Painters & Decorators Kensington | Hawkes Decor

Painters and decorators in Kensington

Kensington is one of London's most distinctive postcodes, with a housing stock that ranges from stucco-fronted Victorian terraces to mansion blocks, mews houses and high-specification new builds. The area's period properties are beautiful, but they come with particular decorating challenges. Cornices, ceiling roses, deep skirting boards and sash windows all need careful preparation if the finish is going to last. We know how to work with these features without damaging them, and we understand the standards expected in this part of London.

Much of our work in Kensington is interior decorating. Flats in mansion blocks often have specific requirements around access, waste removal and working hours, which we are used to managing. We also decorate houses for owner-occupiers and landlords, and we carry out commercial work in offices, clinics and retail units across the area. The same level of preparation and finish applies whether we are painting a one-bedroom flat or a full office floor.

Exterior work in Kensington is usually governed by the building's age and listing status. Many properties are in conservation areas, so any changes to colour or finish may need approval. We can advise on appropriate paint systems, from breathable masonry paints for stucco to microporous finishes for timber windows and doors. We never cut corners on preparation, because exterior paintwork here has to cope with heavy traffic pollution as well as the weather.

If you are looking for painters and decorators in Kensington, we will give you honest advice about what the job involves, how long it will take and what it will cost. We do not use subcontractors, and the person who quotes your job is the person who runs it. That means you always know who is accountable.

Our painting and decorating services in Kensington

Interior painting and decorating

We prepare every surface properly before painting. That means washing down walls and woodwork, filling cracks and holes, sanding back to a sound surface, caulking gaps and spot priming any bare or stained areas. We use high-quality trade paints, and we are happy to recommend finishes that suit the room and the way you use it.

Full surface preparation, including filling, sanding and caulking
Walls, ceilings, woodwork and feature walls
Flat matt, matt, eggshell and satin finishes
Mist coats on new plaster and stain blocking where needed
Dust-sheet and floor protection throughout
Clean, tidy workmanship with daily clear-up

We always allow proper drying and recoat times between coats. Rushing this is a false economy, because it shortens the life of the paint film.

Wallpaper hanging and removal

Wallpaper is popular in Kensington period homes, whether it is a bold feature wall or a traditional pattern in a hallway or bedroom. We hang all types of wallpaper, including wide-width and paste-the-wall products, and we take care with pattern matching, especially on stairs and around windows.

Wallpaper removal, including steam stripping where needed
Lining paper to smooth uneven walls
Pattern matching and precise trimming
Hanging in rooms with high ceilings or awkward angles
Advice on paste and primer for the wall covering you choose
Repairing and sealing walls before hanging

We always check the wall condition before hanging, because even the best paper will fail if the surface is loose or powdery.

Woodwork painting and spraying

Period properties in Kensington often have original doors, windows, skirting boards and architraves. We can bring these back to life with proper preparation and the right paint system. For kitchens and fitted furniture, spraying gives a smooth, factory-like finish that is hard to achieve by hand.

Sanding, filling and priming all woodwork
Water-based or solvent-based trim paints, depending on the job
Satin, eggshell and gloss finishes
Spraying for kitchens, wardrobes and internal doors
Repairing cracks and open joints before painting
Protecting floors and adjacent surfaces while spraying

We will always tell you if the existing paint is sound enough to overcoat, or whether it needs to be stripped back first.

Exterior painting and decorating

Exterior decorating in Kensington means working with render, stucco, brick, timber and metal, often on buildings that are listed or in conservation areas. We use breathable, microporous paints that let moisture escape and stand up to London pollution. Weather is a real factor, so we plan exterior work carefully and keep you informed if rain stops play.

Washing down and repairing render and masonry
Filling cracks and replacing loose or rotten timber
Spot priming bare wood and metal
Masonry paint, exterior eggshell and gloss
Timber windows, doors, fascia and soffits
Safe access, including ladders and mobile towers

We will not paint outside in the rain, high wind or when frost is forecast. If the weather turns, we stop and reschedule rather than risk the finish.

Properties we decorate in Kensington

Period houses and flats

Victorian and Edwardian properties with high ceilings, ornate plasterwork and sash windows. We take care to protect original features and use paint systems that suit lime plaster and old timber.

Mansion blocks and purpose-built flats

We work regularly in mansion blocks and larger flat developments. We understand managing agent requirements, working hour restrictions and the need to keep communal areas clean and clear.

