Designing a curated interior with Georgina Gibson Interior Design
Creating a beautiful interior design scheme encompasses many different aspects, all of which must be considered to achieve a cohesive finish.
Georgina Gibson Interior Design (@georginagibsoninteriors) utilise the Paint & Paper Library palette to provide a sophisticated backdrop that harmonises elegantly with the wider scheme. They are passionate about architectural design, combining related shades on the walls, woodwork and cabinetry to enhance interior spaces.
Read the conversation with Georgina Gibson as she explains how they select colours that coordinate with other elements for a cohesive, curated interior.
1. What are the most important considerations for you when selecting paint shades for a scheme?
“There are a number of considerations that come into play when selecting paint shades. Firstly, the purpose and function of the space. Does it need to be a calming colour to create a more relaxed feel in a bedroom or sitting room? Or a more playful and vibrant colour to colour drench a space, or to be used as an accent shade?
Lighting is another one of the most important considerations. Is it a space flooded with natural light? Is it a north-facing space which could benefit from warmer tones, or south-facing, which means it can work with cooler shades? Are there existing furniture or fittings such as flooring, that the paint shades need to complement?
Sometimes our designs start with one hero piece – a fabulous fabric for curtains or upholstery, for example. We will base then the paint shades around this fabric.”
2. How does the Paint & Paper Library palette complement your design style?
“We often turn to Paint & Paper Library colours as we find their paint has a wonderful depth of colour. This complements our design style, as our schemes tend to be focused on beautiful colour combinations. We also really love their Architectural Colours and find them a wonderful base for many of our schemes.”
3. What are some of your most-loved shades in the palette and why?
“Heath is one of our favourites – a gorgeous green brown that looks equally as beautiful as an exterior front door colour, or on joinery. We have used this colour for a staircase and on bespoke fluted glass wardrobes, which looks amazing.
Blue’s Blue is a wonderful vibrant blue that looks fabulous in a hallway when paired with a big, patterned wallpaper. And we have recently used Sand II on kitchen cabinetry with Grenache on the kitchen island and larder cupboard which makes for a gorgeous colour combination.”
4. You have used related shades in the Architectural Colours palette to decorate walls, woodwork and trim. What does this approach achieve?
“Using a combination of the different tones of the same colour creates subtle nuances, depth and interest to the design. I think our most used Paint & Paper Library colours come from the Architectural Colours palette. The ‘Leather’ series is our favourite. If you are looking for a neutral which has an underlying warmth, this is it!
We often use a lighter shade of Leather on the walls, and then use gradations of the darker shades for the woodwork and on a panelled wall, for example. This gives the calming, colour-drenched look, but with subtle variations of light and shade which helps pick out architectural features.
We have recently used the ‘Stone’ series throughout an entire house. This allowed us to keep a seamless design transition from room to room, but change the depth of the shade to suit the purpose of each room.”
Walls Leather I, Panelled Wall: Leather III
Walls Leather I, Skirting: Leather II, Panelled Wall: Leather III
5. Finally, can you share your expert guidance for designing interiors that feel timeless and thoughtfully curated?
“Be eclectic in your choice of furnishings and fabrics. Don’t feel confined by rigid styles or matching sets. Combine vintage finds with contemporary pieces, layer textures, and mix patterns with confidence. This creates depth and personality.
Don’t shy away from colour. Even in a neutral or minimal palette, contrast is essential. A splash of bold colour, whether through art, upholstery, or accessories, can lift an entire scheme and prevent the space from feeling flat or bland.
Create a full room scheme from the outset. Start with a vision – mood boards, fabric swatches, a key piece of inspiration – and allow the design to evolve naturally.
Avoid the temptation to overfill a room. Leaving room to grow allows you to add pieces over time that are meaningful and collected, not just convenient. Design is an ongoing process. The most interesting rooms feel as though they’ve been built over time and that’s often because they have.”
Walls: Leather I, Woodwork: Leather II, Stairs: Heath
Request a Paint & Paper Library colour card to explore the complete palette. Browse more design inspiration, by room or by colour, in the gallery.
Photography: @beeholmesphotography
