We painted our living room two shades of grey last year, and for the first few days I wasn’t at all sure about it. I was worried it was going to look cold and harsh, and it did a bit when it was first put on.. But, as I played with it, and started to put things around, I noticed some really fascinating things about grey. I saw that every colour that I put next to it seemed to sing! And plants and flowers fall so naturally in front of grey too in the most beautiful way. Now I cant stop looking at it and noticing different things. As you can see from the picture below, the books, wooden cabinet, and flowers are just loving their backdrop! The room feels so calm and peaceful to be in..
My room
This week I have been thinking about the idea of colour and our responses to it. I think that I find the colours above appealing to me because they remind me of the places that I feel most relaxed and at home – the hills, the beach, the woods, the wilder places. If you look around you it’s amazing to see how natures colours and forms are reflected again and again in the colour combinations and design details that we love.
Slate grey skies making the yellow gorse and grasses sing
A selection of greys, vibrant greens, and sandy browns
Soft cream and rust brown against pale blues and greys
Flecks of white, pinks and greens framed by deep browns
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Natural Home (click image to enlarge)
Clockwise from top left…
1. I found this Pocket Watch Mirror at Graham and Green. The frame is actually made of wood, but gives the impression of antique brass.
2. Upcycled cabinet made by salvager and maker Rupert Blanchard. I found this at Elemental. Their place is crammed full of treasures, restored vintage retro and antique furniture, so unique and fascinating to browse . This cabinet is composed of salvaged drawers, combining periods and styles to create something really unique! I love the idea of the history behind each individual part, each discarded and forgotten piece coming alive again in a new form. The colours work seamlessly together here too. There’s a really interesting interview with Rupert here..
3 + 4. Orimono Cushion, and Denim Patchwork Rug, both from Anthropologie. I love the Autumnal colours of the cushion, almost like little hot air balloons rising out from the middle! The rug is made from pieces of recycled denim.
5. Tone Chair, by Leif.designpark at De la Espada. De la Espada describe themselves as a design management firm and currently manage the De La Espada brand alongside seven other brands. They feature leading designers work as well as promoting young or lesser known talent. Leif.designpark are a Japan-based design studio and design products in a variety of natural materials, with a specific emphasis on wood. I love the lines of this chair, with its combination of fine woods, so strokeable! You can feel the Japanese influence here, in a really modern encarnation.
6. And finally, the wonderful re-upholstered vintage DA6 Sofa, originally designed by Ernest Race, at twentytwentyone. Elegant, flowing and beautiful.
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