From historic interiors and treasured artefacts to the stone quarried on the estate, Chatsworth House has provided a remarkable source of colour inspiration. Created in collaboration with Chatsworth, our collection of 24 natural paint colours celebrates the house’s rich history through shades inspired by its architecture, decorative schemes and collections. Here, we explore six colours from the Chatsworth Collection, the stories behind them and how they can be used in your own home. Order the Chatsworth Collection colour chart Queen of Scots: a beautiful steely blue Queen of Scots takes its inspiration from the Queen of Scots bedroom, where elaborate floral chintz and handmade passementerie adorn the historic draperies. Behind the patterned fabric lies a plain silk in a beautiful steely blue, which inspired this distinctive paint colour. Delicate without feeling cold, Queen of Scots is a lovely choice for sitting rooms and bedrooms, particularly when paired with traditional furnishings and natural fabrics. The inspiration behind the Queen of Scots Queen of Scots in the Stag Parlour at Chatsworth Queen of Scots in our London Townhouse Cyanotype: a striking historic blue Cyanotype is inspired by the photographic printing process discovered by John Herschel in 1842. Early examples of cyanotypes can still be found in the Library at Chatsworth. The process produces a distinctive, intense blue, which Edward has translated into a vibrant paint colour. Cyanotype creates a striking backdrop for artwork and photography and can be particularly effective in smaller rooms, where a stronger colour brings a more enveloping feel. The inspiration behind Cyanotype Cyanotype in the Grotto at Chatsworth Sekhmet: a rich ochre-black Sekhmet is named after the Egyptian goddess whose statues were brought to Chatsworth from the Karnak Temple Complex by William John Bankes for the 6th Duke of Devonshire. The black granite statues, subtly flecked with ochre, inspired this deep, earthy shade. Sekhmet is a sophisticated alternative to conventional black, particularly beautiful on woodwork or as a dramatic backdrop for artwork and antique furniture. The inspiration behind Sekhmet SekhmetSekhmet in the Paxton Hallway at the Pilsley Inn, near Chatsworth “I have evolved a palette of twenty four colours that can be seen as Chatsworth in the blink of an eye.” – Edward Bulmer Old Kitchen: a practical historic green Old Kitchen draws inspiration from Chatsworth’s original kitchen, a space once used to prepare elaborate dinners for up to forty guests and now home to the estate’s joiners’ shop. A painting by William Henry Hunt captures the kitchen’s simple joinery and masonry, including a practical green traditionally created using economical earth pigments. The resulting colour is an understated green that works beautifully with stone, timber and traditional cabinetry. Old Kitchen painted at Chatsworth Bedroom painted in Old Kitchen Flock: a deep decorative green Flock is inspired by the floral striped flock wallpaper found in a corridor beyond Chatsworth’s Great Staircase. Introduced in the 1830s, the wallpaper combines a pale ground with a rich green wool flock that gives the pattern its distinctive character. This deep green makes a beautiful choice for kitchen cabinetry, doors and woodwork, or for creating an intimate sitting room. It pairs particularly well with earthy reds and natural timber. The inspiration behind Flock Flock kitchen at Chatsworth Living room painted in Flock Chatsworth Stone: a versatile stone neutral Chatsworth Stone celebrates the stone that gives Chatsworth much of its architectural character, including masonry quarried on the estate itself. Inspired by its subtle variations in colour, Chatsworth Stone is a warm, brown-toned neutral that works beautifully alongside natural materials. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for walls and woodwork, particularly in period properties where stone, timber and historic architectural details form an important part of the interior. The inspiration behind Chatsworth Stone Cabinet painted in Chatsworth Stone Pillar painted in Chatsworth Stone Discover the Chatsworth Collection These six colours offer just a glimpse of the stories behind the Chatsworth Collection. All 24 shades have been designed to complement our existing natural paint palette, offering endless possibilities for combining historic inspiration with contemporary interiors. To discover more about the collaboration, read Behind the Chatsworth Collection: 24 exquisite new paint colours. If you’d like advice on choosing or combining colours for your own home, our Colour Consultants are available for appointments online or in person.
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