At home with Sarah Davenport of That Rebel House

Colour, pattern and individuality are at the heart of Sarah Davenport’s home. As the founder of That Rebel House, Sarah has built a business around her love of vintage textiles, craftsmanship and interiors that celebrate self-expression.

A long-standing ambassador for Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Sarah has used our colours throughout her Victorian home, creating richly layered spaces that bring together natural pigments, beautiful fabrics and carefully sourced pieces.

We caught up with Sarah to talk about her approach to decorating, her favourite colours and why sustainability is such an important part of her creative process.

In conversation with Sarah Davenport

How would you describe your interiors style in three words?

Eclectic, colourful, layered.

When did you move into your home, and did you have a vision as soon as you viewed it?

In 2015 – it was meant to be. We weren’t even looking to move, but then I saw this house come on the market; a gutsy renovation project where everything needed updating.

The moment we walked through the door, we knew it had potential. It had great Victorian bones, and the original hallway tiles stole our hearts. The house already had an interesting personality, and I think it has always welcomed our creative style.

What makes colour such an important element in your interiors?

Colour is everything – it’s emotion, atmosphere and personality all wrapped into one. It has the power to lift a space, create warmth or drama, and tell a story before a single piece of furniture is placed.

I’m always drawn to experiment and express myself, and I honestly wouldn’t know how to do that without colour.

How do you approach selecting a colour palette for a new room?

It starts with intuition. I think about how I want the space to feel – cosy, energising, restful? Then I look at the existing materials in the room.

Texture plays a huge role, and I always layer my colours so they feel organic rather than flat. But I’m very much an experimenter – I don’t follow hard and fast design rules!

Why have you chosen to decorate exclusively in Edward Bulmer Natural Paint?

As That Rebel House shifted focus to being as sustainable as possible, and helping others do the same, it made perfect sense that the backdrop to our home and business should be natural, sustainable and just as full of colour. That’s how my relationship with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint began.

It has since evolved organically, not just because of the exceptional quality of the paint but also because of the team behind it. I’m very fond of the brilliant and friendly team!

The depth and complexity of the pigments are unmatched and knowing that the paints are made without harmful chemicals means I can create beautiful spaces without compromising on health or sustainability.

Committing to a single brand like Edward Bulmer Natural Paint also simplifies the process. There’s still plenty of choice, but without the decision fatigue.

How do natural paints complement the textiles and other materials you use?

Natural paints and organic materials share a depth and authenticity that make a space feel lived-in.

The rich, earthy pigments complement the textures of linen, wool and aged wood, creating a sense of harmony that isn’t overly designed but naturally evolved. For me, that’s what truly makes a house a home.

I especially love how Edward Bulmer’s colours enhance the warmth and texture of our vintage wool rugs. The softness of both the paint and the textiles together creates something really special.

What are your favourite Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours?

That’s like choosing a favourite child! But if I had to pick… perhaps Clove for its spicy warmth or Hespan for its versatility.

And I love Drab Green – it appears in three rooms of the house.

Do you have any tips for making the most of colour in your home?

Layering colour is key to creating a rich and immersive space. Don’t just restrict it to the walls – can you paint the ceiling? Statement furniture? The woodwork?

Colour tells a story, and the more you layer it, the more depth your home will have.

What advice would you give someone who’s unsure about using natural paint or experimenting with stronger colours?

Start small. Pick a room, paint out the sample pots on large pieces of paper, live with them for a while and watch how the paint behaves in different lights.

And as with everything – sustainability, bolder interiors, introducing colour – it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. One step at a time makes a difference.

Explore Sarah’s colourful home

From the rich Pompadour sitting room to the many spaces featuring Drab Green, Sarah’s home is a celebration of confident colour, vintage textiles and individual style.

Her approach demonstrates how natural paint can provide a beautiful backdrop for patterned fabrics, antique furniture and collected objects, creating interiors that feel personal rather than prescribed.

Discover more about Sarah’s work at That Rebel House and explore the Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours featured throughout her home.

If you’re inspired to experiment with colour, order a selection of sample pots or A5 colour cards and discover how our natural pigments look in your own space.