Beyond the sea, the literal meaning of Ultramarine, refers to the ancient trade in Lapis Lazuli from quarries in north eastern Afghanistan. Classed as a semi precious stone, this clear blue mineral has been prized by artists for millennia. Its rarity and therefore, cost, gave rise to a government competition in 1820’s France to find an equivalent for it, such was their taste for the colour. A chemist named Jean Baptiste Guimet officially claimed the prize in 1828 for his kaolin, sodium and sulphur based formula, variants of which are the pigment we use today and is known as French Ultramarine. Hall in Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Garter Blue It imparts a slightly purplish tone and is useful to impart the ‘true blue’ cast to our Garter Blue, in this beautiful hallway below left. It also elevates Fine Grey to a shade that preserves its cool presence even when metamerism turns other greys a little green in hue. Some more of our colours this deep jewel like pigment creates; ‘Duck egg’ one of the softest creamiest shades in a beautiful drawing room and ‘French Blue’ styled here by Oka in a cosy coastal retreat. We do now offer ‘Shades’ of a selection of our beautiful colours, marked on our colour card with an *. Giving you more flexibility and allowing you to choose a colour that best suits the room aspect. If you would like to try one of these in a 60%, 40% or 20% lighter versions please do call us for more details and advice. For more colour inspiration please follow us on Instagram @edwardbulmerpaint and @edward_bulmer and if you love pinning, we are @Edwardbulmerpaint on Pinterest, we also have an extensive gallery of the colours in real rooms on our website. Our social network has never been more important. A safe place where we can all support and inspire one another. We will continue to share our colours in your wonderful homes. Watch this space for more design tips from Edward and brilliant creative ideas for your home. Please keep in touch and keep sharing all your paint projects and rooms #edwardbulmerpaint
Using darker colours for a South or West facing room Darker colours can work really well for eating spaces, especially for a South or West aspect like this one. They give a sense of intimacy and containment and work exceptionally well in library areas and snug rooms. Click here to read more..
The ubiquity of plastic in our houses and why we need to cut down Avoiding single use plastic is now accepted as common sense (though it is still not mandatory), but it is just the tip of the ‘plastic iceberg’ when it comes to our plastic addiction. So much of the plastic we buy now is unavoidable. Often this is because it makes up the packaging used to wrap and transport the goods we buy, and just as often it IS the goods we buy.
Step into ‘The Cutting Garden’: A floriferous collaboration with Thyme & Bertioli “To fill the house with freshly cut flowers must be one of life’s greatest joys” The inspiration behind the collection is all about bringing the outside in with a focus on the English CHouse aesthetic. A focus on nature, pairs perfectly with our plant-based paints. interior design
Discovering The Quist: A Luxury Treehouse Experience in Herefordshire This two-story treehouse, perched atop Merry Hill, has been three years in the making: one year for design, one year for planning, and one year for physical work. Accommodating up to four guests, it combines off-grid living with modern amenities, including an ethanol-fired burner, a Swedish wood-fired hot tub, a spacious reclaimed stone bath, and luxurious bedding.
