Jennifer Sheahan: How to use paint and pattern to transform any room

Paint ceilings in a slightly lighter shade than the wall to create height, as Jennifer Sheahan has in her kitchen/dining/living area. Picture: Moya Nolan

There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a room with nothing more than a tin of paint or a roll of wallpaper and a bit of creativity. Paint and wallpaper are one of the most powerful — and affordable — tools in any decorator's arsenal. 

Used cleverly, the right colours and patterns can make a small room feel spacious, a large room feel cosy, a low ceiling appear higher, and a narrow room seem wider. They can also, if used poorly, achieve exactly the opposite effect. But life is all about trial and error, so are some tried and tested paint and pattern tricks that actually work, along with the common mistakes to avoid if you want to transform your space rather than traumatise it. And if you do end up with a disaster, don't worry — it’s easily fixed.