Dulux Academy Launches Ultimate Wallpapering Challenge: Design & Decorate 2019

To all ambitious appliers and design hungry decorators!

In celebration of International Wallpaper Week (7th-13th October), Dulux Academy is calling on decorators with design flair and a keen eye for detail to create their very own wallpaper before putting their application skills to the test. 

Running for the third consecutive year, the Dulux Academy Design and Decorate Challenge gives lucky entrants a chance of seeing their design become a reality with the winner receiving bespoke rolls of their paper created by Graham & Brown - as well as enjoying a personal guided factory and design studio tour at the firm’s headquarters in Lancashire. 

To take part entrants need to get creative and then post their design, on a one metre length standard 1200 grade lining paper, to Dulux Academy compete with a short description explaining the inspiration and functionality behind their idea.

Shortlisted finalists will then see their designs shared for public vote on www.duluxacademy.online which will account for 50 per cent of the design mark. They will then be invited to attend the second part of the challenge where their wallpapering skills will be put to the test at the flagship Dulux Academy in Slough on Friday 11th October during International Wallpaper Week. 

Their designs and skills will be scrutinised by an expert judging panel made up of representatives from Dulux Academy and Graham & Brown - including Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux - who will be looking for stand-out designs with wow factor that are balanced and would repeat well when hung. 

A winner will be crowned Dulux Academy Design and Decorate Winner 2019 based on both their personal flair for design as well as their practical application skills and will be awarded the money-can’t-buy prize of seeing their paper made by Graham & Brown, as well as a luxury stay at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa and a Dulux Academy goody bag. 

Last year’s challenge was won by decorator Stuart Yates from Chesterfield who wowed judges with his keen eye for detail exhibiting skills across the board. 

Stuart was presented with his unique rolls by Graham & Brown CEO Andrew Graham during his factory tour and was then commissioned to use his in-demand, award-winning paper to decorate the home of Catherine Saint, editor of The Decorator magazine.

Mark Rigby, Dulux Academy Skills Development Consultant, said: “The Dulux Academy exists to raise standards in the industry and we are keen to support and build up decorators who continue to set the bar when it comes to the craftsmanship of the profession. Decorating is an expert job that requires professionals with dedication to deliver, which is something we are passionate about celebrating. 

“We created this competition to recognise the expertise and creativity decorators have when it comes to wallpapering - combining a flare for design and the skill of wallpaper hanging - and I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

Launched in March 2016, Dulux Academy is the UK’s first dedicated academy for professionals in the domestic and commercial decoration industry. It offers a range of courses designed to help decorators upskill and build their business including wallpapering courses such as Introduction to Wallpaper and Advanced Wallpapering. 

For full details on how to enter the competition or more information on courses visit www.duluxacademy.online.  

Source : Insight DIY Team and Dulux Academy

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