Full repaint of a one-bed flat with high ceilings in Notting Hill Gate

Repainting flat in Notting Hill Gate

We were asked to fully repaint a one-bedroom flat near Notting Hill Gate. The flat had beautiful high ceilings — a lovely period feature — but the whole interior needed refreshing: the bedroom, hallway, living room, kitchen and bathroom. On top of that, the large sash bay window needed painting both inside and out. There was one major problem: the window was covered in a thick, black layer of mould that had built up over many years.

The challenge

High ceilings always make a flat feel more spacious, but they also mean more surface area to cover — more wall space, more ceiling, and more careful cutting in around cornices and original details. The bigger challenge, though, was the sash bay window. The mould wasn't just a light dusting; it was thick, dark and deeply embedded into the old paint and timber. Painting over it would have been pointless — the mould would have come straight through the new paint within months. Worse, from a health perspective, disturbing mould without proper cleaning isn't safe. We also had to paint the exterior side of the window, which meant working carefully from inside where possible and using weather-resistant paint.

What we did

Step 1 – Mould removal and deep cleaning of the sash bay window

We started with the worst area first: the large sash bay window. Wearing appropriate protection, we scrubbed every part of the window frame and sill using a specialist mould cleaner and a stiff brush. This took multiple passes. The old paint underneath was in poor condition, so we scraped away any flaking or softened areas. Once the mould was completely gone and the timber was clean and dry, we applied a mould-killing primer to prevent any regrowth. This same careful process was done on both the inside and outside surfaces of the window.

Step 2 – Preparing the rest of the flat

With the windows sorted, we turned to the rest of the flat. The existing paint was generally in okay condition but had visible scuffs, hairline cracks and some discolouration, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. We filled any small holes and cracks, sanded rough patches, and wiped down all walls and ceilings to remove dust and grease. The high ceilings meant we worked from sturdy ladders and extended roller poles — slow but worth it for a clean line.

Step 3 – Painting all walls and ceilings

We painted all ceilings in a fresh white matt finish to emphasise the height of the rooms. The living room, bedroom, hallway, kitchen and bathroom walls each got two coats of a durable, washable matt emulsion in a warm off-white — bright enough to feel airy but soft enough to suit a period flat in Notting Hill. In the kitchen and bathroom we used a more moisture-resistant paint, especially near the sink and shower areas.

Step 4 – All woodwork (doors, frames, skirting, window)

Every piece of woodwork in the flat was repainted: all internal doors (bedroom, bathroom, hallway cupboard), their frames, the skirting boards throughout, the architraves, and of course the large sash bay window (inside and out). For interior woodwork we used a satin finish — hardwearing and easy to wipe clean. For the exterior side of the window we used a flexible, weather-resistant exterior paint that can handle London's damp and temperature changes.

Step 5 – Finishing touches

We also painted the window sills, the inside of the window recesses, and even small details like the radiator pipes where they met the wall. The result was seamless from corner to corner.

Before and after results

Before we started, the flat had a tired, neglected feel. The black mould on the bay window was the first thing you noticed — not a good look in a desirable area like Notting Hill Gate. Inside, the walls were dull and marked, and the woodwork had lost its crispness. After our work, the flat felt completely transformed. The high ceilings finally looked like the asset they were meant to be, the bay window became a feature rather than an eyesore, and the whole space felt clean, bright and welcoming.

Why this flat needed more than just paint

You can't paint over mould — it always comes back. This project shows why proper cleaning and the right primers matter, especially around windows and bathrooms where moisture is a constant issue. In a period flat with original features, attention to detail on woodwork and high ceilings makes all the difference between a quick landlord turnaround and a finish that feels genuinely premium.