Contemporary Country Colours

Fresh, clean earth tints form a soothing colour palette for today's country living. Shades of Clay, Slate, French grey, Shutter Blue, Mulberry, Damson, Willow leaf and Gooseberry green set against chalky white add a contemporary twist to traditional country styling. Modern material such a stainless steel and aluminium contrast against the natural elements of pale stone and bleached wood. Here are a few of my most recent finds starting with the heart of the country home - the kitchen.  

Above image: detail of Sims Hilditch interior design for Neptune - gorgeous bespoke kitchens and new home accessories range

Above image: a divine new kitchen design from Sims Hilditch interior design for Neptune

Above images: gorgeous new table linen china and cutlery from the Neptune range

Above images: 1. gorgeous new candle range from Neptune 2.table linen china and cutlery from the new Neptune range 3. paint shade in "Lily" by Neptune 4 from the new lighting range by Neptune

Above image: pretty contemporary coloured enamel kitchen ware from Garden Trading 

Above image: bespoke kitchens and fabulous furniture range from Neptune

Above image: 1.gorgeous pale chalky kitchen by Plain English 2. & 4.table linen and china from the new Neptune accessories range 3.beautiful handcrafted kitchens and furniture from Neptune Colour watches: The Paper Mulberry colour suggestions

Above image: handmade kitchens by Chalon in gorgeous pale chalky shades with slate grey accents try Farrow and Ball "French Grey" number 18 for a similar colour to the door and skirting board

Above image: divine oak framed homes by Border Oak with interior design and styling by Merry Albright The Paper Mulberry note: try "Card Room Green" number 79 from Farrow & Ball for a similar shade to the kitchen island - we have used it on our back door and windows

Above image: planter pots on tray in "Shutter Blue" by Garden Trading

Above image: bespoke kitchens and fabulous furniture range from Neptune

Above image: the gorgeous kitchen and dining room of interior stylist and photographer Helena Bernald of the wonderful blog The Swenglish Home

Above images: 1.lovely new lighting range from Garden Trading in fabulous colours such a "Shutter blue", "Clay" and "Slate" 2.metal trough planter by Garden Trading 3.a set of numbered, French styled, ceramic mixing bowls by Garden Trading Colour swatches: The Paper Mulberry colour suggestions 

Above image: gorgeous contemporary farmhouse in Oxfordshire location for photography and film by locations agency Light locations

Above image: divine bespoke kitchen furniture and china range from Neptune

Above image: the "Chichester" kitchen from Neptune 

Above image: classic jug in "Gooseberry" by Garden Trading

For more information on anything shown in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites. The colour swatches featured are my suggestions for accent shades and do not relate to specific paints unless otherwise stated, but I'm sure your favourite paint companies would be happy to suggest matches! 

With warmest wishes

 

Easter

A Spring palette of sugared almond pastels for the home combined with oh so pretty egg and hen decorations should keep Easter Bunnies of all ages happy! Here are a few of my favourite finds:

Above image: Twig and egg wreath from Not on the high street

Above image: 1. Background fabric 'Seaside Spot' in mist 100% cotton by Clarke & Clarke 2.Bunny knitting pattern from book "The third little Sublime hand knit book"

Above image: Liz Gardener's home by Mollie and Finn

Above images: 1.Fabric "Multi Spot" in Mineral by Clarke & Clarke 2.& 5. Hand knit Bunnies from Little Cotton Rabbits 3.Stitched picture by Charlotte Macey 4.Fabric "Simple Spot" in Duck Egg & Speedwell by Vanessa Arbuthnott 6.Maileg Cradle from shop Camel & Yak 

Above image: Easter Party Tutus from Bodie & Frou

Above image: film & photographic locations agency Light Locations

Above image: gorgeous decoupage pastel eggs by Such Pretty Things

Above images: 1.Vintage pink linen apron by Linge Particulier at Bodie & Frou 2.Pretty bowls and mug from Julias vita drommar 3.Fabric "Seaside Spot" in Mineral by Clarke and Clarke 4.Photography by Julia Hoersch 5.Fabric "Hen Run" in Apple and Sky Blue by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: How to make a Pussy Willow nest by Martha Stewart

Above image: film & photographic locations agency Light Locations

Above image: pretty eggs dyed using fruit and vegetable dyes from Dreamy Whites

Above image: Wooden Easter banner by BotanicBotanic on Etsy

Above images:1.Eggshell votives (how to make them) from Martha Stewart 2."Spring Birdie" hanging decorations from Not on the high street 3.Fabric "Seaside Spot" in Surf by Clarke and Clarke 4.Personalised Egg Cup "Bunny" by Gallery Thea at John Lewis 5.Easter decorating ideas from Magazine Bridgitte 6.Fabric "Plain Check" in Speedwell by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: fabrics from the "Cockerel" Collection by Vanessa Arbuthnott

Above image: pretty eggs dyed using fruit and vegetable dyes from Dreamy Whites

Above image: Painted Egg Wreath from Berry Red

Above image: pretty idea for an Easter table - photography by Julia Hoersch 

For more information on anything shown in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites. The colour swatches featured are my suggestions for accent shades and do not relate to specific paints unless otherwise stated, but I'm sure your favourite paint companies would be happy to suggest matches!

With warmest wishes

 

White

Clean, bright and fresh, soft shades of white create a gentle backdrop for contemporary country living. When the beginning of a new year is dark and dismal there is no better way to refresh a room or transform a tired piece of furniture. So it's out with the brushes for me! Here are a few of my inspirational favourites...

Above image: The White Company - divine bedlinen and interiors

Above image: The White Company - divine bedlinen and interiors

Above images: 1.John Lewis pretty beaded cushion 2.& 3. JJ Locations the perfect white house! 4.The White Company gorgeous white coat hangers

Above image: Neptune - exquisitely crafted furniture and bespoke kitchens

Above image: Neptune - exquisitely crafted furniture and bespoke kitchens

Above image: Neptune - exquisitely crafted furniture and bespoke kitchens

Above image: Neptune - exquisitely crafted furniture and bespoke kitchens

Above images: 1.Riviera Maison beautiful cupboard of weathered oak and white maple 2.& 4.Riviera Maison lovely crockery collection 3.The White Company gorgeous porcelain carafe 5.Summerill & Bishop chalky pestle and mortar

Above image: Slettvoll - divine white contemporary living

Above image: Slettvoll - divine white contemporary living

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings (discovered via Modern Country Style blog)

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings

Above image: Border Oak - gorgeous new oak framed homes and buildings

Above images: 1, 2 & 3 Slettvoll - divine contemporary living

Above image: Light Locations - photographic location agency

One of my all time favourite 'white' paints is a shade called 'Chalk' by Zoffany, not too cold, not too yellow, filled with light, it is pretty perfect in any setting! 

For more information on anything shown in the above images please click on the names under each photograph to go through to their web sites. The colour swatches featured are my suggestions for accent shades and do not relate to specific paints unless otherwise stated, but I'm sure your favourite paint companies would be happy to suggest matches!

With warmest wishes