Decide on colours, finish and atmosphere to be created in the room. This is best decided with a sample patch in the room to get a feel for the colour.

What is the condition of the ceiling? If the ceiling has cracks it will require repair and possibly lining paper or fiberliner. Repair the cracks, seal with primer and apply lining paper or fiberliner followed by two coats of matt emulsion for an excellent finish that will last.

Check out the walls are they in good condition? If papered they will need to be stripped and washed down, if previously painted then clean down and rub down followed by two coats of the chosen colour. If cracking has appeared on the walls then the same applies as with the ceiling, lining paper or fiberliner before painting for an excellent finish.

Decide what to do with the woodwork is it varnished, waxed, oiled, painted? What is the condition? Again it needs good preparation, repair cracks if necessary and apply two coats of the chosen finish.

Decorating a room to a good finish that will last can be hard work or you could get the professionals to do it.