The Guide
Project notes, professional advice and guidance on colour, materials and finishes.
When bold patterns work!
24th October 2027
Wallpaper can completely change the feel of a room, but the best results usually come from choosing the right pattern for the space rather than simply choosing the boldest design.
A recent project used a botanical wallpaper with birds, foliage, strong colour and a gold geometric pattern. In a smaller room, it could easily have felt overwhelming, but paired with the existing finishes and accessories it brought the whole space together.
Think about the whole room
Before choosing wallpaper, look at what is already staying in the space.
Flooring, tiles, furniture, metal finishes and lighting all affect how a pattern will feel once it is on the wall.
In this project, the gold geometric detail worked particularly well with the accessories already in the room, while the darker botanical colours gave the space much more character.
Pattern size matters
Large repeats can work surprisingly well in smaller rooms. Trying to make a small room feel larger by using only pale colours and tiny patterns is not always necessary. Sometimes embracing the size of the space and using something with more personality creates a much stronger result. It is worth looking at a full wallpaper sample rather than relying on a small image online. With larger designs, you need to understand the scale and repeat before making a decision.
Don't skip the prep! It's just as important.
Wallpaper will not disguise poor walls.
Imperfections, old adhesive, damaged plaster and uneven surfaces can all affect the finished result, particularly with smoother or darker papers.
Walls should be properly prepared before hanging, with repairs completed and the surface made suitable for the type of wallpaper being used.
Feature wall or the whole room?
There is no rule that bold wallpaper has to be limited to one wall.
In smaller spaces such as cloakrooms, bedrooms or home offices, carrying a pattern around the room can sometimes create a much more complete look. The important thing is making sure the paper works with the room rather than adding it simply because the space needs “something”.
Planning a wallpaper project, let's talk.
If you have found a wallpaper you love but are unsure whether it will work in your room, Taylor Reay can help with the preparation, hanging and overall finish.
Please note: This service is exclusive to residents within 25 miles of Martock, Somerset.
Email: enquiries@taylorreay.com
Protecting Exterior Oak with an Annual application of Osmo Oil
29th July 2026
For one of our clients, maintaining the exterior oak on their home has become a simple annual routine. Each summer, we inspect the timber, prepare any areas that need attention and apply a fresh coat of Osmo UV-Protection Oil. It may sound frequent, but this lighter, planned maintenance keeps the oak looking fresh and well cared for, rather than waiting for the finish to deteriorate.
These results still depend on careful preparation. As part of this annual maintenance, we lightly sand the existing finish with 240-grit abrasive before removing the dust with a tack cloth. The timber must be clean and dry before the Osmo UV-Protection Oil is applied in a thin, even coat. By maintaining the oak annually, we have helped reduce the need for extensive sanding or restoration while protecting the timber for the long term.
Why is an annual application important?
- It helps to keep the exterior looking fresh and consistent.
- It protects the oak from moisture and sunlight.
- It reduces the risk of costly restoration.
Planning exterior timber maintenance?
Begin your enquiry to discuss the most suitable preparation and finish for your property.
Why We're Falling for COAT Paints
1st July 2026
Welcome to The Guide — a collection of project notes, practical advice and considered observations from the world of colour, materials and professional decorating.
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This week, we are shining a bright spotlight on a brand that has completely transformed the way we work, design, and paint: COAT Paints.
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For a long time in the decorating industry, there was a frustrating gap. You could choose high-street paint that performed well but lacked soulful, designer curation. Or, you could choose luxury designer brands that looked stunning on a swatch but could be notoriously tricky, temperamental, and patchy for a professional decorator to apply.
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COAT didn't just fill that gap; they completely blew past it.
Here is why they have become an absolute asset to our business, and why we are proud to use them more and more on our projects.
A Colour Palette with Zero Fluff
If you’ve ever stared at a wall of 500 slightly different shades of white feeling utterly overwhelmed, you’ll love COAT’s approach. They don't do overwhelming. Instead, they offer a highly curated, deeply intentional palette of "Future Classics."
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From complex, earthy neutrals like Mindful and Rooted to rich, dramatic backdrops like The Dualist, every single shade is complex and full of depth. They react beautifully to the shifting UK light, meaning the colour you fall in love with on the swatch is exactly the depth of colour you get on your walls.
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GREAT TIP: Their website offers incredible large colour swatches that you can peel and stick to your space. They really are awesome!!
Flawless Finishes (That Actually Last)
As decorators, a paint can look pretty, but it has to perform. COAT’s formulations are genuinely incredible to work with.
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The Flat Matt gives that ultra-luxurious, chalky, velvety aesthetic that clients crave, but it’s entirely wipeable and durable.
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The Eggshell finish flows beautifully, leaving a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish on woodwork.
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The coverage really is exceptional, meaning fewer coats, sharper lines, and a flawless end result that stands up to the chaos of real life.
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Sustainability is in Their DNA
As a business, sustainability is incredibly important to us. We care deeply about the materials we bring into your home, which is why COAT’s eco-credentials seal the deal.
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They are the UK’s first B-Corp certified, Climate Positive paint company. Their paints are water-based, incredibly low-VOC (meaning no toxic fumes or nasty headaches while we paint), and made entirely to order in the UK to avoid waste. They even use 100% recyclable tin cans and carbon-neutral shipping. It’s luxury decorating, entirely without the eco-guilt.
If you are looking to transform your space, let's talk.
Finding the perfect colour for your project can be daunting. We’re here to take the guesswork out of it.
When you book one of our Half-Day or Full-Day Interior Consultation Services, we will help you map out your dream scheme, and as an exclusive perk, you'll receive a 20% discount on COAT Paints for your project. Best of all, there is no obligation to choose us to decorate the space, we can hand over the full brief to your builder or decorator.
Please note: This service is exclusive to residents within 25 miles of Martock, Somerset.
Email: enquiries@taylorreay.com for full details and how to book.
The longest day brings us to booking our last spaces for Autumn/Winter 2026
17th June 2026
With the summer solstice approaching, our exterior season is officially in full swing. This week marked the final handover of a comprehensive external project, using the Dulux Weathershield finishes designed to protect and elevate the property for years to come. We now move onto our final exterior projects of 2026 before transitioning back indoors.
The diary is officially open for final Autumn and Winter projects as we transform more homes and workspaces ready for Christmas.
Booking now for October - December 2026, with limited slots available, get in touch to arrange your consultation.
Top Tip: When planning your external work, it's important to book early! We already have external projects planned for 2027!
