THE COUNTRY DECORATOR
From rich green to Sunshine yellow, We've Selected the trending paint colours that Work best in country Schemes
Paint hues for rural schemes
1 RICH GREEN
The hue that heralds the arrival of spring, green is the pick of the paints this year. Shades from the darker end of the colour chart, such as Little Greene’s Jewel Beetle, are beautifully suited to period country properties as they are sympathetic to high walls and character features. Painting the window frames white is a clever way to draw the eye to the room’s natural source of light.
2 SOFT GREY
Off-whites and gentle greys have a timeless quality, but choosing the right tone is vital to retain a homely feel. ‘The Clocktower shade is ideal as it has a subtle undertone of yellow, exuding a natural warmth that complements traditional materials such as wood and stone,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ‘It keeps a room feeling fresh without looking cold.’
3 TRUE BLUES
Spring sky shades are everywhere this season. Painting risers in tonal shades is a clever trick for making stairwells feel light and spacious. ‘Darker colours visually bring walls inwards, so use these on the bottom steps to anchor the scheme. Build up the spectrum, extending the lightest shade from the top step on to the walls and skirting for a balanced look,’ says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant.
4 BRICK RED
For an architectural feel in a kitchen or utility room, add visual impact with a rich terracotta. ‘We developed Lady Bug in line with this season’s red revival,’ says Cathryn Helsby, marketing manager and colour expert at Earthborn. ‘It’s best paired with peachy neutrals to ground its fiery character.’ Use it on an accent wall, with pale stone worksurfaces, rustic accessories and metallic finishes.
5 HONEY HUES
dulux’s colour of the Year 2019 is spiced Honey, a cosy caramel shade that’s perfect for adding warmth to country bedrooms. ‘inspired by colours seen in nature, from seasoned woods and soft leathers to earthy baked clays, this versatile shade complements any scheme, for a welcome alternative to traditional neutrals such as grey and white,’ says Marianne shillingford, creative director at dulux.
6 SEASHORE TONES
With lifestyles becoming busier, we’ve seen a rise in popularity for uplifting paint colours. ‘this transforms interiors into fresh, vibrant spaces to revitalise the mind, body and soul,’ says Jason de Kauwe, marketing manager at Valspar. ‘By the seashore’s cooler undertones evoke nature’s sense of rejuvenation, making it perfect for kitchens, halls or any room where you start the day.’
7 ORIGINAL DENIM
combining serene grey with soothing blue, this rich hue was inspired by the most versatile of fabrics – denim. ‘Just like our favourite jeans, it’s timelessly fashionable and offers the perfect backdrop to any scheme,’ says charlotte cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘For added drama, use across large-scale wood panelling in estate eggshell – its smooth, silky finish is ideal for woodwork.’
8 SUNSHINE YELLOW
Associated with positivity and happiness, sunshine yellow is a key colour for the times, and a particularly uplifting choice for family rooms. Bold and bright by nature, it makes a strong statement, but it’s important to strike the right balance with the rest of the room to avoid it becoming overwhelming. sanderson’s Ming gold sings beautifully across panelled walls here, toned down by whitewashed floorboards, wooden furniture and crisp painted woodwork.