Decorating a room with limited natural light can present a challenge, particularly when cooler light makes colours appear more subdued. But rather than trying to compensate with pale neutrals, richer shades can offer a beautiful alternative. Created in collaboration with Edinburgh-based interior designer Jessica Buckley, The Northern Light Palette brings together twelve carefully selected colours designed to work in rooms where natural light is softer, cooler or more diffuse. Living room in Wainscoat by Jessica Buckley A palette inspired by northern light Working on historic houses in Scotland, Edward Bulmer observed how the quality of natural light could vary dramatically with the weather, giving colours a different appearance from those seen further south. Drawing on her experience designing interiors in Edinburgh and beyond, Jessica Buckley selected a palette of rich, enveloping shades that embrace these conditions rather than working against them. The result is a collection intended to bring colour and personality to north-facing rooms, basement spaces and interiors that receive little direct sunlight. Edinburgh White Light, styled by Lorford's Antiques Colour for rooms with limited natural light The Northern Light Palette challenges the idea that darker rooms must always be painted white to feel welcoming. Its twelve colours span blues, reds, greens, browns, yellows and whites, offering a range of possibilities for creating interiors that feel considered and comfortable. Deeper, pigment-rich shades can create an intimate atmosphere, particularly in sitting rooms, libraries and bedrooms. Meanwhile, warmer colours can help balance the cooler quality of northern light without relying on conventional neutrals. Rather than prescribing a single approach, the collection encourages a more confident use of colour, allowing the character of each room to inform the scheme. Gladstone bedroom by @harford_house Working with natural pigments At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, colour begins with a carefully selected palette of earth and mineral pigments. These pigments allow us to create colours with subtle variations in tone, from gentle neutrals to rich, saturated shades. Their complexity is particularly appealing in rooms where natural light changes throughout the day. The Northern Light Palette brings together twelve colours chosen to work with these changing conditions, demonstrating that even rooms with limited sunlight can accommodate expressive, colourful interiors. Persian bedroom at Court of Noke. Photography: Paul Whitbread Living room with woodwork in Pompadour, walls in Sang de Boeuf by @studioheroninteriors Azurite living room at Court of Noke. Photography: Paul Whitbread Discover The Northern Light Palette Whether you’re decorating a north-facing sitting room, a basement bedroom or a space where daylight is naturally subdued, The Northern Light Palette offers a starting point for exploring colour with confidence. Explore The Northern Light Palette and discover the twelve shades selected by Jessica Buckley and Edward Bulmer. For more advice, read our guide to the best paint colours for north-facing rooms, or speak to our Colour Consultants for help creating a scheme tailored to your home. New Edinburgh White Order a Sample New Edinburgh White Light Order a Sample Azurite Order a Sample Light Olive Green Order a Sample Drab Green Order a Sample Aquatic Order a Sample Gladstone Order a Sample Persian Order a Sample Mummy Order a Sample Wainscoat Order a Sample Pompadour Order a Sample Red Ochre Order a Sample
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