Emperor Experts: Meet Darren Burns
We’re proud to introduce Darren (@db_decorators_) as one of our Emperor Experts. With over 24 years of experience and expertise in the decorating industry, Darren is known for meticulous prep work, expertise in everything from exteriors to woodwork and dedication to create long-lasting transformations.
Darren brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and precision to every job, whether it’s a interior room transformation or a modern home exterior.
In this Q&A, we sit down with Darren to explore his journey in the trade, his passion for exterior decorating and the expert advice he has for anyone tackling their own home transformation.
A background in professional decorating
Decorating runs in Darren’s blood. “I’ve been decorating since I left school. My dad’s a decorator… I used to work with him during the school holidays. Then when I left school, I joined his company.”
After years of learning the expertise from his dad and working across various firms, Darren decided to go out on his own and founded his own business five years ago. Now, with over two decades in the trade, his reputation for quality and expertise speaks for itself.
A love for exterior decorating
Darren has a particular love for exterior decorating projects that bring history and craft together. “People think exterior decorating is just a couple of coats of paint – it’s not! It’s all in the prep work to make it last.”
One of his most memorable projects? A beautiful home overlooking Raphael Park in Romford, where he restored wooden windows and doors with care and precision. Another standout was a marble-effect living room from his early days whilst working with his dad, the project was for friends of the family and it warms his heart to this day seeing that the work is proudly intact.
When it comes to Darren’s work ethic, prep is everything. “Take your time with the prep work. Allow extra time for everything – the UK weather isn’t that great and it’s common to get rained off.”
“I actually decorated my own home last summer. I used the primer, some Emperor Textured Basecoat as I had some damaged masonry and finally Emperor Masonry Paint in Light Grey – now, I must say, it looks great!”
Expert advice
We asked Darren for advice for DIYers planning on tackling their own exterior transformation – here were his top three tips:
- Don’t rush prep – The results will only be as good as the base you create.
- Plan for delays – Weather happens, build extra time into your schedule and always check your local forecast.
- Respect the craft – Exteriors need more than just a top coat, they need care and attention.
We’re delighted to welcome Darren to the Emperor Expert team – make sure to keep an eye on our channels to catch us sharing his expert insights to help guide your own decorating journey.
