Olympian Green in the cottage, photography by Sarah France Kelley Slow down and step inside Strawtop Cottages Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, a cluster of storybook cottages stands quietly, their walls softened with a palette of our natural, plant-based paints. Each hue has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the timeless beauty of the countryside: soft milky whites, vibrant greens, and the muted hues of the local hedgerows and meadows. The cottage aren’t only well decorated, they are cocooned in comfort, blending effortlessly into the surrounding landscape. With every brushstroke, Charlie and Josie Irons have enhanced what’s already there: the sense of peace, warmth, and slow, rural charm that defines life in the English countryside. Book a stay in these beautiful cottages HERE Josie and Charlie Irons, founders of Strawtop cottages Olympian Green in the cottage, photography by Sarah France Kelley Olympian Green in the cottage, photography by Sarah France Kelely Cottage-style interiors have captured so many hearts because they offer something increasingly rare: a sense of calm, comfort, and connection. Rooted in simplicity and natural beauty, this style invites you to slow down and surround yourself with things that feel lived-in, loved, and grounded. It’s more than just an aesthetic, t’s well being and connecting with the past With its soft colour palettes, intricate details, and use of natural materials like wood, linens, and stone flooring, cottage style creates an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia. It can transform even the most modern space into a sanctuary that feels timeless and personal. But perhaps most importantly, cottage interiors gently draw you back to nature. Whether it’s through wildflower prints, hand-thrown pottery, or paint colours inspired by misty mornings, the style encourages a deeper awareness of the seasons, the land, and the simple joys of rural life. In a fast-paced world, cottage interiors remind us to pause, to find beauty in imperfection and to appreciate life! Bedroom painted in 'Pea Green, photography by Sarah Frances Kelley Olympian Green Order a Sample Drab Green Order a Sample Bedroom painted in 'Pea Green, photography by Sarah Frances Kelley Bedroom painted in 'Pea Green, photography by Sarah Frances Kelley One of the most charming aspects of cottage style interiors is how effortlessly they tell a story, layering colour, antiques and artwork is key to that story. Scouring local car boot fairs, vintage shops, or village markets for treasures allows you to build a space that feels collected over time, not curated overnight. An old wooden stool, a faded painting, or a ceramic jug with chips in all the right places, these pieces bring character, anchoring the softness of the ‘cottagecore’ palette with texture and history. Colour consultancy could also be a helpful tool. Whether you’re working with a blank canvas or refreshing an existing space, professional guidance helps you harmonise tones, maximise natural light, and choose shades that elevate your finds. Our experts are here to help with a suite of options to make decorating enjoyable and effortless. Choose from in-home, in-store or virtual sessions, click here to book and for more information. The result? A home that feels deeply personal, perfectly imperfect, and effortlessly connected to nature. Bedroom painted in 'Drab Green' photography by Sarah Frances Kelley Pea Green Order a Sample Granite Green Order a Sample Milk White Order a Sample Bathroom painted in 'Milk White' and 'Granite Green, photography by Sarah Frances Kelley Bathroom painted in 'Milk White' and 'Granite Green, photography by Sarah Frances Kelley These beautiful holiday cottages in the Cotswolds are available to book online HERE Charlie and Josie have really mastered the art of creating a home from home and they haven’t stopped yet, with some new cottages on the way, keep an eye on what they’re up to and follow along on Instagram. Follow along with Josie (@josieldn) and Charlie (@charlieirons) on Instagram and make sure to also follow @strawtopcottages and @oldhouseourhome a follow too, for more countryside musings, inspiration and colour stories.
In Celebration of Cuisse de Nymphe Emue Cuisse de Nymphe Emue is our bestselling dusky pink. A colour created by Edward Bulmer after visiting Petworth House and seeing a similar hue in the family rooms, he knew that it was a colour that would be popular and he was right! We believe its popularity is due to its warm tones and versatility. Explore the joy of this perfect pink.
Discover the new ‘Forever Favourites Collection’ Create a scheme from one room to your whole house with soft colours that work together effortlessly ensuring tonal flow and harmony. Our 12 best loved shades together in one pack. Discover the power of natural paint today.
A warm welcome: preparing your guest bedroom for Christmas with natural colour Redecorating your guest bedroom for Christmas? Explore our natural paint palette — free from chemicals and odours — and find timeless colour ideas to make your space inviting, comfortable and ready for the season.
Going Green: how to decorate your home with Green Paint Green paint can bring the outside in, breathing life and nature into your home at the same time as being both a positive colour at the same time as bringing a sense of calm.
‘Capturing the sitters spirit’: We speak to painter Mia Worlidge about her art, Italy and how she approaches portraiture Painter and performer, Mia Worldidge speaks to us about her new exhibition ‘On Our Way to Perform’ which will be opening at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint on August 4th.
Colours make you feel: a basic guide on the power of colour Colour psychology is the study of how colour can affect your mood, decisions and behaviour, also knows as ‘chromotherapy’. Here we delve a little deeper into the power of colour and how you can use it to its full advantage.
