When we think back to a year ago, there was a stark uncertainty of what was to come, yet across the country and globe we united. From banging kitchen utensils on our doorsteps to cheering on our exhausted nurses and doctors or passing by our neighbours with rainbow-coloured drawings and paintings and ‘thank you messages’ to our NHS key workers. We were and still are in complete admiration of hearing the stories of our brave NHS workers who put themselves at such great risk on the front line, to care for others. Interior Designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden spared no time in trying to help, using her creative background to set up a charity initiative in April 2020 – Design Haven for Heroes. Using her interior design contacts, Francesca created a collective formed from a broad community of interior designers, interior stylists, high profile product suppliers, interiors and homeware brands, as well as skilled makers and tradespeople such as curtain makers and decorators. All happy to donate their time, skills, experience or products to the cause and create teams to work together to deliver ‘Havens’ for the frontline NHS heroes. The concept was simple and so very heartening, NHS frontworkers workers were nominated and once chosen they were matched with an interior designer who would completely redesign a room of their choosing and create a ‘dream team’ to undertake the work. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint are proud to be a supplier of Design Havens for Heroes and in fabulous company with Colefax & Fowler, Tom Dixon, Sofa.com to name a few, all volunteering their products and/or services for the initiative. Every brand and individual involved is giving their time and products free of charge, to say a huge thank you to NHS staff and create a ‘haven’ where workers can rest and recharge after a long, tiring shift. We were truly honoured to be involved with creating one of the first havens for midwife Vanessa and her daughter Ariella @a_joyful_soul. A living room transformation using our ‘Welmish Blew’, transformed by talented designers @fionadukeinteriors and @juliaalexanderinteriors. We are so delighted to be in company with the following brands to create the living room of dreams for all the incredible work Vanessa does for the NHS, especially during this time – Flooring: @carpetright_uk Blinds: @blinds2go Sofa: @sofadotcom Table, chairs, lighting and storage: @wayfairuk Accessories: @madedotcom and @neptuneofficial Flowers: @freddiesflowers Gifts: @skimonobeauty @londonbathers Electrical servicing: @thunderelectrical_ Photography @annastathakiphoto Our hats are tilted to @francescarowanplowden for creating this brilliant movement. There has also been superb support from patron @twiggylawson and ambassadors, to name a few @ninacampbellltd, @edward_bulmer, @matthewwilliamson, @michelleogundehin, @mad_about_the_house , @glamzin and @dominiccoop A true triumph, certainly one of our favourite before and after transformations with @a_joyful_soul! A pleasure to be part of this small but ever so mighty initiative Francesca and the team have created! Discover more about Design Havens for Heroes and their incredible work here and donate towards their fantastic work here. You can also purchase their very own rainbow t-shirts, exclusively designed by Carly Lawson, the daughter of Design Haven for Heroes patron Dame Twiggy Lawson.
A Greener Christmas with Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Make it a Chic Christmas with timeless colours that last beyond the festivities. Check out some of our favourite rooms decorated for the season.
Our new conscious colours: ‘Palette Blenders’ It is not often Edward Bulmer creates new colours, these seven smart and sophisticated ‘Palette Blenders’ transcend style and architecture and are made with absolute resonance and relevance.. Read more about our new colours and which other colours in our natural collection to pair with.
Christmas pop-up with Louise Roe & Sharland England at our London Showroom This festive season we are delighted to welcome Sharland England to our showroom on the Pimlico Road. Do pop in to browse Sharland England’s gorgeous rattan furniture and tabletop collection; from best-selling vases and trays to exquisite and unique ceramics and linens, whether you are gifting or creating your own beautiful Christmas table there is something for everyone.
How to Decorate with Pinks Pinks have of course been ‘en vogue’ for some years now and these timeless new neutrals are staying at the top of the paint charts for a reason; they work with so many other colours and patterns from flooring to soft furnishings and hardware in a room and look as chic in a bedroom as they do in a lofty hallway. What is not to love?!
Our Guide to ‘Eco-Friendly’ Paint With a multitude of sins being hidden behind that ‘eco-friendly’ label we have done our own guide to ‘eco-friendly’ paint, which will hopefully help you navigate the greenwashing and know what to look out for, how to decide if something is really as ec0-conscious as it says and unpacking some commonly used ‘eco’ credentials.
Colour Inspiration from Nature As we move into one of our favourite seasons, it seemed timely to share some wise words from editor extraordinaire, Kerryn Harper-Cuss. Kerryn loves to use our natural plant based paints in her own home and like us when she is choosing colours for s scheme she turns unequivocally to nature.