Maddalena Minerva’s London townhouse project
The founder of interior design studio, Maddalena Minerva Ltd., featured Paint & Paper Library paint shades in the renovation of her London townhouse.
Maddy incorporated diverse hues from across the palette, including warm neutrals, contemporary blue-greys and richly coloured greens. She blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair to curate schemes that feel individual and full of character, with an overall sense of cohesion.
Explore her chosen palette and learn more about how she designed this project using paint colours and finishes from Paint & Paper Library.
Tell us about the colour palette you chose for your home. What were the important considerations?
“The colour palette for my home is a blend of soft neutrals, warm earthy tones and subtle contrasts. As it’s not the largest of houses, an important consideration was working with the natural light where possible to enhance the spaces. I was also keen to use colours I know and love, and lots of these are my project ‘go-to’s!”
Walls & Woodwork: Sand V
How would you describe your design style, and how do Paint & Paper Library shades complement this?
“My design style combines English comfort with a modern sensibility. All Paint & Paper Library shades have really lovely depth to them, with even the palest of neutrals having a richness that shifts throughout the day with the light, making them very easy to layer with within schemes.”
Panelling: Copper Beech
Explore Maddy’s palette
![Blanket](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:%23ABB0A9" /></svg>)
![Bronze](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:%23595A3F" /></svg>)
![Copper Beech](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:%23423C39" /></svg>)
![Sand 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:%23D8CAAD" /></svg>)
![Fynbos](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:%236b786c" /></svg>)
![Stable Green](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:%2339443B" /></svg>)
What is your favourite space to spend time in? Tell us about the palette you have used, and the atmosphere it brings.
“A favourite space to spend time (especially in the colder months) is my bathroom – I’m always drawn to my bath after a long day. I never want spaces to feel sterile, and bathrooms can easily fall that way without careful consideration.
We colour drenched the space in Blanket and it’s created an atmosphere that feels exactly as its name suggests! The wraparound grey paired perfectly with the veined marble, adding warmth and character without overwhelming the space.”
Walls & Woodwork: Blanket
You have used a gloss finish in the study, with Fynbos in Architects’ Gloss. Why did you make this finish and colour choice?
“As the study is seen from the living room, I wanted to create a space that felt more intimate and unexpected. Using Fynbos in Architects’ Gloss allowed me to bring in a richer tone, but with a high-gloss finish that completely transforms how the colour is experienced.
The gloss elevates the colour, giving the walls a lacquered, almost jewel-like quality, which contrasts and layers well with the matt and natural textures elsewhere in my home. The gloss also helps to bounce light, ensuring the small space didn’t become a dark hole!
The Fynbos colour itself can appear green, grey, and even sometimes blue-toned, so I loved the versatility it added to the space when used with different lighting.”
Discover Architects’ Gloss
Finally, please can you share your top tips for designing a whole house project. Where do you begin with each space, and how do you create overall cohesion?
“When designing a whole house, I think it’s key to find the right balance. We always start by considering layout, light and usage, as the practical elements always inform material and colour choices. It’s always so important to understand the function and flow of spaces, considering how you want to live in your home.
Walls & Woodwork: Sand V
While it’s nice to have an overall palette for a house, I do believe each space should have its own identity, and a cohesive palette tends to evolve through this. Overall cohesion doesn’t come from matching everything perfectly, but from confidently layering tones, textures and finishes, and a whole house (or even room) should feel relaxed and inviting - so try not to strive for perfection in every detail!”
Walls & Woodwork: Blanket
Request a complimentary colour card to explore the palette in full, or discover the collection of paint finishes from Paint & Paper Library.
Photography by Boz Gagovski
