After 30 years without renovation, this bedroom required a complete transformation. Originally designed for a teenager, the room had multiple layers of outdated materials and hidden issues that are very common in older UK properties.
This project is a good example of how proper preparation and professional decorating techniques can completely change the final result.
Initial Condition – What We Found
The room hadn’t been decorated for three decades.
Three walls were covered with textured wallpaper containing wood particles, which had been painted over multiple times. The feature wall also had a separate wallpaper finish.
The built-in wardrobe was painted in strong blue and purple colours. This creates a significant challenge, as darker colours require additional coats and proper preparation to achieve a clean, uniform finish.
There were also visible cracks between the ceiling and walls — a typical issue in properties where surfaces haven’t been maintained over time.
At this stage, one of the biggest uncertainties is always what lies underneath the wallpaper.
Wallpaper Removal – Controlled and Damage-Free Process
Removing old wallpaper incorrectly can damage plaster and increase costs.
For this project, a professional solution was used to deactivate the adhesive. This allows safe and efficient removal without damaging the walls.
Despite the age of the wallpaper, it was removed cleanly. Interestingly, underneath we discovered a handwritten note from the previous occupant, including the date when the room had last been decorated — a small detail, but a reminder of how long the space had been untouched.
Surface Preparation – The Foundation of a Premium Finish
After removing the wallpaper, the walls were in relatively good condition, but there were several issues:
– cracks between ceiling and walls
– flaking paint
– uneven surfaces
All cracks were reinforced and filled using a professional filler designed to prevent them from returning.
The walls were then levelled and fully sanded using a dust-free sanding system. This step is critical to achieving a smooth, high-end finish.
Without proper surface preparation, even the best paint will not deliver the expected result.
Priming and Painting – Achieving Depth and Durability
Before painting, all surfaces (walls and ceiling) were properly primed to ensure strong adhesion and even coverage.
Ceiling:
2 coats of
Dulux Vinyl Matt Pure Brilliant White
This ensures a clean, consistent white finish.
Woodwork (wardrobe, trim):
– 2 coats of
Dulux Trade Quick Dry Undercoat
– followed by
Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood Pure Brilliant White
This system provides durability, resistance to damage, and a long-lasting white finish.
Walls:
2 coats of
Dulux Heritage Velvet Matt – Skimming Stone
This colour is inspired by
Farrow & Ball palette and delivers a soft, elegant tone.
Dulux Heritage was selected due to:
– high durability
– excellent coverage
– luxurious velvet matt finish
– deep, rich colour appearance
Between coats, all minor imperfections were filled to achieve the highest possible standard.
Feature Wall – Adding Character
To complete the design, a feature wall was finished with wallpaper imitating natural grain textures similar to wheat strands.
This adds depth and visual interest without overpowering the room.
Final Result – Clean, Modern and Premium Finish
After completing all stages, the room was fully transformed.
From an outdated space with heavy textures and strong colours, it became a clean, modern interior with a balanced and elegant look.
The biggest difference was not just the paint, but the entire process:
– correct preparation
– professional materials
– attention to detail at every stage
Why Professional Decorating Matters
Projects like this highlight a common issue — many problems are hidden beneath the surface.
A professional decorating service ensures:
– smooth and durable finish
– correct preparation and repairs
– proper material selection
– long-term results, not just visual improvement
Cutting corners at the preparation stage almost always leads to visible defects later.
Looking to Transform Your Room?
If your room hasn’t been decorated for years, it may require more than just a fresh coat of paint.
At Butterfly Decorating, we specialise in high-quality interior transformations, including wallpaper removal, full surface preparation, and premium finishes.
We focus on delivering results that not only look great, but also last.
Contact us today to discuss your project and get a professional quote.