In conversation with Louise Robinson, Interior Designer
London-based interior designer, Louise Robinson, embraces shades from across the Paint & Paper Library palette to curate timeless interiors that exude character, warmth and personality. Read an interview with Louise to discover how she designs her schemes, incorporating fabrics, patterns and paint colours in elegant, harmonious combinations.
Explore a selection of inviting spaces designed by Louise – from beautiful, colour-drenched bedrooms to characterful bathrooms – and find out which Paint & Paper Library shades feature in each one.
How would you describe your interior design style?
“I aim to create authentic and inviting spaces through layering different textiles and finishes, and by incorporating pattern and colour. I enjoy finding ways to make every project unique, but I would say all of my designs have a leaning towards the traditional, with an emphasis on quality detailing, natural materials and longevity.”
Wall: Temple
What is your starting point for creating an interior scheme? What are some of your main inspirations?
“I often find a particular fabric or wallpaper seems to capture the brief and this then informs the colour combinations, patterns and textures for the wider scheme. I frequently draw inspiration from nature, and the views from key windows on a project are often my starting point when considering colours.
I particularly enjoy the unexpected colour combinations and patterns found in a classic English country garden, and Jean Monro captures this effortless charm and detailing perfectly, so her floral fabrics and small-scale wallpapers are frequently my go-to when starting to create a scheme.”
Walls: Greenback
Can you describe one of your favourite projects to date, featuring Paint & Paper Library?
“I recently worked on a beautiful Edwardian home where the emphasis was on bringing warmth and character through decorative changes, rather than by doing any significant structural works. I love the transformative effect of paint, and we used different combinations and colours from Paint & Paper Library, such as blues from the Steel Architectural Colours, alongside greens and the warmer shades of Leather III and Temple to create welcoming spaces with personality, and to elevate existing architectural details whilst retaining an overall feeling of cohesion and balance."
![Temple](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="262px" width="350px"><rect width="350" height="262" style="fill:%23D8C0AC" /></svg>)
![Steel V](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="262px" width="350px"><rect width="350" height="262" style="fill:%23B0BAB2" /></svg>)
![Spruce](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="262px" width="350px"><rect width="350" height="262" style="fill:%239CAEAE" /></svg>)
![Greenback](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="262px" width="350px"><rect width="350" height="262" style="fill:%2390977F" /></svg>)
![Blue Gum](data:image/svg+xml;utf8, <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" x="0" y="0" height="262px" width="350px"><rect width="350" height="262" style="fill:%23709296" /></svg>)
Your schemes beautifully demonstrate how it is possible to add character to a space by incorporating colour in harmonious ways. How do you achieve this?
“This is always my intention so that's music to my ears, thank you! I always look at how the colours will work with the other elements in the room, for example existing pieces of furniture, favourite textiles, tiles in an original fireplace or a piece of art and then I look to layer the wall, ceiling and joinery colours to complement those pieces and connect the different elements. I also think it's vital to take a holistic approach to decorating and I always consider the wider colour palette being used throughout a home to ensure combinations feel connected and harmonious as you move between the different rooms.”
Cabinetry: Greenback
Finally, could you share your top three tips for designing elegant, contemporary interiors?
“1. Choose materials with longevity such as oiled woods, marble and brass for your more permanent finishes, as these will age beautifully and convey an effortless elegance, whilst still adding character and depth."
Cabinetry: Temple
"2. Consider your colour palette for the project as a whole and use variations within those colours to create cohesion – the Paint & Paper Library Architectural Colours are excellent for this, and easily allow for a scheme to be adjusted to suit differing natural light depending on the aspect of the elevation."
Cabinetry: Blue Gum
"3. Always start with a concept. Once you know the look and ambience you are hoping to achieve, you can start layering the colours, textiles and other materials, knowing how they are intended to work together to bring this to fruition.”
Wall: Leather III
