At home with Amy Bannerman: A virtual colour consultancy for a period home in Hastings

Amy Bannerman swapped her London life in Leytonstone for a 16th century bolthole in Hastings and never looked back.  Her home reflects her style and is an ever evolving treasure trove of some of her best finds along her travels working at eBay’s pre-loved style director.

After a virtual colour consultancy with one of our team Amy is pleased with her results, to see which colours she chose, what inspires her style and a day in the life, read on!

Explore our ‘Room Service’ virtual colour consultancy offerings online here

It’s safe to say Amy knows all there is to know about how to style a space, but for this one room was struggling to find the perfect backdrop. Amy’s home is a coastal cottage to behold, unassuming from the outside but really something quite special, which you realise as soon as you step through the small front door.

We chatted with Amy this January about all things pre-loved and how using our colour consultancy service made her feel more comfortable in making colour choices for her and her son’s home.

Working in fashion, how important is colour in your day to day life?

Colour is hugely important to me, although I wear quite a muted palette day to day. Navy, grey, black, cream and denim are my staples.

In what ways were you struggling with your space? How did colour consultancy help you?

I get overwhelmed with choice and then get a bit lost in all the possibilities.

Favourite EBNP colour?

Invisible Green, which is by no means invisible, I transformed a room in my last house in London using it and now it’s the vibrant colour of my bedroom door, which makes the perfect backdrop for my handbags!

Favourite podcast you’re listening to at the moment?

I don’t really listen to podcasts, either silence or music! I used to listen to podcasts in the car but I have a 4 year old son so we just chat instead!

You’re the pre loved queen, what inspires you about working with clothes?

It’s my passion! I love the unexpected aspect to preloved shopping. Whether you search online or in charity shops, you never know what you’re going to find!

Best ever pre-loved find?

Oooh, probably my Howard Keith sofa. I got it on eBay for such an amazing price and it increases in value every year. A great investment, and comfy too!

What are you currently reading?

SAME AS IT EVER WAS by Claire Lombardo, I am reading it slowly to make it last as long as possible. It’s so good, she’s an amazing writer.

Investing your money in quality products and services like colour consultancy can be scary, what would you say to someone who is toying with the idea of colour consultancy?

I found that it simplified the process so much, it definitely saved me money on sample pots!

How important are the seasons to you and which is your favourite?

 I love them all for different reasons although I am missing the balmy summer days when I can have a swim in the sea at lunchtime and have a bit more light in the mornings. I am not a morning person!

How would you describe your interiors style?

Eclectic, sentimental and affordable.

The link between personal style and your home is intrinsically linked, what parts of your home best show your personality?

Probably the art, it’s a real mish mash of charity finds, collectible pieces, treasured pieces made by loved ones and even painted pebbles found on the beach.

Which interiors accounts do you go to when looking for inspiration?

Always Pinterest! I use it to plan every space in the house.

Slow decorating is in at the moment, as is slower fashion. Taking your time and finding things and colours you really love, what’s your take on this?

I don’t really do anything slowly, I am a doer and like to get stuff done so I am not sure I will be part of this. Everything I buy is preloved though so that is slow in itself, right?!

Biggest life lesson?

Life is short and precious, make the most of it!

Can you share with us your take on sustainability and how you address it day to day?

I always think pre-loved first and avoid buying new where ever I can, in all areas of my life.

Did you have a vision for the room or were you quite open in terms of suggestions?

Yes I wanted to make it more neutral and only highlight the door and fireplace

Best advice when trying to achieve your own personal style?

 Just wear what makes you feel like “you. Ignore trends. I am sensory so I pretty much wear a vintage navy M&S cashmere sweater every day. If you are at a stage where you feel lost with your style, create a Pinterest board and then go through your wardrobe and edit out anything that doesn’t fit or make you feel good. That will make you have a clearer vision of your style.

Which song will get you up dancing at a party?

My son and I are huge Sean Paul fans, we have a playlist that we dance to in the car in the morning!

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Ooooh. Good question. Wavey Bar in Hastings is my total favourite. AMAZING food.

We’re here in Hastings, what do you love about where you live?

The amazing supportive community who have welcomed my son and I with open arms. The abundance of creatives. The vintage and antique shops and the sea, always the sea!

Does colour evoke emotion for you, can you share with us some thoughts on this?

 Definitely, I am not keen on very busy or bright interiors and it would definitely make me feel less calm!  I like any colour to come from art or fabrics in the space.

Minimalist or maximalist?

A minimalist maximalist.

Describe an Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colour consultancy in three words…

Fun, productive, straightforward.