22 colour drenching ideas that'll inspire your next renovation
When it comes to using colour in an interior, the biggest rule these days is that there are no rules. The conventional practice of painting ceilings and woodwork in white or a neutral shade still has its place, of course, but it can sometimes feel a little… boring, and we've long been fans of more colourful trims and equally colourful ceilings. ‘I’ve done this a lot in my houses and for clients, and once you’ve tried it you won’t go back,’ says Gavin Houghton, of colour drenching. ‘White ceilings can feel very unloved if you have no other white paint in the room,’ and decorative ceilings ‘never overpower’ thanks to their position above the eye line. It's a sentiment that Emma Burns echoes in her design dos and don'ts. ‘Of course in lots of cases a simple off-white paint is great, but you can add another layer to the decoration of a room with a more adventurous choice. I love a gloss ceiling in robin’s egg blue or a butterscotch tone or a wallpaper like Fornasetti’s “Clouds”.’
The practice of ‘colour drenching’ is a specific development on this theme, in which you paint walls, ceilings, trim and even features like radiators in the same colour. ‘Colour drenching is a useful trick for maximising the feeling of space in a small room,’ points out designer Nicola Harding, who has often used the practice. ‘It also works for overcoming the challenge of awkward junctions or underwhelming architectural detailing,’ she notes.
Ruth Mottishead of Little Greene agrees that ‘drenching’ a space in colour is a good way to make a statement, especially in confined in spaces like hallways. ‘I like an all-over approach to colour such as using mid-tones like “Garden”, “Tea with Florence” or “Pale Lupin” on walls, ceilings and woodwork or combining an all over pattern such as beautiful leafy pattern such as our “Beech Nut” wallpaper design. This will create a complete scheme, treating each element similarly, and will deliver a design statement when entering or viewing the hallway from other rooms within your home. Whilst you can't make a hallway larger you can embrace the size of what can often be an awkward space to create something that feels really engaging, inviting and contemporary.’
The experts have spoken: colour drenching is the way to make a space feel up to date. We've gathered our favourite ideas for how to do it right from the House & Garden archive.
Mark Anthony Fox1/22In this Wimbledon flat by Emma Burns, the walls are painted in ‘Baked Cherry’ by Little Greene and in the bookcase are a pair of late nineteenth-century stained glass roundels, which Emma had made into lightboxes.
By painting the joinery in the same colour as the walls, Emma allows the cabinets to recede into the walls, effectively reducing their visual weight. The rich burgundy of the sofa echoes the room's terraotta hue, but in a bolder, full-bodied format. It does not blend into the room, but also, doesn't stand out too much.
Paul Massey2/22This Berkshire house decorated by Nicola Harding uses unexpected colour combinations to knock out any stuffiness. In the dining room, ‘Stone Blue’ paint by Farrow & Ball on the ceiling and built-in bookshelves creates a vibrant background for brass accents.
- Putney house by Field Day Studio</a> has walls in the pale pink ‘Temple’ by Paint & Paper Library, and a quilt from <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/3pKFbPPXy9yLmhtRtMyyH3651yEmxGLyjFrEcCqahBD6Ud4XSkJTBcv8yu9usS48LvtpEhxe3f31P3DwyJFsR5P8cUKJeEfKsXQ8MrdZhmGgv13RRfurFw5uHgEJBDRzbeskqr3KYtnwirUPoskVzFqB1QRPViM1ReaLkhGR8iq9qfwwMEW1saQBDCDCbRTsoXEyBvFSy3zRBJb54szi1eLmyzHjxJPfrtpuSJLM123BVPKHNUh1tLndCtJtkJ895L5QgeeBYRZu1BujTEHDethvPQmrUf5Dmqzm3oxjzUqQyTFVDHTbDFyGQPbBc2j9ATSu?xid=fr1754047176723gea\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored\">Toast</a> adorns the bed. It provides a place to retreat for the young owner of the house.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Dean Hearne","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":427,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_320,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"},{"height":853,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_640,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"}],"md":[{"height":853,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_640,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"},{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"}],"lg":[{"height":1366,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_1024,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"},{"height":2731,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_2048,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"}],"xl":[{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/654e0d8d352787d982112dc6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Field-Day-Putney-Final-HR-DH-027-_DSF6799.jpeg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Dean Hearne3/22The main bedroom in a Putney house by Field Day Studio has walls in the pale pink ‘Temple’ by Paint & Paper Library, and a quilt from Toast adorns the bed. It provides a place to retreat for the young owner of the house.
