Victorian Living Room Redecoration, Bruntsfield
Interior painting in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
Service
Interior Painting
Location
Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
Duration
4 working days
Key Challenge
Restoring original Victorian cornicing while introducing a bold modern colour scheme
The Challenge
The new owners of this beautiful Victorian home in Bruntsfield had a clear vision: restore the character of the living room while giving it a bold, modern feel that reflected their own style.
The room had strong bones — original decorative cornicing, a ceiling rose, and traditional proportions — but years of previous decoration had dulled the detail. Layers of old paint had softened the crisp edges of the plasterwork, and the woodwork was showing its age.
The challenge was twofold. The period features needed careful restoration without damage. And the clients had chosen a vibrant orange for the walls — a colour that’s unforgiving if the surface underneath isn’t perfectly smooth. To add to the complexity, new wooden flooring had just been laid and needed to stay completely protected throughout.
Our Approach
Preparation and Protection (Day 1)
Before any paint went on, we covered the new wooden flooring with heavy-duty plastic core sheeting. Furniture was moved and sheeted. The cornicing and ceiling rose were carefully scraped back using detail scrapers to reveal the original plaster profiles, then spot-primed where needed. Every wall was thoroughly filled, sanded, and lined to create the smooth, even surface that a bold colour demands.
Painting the Period Features (Day 2)
The cornicing and ceiling rose were spray-painted using our HVLP system. This gives an even, factory-smooth finish on detailed mouldings that would be impossible to achieve by brush. Decades of buildup gone, every detail crisp and visible.
Walls and Woodwork (Day 3–4)
The walls received two full coats of emulsion in the client’s chosen vibrant orange. We used careful cutting-in around the restored cornicing to keep colour transitions razor-sharp. All woodwork — skirting boards, architraves, door frames and an internal door — was filled, sanded, undercoated, and finished in classic white satin.
Final Clean-Up (Day 4)
Touch-ups, final inspection with the client, and a full clean-up. All dust sheets removed, carpets hoovered, surfaces wiped down. The new flooring underneath? Not a mark on it.
The Result
The room has been completely transformed. The original Victorian cornicing — now picked out in clean, bright white — has become a genuine feature instead of the indistinct, paint-clogged moulding it was before. The vibrant orange walls bring warmth and personality, while the crisp white woodwork keeps everything balanced.
The clients were thrilled. The living room now has exactly the mix of period charm and modern energy they were looking for — and their new flooring survived the whole process without a scratch.
Project Gallery
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★
The service was professional from start to finish. The timings were as we wanted, the standard was fantastic and the painter was diligent, quiet and very tidy — the least dust ever experienced! We are delighted. I highly recommend Bert’s Painting and Decorating.
The Bert’s Decorating Difference
“The mess-free, efficient and polite decorator.”
Our priority is understanding your requirements and ensuring we provide the perfect result. We pride ourselves on maintaining clear communication throughout every project — from the initial quote to the finished job.
Whether it’s the smallest touch-up or a full property transformation, you’ll always receive:
- Punctuality — we arrive on time, every time
- Professionalism — over 30 years of trusted Edinburgh craftsmanship
- Cleanliness — we protect your home and leave it spotless
- Clear communication — you’ll always know what’s happening and when
- Personalised service — every project tailored to your unique vision
At Bert’s Painting & Decorating, we don’t just decorate — we deliver peace of mind. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Planning an Interior Refresh?
Whether you need a single room repainted or a full house transformation, we’d love to hear about your project. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
No obligation — friendly advice from our Edinburgh team.
Interior Painting Near Bruntsfield
Bruntsfield is one of Edinburgh’s most popular southside neighbourhoods, loved for its independent shops, leafy streets, and proximity to The Meadows. As experienced painters and decorators in Edinburgh, we regularly work on period properties across Bruntsfield — restoring original features while bringing rooms up to date with bold, modern colour choices.
We also serve nearby areas including Morningside, Marchmont, and Merchiston.
Services Used: Interior Painting in Edinburgh
Nearby: The Meadows • Bruntsfield Links • Warrender Park Terrace • Bruntsfield Place
