Start with giving them a good scrub - then a decent caulk can sort out a lot of the issues. I had a wall skimmed last year - it was only one wall so we didn’t take off the skirting (plus the skirting is beautiful deep Victorian). They looked awful when the plasterer left - but a good scrub, light sand and decorating (plus caulk), and they look as good as they did before. (It might help that we have a good decorator - he didn’t bat an eyelid, I think it’s a normal occurrence)

for me it doesn’t quite sit right, maybe it’s just quite harsh against the white walls, or slightly the wrong tone. but it doesn’t look totally wrong so if you like it stick with it! I really like your front door colour against the flooring so personally I would carry that on to the skirting boards and banisters.

Hi, we recently bought a new house and in the process of changing a few things. We are taking up all the existing floor tiles throughout the downstairs and changing to amtico or similar. We really wanted wet underfloor heating installed but have been told that there isn’t enough depth to allow this without a significant amount of work. Therefore we wondered if electric underfloor heating would be enough for the sole source of heating or are the running costs ridiculous? Another option we have found is heated skirting boards and wondered if anyone had any experience of these? We have wet electric heating with radiators at the moment. Thank you.

Whether black doors and skirting boards with an off-white accent will look good in your upstairs bedrooms depends on several factors, and it could go both ways! Here's a breakdown to help you decide: Potential Positives: *Dramatic and modern: Black creates a bold and sophisticated statement, particularly when paired with neutral browns and brass accents. *Cohesive with hallway: Having the off-white side facing the hallway can create a cohesive flow with the downstairs scheme, maintaining some connection while still having a distinct feel upstairs. *Accentuates features: Black doors and skirting boards can make architectural details stand out, especially if you have interesting moldings or paneling. Potential Negatives: *Can feel oppressive in small or poorly lit rooms: Black can visually shrink a space and absorb light, so it's crucial to consider the size and natural light of your bedrooms. *Might clash with existing furniture: If your furniture has warm wooden tones, the black could create a jarring contrast. *Consider if your furniture can hold its own against the bolder statement. *Maintenance can be higher: Black paint shows dust and fingerprints more easily than lighter colors. Tips for making it work: *Test a sample: Paint a large swatch of black on the wall and door to see how it looks in your specific lighting. *Choose the right black: Go for a rich, warm black rather than a stark, cool black to avoid creating too harsh a contrast. *Balance with light: Ensure enough lighting in the bedrooms to counteract the darkening effect of black. Consider lamps, sconces, or bright window treatments. *Incorporate warm textures: Use cozy bedding, rugs, and throws to add warmth and counteract the coolness of black. *Match hardware: Black or brass handles can further tie in the black elements and add a touch of elegance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and the specific context of your bedrooms. If you love the drama and boldness of black and your space can handle it, then go for it! But if you're concerned about potential downsides, test it out thoroughly and consider alternative options like dark greys or taupes that can offer a similar feel without being as stark. Remember, you can always adjust the off-white side of the doors to match the downstairs or play with different handle colours to see what creates the most pleasing balance for your eyes. I hope this helps you make an informed decision for your beautiful upstairs bedrooms!