I agree that the lack of decals makes some parts look bland but otherwise it is a nicely painted model.
The key to decals is to give everything you want a decal on a coat of gloss varnish, use a decal setting solution to aid in application of the decals, and seal everything with gloss varnish after you finish... but most importantly, take your time.
Give this a read if you have any concerns:
http://www.winterdyne.co.uk/maz/winterdyne_tutorial3.pdf