Feeling paralysed by paint charts and Pinterest overload? Same. Luckily, Muddy Stilettos founder Hero Brown recently sat down with Dulux Heritage Creative Director Marianne Shillingford for a Live Q&A – and it was a goldmine of expert intel. The takeaway? You don’t need a full interiors overhaul (or a second mortgage) to make your home look seriously stylish. We’ve pulled out the smartest, easiest decorating tricks from their chat – think foolproof paint shades, clever ways to make small rooms feel bigger, and the one mistake that’s making your walls look… well, a bit meh.

1. The best paint colour for busy homes

Forget beige – green is the ultimate family-friendly paint colour. It works like a neutral but cleverly disguises scuffs, muddy paws and everyday chaos. Perfect for hallways, skirting boards and high-traffic zones.

2. Feature walls are out, colour zoning is in

Dulux-Colour-Futures-Colours-of-the-Year-2026-Rhythm-of-Blues-Free-Livingroom-Inspiration-Global-1-V2-M

A single block of colour can feel a bit 2010. Instead, try colour zoning: take paint up onto the ceiling or around a corner to frame a space (hello, dining nook or reading corner). It’s more designer, less obvious.

3. Two-tone walls: the one rule you must follow

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Love the look of two-tone walls? Keep the shades close in tone (think ‘skip one’ on a paint chart). Too much contrast = visual chaos. Subtle tonal shifts create instant sophistication.

4. Make a room feel warmer (without touching the thermostat)

Chiltern White Dulux Heritage Living Room

Got a chilly north-facing room? Swap cool tones for warm neutrals with hints of pink or gold. They visually ‘heat’ a space – and yes, you might even feel less tempted to whack up the heating. (Money saving and stylish, we’re sold.)

5. Choosing white paint? Avoid this mistake

Not all whites are created equal. In low-light spaces, cool whites can turn grey and flat. Instead, opt for a warmer white (with a whisper of peach or putty) and always test it in different lights before committing.

For more decorating inspo, head to duluxheritage.co.uk

1. The best paint colour for busy homes

2. Feature walls are out, colour zoning is in

3. Two-tone walls: the one rule you must follow

4. Make a room feel warmer (without touching the thermostat)

5. Choosing white paint? Avoid this mistake

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