think accent walls need to be very bold and vibrant hues, when they can be neutral to create a more cohesive and harmonious feel," says Grech. Explore painting the fifth wall, otherwise known as the ceiling, for a unique and modern look that can add dimension to a space.

Front door décor. The front door has the ability to instantly create an inviting impression before guests enter your home. "Applying a fresh coat of paint to your front door is a great DIY project that can be done quickly and can invigorate the look and feel of your home," says Grech. "Because it's so easy, you can even change your door colour seasonally." Benjamin Moore's Aura® Grand Entrance collection, inspired by European enamel finishes has more than 42 curated colours.

Minimalistic features evoke nature and add a dash of comfort, warmth and texture into your home, while creating a calming ambience for guests to enjoy. Create a relaxing and zen home oasis by bringing touches of the outdoors in. Sharon Grech, colour and design expert for Benjamin Moore, shares some of her favourite tips for adding natureinspired décor to your living space.

Natural materials. Focus on the raw beauty of organic materials by playing with different combinations of texture and wood finishes. Start by incorporating artisan-crafted furniture and accents made with natural materials to instantly add an earthy feel. Rattan and wicker chairs or stools and sisal rugs incorporate a tactile element and pair nicely with earthy décor accents, such as clay, terracotta and global-inspired fabrics.

Enhance with light. Bring the outdoor warmth inside by choosing colours with pale and mid-tone hues of green, yellow and blue. "These colours work best to complement a botanical-inspired story inside your home," says Grech. Opt for colourful neutrals such as Fernwood Green 2145-40, Crystalline AF-485 or Soleil AF-330. Finish also has an impact on both the light in your space and the colour itself, so she recommends using an eggshell or matte finish for your wall.

Botanical trend. We often forget about the beauty of plants. A simple way to transport nature inside is to add live plants or fresh flowers. Not only will this improve your mood and air quality, but your space will also feel more serene. Try combining printed cushions with wall art and prints in your favourite floral patterns

Creating an inviting home office that helps increase productivity without compromising on great style can be a daunting task. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Colour and Design Expert, shares tips on how to achieve the perfect balance of function and style.

Stay colourful from nine to five. When choosing paint colours for a home office, Grech points out that it is important to consider the time of the day you will be spending most of your time in the space. This will really help you choose the right colour for the room. Bold, dark colours will work especially well in an office environment, provided the office is well lit with overhead as well as task lighting.

"One of my favourite, go-to colours right now is Shadow 2117-30, which is brought to life with light. This colour will add dimension to the space and help to channel your creative energy."

Get inspired with accessories. Create an inspirational space that really gets your creative juices flowing. Choose a few of your favourite decorative pieces, pictures or motivational typography art to accent the space. "You want to create a work space that feels happy, peaceful and buzzes with positive energy," says Grech. "Select items that will get you motivated and help you stay in a productive frame of mind."

Rest comfortably. One of the most important features in a home office is your chair. When selecting it, remember to choose one that provides comfort and keeps you focused - while still looking fabulous. Take advantage of natural light in the space and if possible position your desk in front of a window. "Natural light can really enhance your productivity and impact your overall mood," says Grech.