Materiality Matters
Materiality matters
A masterclass in layering colour and texture
Getting colour right is one thing, but how do you complement it with different materials?

Here, interiors journalist Nicky Rampley-Clarke gives you a masterclass in combining our beautiful shades with gorgeous textures, from stone to wood and more.
Mint and Marble

Colours that take their cues from celery, mint and pistachio are trending this season as they add freshness for spring, but I love them year-round for their ability to soothe and comfort with their zen-like quality. I particularly love these understated shades when paired with a luxurious material. In this living room, a white marble fireplace has been teamed with Fresh Mint 2037-70 and Celery Ice 2030-60 to create an elegant, contemporary look. The cool tones of the wall enhance the crispness of the stone to make the space feel clean and relaxing – the grey veining adds a darker accent and anchors everything. I suggest finishing with modern, minimal furnishings – objets d’art on the mantel, an abstract artwork on the wall and perhaps a Mid-Century modern armchair – to keep things light and serene. Brilliant for bedrooms, living room and bathrooms – spaces conducive to rest and relaxation.  
Lemon and Oak

Like white, yellow can be a hard colour to get right, as there are so many iterations, from vibrant lemon, canary and banana to earthy mustard, ochre and amber. But there’s no reason not to have confidence – it’s all about how you use it. For example, radiant Limon 334 doesn’t look sugary when combined with an deeper shade like Citrine AF-370 as colour-blocked verticals. Further depth is added when a sunny wall such as this is complemented by the naturally yellow tones of oak beams on the ceiling that draw the eye upwards. It’s even better if the wood runs towards bifold doors or floor-to-ceiling windows to visually connect with the garden and bring the outside in. Light and cheery, the resulting scheme has a Scandi air about it, while natural textures (tableware, rugs, furniture) and white accents (lamp shades, roman blinds) tie everything together. 
Pillar:
Limon 334
Lavender and Wool

After falling out of fashion in the late 90s, wall-to-wall carpet is firmly back on the agenda, but with it the age-old problem of how to pair thick pile with suitable colours. Fear not. On this landing, a luxurious navy carpet in textural wool has been teamed with playful Raspberry Ice 2072-70 on the walls and classic Chicago Blues 804 on the skirting to create a moody, cocooning feel. It’s perfect for a cosy boudoir or book nook and is broken up with cool Decorator’s White OC-149 on the ceiling to stop the space from becoming too dark. Light carpet? Flip the narrative and go for pale walls with a quiet-luxury vibe.
Terracotta and Mahogany

Think the dark, rich tones of mahogany only work with light, bright colours? Think again. Here, an antique desk in a home office has been set against an earthy backdrop of Pumpkin Pie 2167-20 and Parsley Snips 635. The scheme feels beautifully balanced as the wood and orange paint share the same warm undertones and feel naturally harmonious, while the green colour provides refreshing contrast. Great for a WFH space that needs to be energising but equally calming.
Greens, blues and greenery

It can be tricky to stand up to the beautiful colours found in your garden or outdoor space, which is why so many people don’t even try and choose white, grey or black for their fresco furniture. The secret is to complement rather than compete with the surrounding foliage and flowers so your palette blends in rather than stands out. A stylish case in point is this modern twist on a traditional cabana painted in Finley Blue CW-620 and Key Largo Green 620 that exaggerate the natural colours of the leafy setting. The rugged texture of the greenery is contrasted with the smooth finish of the paint to add further interest and depth, while the grey sofa connects the furniture to the stone floor and completes the look.
Low Wall & Pergola:
Finley Blue CW-620
3 rules of thumb when painting texture

1. Heavily textured material? Consider soft, muted colours to avoid visual overload in your space. For example, exposed beams or rough brickwork look best with warm neutrals in smooth finishes to counteract their rough textures.

2. Match like-for-like undertones: warm textures such as wood, terracotta and brick work well with earthy tones; and cool textures like marble, glass and metal pair perfectly with cool, crisp shades.

3. Finally, if using your paint on textured surfaces, consider the size and mood of the room. Dark colours can make textured walls feel smaller and dramatic, while light shades will do the opposite. So, pick your palette accordingly.
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