Dark colours have broken free from their historical confines, no longer relegated to niche styles or reserved solely for accent walls. Designers are harnessing the potential of deep, saturated tones to create environments that exude nuance and elegance. The use of darker hues transcends mere colour choice; it is a bold statement, a testament to sophistication that transforms spaces into havens of refined allure and captivating intrigue. The recent resurgence of interest in daring, darker shades challenges the longstanding notion that lighter tones are the sole purveyors of spaciousness. If you’re considering embracing deeper tones this winter, explore the art of achieving a harmonious balance, crafting spaces that are both cosy, luxurious, and inviting. Greens Deep and strong greens such as ‘Fine Green’ and ‘Brunswick Green Deep’ will both bring sophistication and welcome into any room, and will not overpower your artwork and decor. 'Fine Green' Dining Room 'Fine Green' Dining Room, designed by Birdie Fortescue and photography by Boz Gagovski Fine Green Order a Sample Navy Blue Order a Sample Pompadour Order a Sample Wainscoat Order a Sample 'Brunswick Green Deep' Sitting Room 'Brunswick Green Deep' Sitting-Room, designed by @thebighouseonthehill and photography by Freya Hewellyn Brunswick Green Deep Order a Sample Vert de Mer Order a Sample Indigo Order a Sample Red Ochre Order a Sample Blues Dark blue, with its rich and deep tones, introduces a sense of drama and sophistication that lighter hues often struggle to achieve. It is a colour that transcends trends, creating a timeless appeal that resonates with both traditional and contemporary design sensibilities. Our deep hues ‘Saxony’ and ‘Tingry’ have the power to transform the mood of a space. Embrace their cosy warmth in bedrooms, where it can create an intimate and restful atmosphere. Alternatively, employ it in living areas to add depth and sophistication. 'Saxony' Bedroom and Sitting Room 'Saxony' Bedroom, designed by Max Rollit and photography by Ed Rollit 'Saxony' Sitting Room, designed by Birdie Fortescue and photography by Boz Gagovski Saxony Order a Sample Indigo Order a Sample Fine Green Order a Sample Mummy Order a Sample 'Tingry' and 'London Brown' Pantry 'Tingry' and 'London Brown' Pantry, designed by Berdoulat and photography by Paul Whitbread Tingry Order a Sample London Brown Order a Sample Fawn Order a Sample Lead Colour Order a Sample Purples Deep purple, with its opulent and regal undertones, brings a level of richness and depth that few colours can match. It radiates a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a statement that goes beyond conventional colour palettes. ‘Tyrian is a colour that relied on advances in paint chemistry only 150 years though, to take it being from the preserve of the wealthy to being within reach for a wider populous as it is made from expensive pigments. Ours is nuanced with earth pigment as well as the blue and red it ultimately relies on to make it ‘sharey not scary’ – a colour that can work in a modern apartment just as well as the great country house.” Edward Bulmer, founder 'Tyrian' Hallway and Gallery 'Tyrian' Hallway, at Brunswick House 'Tyrian' walls at the Dickinson Gallery Tyrian Order a Sample Nicaragua Order a Sample Flaxen Grey Order a Sample Wainscoat Order a Sample Browns Brown paint stands as a timeless and versatile option to infuse living spaces with warmth and elegance. Its neutral foundation allows for endless possibilities in design, making it a reliable choice for both classic and contemporary interiors. Our ‘London Brown’ introduces a warm and inviting ambiance to any room. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly blend with various design styles, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a classic and enduring colour palette. 'London Brown' Drawing Room and Bathroom 'London Brown' Drawing Room, designed by Edward Bulmer and Lorfords Antiques 'London Brown' Bathroom, designed by Stephanie Savvides-Howell London Brown Order a Sample Malahide Order a Sample Light Olive Green Order a Sample Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Our founder Edward Bulmer has created colours which convey unrivalled depth and light, whilst protecting the planets’ finite resources by using plant-based, natural earth and mineral ingredients. Using our beautiful natural paints means your walls will not give off any harmful toxins and you can go to sleep the same day as painting with its odourless finish. To find out what eco-friendly traditions Edward and the family follow at home read more here. Whether you choose to embrace the timeless allure of darker hues or prefer the familiarity of lighter tones for more room inspiration head over to our gallery, blog and social media pages. If you would like more help on choosing and using colours, take a look at our colour consultancy – whether time poor or spending too much on sample pots, we can do all the hard work for you.
Why the design world needs to cut its carbon footprint The industrial revolution, or what you might call ‘the dawn of commercial design’ relied on the use of a new energy source – fossil fuels. From coal, to coal tar, to crude oil, to natural gas, their use began to alter the dynamic and the planet increasingly had to store the resultant carbon emissions in the atmosphere rather than in its vegetation, soils and oceans.
Paint by name, paint by nature: A comprehensive guide to linseed oil paint An ode of Linseed oil paint, to learn more buy the wonderful book by Michiel Brouns ‘Linseed Paint and Oil’, a practical guide to traditional production and application.
British Luxury: What it means to be a Walpole Brand of Tomorrow Walpole is the UK’s only business organisation for luxury brands, spanning across many sectors, it helps uplift and sing the praises of all the wonderful luxury brands the UK has to offer.
Through the Keyhole – House & Garden Festival 2018 Our decorated space at this year’s House & Garden Festival was all about collaboration. Edward’s idea for the decorated space was to link old and new, at the physical juxtaposition between the Interiors Art & Antiques Fair and the House & Garden Festival.
