“Having used numerous paint brands over the years, it was immediately clear that this paint is of decent quality”

When I purchased my home, no one prepared me for the endless list of never-ending tasks that comes with it. From painting to wallpapering to panelling to flooring and general joinery, if it’s a DIY job, it’s likely I’ve given it a go.

Three years of hands-on DIY has taught me a few lessons when it comes to spotting a decent paint from a shoddy one. And so when the chance came to try COAT Paints’ new Millie Mackintosh range, I was keen to take it up.

It’s safe to say the results left quite the impression on me. Just over a year ago, I decided to revamp my hallway, choosing a dark green for the lower half of the walls, while the top remained a cream. I also gave the doors a sleek refresh with a black shade.

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I initially chose darker shades in hopes of concealing the inevitable marks and scuffs from my dog’s escapades around the house. While that goal was met, I hadn’t considered how these tones would significantly darken the space, making the entrance feel less welcoming and more cave-like than I had wanted.

Thankfully, the upstairs landing had natural light coming through via a window, but the gloominess of the entry hallway remained an issue—one I lived with due to the sheer effort of redecorating.

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COAT has recently launched a new range of paints in collaboration with former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackinstosh.

However, with COAT’s new paints, the prospect of a makeover was enticing, reports the Mirror.

Seizing the opportunity for a change, I dipped into the COAT range, picking the “soft fresh green” Manifest for the lower hallway walls and complementing it with the “Earthy Pale Beige” Centred on top.

As a parent of a young child and a dog owner, I opted against a matte paint due to its reputation for marking easily and chose a soft sheen finish, which offers a more durable surface that’s easy to clean.

My first impression? This is excellent paint. The paint was delivered promptly and securely packaged with tape on the lid and clips on the tin to prevent any mishaps during transit. The personalised sticker indicating who mixed the paint adds a nice touch, reflecting COAT’s commitment to sustainability.

The company claims that each colour in this new palette is designed with minimal environmental impact in mind, utilising COAT’s made-to-order model to reduce waste and ensure every paint can serves a purpose.

Having used numerous paint brands over the years, it was immediately clear that this paint is of decent quality. It applies easily without dragging and feels incredibly smooth on the wall.

Additionally, it has virtually no odour, eliminating the unpleasant smell often associated with painting – and it dries quickly.

The “warm muted beige with soft grey undertones” of Centred, reminiscent of Dulux’s Egyptian Cotton (£36 for 5L at B&Q) which graced my living room before, is a colour I find really soothing. It’s versatile enough to suit almost any space that calls for a tranquil, neutral atmosphere.

I loved it so much I even extended it to the ceiling, ditching the conventional white and embracing the ‘colour drenching’ design trend I’ve grown quite fond of – painting the ceiling in the same hue as the walls.

While this approach might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I’m an advocate for the continuity it brings to interior design, having adopted it in several rooms already.

The transformation continued as I tackled the lower half of the walls with a vibrant green named Manifest. This shade was a breath of fresh air compared to the darker green previously there, injecting life into the hallway with each stroke of the brush.

The coverage was impressive for the most part; covering a dark colour with a lighter one can be tricky and often requires multiple coats. But after just one coat the results were promising, and I only needed a second coat to cover up the few stubborn dark patches peeking through.

Opting for a soft sheen finish paid off in terms of durability. After the paint job, I installed new glass doors and despite a few accidental wall scuffs during the process (the doors were rather heavy, in my defence), I’m relieved to report that the paint has resisted the initial wear and tear admirably.

I recently grabbed a 1L tin of Manifest in eggshell finish for £38, mainly to add a pop of colour to my metal hallway radiator. The job was done quickly with just a few coats and the colour was a perfect match for the wall.

While I can’t find much fault, it’s clear that this isn’t the least expensive option available. I picked up 5L tins of both Manifest and Centred which come in at £96 each, and the Eggshell paint was £38 for 1L.

Indeed, the paint is of terrific quality, but it certainly sits at a higher price bracket compared to some other brands on the market. If your budget is a bit tighter, I’ve had good experiences with numerous paint brands over the years, finding Dulux to be quite dependable when looking for something more economical.

A particular favourite of mine, Overtly Olive, used in my son’s bedroom, is available in Dulux’s ‘easycare’ range. Touted as “washable and tough”, I personally can vouch for its durability and effectiveness.

At B&Q, a 5L tub goes for £42. I’ve also worked with Lick paint before, choosing a serene blue shade for my main bedroom, and discovered it to be a lovely product to work with, though once more, it’s not cheap, setting you back £39 for 2.5L.

What else does Millie Mackintosh’s range have on offer?

The Millie Mackintosh collection for COAT features a range of colours suitable for various areas of the home, from calming bedrooms to busy bathrooms. Millie, 35, a former Made in Chelsea star, explained: “Creating a mindful home environment has been essential to me, especially as I’ve navigated motherhood and my personal wellness journey.

“Every colour in this collection is a reflection of that – whether it’s the calming tones of ‘Balance’ or the warm embrace of ‘Gratitude.’ I wanted this palette to encourage people to slow down, reflect, and create spaces that feel comforting and rejuvenating.”

The collection includes six colours: Presence, a soft pink; Poise, a pale blush; Centred, a muted beige; Renew, a teal blue; Manifest, a pale green; and Nourish, a soothing sage green. Each shade is available in six finishes, including Flat Matt, Soft Sheen, and Exterior Eggshell.

Prices vary depending on the amount of paint needed, with 1L costing £30, 2.5L costing £56, and 5L costing £96. Peel-and-stick samples are also available for each colour, allowing customers to try before they buy.

These samples are fully recyclable and accurately represent the actual paint colour. View the whole range here.