The Canvas neutrals in a Cotswold barn, from Berkeley Hawes
The Paint & Paper Library colour card presents a versatile choice of neutrals, encompassing classic stone hues and more contemporary alternatives. The Canvas neutrals provide a flexible option, sitting comfortably in both traditional and modern interiors to instil harmony, serenity and gentle warmth.
Interior design studio, Berkeley Hawes, utilised the Canvas neutrals to provide a timeless, harmonious backdrop for an 18th-century, Cotswold barn. Discover how this palette complements the natural surroundings and elegantly accompanies the deep red accents that feature throughout.
Tell us about this project. What was the brief?
“With this project, we set out to reimagine an 18th-century barn as an elegant country home, one that felt both rich in atmosphere and relaxed in spirit. We were guided by the calm symmetry of Georgian design and the timeless clarity of Roman and Italian influence, both of which resonate deeply with the area’s past. The aim was to create a home that felt grounded in its setting: layered, textural and deeply comfortable, yet visually impactful and full of depth.”
Walls, Ceiling & Woodwork: Canvas III
What were some of the most important considerations when selecting paint colours?
“We knew from the outset that the walls needed to act as a quiet, grounding backdrop. We required something warm and timeless that would support the layered, textural nature of the rest of the design.
The palette was always going to include autumnal tones, reds, browns, and yellows. The interior sits against a backdrop of lush greenery and the creamy, golden tones of Cotswold stone. We needed a neutral that would complement the richness of those reds, whilst harmonising with the green and limestone hues bouncing in from outside.”
Walls, Panelling, Ceiling & Woodwork: Canvas III
What colour palette did you choose, and why?
“We chose the Canvas palette for its timeless, earthy quality. It has a softness that subtly mirrors the natural landscape and works beautifully with the warmth of the reclaimed oak floors and original beams. It also pairs effortlessly with the deep red tones used throughout the house, helping to tie the entire palette together.”
![Scarlet 'n' Rust](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:%235f4037" /></svg>)
![Chaste](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:%23FFFFF2" /></svg>)
![Canvas 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:%23C9BB9F" /></svg>)
![Canvas IV](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:%23D0C4AA" /></svg>)
![Canvas III](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:%23DBD2BA" /></svg>)
Walls, Panelling, Ceiling & Woodwork: Canvas IV
How did the graduated shades in the Architectural Colours palette complement your interior designs?
“We always prefer a simplified, tonal backdrop that allows the architecture and materials to speak. The graduated palette gave us the flexibility to shift depth subtly depending on the room’s natural light and use. In brighter spaces, we used Canvas III to lift and soften. In the darker rooms, we leaned into that moodiness with Canvas V to create a more cocooning, enveloping feel.”
Walls, Ceiling & Woodwork: Canvas IV
You have incorporated beautiful colour accents from the Original Colours palette. What does this add to the schemes?
“We love working with contrast, and subtle tension is always part of our approach. That contrast between richness and ease is what gives a room energy. Against the warm neutrality of the Canvas backdrop, we introduced moments of saturated colour. For example, the Scarlet ‘n’ Rust bath, which acts almost like a piece of punctuation in the scheme. It brings a sense of joy and helps to anchor the space visually.”
Walls & Ceiling: Canvas V, Bath: Scarlet ‘n’ Rust
Finally, what is your advice for creating a cohesive interior overall, whilst bringing character to individual spaces?
“We always recommend beginning with a unified neutral palette, then using variations in depth and finish to respond to the light and character of each room. This creates a sense of flow and continuity, without making the spaces feel repetitive or flat. Accent colours can then be layered in with intention, always complementing the base tones so that nothing jars.”
Walls & Panelling: Canvas III
“We also tend to paint the walls, ceilings, and woodwork in the same colour as it softens the boundaries of a space. It also brings a quiet, contemporary note to the period buildings we normally work on. This approach avoids harsh transitions and allows each room to feel more atmospheric, immersive and complete.”
Panelling & Woodwork: Canvas IV
