Devereux Decorators Blog

Orange. As interior decorators we have noticed that orange currently appears to be somewhat out of fashion. However it has many positive associations. We link it with stability reassurance and warmth.  It is also thought to lead to better digestion.  It can be used to make a cold house appear warmer and is best used in living rooms and of course dining rooms. It should be avoided in the bedroom as it can keep the occupant awake by over stimulating their brain before going to sleep. Because it is an ‘advancing’ colour can make a room appear smaller than it is, so it is best avoided in smaller rooms. It can work very well as a highlight colour on one wall.

As interior decorators Devereux Decorators have noticed that certain pinks seem to be coming back into fashion. Pink is still clearly associated with girls, and is a very feminine colour but it is more flrxible that many people think. In the bedroom a hot fuchsia can induce passion. Unlike red however pink can also be peaceful and restful. The downside with pink, is that it can be very girly and sickly sweet. Avoid too much pink and by mixing it with a dark charcoal highlights to avoid an overpowering pink room.

As interior decorators, Devereux see certain strong associations with the colour red. Traditionally that it is associated with danger, but on a more positive note it can also stimulate feelings of passion, energy, adventure, warmth and even optimism. Red highlights in a room can walk well, but too much can be overpowering and there is evidence to suggest it can over stimulate and a background colour and lead to headaches. The best room in the home to use red is in the dining room. This is because it is likely to stimulate conversation debate – and even your appetite. The worst room in the house to use red is a baby’s room. It is likely to reduce sleep, create anxiety and generally act as an unwelcome stimulate.

What are the main associations with colour in the house?

Whilst most animals may see the world in black & white, colour plays an important part in our lives.  Colours have long been used to signal a warning sign for danger approaching, create calm and even help us to think more clearly.  That’s partly why choosing the right colour in your home – and for particular rooms – is so important. The reactions that we all have to certain colours date back many centuries and appear to have certain similarities and common connections across countries and cultures.

Reactions to colour are linked to the seasons of the year, religion or even birth & death are built into our subconscious.  So think carefully about what colour will work best in your home.  In the many years that Devereux Decorators have been involved in interior decoration, we have certainly noticed certain common themes and patterns amongst the way that people decorate their homes. The next few entries on this blog, we’ll give you some useful associations and links with the colours you might be considering.

Soft colours from the Norfolk Coast , sea side light reflected on glass and mirrors in a Burnham Market fishermans cottage – we decorated this interior to enhance the traditional Georgian facade, and ensure maximum light and space inside.

Burnham Market Cottage

Beautiful soft colours of a peach climbing rose on the Georgian brick exterior of this former fishermans cottage we decorated in Burnham Market, Norfolk. PE31 8HD

Its a lovely area to shop and lunch, The Hoste Arms , not far from Brancaster and Holkham Hall and the reflected light has inspired artists and painters for centuries.

www.hostearms.co.uk

Top tips

The team at Devereux Decorators constantly look at new techniques to make sure their clients receive the best possible service and results on the market.

New materials often require new techniques. Old techniques have to be re-learned. Either way, Devereux Decorators are adapting their skills through training courses and reading the latest research.

Top tips:

• Always use the best tools and equipment available, do not compromise on paintbrushes.
• Always use good quality paint and materials, purchasing cheap paint can be a false economy, as you may need more coats.
• Preparation: Make sure all surfaces are ready to be painted prior to starting, good thorough preparation is absolutely crucial to a good result .

Better still let the experts Devereux Decorators into your home or workspace and let us work our magic.

Ecosense paint

When it comes to decorating your front room, being eco-friendly may not be the first thing that springs to mind. But with the new Dulux Ecosense range you have no excuse.

The paint has been developed with the environment in mind. Designed to be kinder to your world, Ecosense paints also reduce the impact of paint on the wider world.

• No added solvent means no lingering odour
• 50% lower carbon footprint helps to lower your impact on the environment.

• 20% recycled packaging

If you want to have the peace of mind that you are doing your best in your choice of materials, talk to us, we know what will work in your home, we have nearly 40 years experience of decorating all ages or property, from modern buildings, to ancient monuments which require expert work to maintain our built heritage. We work with modern paints and lime washes, distempers and natural ooh based paints , just ask us! contact Devereux Decorators today to see how.

Feature Wall

A feature wall is a contemporary addition to any decorating scheme. With a little help from leading experts you can transform a space to create a contemporary feel.

Feature wallpaper can work well mixed with the right colours to create a fantastic living space. You need to look at the scale of pattern, existing furniture and soft furnishings, and work out what will give the best balance in the area.

For expert advice call on the Devereux Decorating team.

a proud day for Chris!

Exciting news about one of our young apprentice decorators Chris Ryder, who joined us for initially for work experience, bright eyed and bushy tailed, just not at all sure of what he really wanted to when he left school.

Three summers on and he has completed his Painting & Decorating NVQ 3 & got a couple of trophies!  Student of the Year at Leicester College!

NVQ 3 included hanging wallcoverings & paint effects. Chris has been working  alongside the craftsman team of gilders & specialists marbling and papering at a private residence in Belgrave Square, Mayfair. The team return to Jesus College, Cambridge, where we will be continuing work to during the summer break, between our usual domestic interior decorating work around the counties. Feet back on the ground again!

A family run interior decorating business which counts several historic sites plus English Heritage amongst its client base is celebrating its newest apprentice being named as Student of the Year at the Young Apprenticeship Awards which was held at Leicester College last month (June).

Devereux Decorators (www.devereux-decorators.co.uk) work across the UK on a variety of historic and high end projects.  Their award winning apprentice, eighteen year old Chris Ryder, first encountered the company as a secondary school student on work experience. He impressed the management at the company so much, that he was taken on as an apprentice in September 2009.

The apprenticeship has enabled Chris to work alongside the Devereux team and see specialist techniques such as gilding and marbling first hand. He has recently worked at Belgrave Square in Mayfair and is currently based at the library in Stowe House in Buckingham, which is undergoing major restoration works. Later this summer, Chris and the team will be moving on to Jesus College at The University of Cambridge, continuing with decorating the Master’s Lodge and The Fellows’ Dining Room.

The award was given in recognition of the skills that Chris has gained in painting and decorating, including hanging wallcoverings and paint finishes whilst working on a range of projects with Devereux. “I was delighted to receive the award,” comments Chris. “I’ve learned so much working with Devereux their support and the practical experience has been invaluable.”

Gail Devereux-Batchelor, Managing Director of Devereux, was thrilled to see their young apprentice doing so well. “Chris has shown a real aptitude for the work and we are so pleased to see that formally recognised,” she comments. “Much of our work is highly skilled and quite specialised, so there is plenty still to learn and we are more than happy to support him as he continues his studies.”