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.
Behind The Chatsworth Collection: 24 Exquisite New Paint Colours Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.
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.
Nature and storytelling: a pop up with Forivor A pop up championing the whimsical and wonderful. Forivor believe that we need as many creative minds as possible to solve the many problems facing the future of our planet. We chat with Alice and Rebecca on their collections and their belief that children who develop a love for nature and expand their creative minds when they are young will be best placed to be part of a responsible generation, who prioritise the protection and regeneration of our planet.
Garden rooms and indoor-outdoor living: using natural paint to connect your home to nature Garden rooms and indoor–outdoor spaces are transforming how we connect our homes with nature. Read on to discover how to use our natural paints to create a seamless flow between inside and out.
How to choose the best white paint for ceilings and woodwork Choosing the right white for your ceiling and woodwork can transform a room. Discover why brilliant white isn’t always the best choice and explore Edward Bulmer’s expert recommendations for beautifully balanced interiors.
‘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.
