If you're reading this story, it's probably because you, like many, are tired of bland white rooms. And you may also be intimidated by colour, especially bold shades, when you think about redecorating. Fear no more – there's nothing more natural than using colour when you decorate in the country style. Colour can be used to counteract dreary days, something Sir Isaac Newton probably didn't think of when he discovered that white light directed through a prism splits into different colours. Look no further than nature for inspiration – from a pale whisper of purple in a lilac blossom to the fiery burst of a red ranunculus.
Our contributing design editor Sarah Richardson has created three colourful decorating schemes using our favourite country colours: violet, scarlet and moss. With these fresh and innovative palettes, paint and fabric work together to create easy, effective results in rooms with a romantic prettiness that is comparable to a country garden in spring.
THE POWER OF PURPLE
* In a large space (like the living room shown here) clever uses of bright purple accessories help make the room feel more welcoming.
* Be careful with sombre shades. A purple that's too dark for your room can end up looking like brown or black.
* Blue-purples can seem cool, so give them balance with warmer hues – for example, combine lavender and violet with cream instead of stark white.
Hints of purple in varying hues, from lilac to magenta, are applied in a pale taupe living room. Used sparingly but effectively, purple brings this monochromatic room to life. Bold gingham silk pillows and a witty Victorian-inspired lampshade are some of the inspired touches. An abundance of natural light allows this colour scheme to work – warm southern light balances the cool shades. The palest of lavender paint even coats the ceiling, creating a silvery glow at night when the lights are dim.
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