For Natalie Glaze, redecorating required careful, long-term thought in more ways than one. Firstly, after months of restoring the original features, she wanted colours and finishes to complement the beauty they’d uncovered. Secondly, as a sustainable business owner, she wanted to decorate once and decorate well to reduce the impact of her choices on the environment. So, it was essential she used colours she’d love for years and a durable finish that would last.
Natalie explains: “For my decorating journey, I want to make sure that not only am I taking my time with it and being really conscious of the choices I make, but also that the choices I make will last, like the test of time, and that includes the paint. I don't want to be topping up the paint constantly, in terms of sustainability and waste. I want to make sure that when you paint, it will last.”
Finding the right finish was simple; Dead Flat® is impressively durable and scuff-resistant, while the ultra-matt look is inspired by the traditional ‘flatted lead’ effect so popular in the 18th century. However, finding the right colours proved a little more challenging. We knew the perfect person for the job. With her extraordinary paint prowess, Colour Curator Joa Studholme visited Natalie for a colour consultancy, guiding her towards a home she adores.
Natalie explains: “I had a colour consultancy when I was thinking about paint colours because there was just this overwhelming choice. Joa came round to the house and we talked through how I wanted the house to feel, the colour scheme, and how each room complemented one other. It was such an incredible experience because I had a vision in my head, but the colour consultancy helped bring that to life and put me in the right direction.”
Living Room and Office
Most of us have rooms that serve more than one purpose. In Natalie’s case, she has a living room/ office and, unsurprisingly, she spends a fair amount of time there. It was important this space was inviting, fresh but also incredibly versatile — somewhere to relax in the evening and focus in the day. “I wanted to make sure that the room itself had a serene, calm feel,” says Natalie, “which is why we went for Shaded White in here.”
As always, the finish was just as important as the colour to create the feel Natalie wanted, especially given the colour and decorating technique she wanted to use in this high-traffic area:
“We chose Dead Flat® because, as soon as I'd seen all the original features, I knew I wanted to colour drench this space. We've done the same colours on the walls, the ceiling, all the woodwork, the bookcase — all of it using Dead Flat®.
“I think Dead Flat® is so great because if there are any marks, you can just wipe it down. It's really durable. A lot of our rooms are quite high traffic with lots of use, like the living room, which I also use as an office. So for me, that was a big part of the decision-making of using Dead Flat®.”
Guest Bedroom
When Natalie and Joa talked about Natalie’s guest bedroom, it was clear Natalie had a specific mood in mind: “I wanted to make sure that anyone coming to stay felt instantly calm and relaxed. I think with the feel of this space, as soon as you walk in, it’s like you can take a deep breath. If you're staying over at my house, I want it to be a relaxing, wonderful experience.”
To create the sanctuary Natalie had in mind, Joa recommended Treron in Dead Flat® so they could take this grounded green across the wardrobe and woodwork too, reducing harsh contrasts. Given Natalie’s love for natural tones, it was always going to be a success: “I love greens and this colour is so lovely because it's a rich, deep green but feels calming and earthy at the same time.”
Dressing Room
In the dressing room, Natalie and Joa continued the same earthy, grounded palette with Dimity and Dead Salmon both in Dead Flat® again, naturally. These warm hues create a relaxed, sophisticated backdrop for trying on clothes and putting together outfits.
“Being able to use the same paint on the walls and the wardrobes and the wood,” explains Natalie, “is really useful.”
Ask Joa
Would you like Joa’s help with your project? You’re in luck. Simply book a colour consultancy with her today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert advice.