A year in the Cotswolds

A year in the Cotswolds

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A year in the Cotswolds
A year in the Cotswolds
Every paint colour in my home
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Every paint colour in my home

Answering the questions I get asked most on Instagram

shnordic - Susanna Hawkins's avatar
shnordic - Susanna Hawkins
Dec 14, 2024
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A year in the Cotswolds
A year in the Cotswolds
Every paint colour in my home
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If you’ve ever renovated or redecorated, you’ll know that choosing paint colours is both the most exciting and the most nerve-wracking part of the process. Exciting because paint is where your house truly starts to feel like a home—those bare plaster walls suddenly transform into spaces with personality and purpose. Nerve-wracking because, let’s be honest, picking a paint colour can feel like one of the most overwhelming decisions ever. What if it looks different in the light? What if I hate it? What if the tester pot lied to me?!

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I’ve been there. In fact, I practically set up camp there while choosing the colours when we were renovating our home few years ago. With the newly revamped layout, we had a mix of open-plan spaces and cosier rooms, all with very different light levels. I wanted to create a colour palette that felt cohesive throughout the house but still gave each space its own personality. A flow of muted colours that connected the spaces, with neutral and warmer tones as the base and a few (slightly) bolder choices thrown in for good measure.

That said, my approach wasn’t without its hiccups. Some choices were made on a whim (spoiler: some worked out better than others) and a couple of tester pots were very misleading. But in the end, we landed on colours that I absolutely love—ones that work with the light, the purpose of each room, and my love for a mix of modern and classic tones.

Before we dive into the specifics, here are a few things I’ve learned about choosing paint:

  • Consider the light. North-facing rooms tend to need warmer, yellower tones to balance the cooler light, while south-facing rooms can handle fresher, bluer whites. Don’t assume a colour will look the same in every room—always test it in the actual space.

  • Don’t fear earthy tones. When in doubt, opt for the slightly muddier or softer hue of the shades you’re debating. They’re easier to live with and tend to feel timeless.

  • It’s just paint. I know it feels huge, but if you don’t like it, you can always repaint. (Ask me how I know this...)

Now, let’s get to it—every paint colour I’ve used in my home, room by room:

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