Smarten up your shed with a bit of beach hut chic

Ignore the incessant rain and brighten up your garden with a lick of colourful paint.

Paula Taylor, Marketing Manager of Crown Decorating Centres, says the days of grey or brown sheds are over, and there’s no excuse not to go all out outdoors.

She said: “Now the choice of colour and finish for the outdoor space of your home is vast – opening up the opportunity to really stamp your personality on it, in the same way you would for your lounge, kitchen or bedroom.

“A fresh coat of paint on your garden shed or wooden furniture can breathe new life into your al fresco space, create a whole new ambience and make visitors think you’ve splashed out a fortune on new kit.”

The bold beach hut look is what it’s all about, according to Paula, who recommends making a statement with strong colours in an opaque finish.

She said: “Don’t be afraid to go for a suite of colours, either. You can paint wooden planters in complementary pastels or even mix and match the colour of your tables and chairs for an eclectic feel.

“On a practical level, make sure you get some advice on the best products to use. Even if your shed or fence have seen better days, there are products –especially coloured or tinted ones, such as Sadolin Superdec – that give excellent coverage to weathered and previously painted surfaces.”

A look in the loft or shed might also throw up some old items that could be given a new lease of life outdoors, as Paula explains: “Wooden blanket chests can be painted with flexible yet durable outdoor paint such as Sadolin Beautiflex to create extra seating and double up as storage.

“Meanwhile, old wooden step ladders with a lick of paint or tinted woodstain make the perfect backdrop for displaying terracotta plant pots, glass jars with candles in and a gathering of garden ornaments.”