After a chance trip to Folkestone, Ida Jakobsson-Wells and her husband, Ben, fell for this rundown Victorian seaside semi. Where others saw damp walls, a leaking roof and rotten floors, Ida — an interior stylist — saw potential, embracing the challenge and the chance to give it a new lease of life.
From deep and dramatic to soft and soothing, Ida used colour to craft distinct moods throughout her home. We asked three design experts how to recreate the same layered look in your own space.
1. Sleep easy with sky blue
• Scientific research has shown that blue can help to increase feelings of comfort by calming the mind, slowing the heart rate and even reducing anxiety, making it a tranquil choice for bedrooms.
• Pale blue, with its airy, light look, can seem to ‘open up’ rooms and create the illusion of more space. Follow Ida’s lead and carry the colour onto the ceiling for a sense of extra height.
• ‘With cooler hues, it’s important to consider warmer shades as well,’ explains Caroline Woolmer, head of design at Lucie Annabel. ‘I always balance soft blue with deeper tones, earthy neutrals and the odd colourful accent.’
2. Go luxe with teal
• ‘When using darker colours, always think about the light,’ says Lust Home’s Mel Wilson. ‘In low light, teal becomes moodier and more luxurious, which is perfect for sophisticated spaces. However, in brighter rooms, the undertones shift much more, so it has an energising effect.’
• If you’re painting, go bold. Colour drench walls, woodwork and metal surfaces using a ‘works on everything’ finish (Farrow & Ball’s dead flat formula is the stylists’ go-to). Ida has used limewash paint on her walls for even more depth.
• Stick to one contrasting shade and layer in a mix of textures (rather than other colours) so the overall sense of richness doesn’t become diluted.
3. Pare back with pink
• Powdery pink is the top trending alternative to white (which can make spaces feel anonymous, even when not of the ‘pure brilliant’ variety) and grey (which often makes a room feel colder and less inviting).
• As it brings personality but doesn’t overwhelm, plaster pink is an effective backdrop for multifunctional spaces. Try it in open-plan areas or follow Ida’s example and use it in a family room that shifts use throughout the week.
• ‘Combine plaster pinks with high contrast shades, otherwise they can feel flat,’ advises Anna Hill, colour consultant for Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘I love to use it alongside blues, greens and ochres to add depth and visual interest.’
• See more from Ida on her website sunnysandshouse.com
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