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.