One of the perks of people knowing I upcycle and paint furniture is I am often offered items they are throwing out and on one occasion two massive pots of virtually unused paint ! The paint in question is not your ordinary everyday kind of paint. Oh no! Its the top of the range Dulux Trade Diamond Matt in the colour of the moment Dove Grey. This paint has superior durability, covers like a dream, as hard wearing as they come, can be wiped clean and most importantly has a matt finish. (so works well if you like a chalk paint kind of finish).

Normally out of my price range I was thrilled to receive the paint from the very lovely School mum friend and set to work immediately on dark wood items that needed a solid undercoat. Just about to start a commission for a customer, it was also a perfect colour for the job!

Once I completed the commission and still only halfway down the pot of paint ! (goes a long way does quality paint) I looked around for more items in my own home requiring a lick of paint. With the twins away at Grandma's and No 1 son away on his holiday in Turkey, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do some decorating in the house. Time to change the staircase (AGAIN).

AFTER

Newly painted staircase. Intend to put the stencil back on them again and still toying with the idea of putting a white stripe up the centre but I'll wait until hubby finishes the new wallpaper before I decide. Also think I might fill the very tall wall with bits and bobs I have collected on my thrifty travels.

Next I headed to the bedroom to start on the cupboard which houses my linens and has stared accusingly at me for the last few years. A lovely piece of stag furniture in its day it just had to have a paint job I'm afraid.

BEFORE

AFTER

Sorry about the dress dummy, I use her to display clothes I sell online and she wears this beautiful silk nightie and dressing gown to remind me to try and stick to a diet for my holidays !

I even found these gorgeous grey candles on a recent (rare) trip to Ikea.

I am really pleased with the result. It still needs a bit more wax and a buff, but thanks to Helen's paint it transformed this piece of furniture and really brings the rest of the bedroom furniture together.

I picked this rocking chair up at a bootsale last year for £10. I nearly passed out when I saw it and virtually ran over to the stall holder. I have done nothing to it except clean it and absolutely LOVE it in all its chippy grey painted glory.

Found the grey slip ons in the Next sale for £14. Not normally a shop I go into these days, but was pleased I did on this occasion.

Mirror found on Ebay about 6 years ago. Paid very little for it. Grey and white designer throw on the bed purchased for £30 from TKMaxx. Silk (look) curtains purchased for a song in the sale at Dunelm mill. Bedside cabinets found in the recycling centre, pair for £10 and painted in Helen's perfect Dulux paint.

There you go, amazing what one tin of paint can do. Thank you again Helen !