Every entrance in Feng Shui is considered the ‘mouth’ of the place and it is also sets the scene when you enter. We have been in our French apartment for six months and whilst we love the building, the entrance is sad. So like good neighbours, we got the syndicat’s permission to paint. We were told that the French ‘don’t do DIY’ and it was obvious as we looked at the tired dark wooden paneling in our entrance, along with old traditional tomato tiles which are falling apart, a drab wooden yellowing post box and bits of plaster falling off a poor attempt at repair. It was agreed paint would be reimbursed and we would paint the paneling grey, the post box ivory and then repaint the black staircase risers and skirting board. We are not touching the plastering and tiles. Note, this is not our door sadly!
Open the Door
I have written posts on the actual front door of both the whole building or house and then individual apartments and rooms which is equally important https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2020/01/19/doors-the-entrance-and-exit-of-your-life/. Once you are inside, check out what you immediately focus on as this is the energy and message you are giving out. Our entrance is dark and you have to turn a light on which only highlights that the entrance is dingy. If you rent, see if you can be a good neighbour or if your owner will allow you to repaint. We sent some photos of rooms we had already painted along with recommended colours and costs. They could only say no and they didn’t.
Practicalities First
Take photos and note what you will be painting on, metal, wood or stone. Go to a paint shop and get some advice on what to use and if to use water or oil based paints. Get small and big rollers and brushes and don’t forget that tiny paintbrush for those irritating small areas. Let’s talk tape – fortunately, we had bought Frog Tape from Germany and couldn’t really find something as good in France – yet. Get tape that won’t pull the wall paint off – although for the falling plaster on our walls, it wouldn’t have mattered! Before starting, wash everything down with soap and water, scrape off labels and tape off the areas you don’t want to paint. This is a pain but worth it. In a building, put up ‘Wet Paint’ signs when the painting will occur. That being said, our young French neighbour dashed out in a purple shirt on his phone with me saying – ‘Victor! Victor! Arghhh!’ He came back with a grey patched shirt.
Looking Good!
As our neighbours descended this morning at some stage, all said, ‘bon courage’! The chef (more a cook of a small pasta place) said it looked chic; the other half of Victor, Claire, looked at us in bewilderment on why we were doing this. One couple – who are known to be tricky, focused on if we could put back their ugly name tag! Next step is painting the step risers and skirting board black on each floor. That will be next weekend!
