Materials
Paints, plasters, tiles, wallpaper, floors and ceilings: how the types differ and what to look for when choosing.
an independent magazine about home renovation and interiors
Art Effekt — a magazine about renovation and interiors
A renovation begins long before the first bag of filler — with the question of what your home should become. Art Effekt explains calmly and without advertising what finishing materials there are, how to gather interior ideas, how to do simple jobs yourself and how to plan a renovation so it does not drag on for years. We do not carry out renovations or sell materials — we help you make sense of it all.
A good renovation almost always starts with a tape measure and a notebook, not a trip to buy paint. The more detailed the plan, the less you have to redo.
Where to start
Ideas
Light, colour, storage and zoning: general principles that help make a home more comfortable.
Do it yourself
Painting walls, preparing surfaces for wallpaper and an honest list of jobs best left to professionals.
Plan a renovation
The order of works, the estimate, the contract with a contractor and handover — so the job follows a plan rather than circumstances.
Magazine sections
- Materials
Paints, decorative plasters, tiles, wallpaper, flooring and ceilings: types and properties in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.
- Ideas
Interior ideas: layered lighting, colour combinations, storage, zoning, open-plan kitchen-living rooms and a workspace at home.
- How-to
Step-by-step guides for simple jobs: painting a wall and preparing a surface for wallpaper. Plus what you should not do yourself.
- Planning
The order of renovation works, an estimate without figures, a contract with a contractor, handover and what the law says about alterations.
- Tools
A basic tool kit for home renovation, organised by task — no brands — plus personal protective equipment.
- Care
How to care for painted walls, wallpaper, tiles, floors, ceilings and furniture, and what to check each season.
- FAQ
Answers about the magazine, materials and works, renovation planning and safety.
Renovating a room in five steps
Concept and measurements
Decide how you will use the room: sleeping, working, entertaining. Measure the walls, openings and ceiling height, and mark sockets, switches and radiators. Photograph the room from several angles — the pictures will help when choosing materials.
Plan and estimate
Draw a plan of the room showing furniture layout and light sources. List the works and materials for each surface. Calculate quantities from the area and the coverage stated by the manufacturer, and allow a small margin.
Preparation works
Stripping old finishes, levelling walls and floor, priming. If sockets need moving or wiring replacing, that is a job for an electrician. This stage is noisy and dusty, so it is best to move the furniture out or cover it well.
Finishing
Ceiling first, then walls, floor last — that way dirt from the work above does not land on finished surfaces. Give each coat as long to dry as the manufacturer's instructions require, however tempting it is to finish sooner.
Handover and care
Inspect the room in daylight and under artificial light: unevenness and missed spots are easier to see that way. Keep the packaging or labels of materials — they carry the care instructions, and leftover paint will come in handy for touch-ups.
Common questions in brief
Do you carry out renovations?
No. Art Effekt is an independent magazine. We do not do any work, do not visit to take measurements and are not connected with contractors, shops or the former site on this domain.
Can I get an interior design project from you?
No. We cover general principles of layout, light and colour. A design for a specific home is prepared by a designer or architect you agree terms with directly.
Do you name brands and prices?
No. We describe types of materials and their properties in general terms. Prices change quickly and vary by region, and choosing a brand is your decision after comparing the technical documentation.
Can I knock down a wall myself?
No. Under Russian law, alterations to a flat in an apartment building need approval from the local authority, and rules differ by country. Work on load-bearing structures is done only by professionals, to an approved design.
About the project
Art Effekt is an independent magazine about home renovation and interiors. This domain previously belonged to another organisation and was later used for unrelated advertising. The current magazine is connected neither with that organisation nor with the advertising, and does not restore their content.
We write about finishing materials, interior ideas, simple DIY jobs, renovation planning, tools and the care of finishes. We provide no services, name no brands or prices, do not invent standards and give no instructions on electrics, gas or load-bearing structures.
Related sections
- Materials
Paints, decorative plasters, tiles, wallpaper, flooring and ceilings: types and properties in general terms. The article catalogue lives here too.
- Planning
The order of renovation works, an estimate without figures, a contract with a contractor, handover and what the law says about alterations.
- How-to
Step-by-step guides for simple jobs: painting a wall and preparing a surface for wallpaper. Plus what you should not do yourself.
Sources
- Housing Code of the Russian Federation (Chapter 4)
- Manufacturers' technical documentation
- EMERCOM of Russia — safety leaflets
Information on materials and works is given in general terms, based on manufacturers' technical documentation, the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, EMERCOM of Russia safety leaflets and encyclopaedic sources. Coverage, application conditions and drying times for a specific product are set by its manufacturer — always check the packaging and instructions.