Spencer Thorpe

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Dulux Colour of the Year 2018: How to Bring Heart Wood into Your Home

The interiors world was on tenterhooks awaiting the decision from the 15th year of Colour Futures, Dulux’s internal trend research that identifies the one hero paint colour to rule them all (for the next year at least!). It took 18 months of discussion by a panel of design industry aficionados that considered current affairs, global trends and insights in order to capture the mood and tone of a nation. It was no easy feat, but Heart Wood emerged as the clear winner – a mix of smoky taupe and dusky mauve to create a muted grey heather to embody a much needed calm, warmth and sanctuary in uncertain times. In the wake of 2017’s denim drift, Heart Wood flows naturally to continue the theme of tranquility, contemplation and comfort.

Now as the dust has settled, we can begin with excitement to think about how we can actually incorporate this beautiful colour into our own homes in preparation for the year ahead. With so many looks to choose from and materials to play with here’s a rundown of our top tips on how to bring Heart Wood into your home.

Material, Textures and Objects

For an instant update, try painting your front door in the shade. A subtle nod to the neighbours that your house is the most stylish on the street, the hue is welcoming and homely before you’ve even stepped through the door.

Heart Wood was chosen with comfort in mind so it seems natural to pair with luxurious velvet and leather finishes for a look that’s both pulled together as well as snug. The pallette works well with browns, so you could opt for a traditional tan leather sofa, or alternatively as the base is a warm grey try something a little different like a velvet sofa in a midnight blue. The Nottingham from Maisons du Monde is a great value option and provides the perfect colour pairing. £629.00

Heart Wood complements all sorts of materials, textures and objects due to it’s neutral undertones. It was specifically chosen to work with warm-toned timbers as well as cherry and walnut finishes over blonde woods that are favoured at the moment. This comes together to create a cosy atmosphere that’s perfect for winter months.

Accessories

As ever, I find the easiest way to bring a new trend into your home is with accessories. Opt for cushions and throws as a simple trick to bring texture and colour to your space, ultimately creating an incredibly inviting environment. £60.00

If you’ve chosen to jump in and paint the walls then there are so many beautiful pieces that you can choose to accessorise from. Again because of the warm tones that run throughout Heart Wood, it’s the perfect complement to golds and coppers. The grey foundation also means it works with silver too – the colour really is a versatile treat!

Colour Palette

Dulux created a whole colour palette range that blends seamlessly to create a calming atmosphere. Colour combinations bring vitality to an interior that a monochromatic scheme often lacks. The warm pink in harmony with the other tones in this palette were devised to create three main themes: inviting, comforting and playful.

Inviting

This sees us using graphic borders of dark colours to frame lighter pastels in the palette. An example is using a dark mauve on architectural features like skirting boards, in combination with Heart Wood on your walls to draw the viewer in, simultaneously looking bold yet inviting at the same time. Another great way of experimenting with colour like this is to paint the inside of an alcove in different tones of the shade to create warmth and depth.

Comforting

As the winter months go on, we spend far more time at home and deserve some comfort. The best way to create this within the Heart Wood palette is to stick to the earthy tones and mochas, pairing this with natural materials and a heritage look for grown-up luxury.

Playful

The playful scheme is where you can let loose – You can even experiment with bold shapes in varying colours on your walls to add a exuberant splash and visual intrigue to your room. Definitely a more modern look that will see you well into next year.

It’s also a great idea to add pops of bright colour to counterbalance the cool calm neutral shade. This could be yellows or even reds that bring life and and energy into your space.

It’s the perfect time for Heart Wood to enter into the interior landscape – finally a warming neutral that works on so many levels with ease. Hopefully you’ve got some tips on how to bring this lasting trend into your home, but if you do take one piece of advice on board, it’s to remember this is about bringing tranquil relaxation to your home for a restful retreat from the world. Always style with this in mind and you won’t fail!

How to Create a Modern Victorian Interior Scheme

Victorian homes are packed full of character with high ceilings and well proportioned rooms boasting beautiful detailing that oozes period charm. It’s important to make the most of your space, creating a period home that’s functional and practical for modern use as well as rich with personality. Take a look at our tips for creating a beautiful Victorian home.

Boost your Assets

If you can, restoring original architectural features is a must – work with what you’ve got and enhance details like elaborate plaster moulding, ceiling roses, deep skirting boards, doors and even radiators. It’s worth thinking about installing dado and picture rails if these aren’t already present too. These seemingly small individual details work together to create a look that’s fresh, authentic and refined.

Fireplace

A fabulous fireplace is a beautiful focal point in any room, so make the most of yours and create a feature of it. A mantelpiece is the perfect spot for a beautiful picture or gorgeous gilt mirror, so don’t be shy and dress to impress.

Tiles

Flooring is so important in an interior scheme and this is no different when it comes to creating the perfect Victorian home. In grander rooms and hallways, the Victorians favoured beautiful parquet and in rooms with heavy traffic like a kitchen or bathroom it’s worth investing in some tiles. The Victorians loved pattern, so go bold and try to pick ones with colours that tie in with your colour scheme for a pulled together look.

Utilise the Space

Victorian rooms have ample ceiling height. Make the most of your space and use the full height of the walls to your advantage. A floor to ceiling bookcase is a great idea for avid readers, not only enabling you to showcase your reading collection, but acting as a visible marker in your room that implies depth and creates intrigue.

Bookshelves

Here the bespoke shelves have been fitted in the high alcoves, taking account the sloping ceilings to create a rich and resplendent scene by the fireplace. Just add a roaring fire and a glass of wine for the perfect place to sink down with a book during a cold winter’s eve.

Alcoves are a great way to add in extra storage, so in a Victorian home, which doesn’t tend to be open plan, work with what you’ve got and extra shelves in those interesting nooks and crannies.

Go Deluxe

When choosing your furnishings I would always follow the advice: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” And in a dreamy Victorian home, you can afford to indulge – imagine opulent chandeliers, roll top baths and lavish drapes. For furniture, keep an eclectic mix of styles and opt for rich upholstery like velvets and linens. Again take inspiration from William Morris by choosing a floral print with large blowsy flowers, or ones with birds and animals. Button-back armchairs and ottomans are staples and rooms should be filled with furniture as well as odds and ends – think of your whole house as a cabinet of curiosities.

Remember to use quality woods and pair this with marble finishes and brass, iron or pewter light fittings for a look that’s rich and luxurious, yet still modern and contemporary.

Colours

Victorian house plans and layouts tend to involve more rooms as opposed to the more modern open-plan living that we’re used to. But more rooms, means more colour options! If you dare, be liberal with your choices and use a variety of schemes in one home. Imagine the fun of a pink rococo style bedroom next to a regal looking green bathroom complete with roll-top – simply divine! If you prefer a modest style and the open plan feel of a modern home then it’s a good idea to stick with a light and bright neutral on every wall and introduce pops of colour in furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Dark interiors are having a moment and luckily this look will go hand in hand the gothic glamour embraced in modern Victorian schemes. Think inky blues, rich burgundies and forest greens – deep colour palettes for a moody look that’s so on trend. For a more modern look try painting your walls teal, but if you’re daunted by strong themes and colours then you could try using pale pinks and lilacs for a sweet and sugary look that will complement and highlight subtle features.

One of the best things about a Victorian scheme is that you have the freedom to mix and match what you like and be bold with your choices. Our advice is to go eclectic and indulge in all the beauty and character of the period and bring some personality into your home.