Summer in Ireland brings a rare but welcome burst of sunshine, and with it, the perfect opportunity to freshen up your home's exterior with quick, satisfying weekend paint projects. Whether you're entertaining in the garden or simply enjoying a slower pace with the family, these small-scale transformations offer maximum impact with minimal disruption.
Our expert team has put together five standout ideas that are achievable in a weekend and ideal for homeowners or families who can all take part, from colour selection all the way to brush cleaning! Each project uses paints from your favourite brands like Colourtrend, Farrow & Ball, Dulux, and Little Greene.
Read on for inspiring colour choices, clever tips from the pros, and all the motivation you need to visit our studio or book a personalised colour consultation to kickstart your own summer refresh.
One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into your outdoor space is by repainting tired garden furniture. A gentle, unexpected colour like Farrow & Ball's Cinder Rose brings both warmth and elegance. This soft pink shade pairs beautifully with garden greenery and adds a modern romantic touch to your al fresco dining setup.
For best results, start by sanding down any chipped or flaking paint, then wash thoroughly to remove grime. Let the furniture dry completely before applying a suitable outdoor primer. Follow with two coats of your chosen shade, allowing ample drying time between coats. A professional trick? Use a mini foam roller for smoother coverage on larger surfaces like tabletops, and switch to a fine-bristle brush for spindles and details. Not only will your freshly painted table and chairs look brand new, but they may also spark more outdoor meals and family gatherings this summer. This kind of easy win is the essence of a great weekend project.
When you're looking to create a cohesive yet characterful garden corner, a unified colour scheme can make all the difference. Painting furniture in a neutral tone like Colourtrend's Covert Feather brings calmness and versatility, while pairing it with a bold contrast on a feature piece like a pergola adds drama and flair. Colourtrend's Baggot Street, a rich, urban red that anchors the space with strength and style.
Start by sketching out your area and considering how the colours interact with existing features like plants, paving, or fencing. When painting outdoors, check the weather forecast and work in the shade when possible to avoid paint drying too quickly. Clean all surfaces and use a primer suited to outdoor wood. Our professionals recommend applying paint in the direction of the wood grain and finishing off with a clear exterior sealant to protect from the ever o frequent Irish showers. The end result? A garden oasis that looks professionally styled but comes with the pride of DIY accomplishment.
Never underestimate the power of a freshly painted front door. It’s the first thing guests see and sets the tone for your entire home. A muted blue like Dulux's Sea Slate offers timeless curb appeal, blending beautifully with both brick and rendered exteriors. This cool, sophisticated tone adds personality without being too bold. Before painting, remove any hardware such as knockers or handles, then clean and lightly sand the door. If you're dealing with existing gloss or semi-gloss finishes, a primer is essential. Apply paint evenly using a high-quality brush for mouldings and a small roller for flat panels. Our pros advise painting on a dry, warm day and leaving the door slightly ajar for a few hours to avoid sticking. Add in a new welcome mat or pot plants in complementary hues, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. This is a true weekend makeover with long-lasting impact.
Sheds often fade into the background of a garden, but with a little creativity, they can become a striking feature. Take inspiration from two contrasting designs: one in Little Greene's Scree 227, a cool grey with crisp Loft White 222 trim, set against a vibrant Yellow-Pink 46 wall, and another in Colourtrend's Inkwell, a deep navy that feels both classic and bold, finished with lilac trim in Dainty Darcy.
These colour combinations create visual depth and inject personality into your outdoor space. Begin by inspecting the shed for rot or damage, and repair as needed. Wash the surface thoroughly and let it dry before painting. Use exterior-grade paints and don’t skip the undercoat, especially when switching from a light to dark hue or vice versa.
For clean lines, painter's tape is your best friend. One professional tip: use a long-handled brush to reach eaves and high trim areas safely. Whether you're storing tools or turning your shed into a mini art studio, a bold paint job makes it a place worth noticing.
Why should pets miss out on the fun? A painted dog house can be a delightful addition to your garden, especially when done in vibrant shades that echo your personality. Using Little Greene’s palette, a mix of Drummond 16 and Deep Space Blue 207 on a pet's home creates a playful yet stylish structure. It's a fun weekend project to involve the whole family, especially children who will love helping choose colours or painting under supervision.
Make sure to choose pet-safe, weather-resistant paints and always allow adequate drying time before reintroducing your furry friend to their new home. Clean, sand, and prime the dog house just like you would with furniture.
A trick from our studio pros: use painter's tape to create crisp patterns or colour-blocking effects that elevate the final look. Not only will your pet thank you, but your garden will gain an instant talking point.
These small projects may seem simple, but they each have the power to refresh your outdoor space and infuse it with personality. By investing just a few hours over a sunny weekend, you can transform key exterior elements into stunning features that reflect your style.
Whether you're inspired by the soft charm of Cinder Rose or the playful punch of Colourtrend's bold hues, our studios are stocked with everything you need to get started. Ready to take your garden or entryway to the next level? Visit your nearest studio to browse samples, get expert advice, and pick up supplies.
Or better yet, book a one-on-one colour consultation to create a cohesive scheme tailored to your home and lifestyle. Your perfect weekend project is just a brushstroke away.
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