Christopher Horwood4/22In the sitting room of the same house, Lucy has saturated her sitting room in archive Farrow & Ball colour ‘Yonder’. The result is a cosy and cocooning space. Lucy has broken up the monochromatic scheme with a cheerful Maker & Son sofa and a Suzzy Casalet for Pinch rug.
Paul Massey5/22In the small downstairs bathroom in a Norfolk country house, Carlos Garcia has cleverly saturated the walls in a rich pink to make the space feel larger. The colour, which is Edward Bulmer's ‘Nicaragua’, covers the panelling and window woodwork.
- her London house</a>, interior designer Pandora Taylor has established a cocooning atmosphere, with <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/ABAm9JTY78wqfdYs35zEdZfz27g2SXstiz4LUP6uEK4yBgGzqYw6hd1kY4KwHQhYGxgeCS3bhLzd3NRaCHUkf2Yh3yJ2t4GJFBqBxAf91bM9wmcpKZcDQquXmJMdXkwh4t58QrzrywipjQfJPQjUbnSmbYoLUpUk53x8byxPC9WQS7sW9k77sCny62STLduB2dLNUfNUtVCCPNwufRmxHwhZBg3mHgC4wzuYZt6aYwhrKhJk1xQuhdowHwzJm1F2X7D53N77hVZhaKueGDNuh8x4kF3J7KqyL5eocyiG5E6VUKgWwG9G6bgVi4mnqEa3Mra6AEAEPCNowAXo/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored\">Farrow & Ball</a>'s ‘<a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/FtXebJ4xqVaidW4qBtPwHPBHkyyoPCt9jw5rRzkNinEMHquzzSZ7bQiJ1uhNV2wMvksMUUiZ4MD73NV8ZhDDL5WNiYnU1xLrVv8YvnHaGErMAF2wLP3Q66kvUnpLDe1shY1wHZgaecqNs64ody4BXHUeUhB3MhHEGrh8ha9B2EJxaijrkCb4FFhYQT5hemu4QvshVCKNL2f3jHYKfUK1kaCZfm6ko2yYDxfQV6wRKHc1B38Tomj6mkL1XKMyGuLVeUjbUujcaZBtrNqEJnermix1LbGZJq8wNBdoaDXcqRU7583t1KnsfKpEJzGaC7UCA3TxL6ifZgKNLnEkBG2N1dEj2oCvot7we3P/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored\">De Nimes</a>’ paint finding its perfect complement in the peacock colourway of Guy Goodfello’s ‘Fez Weave’ in the curtains.\nThis approach to colour drenching is balanced by the lighter tones of the parquet flooring and furniture in a lighter, contrasting hue creates a sense of depth ih the room.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Michael Sinclair","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_320,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_640,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_640,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_1280,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":682,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_1024,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_2048,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_1280,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb9f6eb732bf13e4379/master/w_1280,c_limit/200623-h_g-pandora-taylor-012-web075x.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Michael Sinclair6/22In the sitting room of her London house, interior designer Pandora Taylor has established a cocooning atmosphere, with Farrow & Ball's ‘De Nimes’ paint finding its perfect complement in the peacock colourway of Guy Goodfello’s ‘Fez Weave’ in the curtains.
This approach to colour drenching is balanced by the lighter tones of the parquet flooring and furniture in a lighter, contrasting hue creates a sense of depth ih the room.
- Audrey Carden's London house</a>, blue, paper-backed, suede-effect fabric lines the walls of the bedroom and dressing area, and a tray ceiling in the bedroom painted in the same shade. A perfect example of colour drenching with fabric, not paint.","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":421,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_320,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"},{"height":841,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_640,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":841,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_640,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"},{"height":1682,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_1280,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1346,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_1024,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"},{"height":2691,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_2048,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1682,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_1280,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1682,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893ff17ec4df9dbbfec15e/master/w_1280,c_limit/170627-hg-audrey-carden-008-print033x.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
7/22In a dramatic and luxurious bedroom at Audrey Carden's London house, blue, paper-backed, suede-effect fabric lines the walls of the bedroom and dressing area, and a tray ceiling in the bedroom painted in the same shade. A perfect example of colour drenching with fabric, not paint.
