CLEVER decorating ideas

Try these on-trend paint tricks to give your home a whole new look

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1. USE UP TESTER POTS

Try this thrifty idea to turn a set of shelves into a style statement, simply by using up old tester pots in similar shades. A spectrum of soft colours will work best, either painted in an ombré order - from darkest at the bottom to lightest at the top - or at random.

* For similar, try the shades Botanical Extract, Mellow Sage, Soft Lime and Spice Rack by Crown.

2. COLOUR THE CEILING

When it comes to painting ceilings, it's commonplace to reach for white paint. But this contrast can effectively put a 'lid' on the room and make it feel smaller than it is. Instead, consider taking the colour from your walls, all the way up, or using a tonal shade to give the impression of higher ceilings.

* Ceiling in absolute matt emulsion in Blush, £59 for 2.5ltrs, Little Greene.