Mews houses

Mews properties are often compact, with limited parking and restricted access. We plan deliveries and waste removal to suit, and we can work in small rooms without making the place feel cramped.

New builds and refurbishments

Modern apartments and houses often have very smooth plaster and sharp corners. We use the right primers and low-sheen finishes to give a crisp, contemporary look that shows off the architecture.

Rental properties

Kensington has a strong rental market. We offer quick turnaround decorating between tenancies, using durable, washable paints that stand up to tenants and reduce the need for frequent redecoration.

Offices and commercial premises

We decorate offices, consulting rooms, clinics and retail units. We can work out of hours to minimise disruption, and we use hard-wearing finishes that keep commercial spaces looking good for longer.

How we work

Enquiry and quote
You contact us with details of the job. We ask about the rooms, the current condition and what you want to achieve. We then arrange a visit to measure up and look at the surfaces.
Site visit and specification
We inspect the property, discuss colours and finishes, and note any access or timing issues. We then send you a written quote with a clear breakdown of what is included.
Booking and preparation
Once you accept the quote, we agree a start date. We tell you what you need to move or clear, and we arrange any materials that need to be ordered in advance.
Preparation and painting
We prepare every surface properly before painting. This is the most important part of the job, and we never rush it. We protect floors, furniture and fittings, and we keep the work area tidy.
Finishing and inspection
When the painting is done, we go over the work with you and put right any snags. We remove all waste and leave the property clean.

Practical advice for Kensington homes

Choosing the right finish

In period properties, flat matt on walls and ceilings gives a soft, traditional look, but it marks easily in high-traffic areas. For hallways, kitchens and children's rooms, a durable matt or eggshell is often a better choice. Woodwork in older homes usually looks best in satin or eggshell, while gloss is reserved for front doors and areas that need maximum durability. We will advise you on the best balance of appearance and practicality for each room.

Decorating between tenancies

Kensington landlords and letting agents often need a flat turned around quickly between tenancies. We offer a focused service that covers the essentials: washing down walls, filling and sanding, painting walls, ceilings and woodwork in a neutral colour, and touching up any damage. We use quick-drying, low-odour paints where possible, so the property can be re-let sooner. We can also arrange wallpaper removal and re-hanging if the previous tenant left the walls in poor condition.

Getting a quote in Kensington

If you need painters and decorators in Kensington, we would be happy to quote for your job. We cover the whole of Kensington, including South Kensington, North Kensington and the streets around Kensington High Street. We will visit the property, discuss what you want to achieve and give you a clear, itemised price. There is no obligation, and we are always happy to offer advice on colours, finishes and the best way to approach the work.

Services

Decorating services in Kensington

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FAQs

Decorating in Kensington — FAQs

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Do you work in listed buildings and conservation areas?

Yes. We are used to working in period properties and buildings in conservation areas. We can advise on appropriate paint systems and finishes, and we will work with any requirements set by the local authority or managing agent. If consent is needed for a colour change, we will flag this early on.

Can you decorate a flat while I am living in it?

Yes, we regularly decorate occupied flats and houses. We protect floors and furniture, keep the work area tidy and agree working hours in advance. We can work room by room to minimise disruption, and we use low-odour paints where possible.

How long does it take to paint a two-bedroom flat in Kensington?

Most two-bedroom flats take five to seven working days to prepare and paint, assuming the walls are in reasonable condition. If there is wallpaper to remove, damaged plaster to repair or extensive woodwork, it may take longer. We will give you a clear timescale in the quote.

Do you provide a guarantee for your work?

We take pride in the quality of our workmanship and use trade paints from reputable manufacturers. If there is a problem with our work, we will come back and put it right. We will discuss any specific guarantee terms with you before the job starts.

Can you work in blocks of flats with strict access rules?

Yes. We are familiar with the requirements of mansion blocks and larger developments, including booking lifts, managing waste and working within agreed hours. We will liaise with the managing agent or concierge to make sure the job runs smoothly.

Do you offer colour advice?

We can help you choose colours and finishes that suit the property and the way you use each room. We are happy to advise on sheen levels, durability and how different colours work in different light. If you want a full colour consultation, we can arrange that too.

In Kensington? Get a free quote

Tell us about the rooms or exterior that need decorating and where you are. We will come back with a sensible, itemised price.

Request a Quote 07936 591 478

Straight answers, fast
Priced on the job in front of us
Tidy, protected, finished properly