Berdoulat x Edward Bulmer: a colourful collaboration

What happens when two designers with a shared appreciation for historic interiors, craftsmanship and colour come together? At Court of Noke, Edward Bulmer’s Queen Anne home in Herefordshire, the result was a wonderfully imaginative reworking of the dining room by Patrick Williams, founder of Berdoulat.

Both Edward and Patrick believe in the value of traditional craftsmanship, natural materials and thoughtful design. Yet neither is afraid to experiment, and this collaboration offered an opportunity to bring their distinctive approaches together in a room filled with colour, collected objects and beautifully made furniture.

Photographed by Paul Whitbread, the project is as much a celebration of composition and decorative detail as it is of the finished interior.

A shared appreciation for craftsmanship and colour

Patrick Williams is known for his richly layered interiors, which draw on architectural history, traditional techniques and the character of individual objects.

Invited by Edward to reimagine the dining room at Court of Noke, Patrick set out to create something that would celebrate the colours of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint while reflecting the values shared by both designers.

As Patrick explains:

“Edward and I share a great number of values: a love of the hand crafted, natural, locally made, sustainable products, inspired by deep-rooted English design tradition.”

The intention was to create an interior rooted in decorative tradition but with an unexpected, contemporary sensibility.

Indigo and London Brown: a richly coloured dining room

Colour plays a central role in the scheme. The walls were painted in Indigo, a deep, inky blue, while London Brown was chosen for the skirting boards and woodwork.

Rather than introducing a conventional pale trim, the combination of two substantial colours creates a striking contrast, allowing the room’s furniture and decorative objects to stand out against the darker background.

Milk White was also used on woodwork in the dining area, providing a lighter element within the overall scheme.

It’s an excellent example of how dark paint colours can be used together without making a room feel overly formal or traditional.

Furniture, objects and decorative details

The room was furnished with a selection of pieces from Berdoulat, including a crescent refectory table, silhouette dining chairs and decorative side plates.

Patrick also introduced Berdoulat’s Tuscan candlesticks, painted in an assortment of pastel colours. Arranged across the dining table, they provide a playful contrast to the deep blue walls and brown woodwork.

Tall arrangements of willow added another sculptural element, while the careful placement of furniture and objects created a series of compositions throughout the room.

As Patrick recalls, designing with the photographs in mind allowed him to experiment more freely with scale and arrangement, treating the interior almost as a series of still-life paintings.

An interior captured by Paul Whitbread

Photographer Paul Whitbread captured the collaboration, working closely with Patrick and Edward to explore the relationship between light, colour and composition.

For Edward, watching Patrick arrange the room was rather like observing a conductor at work, bringing together different elements to create a coherent whole.

The photographs celebrate not only the finished dining room but also the individual objects, materials and decorative decisions that give it its character.

The result is an interior that feels both carefully composed and full of personality, with the richness of Indigo and London Brown providing the setting for Patrick’s distinctive approach to decoration.

Berdoulat and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint in Bath

The relationship between Berdoulat and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint has also extended beyond Court of Noke.

At Berdoulat’s shop in Bath, Patrick and his wife Neri have created a distinctive destination for furniture, decorative objects and traditionally crafted homewares.

Patrick has also used Edward Bulmer Natural Paint throughout his own home, combining shades including London Brown, Indigo and Tingry with contrasting colours such as Red Ochre.

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that colour, craftsmanship and historic design can be brought together in ways that feel entirely relevant to contemporary interiors.

Discover more about Berdoulat or explore the Edward Bulmer Natural Paint palette to find inspiration for your own home.