Portrait of Emma Diaz, photography by Alexander J Collins Edward Bulmer Natural Paint welcomes Emma, read on to find out more on her collection, the inspiration she gathers and why she only chooses Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. The nights are drawing in and the leaves are falling. Edward’s natural palette sits so comfortably and uniquely with every season, but there is something special about the Autumn. The cosy corners, the roaring fires, the want to be warm and comforted by your surroundings, and what better way to do so then conjuring up the ideal tonal scheme for your home. Emma Diaz speaks to us exclusively on her new range of beautifully designed, hand crafted furniture. All materials are sourced and gathered from near her Cotswold cottage and we can’t wait to find out more about the collection, where her creativity comes from and all about her colour consultancy service for Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. So make yourself a warm drink and read on to our Q&A with colour connoisseur and advocate for responsible and utterly gorgeous interiors. “Wood is a living material. Our pieces continue to breathe and move long after we have finished crafting them, and we respect that. So when looking at how to add colour to this collection, it was clear that we needed to coat our beautiful British timber in the best natural paint around that will continue to offer this breathability, whilst showing off the grain. Not only do Edward Bulmer Natural Paints enable our timber to breathe, but the tones created by Edward’s plant and mineral base pigments are the perfect partners to the natural tones found in our British pippy oak tops.”- Emma Diaz What is it about the Westridge woodland in the Cotswolds that inspires you most when designing? The colours! I have always felt inspired by the ever-changing colours of our seasons, and since moving to the Cotswolds this has become even more apparent. Nature’s colours throughout the seasons and how they work with the textures of natural wood in our forests and woodlands have been a great source of inspiration. Bookcase by Emma Diaz, painted in 'Olympian Green' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, photography by Alexander J Collins The Dining Table by Emma Diaz, painted in 'Red Ochre' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, photography by Alexander J Collins Olympian Green Order a Sample Red Ochre Order a Sample What is it about Edward Bulmer’s colours that make you choose them again and again? I don’t think there is just one reason, there are many! Initially, before I knew anything about Edward it was the palette I was drawn to. I found that it was the perfect curation of colour, the tones packed full of pigment. There were no what I’d call ‘garish’ colours… each colour seemed to be created with historic homes in mind – which is what I was looking for! After a little research I then found that Edward’s paints are also planet friendly, and one of the most eco conscious (if not the most eco conscious and natural) paint on the market. Made from plant and mineral based pigments and containing no harsh chemicals they are safe for us and safe for our planet which is why I love them so! Emma designing 'The Westridge Collection' using sample pots by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, photography by Alexander J Collins Jonquil Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Drab Green Order a Sample Your creativity and perspective are hugely based on the natural world, what would you advise people who care about the environment and their impact to look out for when decorating or deigning a space? I just think it’s important not to rush into things, and to do our research. There are so many more sustainable ways of decorating and furnishing now, with new brands popping up to try and help where they can. I would say to take your time, consider the space but also the impact of what we are purchasing, and how those products are being produced. Source locally if possible, and look out for new local makers or brands who are trying their best to provide sustainable alternatives. Favourite Edward Bulmer colour combination? Gosh! There are so many to choose from and so many possibilities! I’m not sure I can choose… Something warm and most probably would include Red Ochre! What are you most looking forward to whilst popping up on Ebury Street? Definitely the chance to show off the textures of the collection. The initial shapes and colours can be shown well through photography, but seeing the grain show through the paintwork is really quite special, and there’s nothing like being able to feel a physical piece of furniture in real life! Having young children, do you find yourself imparting your pearls of wisdom to do with sustainability and creativity onto them and how? My little boy loves nature. He loves being outside and immersing himself in it. So I guess I unconsciously teach him the importance of nature and how we need to look after it, for all the different plant and animal species that we find on our walks or read about in books. He very much loves colour and paint (that may have come from me!) So we just try to really nurture everything he does with colour and creativity – there really are no rules and we just want him to do what feels right for him! He has actually created a series of paintings with Edward’s Paints recently that we have up above our fireplace – colours and combinations all chosen by him! Bookcase by Emma Diaz painted in 'Olympian Green' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, photography by Alexander J Collins As one of our cherished and talented colour consultants, what are the three main problems clients come to you with? Many clients come to me with homes that have been painted white and don’t know where to start! Another problem people find is how to introduce colour into rooms that have features such as exposed stones or beams… this can feel quite overwhelming. Finding a ‘flow’ through a property is also a common concern. Read more about Edward Bulmer Natural Paint and their colour consultancy HERE. How do you educate your clients about the environmental and health benefits of sustainable colour choices in their projects? Your lifting the lid campaign is a great one for this which I always revert back to when clients ask about the sustainability and environmental impact of paint. Read ‘Lifting the Lid’ HERE. What are your autumnal recommendations, designers, recipes, places to visit...? Seeing the colours change at Westonbirt arboretum has to be a highlight of the year. We frequent there regularly but this time of the year is the best and we try to go weekly to spot what has changed each week! I recommend booking if you’re not a member though as it does get rather busy at this time of year. Describe what Edward Bulmer Natural paint means to you in one sentence? Planet friendly paints derived from nature, inspiring the future of our homes. A vista into the home of Emma Diaz, Mini Table by Emma Diaz painted in 'Jonquil' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, woodwork painted in 'Red Ochre' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, wallpaper by designer Tess Newell and photography by Alexander J Collins Emma's serene living room, painted in 'Jonquil' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, Mini table by Emma Diaz painted in 'Duck Egg' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint A huge thank you to Emma for taking the time to answer our burning questions, do visit us in the showroom until Saturday 28th October where we will be showcasing our new colours, the ‘Palette Blenders’ and Emma will be offering first come served colour consultancies in our Ebury Street showroom next week, keep a look out over on Instagram to be in with a chance to chat all things colour and design with Emma. ‘The Westridge Collection’ will be available to see at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, 194 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UP Monday-Friday 9.30-6pm Saturday 10-5pm Emma’s furniture can be tailored to you in the following selection of harmonious Edward Bulmer Natural Paint colours, as well as the colours mentioned in the interview. Fine Green Order a Sample Sea Green Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Drab Green Order a Sample Azurite Order a Sample Persian Order a Sample Jonquil Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Milk White Order a Sample 100 60 40 20 Pompadour Order a Sample
How to decorate with the exceptional colour ‘Verdigris’ After headlining on the front cover of the November issue of House & Garden, we thought it about time we put ‘Verdigris’ in the spotlight. Read on to see how to use this colour in your interior design.
Under the Acanthus Leaves: A collaboration with artist, Jess Wheeler Two creative minds, united by a shared passion for the outdoors, we are so pleased to introduce you to a new collection of lighting inspired by nature and it’s colours. Read on for an exclusive Q&A with Jess.
Kitchen Colourways with Emma Diaz and Jim Lawrence Jim Lawrence has created a superior collection of hand crafted home furnishings including lighting, curtain poles and more, in the most exquisite finishes. We played a small part in their collaboration on finding the perfect finish for your Kitchen, with our colour consultant Emma Diaz.
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Why use breathable paint? Breathability is one of the words that comes up a lot when talking about paint so we are going to break down the meaning of breathability, the benefits of choosing a breathable paint and what makes our paint breathable.