Pastels contain a heavy dose of white, giving them a high brightness value and low saturation that awards them a soft, soothing quality that is easy on the eye. It’s worth remembering that pastel shades were de rigueur in 18th-century high society and, slightly more recently, in the 1950s post-war context to channel a sense of calm and joy. In contemporary homes, you can stretch the pastel shades beyond kids' bedrooms, as an uplifting injection in a small north facing room to a chic slathering from ceiling, to woodwork and walls in a Victorian room.

All neutrals have an undertone and these can range from yellow, brown, red/pink or even green undertones. Those components will add different levels of warmth to your space. We love warm neutrals can make a room feel toasty and inviting but also feel timeless. They make living rooms feel friendly or cosy and make bedrooms feel comforting. Bear in mind that warm neutrals are very susceptible to the influence of other colours – the shades and tones used near or next to it will dictate how it appears - make sure to sample test against any other finishes.

Mineral-based, natural limewash is a Belgian basic with a chalky, nuanced texture that only gets better with age. Environmentally friendly and used for centuries, limewash is one of the original house paints. An ancient house staple dating back to Roman times, limewash is made from limestone that’s been crushed, burned, and mixed with water to make a lime putty. The putty is aged and then thinned with water and colored with natural pigments. Limewash creates surfaces that are mottled and matte with a chalky texture something like suede. It lends a depth and luminosity to flat walls.