“The Dulux Connect palette is filled with beautiful earth-based neutrals that are so easy to live in and decorate within our homes,” says Davina Harper, Dulux Colour and Design Specialist. “They speak to our growing passion for craftsmanship, sustainability and living more simply, and create the relaxed and cocooning feeling we crave from our homes in the autumn months. They are also extremely versatile and work with a variety of architectural styles, adding warmth and colour to contemporary interiors or enhancing the character of period homes.”

“We wanted to make this a space perfect for gathering with the fireplace at its heart; So, we painted the main walls and ceiling in Dulux Pataua Beach, a lovely creamy honey hue, to tie in with the timber beams and offset the stone look floor tiles. We then used a slightly richer colour on the fireplace wall (Dulux St Bathans) to make the fireplace the clear focal point.”

“Using two warm earthy colours and running them from floor to ceiling, like we’ve done here, wraps the room in warmth. We carried these colours through to the adjoining dining room, where you can also see Dulux Gentle Annie through the opening that leads to the home’s main entrance and featured behind the shelves in the study nook.”

“When it came to the furniture and accessories, we mixed different styles and eras to make the lounge feel relaxed and characterful. Beautifully worn vintage pieces, such as a ‘70s leather sofa and slate coffee table, sit comfortably alongside newer future family heirlooms, such as classic Camaleonda upholstered ottomans and a deep-seated, contemporary sofa in a tobacco linen (Jardan Sunny sofa),” says Leech.

“Texture is key to making any space feel inviting,” says Leech. “Here, we layered tactile, natural materials, including raw timber, rattan, worn leather, heavy linen fabric, shearling and stone – all drawn from the same curated colour palette to create a cohesive look. Handmade ceramics displayed on the fireplace ledge and a mix of botanicals and dried flowers emphasise the earth-drawn theme, whilst an abstract artwork reflects the dynamic colours in the landscape,” she says.

“From there, we swapped out the smaller rug for one in a bigger size in tones that harmonise with the walls and furnishings. A generous sized rug like this will help zone your living area within an open-plan room – as a guide, look for one that fits under the front legs of all the main furniture in the room, such as your sofas and armchairs.”

“We’ve included a variety of different seating options – sofas, ottomans, armchairs – to emphasise the casual ‘relax anywhere’ vibe. We were careful to position lower-profile pieces, such as the ottoman and coffee table, in front of the fire and picture windows so they don’t obstruct your view as you enter the room,” says Leech.

“This is the time of year when we want our homes to feel intimate, familiar and inviting, so pull out the paint brush and have fun experimenting with some cosier colours. While saying goodbye to your white walls might feel a little scary at first, remember that paint is the easiest low-commitment update you can make for your home,” says Harper “Once you get started with colour and paint, the connection and emotive qualities gained means you’ll never look back.”

See this related article for more on the 2023 Dulux Colour Forecast.

ArchitectureNow works with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to source appropriate content for the site. This article has been supported by Dulux.