- tiny Parisian apartment</a> designed by Marianne Evennou, Marianne used three colours from French paint manufacturer Ressource: ‘Mid Medici Blue’ on the top part of the wall; a thin stripe in ‘Dark Stone’ in the middle; and the sandy-toned ‘Maya’ on the lower area.\nPeople worry that colour drenching small spaces might make them look even tinier, but Marianne's approach – which still paints the room head-to-toe – the illusion of more space by the use of different colours.","contentType":"photo","credit":"STEPHAN JULLIARD","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":429,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_320,c_limit/061-1.jpg"},{"height":858,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_640,c_limit/061-1.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":858,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_640,c_limit/061-1.jpg"},{"height":1717,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_1280,c_limit/061-1.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1374,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_1024,c_limit/061-1.jpg"},{"height":2747,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_2048,c_limit/061-1.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1717,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_1280,c_limit/061-1.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1717,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/61893cb87ec4df9dbbfebf9c/master/w_1280,c_limit/061-1.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
STEPHAN JULLIARD8/22In the sitting room in this tiny Parisian apartment designed by Marianne Evennou, Marianne used three colours from French paint manufacturer Ressource: ‘Mid Medici Blue’ on the top part of the wall; a thin stripe in ‘Dark Stone’ in the middle; and the sandy-toned ‘Maya’ on the lower area.
People worry that colour drenching small spaces might make them look even tinier, but Marianne's approach – which still paints the room head-to-toe – the illusion of more space by the use of different colours.
Michael Sinclair9/22‘I wanted it to feel warm and restful up here,’ says Thea Speake of this tiny bedroom in her house in Wiltshire. Paint & Paper Library’s archive green paint ‘Both Barrels’ makes for a comforting and sophisticated backdrop to curtains in a green check from Merchant & Mills.
- Notting Hill flat by Natasha Quick</a>, ‘Stone White 40%’ by Edward Bulmer provides a serene backdrop to an array of furniture, much of which the clients already owned and Natasha had reupholstered to pick up the colours of the existing Soane curtains and artwork, including a Robert Kime sofa in Lee Jofa’s ‘Entoto Stripe’ and an armchair in a dark green corduroy from Rose Uniacke.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Sarah Griggs","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":415,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_320,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"},{"height":829,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_640,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":829,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_640,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"},{"height":1658,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1327,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_1024,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"},{"height":2653,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_2048,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1658,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1658,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/67a5d1ed50a5c82f3da21bae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Philamena_2024.08.08_sitting%20room%201.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Sarah Griggs10/22In the sitting room of this Notting Hill flat by Natasha Quick, ‘Stone White 40%’ by Edward Bulmer provides a serene backdrop to an array of furniture, much of which the clients already owned and Natasha had reupholstered to pick up the colours of the existing Soane curtains and artwork, including a Robert Kime sofa in Lee Jofa’s ‘Entoto Stripe’ and an armchair in a dark green corduroy from Rose Uniacke.
Paul Massey11/22In the same Berkshire house, an abstract painting by the Brighton-based artist John Goodison hangs over a green painted cabinet bought from an antique dealer in Somerset. Here, Nicola has stretched Farrow & Ball's ‘Stone Blue’ across the walls and ceiling, creating a larger backdrop for the painting.
Michael Sinclair12/22In this London house designed by Rachel Chudley, walls in a stormy grey created by paint specialist Donald Kaufman create an atmospheric backdrop for artworks. Ceiling, walls and skirting boards are all in the same colour.
Michael Sinclair13/22In the same London house, Rachel Chudley has drenched the living room in floor to ceiling colour. Here, she has used the same paint for the woodwork, windows and ceiling, but broken it up with an attractive wallpaper.
Christopher Horwood14/22In Lucy Williams' house, the hallway is a study in pink, with Myland's ‘Soho House’ on the walls and reclaimed quarry tiles on the floor. In a complementary tone, the stairs are painted in Paper & Paints Porphyry Red.
- basement flat in west London</a>, interior designer Thea Speke has used colour-drenching to masterful effect. Using a warm neutral paint, she has lightened and brightened what might have felt like a gloomy space.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Jake Curtis","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":427,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_320,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_640,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":853,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_640,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"},{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_1280,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1365,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_1024,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"},{"height":2731,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_2048,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_1280,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1707,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/627268f176381ab211f04fd9/master/w_1280,c_limit/21.04.26_THEA_SPEAKE5966.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Jake Curtis15/22In her basement flat in west London, interior designer Thea Speke has used colour-drenching to masterful effect. Using a warm neutral paint, she has lightened and brightened what might have felt like a gloomy space.
