Photography: Boz Gagovski, Architect and Interior Designer: Natalie Blackshaw at Design United, Stylist: Rudy Simba, Make Up: Hila Karmand, Hair: Marcia Lee
Dina Asher-Smith, the renowned runner going for gold at this year’s Olympics, had a surprising request for decorating: no mention of running. She wanted her home to be a sanctuary, where she could forget all about the pressures of being an athlete. And she wanted our help. When one of the fastest women on the planet asks for decorating advice, you send in the crème de la crème: Joa Studholme, Colour Curator and the original Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant.
To create Dina’s surprisingly un-sporty space, Joa put together some unexpected combinations of colour and finish. For the colour scheme, Joa mainly used our Carte Blanche collection, pairing soft neutrals with pops of bolder colour. She also contrasted two finishes at completely opposite ends of the sheen spectrum: our most matt paint, and our shiniest option, Full Gloss. The result is calm, inviting and impeccably interesting.
Hallway
Roasted Macadamia from our Carte Blanche collection makes this hallway wonderfully warm and welcoming. For added interest, Joa used one of her favourite techniques: pairing high-shine Full Gloss on the lower half of the wall with ultra-matt Dead Flat® on the top. The sheen of Full Gloss makes Roasted Macadamia seem slightly darker, creating a subtle contrast in colour as well as finish. A seemingly lighter shade on the top half of the wall also makes the space feel more open.
Bedroom
The bedroom is one of the few spaces without a Carte Blanche colour. Instead, Joa opted for the ever-so-sophisticated Peignoir. This soft pink hue in our Dead Flat® finish creates a soothing feel, inviting you to lie back and relax. Again, Joa has combined sheens with Skylight in Full Gloss on the ceiling, bouncing light around the room for a brighter feel.
Although Carte Blanche doesn’t feature in the bedroom, it’s loud and proud in the wardrobe. Vibrant Blue Maize is an unexpected but thoroughly welcome addition to the inside of Dina’s cupboards.
Living Room
Dina’s freshly painted living room is light, bright and superbly soothing. The gentle Au Lait walls allow the wooden fireplace, marble accents and coloured furniture to draw the eye, without overwhelming. The thought of racing to a finish line certainly feels a million miles away from lounging in this space.
Kitchen
Au Lait makes another appearance in the kitchen, adding a sense of flow between rooms that adds to the overall soothing feel of the home. Again, it sits beside wooden accents and colourful tones for a perfect balance of simplicity and personality.
It’s a much bolder story in the pantry. Here deep Cardamom in Full Gloss adorns the walls and shelving for a brilliant flood of colour. Small spaces like these are often overlooked but with a little love and attention, they can make a real statement.
Study
Last but not least, is the study. This is the one room in the house where Dina’s illustrious career does make an appearance. The rich Brinjal walls create the perfect atmosphere for focusing and make a wonderful backdrop for the few trophies Dina does have on display — and her very own Barbie too.
Browse Carte Blanche
Explore every shade (and pattern) in our Carte Blanche collection and create the look you love. Whether you prefer a calm feel like Dina or you’re looking to make more of a statement, this capsule collection has something to suit your style.