When finally getting the keys to your new house thoughts generally turn to the best way to approach decorating, and perhaps what paints and colours to use.
Deciding on which shade can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. There are some great paint manufacturers on the market and some offer a colour consultancy service, or can offer sound and practical advice in the shop.
The Little Greene paint company is one such manufacturer. They have established themselves as a market leader and are committed to the socially and environmentally responsible production of high-quality paint and paper. The ‘New colours of England’ collection is their latest colour card due to be released this summer. It is comprised of 187 classic and contemporary colours and includes true historic shades authenticated by English Heritage.
Spanning 300 years of historic Interior Design there are Georgian, Regency, Victorian and 20th century colours respecting period architecture but developed for modern living. In this new collection 14 of the colours are repeated in varying strength as ‘colour scales’. Each colour is made up of four shades and creates a harmonious combination when used together. I have used three shades of ‘slaked’ lime on the front of a house with great results. The windows were painted in the lightest shade (105) the rendering in the medium (149) and the front door in the dark (151).
Traditionally painting a room with a white skirting and ceilings and then colour on the walls is giving way to a much more eclectic combination of colours. There are no rules as to how many you use or where you place them! I like to use the same colour on different surfaces which works particularly well in kitchens, or a combination of the colour scales for a more gentle and relaxing feel in bedrooms.
Jane Cappleman is a West Suffolk based interior designer. janecappleman.co.uk
Article extracted from David Burrs Rooftops Summer 2017 Edition
