Eco Echo…

I have been fortunate enough to have spent 35 years in the shop this year. 

During that time I’ve seen enormous changes to the paints we sell, the way they are sold and the headlines behind why we do what we do.

In 1987 we were still selling large quantities of lead based paint. It seems crazy now but for the next 3 years I was selling it more regularly for exterior paint work than anything that Dulux Weathershield or Sandtex ( a Blue Circle product back then! ) had to offer. Our primary lead brand was Magnet Paints. The argument that it outlasted other paints seemed to outweigh the dangers for many decorators.

I remember the ban in 1990, I had been told by many old decorators that it would never happen but here it was! I also remember at the time trying the new water based gloss from Dulux. It felt and looked like silk emulsion! Nonetheless, the eco revolution had begun and we were all going to be part of it. Over the next few years products such as Hammerite were “watered down” and slowly moved aside by more environmentally conscious replacements. At the time many seemed like short term stop gaps but the march went on.  But now, who would consider Hammerite when we have water based products from companies like Bedec, Bradite or Zinsser that perform just as well with none of the stink? We had the VOC legislation debacle in 2012, I’m sure we all remember Dulux Retail paints going yellow and the Watchdog TV grilling they got. However, we adapted and adopted…

So, this year we will see the removal of paints containing MEKO, an anti skinning agent in solvent based paints. However we’ve studied it, and now, less than 1% of what we sell is solvent based! Amazing! But the real revolution is happening as we not only get cleaner paints but paints that help clean the environment as they work. May I introduce Graphenstone to you? This is a fast forward to the future of decorating. Some of it actually absorbs CO2! We now have their new tinting system at our Buckhurst Hill shop and their full range of the most environmentally friendly paints in the world! Dare I say: the greenest white paint in the world! 

(Other colours are available 😂)

Please ask for a colour card or information leaflet or simply go to Graphenstone’s website and join the great clean up of the paint world!

Be well.

Pat.

Looking for inspiration?

From a freshen up to a starting from scratch, it can sometimes be tricky knowing where to begin with your project.

Figuring out what styles you like isn’t always as easy as it sounds, so maybe start with what styles you don’t like & work from there. Instagram, pinterest & even magazines are great tools for you to see what’s out there & what draws your attention.

It may also help to decide on a theme or a concept for the space you are designing. Whilst the two might sound similar, a theme & a concept are two different things. A theme is more detailed than a concept, there are clear links between each element in the room. A concept however is a broader idea of style. With a concept, elements chosen will work together to create a specific feel.

Concept
Theme

Taking these design projects on by yourself can be overwhelming, however help is always available. Our team of designers are always on hand to give advice and guide you in the right direction, whether this is in our showroom or through a home consultation.

Back & better than ever

Our Buckhurst Hill showroom has never looked so good! With refurbishments all done, we are thrilled to welcome customers back.

Our whole shopping experience has changed, we’ve got more light than ever & a more open environment – the showroom is almost unrecognisable. New wallpaper displays adorn the walls, providing an insight into current trends.

Meanwhile, our Harlow showroom is still very much open. To meet with a designer, simply give us a call or drop us an email to book an appointment!

As much as we want you to have a good nose around our showrooms, don’t forget we also offer at home interior design consultations! This allows you to kick back & relax while we do the work for you. Paint colours, wallpapers & fabrics are our speciality so whether you are starting from fresh or working with existing furniture, we’re here to help.

For more infomation on our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Telephone – 02085047925 option 2

Email – interiordesign@gcjohnson.com