How to freshen up your home with paint

Creating Serene with Little Greene

Mr B and I were up for a new adventure! With property and interiors projects both far and wide, we were not tied to any specific geographic location and the rural idyll lured! The beauty of the Cotswolds is well documented, but it was the lifestyle that was the big draw. So we decided to up sticks and escape to the country!

We found Hilltop House on a cold and blustery Spring day in the lead up to the ‘Beast from the East’. As soon as we entered the house, it not only warmed us physically but emotionally. With an abundance of natural Cotswold stone and original beams, as well as a roaring log fire, it simply oozed charm and character. We both instantly knew it was the one and our future was sealed!

The short-term plan is to redecorate the existing structure, whilst planning for a more significant reconfiguration in the future. We were just beginning to prepare our conceptual boards to progress with our paint selections, when Little Greene approached us about their new “Green” collection. The paint collection, “a gamut of glorious greens in a comprehensive array of hues” is the result of an exciting new collaboration between Little Greene and the National Trust.  The project has drawn inspiration from a wealth of National Trust properties and their contents throughout the British Isles; ranging from Beatrix Potter’s Cumbrian Farmhouse to a dress made from a thousand fallen beetle wings. It has resulted in an unrivalled selection of 31 beautiful shades of green.

Images: Little Greene

Not only does this collection draw on our heritage, but it also helps preserve it for the future. Historical colours have been restored and reinvented; and Little Greene make an invaluable contribution to the National Trust’s conservation work with every sale made.

The launch timing of this stunning new collection was perfect for own project and we couldn’t wait to get started! We have always loved using Little Greene products. Not only are they environmentally friendly and child safe, but their ‘Intelligent’ paints have invaluable wipeable properties; a much needed quality in our home, which is constantly put to the test by our boy’s sticky mitts!!!

To ensure some calm for our busy family of five, we selected Portland Stone for a serene backdrop to run through the main areas of our home. This made for a delicate transition to Putti in the master bedroom suite, including a stunning reclaimed bath in the same shade. Putti’s muted shade of green nods to the traditional colours used in architectural detailing throughout the Cotswolds and works beautifully with the existing internal stone, as well as the stunning views of “pastures green” across the Windrush Valley.

To create drama, we chose some contrasting paint colours to punctuate the scheme.  We used Lamp Black for the lower units in the kitchen and walls in the playroom, as well as Pompeian Ash for the guest bedroom walls. To ensure the house flowed seamlessly, however, we have accessorised these rooms with colours and materials used in the adjoining rooms: two green antique demi-john bottles filled with curled willow in the kitchen, khaki green cushions and aeroplanes painted in Pompeian Ash in the playroom, as well as fresh white linen with delicate inky black detailing in the guest room.

While many a late night have been spent with paint brush in hand, it really has been worth it and we are absolutely thrilled with the results so far. With our refreshing new colour scheme, our home has been truly transformed into the tranquil and calm sanctuary that we were hoping for. It’s now time to fire up the wood burner, curl up on the sofa and enjoy it.

Notes: 

Interior Accessories: Camilla Bellord Interiors
Feather Head Dresses: Robert Langford
Photography: Anna Stathaki & Little Greene

For more information on Little Greene “Green Collection” please click here.