The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, published by Rizzoli. Foreword by The Duchess of Richmond, Photography by Paul Whitbread Edward Bulmer is a man of many talents: interior designer, architectural historian, and founder of the eponymous sustainable plant-based paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. In his very first book published by Rizzoli, The Colourful past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, Edward takes readers through the keyhole into his most memorable work in some of Britain’s finest buildings, including: Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Chequers, Goodwood and Pitshill House, as well as his own Queen Anne House in Herefordshire. This masterpiece has received remarkable reviews from some of the most prestigious publications and individuals in the interior design and creative industries. Below we share some of our favourite rooms showcasing our natural paints which grace the pages throughout the book with historic houses captured beautifully by well-renowned photographer and good friend Paul Whitbread 'Sea Green' backdrop for a room full of colour and pattern 'A bolection panelled interior in the original part of the house. We changed the colour to Sea Green and felt no compunction to ‘obey’ the panels when hanging Sophie Coryndon’s beautiful tulip paintings. The red lacquer cabinet brought back from Hong Kong works so well against the blue on the walls which has plenty of yellow in it.' Edward Bulmer, quoted in House and Garden Sea Green Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Milk White Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Tea Green Order a Sample Fawn Order a Sample 'London Brown' above the panelling at Dorfold Estate Hallway at Dorfold Estate London Brown Order a Sample Etruscan Brown Order a Sample Cinnamon Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Indigo Order a Sample Azurite Order a Sample As you may know of our founder, architectural historian and leading interior designer, Edward breathes new life into centuries-old houses with a sympathy that is rooted in a deep understanding of the past, transforming them into comfortable homes designed for modern living. His own house is the perfect example of this. Edward and his family have spent the last twenty years turning what had become a rundown farmhouse into a comfortable, beautiful, practical home-still with a working organic farm – that perfectly accommodates the demands of present-day life. His home has become a laboratory for his design practice and is also the base for his paint company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, which he operates out of an old cattle shed with the paint being mixed in a recently restored Dutch barn. 'Pomona' on the walls with 'Spanish White' on the ceiling 'Verdigris' on the woodwork, paired with Antique Chinese wallpaper 'Sea Green' on the panelling and 'Verdigris' on the woodwork Sea Green Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Verdigris Order a Sample Jonquil Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Tea Green Order a Sample Clove Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 'Cuisse de Nymphe Emue' on the bathroom walls 'Lilac Pink' hallway with 'Spanish White' on the ceilings Lilac Pink Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Quaker Order a Sample Rose Tinted White Order a Sample Buff Order a Sample Dove Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 'Invisible Green' garden hall at Court of Noke Launched in October 2022, the book has received remarkable reviews from some of the most prestigious publications and individuals in the interior design and creative industry. The natural paints grace the pages throughout the book with historic houses captured beautifully by well-renowned photographer and good friend Paul Whitbread 'Garter Blue' backdrop showcasing beautiful artwork Garter Blue Order a Sample Tawny Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Cerullian Blue Order a Sample Warm Stone Order a Sample French Grey Order a Sample It is perhaps his own house, Court of Noke, that the average reader might find easiest to relate to. There are rugs found on Moroccan holidays and walls are hung with Edward’s own drawings alongside grander pictures. And unlike the house where he grew up, where he had ‘little exposure to the finer rooms’, this is a true (and truly beautiful) family home. Paul Whitbread’s photography is very fine, with some glowing close-ups if details – a corner of flowery carpet, a gilded mirror, some intricate passementerie – as well as well chosen views of whole rooms. In Edward’s book, colour is king. Elfreda Pownall, quoted in November's issue of House and Garden The book is a modern day bible and a must for all interiors lovers, especially those who have a passion in historic decoration and architectural detail. Edward takes readers through his creative and working process in each project, describing in detail how he renovated, decorated, and preserved the home, the problems he encountered and the decisions he and his clients made to solve them, all while sharing tips and secrets that readers can take away for their own home. 'Verdigris' sitting room, photography by Paul Whitbread 'Verdigris' sitting room, photography by Paul Whitbread I think the book is amazing! Just fabulous - so so enjoyable to swim around in, and a fascinating read too. Hugely impressive! And of course, I'm pleased as punch about my pictures being included - brilliantly super for me! It's an astonishing book, really. You've touched the sky. Artist and friend Sandy Mallett 'Naples Yellow' hallway 'Olympian Green' bathroom at Edward's Herefordshire home Olympian Green Order a Sample Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Lute Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Fawn Order a Sample Mummy Order a Sample 'Portland' hallway at Dorfold 'Milk White' in Edward's study Give this timeless and beautiful book to all your design loving friends and family and of course treat yourself to a signed copy by Edward himself, which can be bought at the London Showroom. We have an exciting upcoming event at Thyme in Gloucestershire on the 31st March: In Conversation: Edward Bulmer & Giles Kime, Interiors Editor of Country Life. Book you ticket now! To make sure you are in the know, click here and sign up to their newsletter The Colour Supplement. Say hello on Instagram too or in person if you are in the area and if you do not yet have a colour chart order your free one today. New London showroom is 5 minutes walk from Sloane Square or Victoria tube station – 194 Ebury St, London SW1W 8UP
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