Statement colour and pattern combination

At this former gardener’s cottage on the Hampshire coast, Max Rollitt was challenged to conjure a space that was as beautiful and colourful as the wildflower meadow on the house’s doorstep. In response, he committed to a rustic but bright and somewhat unusual tone: “Brick” by Edward Bulmer. Max describes it as “a very clever colour”, which can appear anywhere between brown and red depending on the light, but which in every case helps create a warm light. As such, a sense of earthiness and organic colour pervades the house – again, in partial reference to the meadow outside.

The colour scheme is carried through the wallpapered steps immediately up into the house from the front door, as well as the lampshade on the light on the hallway side table and the framed art on the wall, a pattern which is among the first things anyone entering the house would see.

Chris Horwood

Inside the cottage, antique furniture and textiles are blended with contemporary pieces and prints. Looking back towards the white front door, a visitor would see a dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtain made from Borderline’s “Marchioness” in Teal; the small house dates to the 19th century, and combined with the encaustic tiles the curtain brings to mind the design of the Victorian era. White doorframes, ceilings, bannister spindles and both sides of the front door ensure that the brick colour and the pattern aren’t overwhelming.