Before you start

Learn the tricks of the trade with this foolproof guide to professional-looking decorating

Minimise stress

Depending on which room is being decorated, there can be a lot of upheaval to your everyday life.
• Minimise disturbance by planning the most efficient order of work and make arrangements for using other facilities if toilet, shower, bath or sinks may be out of action for any time
• If work is extensive, you may want to move out for a time
• Carry out basic repair work before any decorating
• Arrange for storage of existing furniture and flooring and any new pieces delivered while decorating is still under way

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