Those gates really do look good. We advise our customers that if they want a painted finish NOT to go for hardwood. The cost can easily double (if not treble) in price and there is no real advantage if instead using a slow grown softwood! In fact, density level of iroko (hardwood) and slow grown redwood pine is extremely close. Yes hardwood is dense but so is some softwoods. Also, the natural beauty of hardwood with a quality oil finish is stunning and seems a crime to paint - in our opinion!

Just to repeat what a couple of others have said. The cabinet is in great condition and a good colour. perhaps change the knobs for a very simple small aged brass or even a dark bronze button type. Change the lamp as it is too big for the unit, the shade is pressing against the wall, (it could work well on a side table by a sofa perhaps). Exchange it for a lamp with some brass incorporated into it (very popular and in most decor stores now) and it could look lovely. the difference between painting or leaving the unit, depends on the final look you are going for. If you want a more classic feel. Don't Paint, go with the above suggestion. If you want more quirky as some of your accessories suggest, Then Paint and adorn with crazy abandon! Happy days!

Hello Satkinso, I would say they are at the higher end of the paint market which I would use along with others such as Zoffany, Little Greene, Fired Earth etc etc that produce beautiful colours as they do finishes and I look for the best and unique. It could be perhaps poor execution on behalf of your decorator.. In the kindest possible way, but I have seen newly painted works from a previous clients decorator that was shockingly bad in terms of quality... I would be inclined to say it is this rather than the paint. I do though have a very good eye for snagging and I would suggest one more coat with a careful hand... See how you go to be sure before taking any other steps.. You also need a dry environment which makes for a good finish and best drying environment... If it's neither the application nor the paint, it could be the tools used... Paint roller or inferior bristle brush.. I like the softest brush for a superior finish and roller need to be very good quality and preferably shaggy looking I find works best.. : ))

Aw shucks guys! Thanks! I’m definitely aiming for a tiny bit more stylish. My partner brought that heinous green drainer from his house and was everso pleased with himself for solving a problem I wasn’t aware I had! And the el cheapo Wilko kettle is a placeholder til I get a boiling water tap, so I haven’t upgraded it for three years. Plus he’s got a brewing corner in the kitchen, and a 3D printing bench in the utility. I’m just glad to have his wallpapering skills! Though we had a difficult conversation when he replaced my Henry who fitted under the stairs for his Dyson which doesn’t :-)