Paint is a simple and effective way to transform a space. Miranda Jessop takes advice on how to decide on colour...
Interior designer Kate Lovejoy advises clients by asking how they would like each room to feel.
‘Ask Kate’ is Kate Lovejoy’s new designer-in-your-pocket service, offering trusted advice on colour, mood and how to make your home feel just right. Kate Lovejoy Interiors – katelovejoy.com.
Kate Lovejoy
“Think about the mood you’re after – calm, cosy, fresh, light or dramatic? An emotional starting point narrows your choices and gives you confidence. I use colour psychology to guide this process.
Once you’ve landed on a feeling, choose one or two anchor colours to reflect that mood and build your palette around them. Stick to a similar warm or cool undertone so the rooms feel connected. You can also use a piece you already own and love as a starting point; it might be a cushion, a painting or a vintage rug; that’s how you create a scheme that feels personal and natural.”
Kate Lovejoy
Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene is a firm believer in Double Drenching, the name Little Greene has given to the method of transforming a space by painting all available surfaces in two or more colours.
“Double drenching is all about embracing the power of colour. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate real confidence in colour, highlighting different parts of the space. The ceiling, window frames, floor and skirting boards are all perfect for an unexpected feature colour that will create a strong design statement.
Little Greene
Focus on specific colours for the atmosphere you wish to create, then relate these tones from room to room.
Sampling is essential and the effect of light, both natural and artificial, is a key consideration when thinking about whether to choose warm or cool tones. Order sample pots and paint out large swatches onto A4 pieces of paper. Place them on different walls throughout the day to see the impact of the varying natural light on the colour.”
Little Greene
Professionally trained consultants at Little Greene In Home Colour Consultancy can guide you in choosing colours. Little Greene, Richmond littlegreene.com.
