Discover the best washable paints and great garden design ideas – just watch the Real Homes Show

We put washable paints to the test, share tips on improving your garden and reveal how to transform a 1930s house, plus win a bathroom suite worth £1,000

Laura Crombie
By
last updated

Are your walls always getting scuffed and stained? Then watch the latest episode of the Real Homes Show, in association with Checkatrade, where we put the leading brands of washable paint to the test.

Presenter Laura Crombie tries to wipe shoe scuffs, greasy fingerprints, ketchup and pencil marks off paints from Farrow & Ball, Dulux, Crown and Valspar. Will the paint stay put and the marks come off? Don't decorate high-traffic areas until you've seen the results of our test of the best washable paints!

Also in this week's episode, we're heading outdoors (*prays the sun finally has its hat on*). Instagram star Lisa Dawson shows us around her covered outdoor seating area – perfect whatever the weather – and Jason Orme explains why it's worth employing a garden designer, even if you've got a tiny garden and aren't exactly green fingered.

We've also got the Small Space Squad helping homeowner Nadeem with plans to transform his tired 1930s house and Style Editor Anna Morley's advice on choosing walnut furniture for your home on any budget.

The whole episode is just 20 minutes' long, but you can use the timings below to skip to your favourite sections:

Watch more episodes of the Real Homes Show

Episode one – decorating with mustard, updating a cottage kitchen on a budget and finding a builder

Episode two – extending a kitchen for under £50,000, plus the best store loyalty card freebies

Episode three – money-saving cleaning hacks, plus design ideas for playrooms and loft conversions

Episode four – loft conversion design ideas, decorating with cobalt blue, plus bargain ways to link your home and garden

Episode five – discover the best online clearance sales and create space for a master en suite 

  • Small Space Squad (0.55) – our expert renovators help Nadeem Ladha with plans to transform his family's uninspiring 1930s home. From adding extensions to moving staircases and updating the exterior, this is a grand transformation with a budget to match.
  • Colour Wheel (6.40) – style editor Anna Morley explains how to introduce timeless walnut into your home, however much you have to spend. 
  • Checking It Out (10.50) – presenter Laura Crombie puts washable paints to the test and reveals which is best for your hallway, kitchen and kids' rooms. 
  • Trade Secrets (15.53) –  Renovation expert Jason Orme explains how to work with a garden designer. Take a look at Checkatrade to start searching in your area.
  • #SoRealHomes (19.12) – Instagram star Lisa Dawson shows Sian Astley around her covered garden seating area.
  • Bathroom Takeaway competition (20.46) – see details below for how to enter.

We’ve teamed up with Bathroom Takeaway to give one lucky viewer the chance to win an Aria bathroom suite, a designer chrome radiator and a bamboo bath caddy, worth £1,025. This competition has now closed, but head to www.realhomes.com/tv for the latest giveaway.

Laura Crombie
Laura Crombie

Laura Crombie is a journalist and TV presenter. She has written about homes and interiors for the last 17 years and was Editor of Real Homes before taking on her current position as Content Director for Country Homes & Interiors, 25 Beautiful Homes Period Living and Style at Home. She's an experienced home renovator and is currently DIY-renovating a 1960s house in Worcestershire. She's been quoted on home design and renovating in The Times, The Guardian, The Metro and more. She's also a TV presenter for QVC and has been a commentator for Channel 4 at Crufts dog show.