A tranquil neutral home with @reanne.witter

How did Paint & Paper Library’s palette align with this brief, especially the Architectural Colours collection?

Reanne’s colour consultant, Charlotte, writes: “Using the Architectural Colours collection was a natural choice for Reanne’s home, as it aligns perfectly with the brief for a nature-inspired colour scheme. The thoughtfully curated colour-by-number system offers a ready-made palette of soft, earthy tones, which made it easy to experiment with light and colour throughout Reanne’s individual rooms and in turn create a harmonious colour scheme across the entire home.”

Wall: Wattle V

Tell us about the colour palette you chose, and how you created a sense of flow throughout the space as a whole?

Charlotte continues: “The colour palette was inspired by Reanne’s clear vision for each space, from a light and bright kitchen to a deeper, cosy living room. We played with the nuances of colours throughout her existing decor and introduced a colour story to ensure flow throughout the entire home.

A colour story is the idea of repeating one colour in every room to create a subtle connection that brings your home together - otherwise known as ‘the red thread’. The key to a successful colour story is to use different proportions of the same colour in different rooms, and experiment with different shades of the same hue.

Reanne’s colour story was a beautiful sage green that we translated in paint colours, undertones, textiles, tiles and artwork.”

Panelling: Fynbos, Walls & Ceiling: Canvas I

The chosen colour palette and use of natural materials evoke a real sense of connection with the outdoors. What mood and atmosphere does this bring to each space?

Reanne writes: “It creates a sense of happiness and calm. The colours and materials I chose were meant to create a feeling of lightness and optimism, even in the darker winter months.

Greens, soft browns, and neutral tones bring a natural, grounding energy to the spaces, helping to brighten up the house while still creating a cosy environment. I wanted every room to have a sense of tranquillity but also energy – this balance helps to foster a positive and inspiring atmosphere.”

Wall: Stone II

Can you both share your top tips for designing a beautiful, tranquil interior, inspired by the one you’ve created here?

Charlotte writes: “When it comes to designing your home, my best advice is to not start with colour. Instead try digging deeper into how you use your home and what you require from it to live well. How do you use each room? What mood are you looking to create? How do you want to feel when you walk into each space?

“Consider the natural light in your space, is it cool and dark, or filled with south-facing sunshine? This will help inform the tone of the colours and materials you choose. Yellow, red and brown based colours will inject warmth into cold spaces, while cool blue, grey and green based colours will balance any direct sunlight.

Walls and Ceiling: Wattle V

Reanne adds her guidance: “I have three top tips. 1. Embrace natural materials like wood, stone and wool to connect with nature. These materials not only bring texture and depth to the space but also evoke a sense of serenity. They have a timeless quality that helps create a tranquil atmosphere, whether in furniture, flooring, or decorative pieces.

“2. Use calming, earthy colours. Earth tones are grounding and can make a huge difference in the overall mood of the space. Soft greens, muted browns, and warm neutrals bring a sense of calm and balance.

3. Let in as much natural light as possible. Daylight is one of the most important elements in any room. My home is designed to maximise light, with big windows and light, reflective colours. Natural light not only makes a space feel bigger, but it also improves mood and creates a positive, uplifting atmosphere. Whilst at night, using warm lighting adds a cosy, inviting feel to each space.”

Walls: Canvas I