Refresh your space with elegant, nature-inspired paint colour combinations for a stylish and contemporary home
I live in the Cotswolds and adore colour; however, I am also mindful of our rural locale and creating colour combinations that sit sympathetically within it. Our landscape is one of rolling green wooded hills, soft blue skies, silvery lakes and of course the famous iconic honey-hued Cotswold stone.
Here in the northern hemisphere, we have a soft pale light that can transform how we see colour. What appears vibrant and sun-kissed in the Mediterranean can often feel harsh or misplaced in our gentler light. With this in mind. I’ve curated a selection of nature-inspired combinations that not only harmonise beautifully with our landscape, bring colour into our homes and will work well in both period and contemporary interiors alike. If at the end of this article you would like my profesional help in creating your own bespoke nature inspired palette, contact me below. Enjoy!
This colour combination is inspired by the soft, organic beauty of the sedum-covered rooftops found on Cotswold stone houses near the lakes around Cirencester. There’s a quiet richness to the palette—a warmth and depth that feels both timeless and grounded. Earthy tones like these sit effortlessly alongside natural materials such as stone and wood, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
To bring this sense of warmth into your own home, consider shades like “Brick” by Edward Bulmer, “Betel Nut” from Paint & Paper Library, or “Red Earth” by Farrow & Ball. These deeper, comforting colours provide a beautiful foundation. To soften the overall scheme and avoid too much contrast or intensity, I’d recommend introducing a gentle pink—something like “Nicaragua” by Edward Bulmer—to add a layer of calm and subtlety.
What really lifts this palette and keeps it feeling fresh is a well-chosen green—“Invisible Green” by Edward Bulmer is a perfect example. For the walls, a soft, tonal plaster pink adds a refined backdrop, while small accents in a rich, deep yellow—through items like bowls, candles or vases—bring a touch of vibrancy that makes the entire scheme sing.
While green has remained a staple in interiors, it's the specific tone and the way it’s combined with other colours that keeps it feeling fresh and relevant in this design.
This particular shade of green is grounding and sophisticated—Farrow & Ball’s “Bancha” and Little Greene’s “Olive” are perfect examples. It’s ideal for those who want to embrace stronger hues in their home without overwhelming the space. There’s a warmth and elegance to it that makes it feel both inviting and serene. I’d use it in a media room, where it could envelop the walls and ceiling for a cocooning yet never cold atmosphere, or in an elegant country kitchen or utility space. It also pairs beautifully with almost every shade of Cotswold stone.
To keep the look contemporary, I’d pair it with soft pinks like “Masquerade” from Little Greene or “Calamine” from Farrow & Ball to add warmth. These shades are rich enough to complement the deep green while still feeling light and fresh.
For a more harmonious, nature-inspired palette, consider pairing it with soft blues that evoke the landscape and skies. Opt for blues with a hint of grey, like “Dix Blue” by Farrow & Ball or “Lie-In” by Coat, perhaps adding a pop of vibrant teal to bring a little energy and prevent the scheme from feeling too subdued.
Brass accents will make the scheme cosy and add an element of glamour.
This combination of colours is one of my absolute favourites—it’s both calming and captivating at the same time. There are two key principles that make this scheme work beautifully. The first is using four colours from across the colour wheel, but in a carefully balanced ratio. The second is ensuring the paint colours don’t lean too heavily into black, as that can quickly make a space feel colder, especially in our cool northern light. We want the space to feel inviting, cosy, and elegant.
Start by choosing the wall colour. For inspiration, I’ve drawn from the serene tones of the Cotswold lakes near me. You could try shades like “Duck Egg” from Edward Bulmer, “Sobek” from Paint & Paper Library, or, for a deeper hue, consider “Lie-In” or “Hamilton” from Coat. It’s the perfect blend of green and blue that keeps the colour warm and grounded rather than cold. Paired with oak and local stone, this colour will feel light and airy.
To add warmth and softness, I would bring in a chartreuse tone, such as “Olympian Green” from Edward Bulmer or “Pale Lime” from Little Greene. These hues balance beautifully with the wall colour. Lastly, to bring the scheme to life, introduce accents in a coral tone—like the lamp or fresh flowers—which will truly make the space sing.