‘The Westridge Collection’, an autumnal interview with designer, colour consultant and stylist, Emma Diaz

The nights are drawing in and the leaves are falling. Edward’s natural palette sits so comfortably and uniquely with every season, but there is something special about the Autumn. The cosy corners, the roaring fires, the want to be warm and comforted by your surroundings, and what better way to do so then conjuring up the ideal tonal scheme for your home.

Emma Diaz speaks to us exclusively on her new range of beautifully designed, hand crafted furniture. All materials are sourced and gathered from near her Cotswold cottage and we can’t wait to find out more about the collection, where her creativity comes from and all about her colour consultancy service for Edward Bulmer Natural Paint.

So make yourself a warm drink and read on to our Q&A with colour connoisseur and advocate for responsible and utterly gorgeous interiors.

“Wood is a living material. Our pieces continue to breathe and move long after we have finished crafting them, and we respect that. So when looking at how to add colour to this collection, it was clear that we needed to coat our beautiful British timber in the best natural paint around that will continue to offer this breathability, whilst showing off the grain. Not only do Edward Bulmer Natural Paints enable our timber to breathe, but the tones created by Edward’s plant and mineral base pigments are the perfect partners to the natural tones found in our British pippy oak tops.”- Emma Diaz

The colours! I have always felt  inspired by the ever-changing colours of our seasons, and since moving to the Cotswolds this has become even more apparent. Nature’s colours throughout the seasons and how they work with the textures of natural wood in our forests and woodlands have been a great source of inspiration.

I don’t think there is just one reason, there are many! Initially, before I knew anything about Edward it was the palette I was drawn to. I found that it was the perfect curation of colour, the tones packed full of pigment. There were no what I’d call ‘garish’ colours… each colour seemed to be created with historic homes in mind – which is what I was looking for! After a little research I then found that Edward’s paints are also planet friendly, and one of the most eco conscious (if not the most eco conscious and natural) paint on the market. Made from plant and mineral based pigments and containing no harsh chemicals they are safe for us and safe for our planet which is why I love them so!

I just think it’s important not to rush into things, and to do our research. There are so many more sustainable ways of decorating and furnishing now, with new brands popping up to try and help where they can. I would say to take your time, consider the space but also the impact of what we are purchasing, and how those products are being produced. Source locally if possible, and look out for new local makers or brands who are trying their best to provide sustainable alternatives.

Gosh! There are so many to choose from and so many possibilities! I’m not sure I can choose… Something warm and most probably would include Red Ochre!

Definitely the chance to show off the textures of the collection. The initial shapes and colours can be shown well through photography, but seeing the grain show through the paintwork is really quite special, and there’s nothing like being able to feel a physical piece of furniture in real life!

My little boy loves nature. He loves being outside and immersing himself in it. So I guess I unconsciously teach him the importance of nature and how we need to look after it, for all the different plant and animal species that we find on our walks or read about in books. He very much loves colour and paint (that may have come from me!) So we just try to really nurture everything he does with colour and creativity – there really are no rules and we just want him to do what feels right for him! He has actually created a series of paintings with Edward’s Paints recently that we have up above our fireplace – colours and combinations all chosen by him!

Many clients come to me with homes that have been painted white and don’t know where to start! Another problem people find is how to introduce colour into rooms that have features such as exposed stones or beams… this can feel quite overwhelming. Finding a ‘flow’ through a property is also a common concern.

Read more about Edward Bulmer Natural Paint and their colour consultancy HERE.

Your lifting the lid campaign is a great one for this which I always revert back to when clients ask about the sustainability and environmental impact of paint.

Read ‘Lifting the Lid’ HERE.

Seeing the colours change at Westonbirt arboretum has to be a highlight of the year. We frequent there regularly but this time of the year is the best and we try to go weekly to spot what has changed each week! I recommend booking if you’re not a member though as it does get rather busy at this time of year.

Planet friendly paints derived from nature, inspiring the future of our homes.

A huge thank you to Emma for taking the time to answer our burning questions, do visit us in the showroom until Saturday 28th October where we will be showcasing our new colours, the ‘Palette Blenders’ and Emma will be offering first come served colour consultancies in our Ebury Street showroom next week, keep a look out over on Instagram to be in with a chance to chat all things colour and design with Emma.

‘The Westridge Collection’ will be available to see at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, 194 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UP

Monday-Friday 9.30-6pm
Saturday 10-5pm

Emma’s furniture can be tailored to you in the following selection of harmonious Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours, as well as the colours mentioned in the interview.