Walls, Ceiling and Woodwork: Dibber No. 312 in Dead Flat
In Glasgow’s Finnieston, a three-storey Georgian townhouse has been thoughtfully restored and richly reimagined. Once stripped back by years of commercial use, the property has been carefully returned to its former glory by owner, interior designer Hugh Berry.
Hugh is known for his ‘more-is-more’ approach: his previous home won Scottish Home of the Year in 2020. He layers colourful furnishings and mementoes with finds from salvage yards, auctions and online, creating a home that is warm, eclectic and truly personalised. With a mission to revive the heart and soul of this period property, he turned to Joa Studholme, Colour Curator at Farrow & Ball, for some bespoke advice.
The result is a palette that supports Hugh’s mix of styles, for a home where atmosphere always comes first. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourite rooms.
Exterior
Exterior Walls: Tallow No.203 in Exterior Masonry | Front Door: Sap Green No.199 in Exterior Eggshell
Front Door: Sap Green No.199 in Exterior Eggshell
First impressions matter. The property’s exterior was freshened up with Tallow , a warm but light-reflecting neutral, while the historic front door was painted in Sap Green . This grounded, earthy shade complements the listed stained-glass peacock while adding a touch of personality to the Georgian facade.
The mix of pale stonework and muted green feels both timeless and quietly confident — setting the tone for the richly layered interiors beyond.
Drawing Room
Walls: Shaded White No.201 | Ceiling: Shadow White No. 282 , Shaded White No. 201 and Hardwick White No.5 | Woodwork: Drop Cloth No.283
In the ground floor drawing room, Hugh opened up the original shutters, restored the Georgian-style windows and added a huge mirror to bounce light around the room. Joa recommended four complementary neutral shades: Shadow White , Shaded White , Hardwick White and Drop Cloth to enhance the airy feeling.
The subtle colours respond softly to changing light, showing how shifts in tone can create depth without overpowering a space. Working together, they form a nuanced backdrop that allows the colourful furnishings, frames and furniture to shine.
Guest Bedroom
Walls, Ceiling and Woodwork: Dibber No. 312 in Dead Flat
In the guest bedroom, Hugh chose Dibber – a bold, ochre-toned green that instantly adds richness and intimacy. The earthy depth of the shade enhances the ornate fireplace, gilded mirror and dark wood furniture, giving the room a sense of quiet grandeur.
Under changing light, Dibber shifts beautifully. It feels cocooning by evening and softly luminous by day, and is a confident choice that’s ideal for heritage architecture.
Walls, Ceiling and Woodwork: Dibber No. 312 in Dead Flat
Sitting Room
Walls: Shaded White No.201
Think of a basement room and you might picture a cold, dark space, but this light and cosy room is just the opposite. Rich velvet upholstery and patterned rugs provide the foundations for Hugh’s maximalist style, while walls in Shaded White add balance to the scheme.
Shaded White is also used in the kitchen, leading off from this room. This creates a gentle visual thread throughout the home, ensuring cohesion even as textures and furnishings change.
Kitchen
Cabinets: Railings No.31
Cabinets: Railings No.31
The kitchen was a lucky find on Facebook, which Hugh fitted to the space with the help of his builder. As the final touch, they transformed it with Railings , one of our darkest and most dramatic shades.
The depth of the colour allows marble worktops, brass hardware and Hugh’s collection of playful pieces – such as the giant cigarette packet – to stand out. The darker cabinetry also cleverly conceals modern appliances. It’s a reminder that bold colour isn’t just decorative, but can shape how a room functions and feels.
Guest Bedroom
Walls and Woodwork: Print Room Yellow No.69
Walls and Woodwork: Print Room Yellow No.69
Also on the basement level sits a comfortable guest room. Walls painted in Print Room Yellow echo the more lavish colour traditions of the Georgian era and envelop the space in a deep, golden warmth.
The rich tone plays beautifully against patterned textiles, while light through patio doors enhances the confident colour. This is a welcoming space that feels sunny and joyful, even on the rainiest day.
Creating a Colourful Cocoon
Throughout Hugh’s home, colour does more than decorate. It restores character, enhances Hugh’s personal style, and creates a sense of belonging. It’s proof that transformation isn’t always about stripping back. Sometimes, it’s about turning up the warmth and filling a home with colour, personality and treasured memories.