- Nicola Harding Riverside house</a>, Pure & Original’s ‘Calm’ was chosen for the walls, establishing a restful mood and showcasing the headboard in ‘Charlton’ charcoal blue corduroy from Tissus d’Hélène. Interestingly, Nicola has chosen to break up the colour with cornicing in a complementary colour.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Paul Massey","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":419,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_320,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"},{"height":838,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_640,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":838,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_640,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"},{"height":1675,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1340,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_1024,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"},{"height":2681,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_2048,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1675,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1675,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6358018f0f58b92f123206ae/master/w_1280,c_limit/Massey_NH_Dunally_216-production_digital.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Paul Massey16/22In the same Nicola Harding Riverside house, Pure & Original’s ‘Calm’ was chosen for the walls, establishing a restful mood and showcasing the headboard in ‘Charlton’ charcoal blue corduroy from Tissus d’Hélène. Interestingly, Nicola has chosen to break up the colour with cornicing in a complementary colour.
Paul Massey17/22This Jacobean house by Nicola Harding needed some life breathed into it when the designer first saw it. As such, Nicola embarked on a whirlwind revamp, transforming rooms with an artful palette and creating beguiling contrasts of dark and light. In the entrance hall, Farrow & Ball’s ‘Bancha’ on the walls and ceiling sets off the antique suzani wall hanging and the rug from Gallery Yacou.
- Charlotte and Angus Buchanan's house</a>. In this tiny spare bedroom, panelled walls painted in Atelier Ellis' ‘Bell Pink’ create a cocooning effect.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Owen Gale","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_320,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_640,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_640,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_1024,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_2048,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/628e457f0df8ab0df361b3d6/master/w_1280,c_limit/Buchanan%20Studio-10603.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Owen Gale18/22Colour drenching works particularly well in small rooms, as evidenced on the top floor of Charlotte and Angus Buchanan's house. In this tiny spare bedroom, panelled walls painted in Atelier Ellis' ‘Bell Pink’ create a cocooning effect.
- a Kensington house by Kate Guinness</a>, designed and made in collaboration with 202 Design, opens into the conservatory. Walls and ceiling in ‘Plaster V’ contrast with cabinets in ‘Kigali’, both shades from Paint & Paper Library. The rug is from Tate & Darby.","contentType":"photo","credit":"James McDonald","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":414,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_320,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"},{"height":828,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_640,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":828,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_640,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"},{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_1280,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1325,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_1024,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"},{"height":2650,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_2048,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_1280,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1656,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/63eb7769cc732b0fe7a4b8ba/master/w_1280,c_limit/230120_KG_AlexanderSq123%20v2.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
James McDonald19/22The kitchen in a Kensington house by Kate Guinness, designed and made in collaboration with 202 Design, opens into the conservatory. Walls and ceiling in ‘Plaster V’ contrast with cabinets in ‘Kigali’, both shades from Paint & Paper Library. The rug is from Tate & Darby.
- Victoria Gray's Cotswold farmhouse</a>, the attic bedroom walls have been painted in Farrow and Ball's ‘Bancha’.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Simon Brown","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":433,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_320,c_limit/vg4.jpg"},{"height":866,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_640,c_limit/vg4.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":866,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_640,c_limit/vg4.jpg"},{"height":1732,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_1280,c_limit/vg4.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1385,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_1024,c_limit/vg4.jpg"},{"height":2771,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_2048,c_limit/vg4.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1732,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_1280,c_limit/vg4.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1732,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/620f898124d2ae88e807bdce/master/w_1280,c_limit/vg4.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Simon Brown20/22The effect lends itself well to pitched ceilings too. In Victoria Gray's Cotswold farmhouse, the attic bedroom walls have been painted in Farrow and Ball's ‘Bancha’.
- Beata Heuman</a>, who was asked to create a spare <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/interiors/bedroom/">bedroom that was dark and cosseting. To achieve this, Beata designed a built-in bed, painted in 'Drummond' by <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.littlegreene.com//" rel=\"nofollow\">Little Greene</a>.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Rachel Whiting","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_320,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_640,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_640,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"},{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_1024,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"},{"height":3072,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_2048,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1920,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/6189391feea7137eaf37265b/master/w_1280,c_limit/Beata-Heuman-New---4-house-7feb17-rachel-whiting_b.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Rachel Whiting21/22This built-in niche bed with shelves and a curtain was designed by Beata Heuman, who was asked to create a spare bedroom that was dark and cosseting. To achieve this, Beata designed a built-in bed, painted in 'Drummond' by Little Greene.
Martin Morrell22/22In the bedroom of Adam Bentley’s Yorkshire cottage, walls in Little Greene’s ‘Celestial Blue’, inspired by an old paint fragment, make for the backdrop to a 20th-century copy of a 17th-century bed.
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