Farmhouse Extension

This home is deceivingly simple in its colour choices. After all at first glance it appears to be an off white with a bit of blue. However, choosing neutrals isn’t as easy as it may appear.

The client knew she wanted to create a room that felt calm and soothing, she also knew she loved “neutrals’ and that it was important to her to keep the space looking and feeling light and bright. ( She is a Spring personality so light is an important factor). She realised though that there were so many different ‘off whites’, with different undertones and she simply didn’t know where to start.

The kitchen was already painted in a creamy colour but the underlying yellow tones was making it feel old fashioned. We decided to change it to a more sophisticated off white with a pink, grey undertone -( Skimming Stone from farrow and ball was used). This immediately made the kitchen feel more contemporary and also had the effect of enhancing the beauty of the natural stone tiles.

By changing the underlying tones of the existing neutral palette to more sophisticated neutrals it immediately changed how the space felt.

The living space was then painted in a slightly brighter white (but still retaining the soft tones) and added to this were the greys and blues of her furnishings. All the colours echoing the colours of the countryside where the house is situated. A touch of blue was included by painting the table legs and this same colour was then used in an adjoining room.

The ‘music’ room is a space that receives no direct sunlight and felt cold and unwelcoming. It had originally been painted another creamy colour, the client thinking that this would lighten the space - unfortunately this often just adds to the coldness. I suggested they painted the room in a warm blue which instantly made it feel warmer and look cosier. Now it’s a space that they love going into and use all the time. Instead of keeping the door firmly shut it is now always left open so everyone can enjoy the colour.

The result was a natural colour scheme that feels soothing and calm enhanced by textures, embroidered fabrics and natural wood.