In these trying economic times, why not find your inner "Suzelle" and attempt a bit of DIY.
It’s no secret: one of the easiest, cheapest ways to redecorate is to repaint. And now that most of us are feeling the pinch, it’s an even more attractive option.
Maybe you’re parents-to-be preparing a nursery, perhaps your teen is “so over” the kiddie colours on his bedroom wall, or you could be looking to freshen up your living room/lighten a pokey bathroom/add joy to your kitchen – whatever your décor dilemma, a fresh coat of paint is a great option.
Here are three innovations that will help:
1. Choosing the right paint colour is seriously hard. For some of us it’s impossible to imagine a room we’re used to seeing in one colour, dressed in a different hue. The great news is there are apps for that! Both of our favourites let you take a photo of the room you plan to redecorate, and then try different paint colours on the walls (or cupboards, or whatever you want to paint). The Dulux Visualizer lets you “see your own room in any colour, live”. House Painter is similar (it cleverly works out what is wall, what is décor, what is a picture, and paints around it). Both apps are free, and they can save your money, time, and the misery of a bad colour choice.
2. Once you’ve chosen your colour, you might still be hesitating, wishing you could splash out on some wallpaper instead. Wallpaper’s popularity has exploded, but it is significantly more expensive than paint and, to be honest, the hassle-factor is huge. Good news! Stencils can give you the same effect at a fraction of the cost. (Have a look at thestencilcompany.net – they have the largest selection of stencils in SA and some amazing options for look-alike-wallpaper. If you’re in Cape Town, visit their store at the V&A Watershed for advice and inspiration.)
3. Wait! Before you paint that wall, you need to know about the third innovation that has South African home owners rejoicing. Believe it or not, redecorating your home can also rid it of creepy crawlies. Vital Protection AM3 is revolutionary paint additive that when mixed with any water-based internal or external paint, provides real protection and repellency against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Say goodbye to fleas, flies, ants, spiders and mozzies. Simply add a sachet of Vital Protection AM3 to five litres of water-based paint and once you’ve applied it, voila! You have long-lasting effective protection for up to 36 months. It’s safe to use even in a baby’s bedroom. Vital Protection AM3 is available online at www.vitalprotection.co.za or from Build It Hermanus, The Paintsmiths in Paarl and selected Overberg Agri Outlets.
Thanks to Vital Protection, I have a hamper to giveaway on a lucky draw basis. All you need to do is email me your contact details and your name will go into the hat. Competition closes on Monday 29 August.
email: sharonlee@mweb.co.za
The hamper includes 100ml AM2 spray on (R108), 220ml AM2 spray on (R198), 1litre AM2 spray (R599) and Falke socks (R70). The value of the hamper is R1024.00.
Hamper contents
AM2 (1l) Spray On
A product which provides all the benefits of Vital Protection in an easy to use textile spray application. Vital Protection AM2 is a safe and easy to use pump action spray. Applicable to a wide range of fabrics and products, for example sleeping bags and other camping equipment, sport and outdoor clothing, mosquito nets and home textiles.
AM2 (100ml, 200ml and 1litre) Spray On
A product which provides all the benefits of Vital Protection in an easy to use textile spray application. Vital Protection AM2 is a safe and easy to use pump action spray. Applicable to a wide range of fabrics and products, for example sleeping bags and other camping equipment, sport and outdoor clothing, mosquito nets and home textiles.
Clean and effective application.
Ensure item is clean and dry.
Holding bottle around 40cm away, spray evenly until fabric is moist.
Allow item to air dry or you may tumble dry*.
Once fully dried the process is complete!
*Depending on the care instructions of the item
Falke InsectPro Tech Hiking Socks
Falke Hiking Socks provide total performance and protection against insect and tick bites that lasts through 30 launderings! By combining Insect Pro Tech process that embeds a formulation of Vital Protection to woolen fibres, Falke Insect Pro-Tech creates a barrier from annoying and potentially dangerous insects Available in Navy, Grey & Black.
So don't delay - email today
Till next time
Sharon x
