At home with Sarah Davenport: founder of That Rebel House

Some people just ‘get’ colour and not a truer word could be spoken about Sarah Davenport. The brand represents freedom, joy and self expression and Sarah has been a brand ambassador for us, championing natural paint in her own home for many years.

Not afraid to bend the ‘decorating rules’, Sarah’s style is maximalist whilst keeping it tonal. With sustainability also at the heart of the business, Sarah is able to help you make the most of your hard earned money on pieces you will love forever. Spending her time on the hunt for textiles that make your heart sing, it’s always colour, culture and nature that are in the forefront of her mind when sourcing. With a creative background in floristry, Sarah’s appreciation for beautiful things and her commitment to a more colourful life is so inspiring.

We sat down with a coffee and asked her some of  our burning questions followed by a tour of her very lovely home.

Describe your style in three words.

Eclectic, colourful, layered.

What do you think makes colour such an important element in your interiors, and how does it influence the mood of a space?

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.

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.

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.

Also, you’ve all heard me talk about this a lot – helping people be bolder and more authentic in their design choices. I know many fall back on white or grey because they feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of colours out there. Committing to a single brand like Edward Bulmer Natural Paint simplifies the process, there’s still plenty of choice, but without the decision fatigue.

Run us through your day-to-day as founder of That Rebel House.

Every day is different! It might involve driving around sourcing textiles, styling for a shoot, working with clients on bespoke projects, or curating our kilim collection. We also hand-make our gathered lampshades and build and paint bespoke frames for one-of-a-kind textiles, so when I’m gearing up for a stock drop or pop-up shop, it’s very hands-on!

A lot of time is spent refining details—it’s all about storytelling through interiors, creating collections that feel personal and full of life.

What advice would you give someone who’s unsure about using natural paints in their home?

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. Natural paint has a completely different quality to conventional paint – it breathes, has a softness to it, and once you try it, there’s no going back!

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.

How do natural paints complement or enhance other natural materials you might incorporate into a design, such as your beautiful textiles?

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.

Favourite Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Colour?

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.

Favourite recipe to cook at home?

Something seasonal, simple, and packed with flavour, maybe a slow-cooked tagine or a fresh, zesty Asian noodle dish. Over Christmas, I got into making that ridiculously easy yet delicious goat’s cheese log, have you seen it? You just roll a soft goat’s cheese in crushed pistachios, dried cranberries, and seeds, drizzle it with honey, and serve it with crackers for everyone to scoop up. It was a hit with guests (and me!), and honestly, it’s too good to save just for Christmas!

How do you approach selecting a colour palette for a new project or room? Are there particular factors you always consider?

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! Sorry!

What would you say to someone wanting to make the switch to natural paint?

Do it! Once you experience the depth and richness of natural paint, you won’t look back. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about air quality, sustainability, and creating a home that feels genuinely good to live in.

What is your go-to podcast?

Depends on my mood! Probably not what you’d expect – I switch between Louis Theroux, Dish, The Rest is Politics, and The Rest is History, Desert Island Discs, DOAC.

As an ambassador, what is your favourite thing about representing a brand that prioritises sustainability?

I’m so proud and honoured – lucky me! It proves you don’t have to compromise. You can have the most beautiful, sophisticated interiors without relying on toxic, synthetic products. It’s a win-win; for people, for homes, and for the planet.  Thank you for creating such a fantastic product, I absolutely love introducing to as many people as possible about it.

We know that colour is very important to you. Explain your connection to it and how it makes you feel.

Colour is instinctive, its energy, memory, storytelling, and self-expression. My connection to it runs deep, especially through my love of textiles. I have such fond memories of my A-Level Textiles course, where I probably spent far more time in the art room than in any other classroom! It’s always been my favourite way to create, experiment, and bring ideas to life.

As much as I appreciate minimal or monochrome spaces, I always wonder—how do you express your true identity in them? For me, colour is just good fun. I don’t want a home that feels too serious or straight. A colourful space immediately tells people that they can express themselves here. Actually, that thought makes me quite emotional!

The right shade can completely shift the mood of a space and influence how we feel in it. That’s what makes it so powerful.

If someone is new to using natural paints, what would be the first step you’d recommend for them to start exploring this type of product in their own home?

Get a few sample pots, paint some large pieces of paper, and live with them for a while. See how they change throughout the day. Also, don’t be afraid to go bold—natural pigments have a depth that makes even strong colours feel timeless and balanced.

Do you have any tips for making the most out of using natural paint in homes or projects?

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.

Where is your favourite place to wind down and relax?

I love getting to the end of the day and settling into our cosy ‘Pompadour’ lounge to watch a good TV drama with my husband, that signals switch-off/switch-on time for me.

But I also love to be active, yoga is a favourite, and if I can fully get into the flow, it feels amazing. And, honestly, one of my absolute favourite things is setting up an art project with my girls and indulging in an afternoon of creating – we’re really into papier-mâché and lino printing at the moment!

Most played song on your Spotify playlist right now?

As you can imagine, it’s quite eclectic! I don’t have a favourite genre, if I’m running or it’s a Friday, I love dance music, but I’m just as taken by Who by Fire by PJ Harvey. So yes, very eclectic!