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.. : ))

I'd be temped to paint it white and either put a black cast iron insert in or line out the opening with brick (love the herringbone example shown below) and put a wood burner in. http://www.chesneys.co.uk/products/accessories/interior-panels/ches-brickherin

I think the walls will look super. I would also paint the radiator to match. I would probably paint the ceiling a pale grey to help the white coving stand out. And personally I would choose a more neutral bed because it’s inexpensive to change a wall color or bedding if you later fancy a change- but a bright colored upholstered bed is going to tie you in to certain looks only

I have used lots of paints and had a chat with the people at the Brewers near us recently as I'm helping a relative choose colours for a Georgian house overhaul. My own opinion on Paint and Paper library was already that the quality was amazing but the guy at Brewers confirmed it. He also confirmed that (sorry) but F&B is generally awful, watery thin and poor quality. Paint and Paper is easliy at the top of the pile when it comes to quality, Little Greene a possible second. I was tyring to find a really good neutral for my Auntie's House and Stone came out tops, not too yellow, not too green, a perfect neutral. The Stone 1 or 2 was good for woodwork the Stone 3 perfect for walls. I can't comment on the suitablitity for how practical it is, it possibly comes in a wipeable version.