If you have the luxury of traditional high ceilings I love rooms painted in two colours. A darker colour below the picture rail, and white above the rail, onto the ceiling and for skirting's and window frames. This scheme is traditional without feeling old fashioned and shows the volume and period mouldings at their best.
Recommendation for lounge area paint colours:
- below picture rail porters paints herd
- above picture rail, ceiling and trim porters paints chalk nsw
Taking the fabric as a base, white and grey seems the perfect solution, a classic combination that mixes beautifully with different accent colours and won't date like the maroon and custard combo has. The warm grey will really show off a collection of inherited bird prints, other pieces of art and furniture, and the gorgeous original fireplace complete with ornate mirror.
The kitchen is also getting an update to create more practical work areas and storage. It is separate from the lounge but linked visually and has its own challenges: yellow stained pine cabinets (to be changed) and light pink terracotta tiles throughout (to stay).
Recommendation for kitchen update:
- continue the white of the ceiling from the lounge area throughout this area
- paint base and tall pantry cabinets in a warm olive green (see inspiration board above)
- remove all above counter cabinets and replace with thick white shelves (same colour as wall paint) that return around the corners (see below)
The olive cabinets will tone in with the terracotta tiles and the grey in the living room, and set off the rustic wooden kitchen table and sideboard.
I can't wait to see the results. Simple changes that will set this lovely home up for her next 100 years.
| Ralph Lauren Home | Paint details from Ellis House | Unknown source | Detail of Josephine House | House & Home |