“Making definitive decisions and being consistent about the follow-through is how to best avoid a mishmash of styles and colors,” says UK color specialist Annie Sloan. Creator of Chalk Paint, her own line of historically-inspired decorative paint colors, she also oversees workshops and writes books that serve as instruction manuals.
In her latest, Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Color, she translates her expertise into practical tips for the amateur decorator. The volume presents and dissects nine design styles, each approached with the color clarity and consistency that Sloan espouses. Here’s a look at one of our favorites, designer Virginia Armstrong’s house, which Sloan classifies as London Retro.
Photography by Christopher Drake.
Above: White walls throughout the house are “counterpointed by a very limited palette, mainly yellowed-green with a blued-gray and pine-colored wood,” Sloan says. In the kitchen the gray wall behind the open shelving provides a contrast to the whites and wood tones on display. While staying consistent color-wise, the house also has an appealing lived-in look.
Above: A large floor-to-ceiling window floods the room with natural light. The dining area is furnished with a classic, midcentury ensemble inspired by Eero Saarinen’s molded-plastic Tulip chair from 1956.
Above:An Ercol daybed designed by Lucian Ercolani hostsa selection of cushions with classic patterns by British designer Lucienne Day that share the same gray-and-ochre color palette as the contemporary designs from Roddy & Ginger, Virginia Armstrong’s own midcentury-inspired housewares line.
Above: In the living room, midcentury objects such as an Atomic Agemirror, wooden school chair, and a chrysanthemum print by Vladimir Tretchikoffmaintain the color scheme.
Above: A midcentury G-Plan sideboard and wall-mounted 1960s Ladderax shelving unit present a blue and white theme in this corner of the room.
Above: Displayed as art, vintage books are an effective and authentic way to introduce midcentury colors and graphics to a room.
Above: Another way to add midcentury flavor: a world map laminated on the seat and support of a 1950s school chair.
Above: Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Coloris written by Annie Sloan and her son Felix Sloan with photography by Christopher Drake. It’s just out from CICO Books for £25, and is available in the US through CICO Books for $35.
Choosing paint colors can be daunting; browse the designer-vetted colors in our series, which includes:
• Happiness-Inducing Colors
• Moody Paint Picks
• Metallic Wall Paints
• 10 Best Pink Paints
• Celadon Greens
And on Gardenista, we have expert advice on Exterior Paints.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour by Annie Sloan?
Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour by Annie Sloan is a book that offers a range of practical tips and inspiring ideas for interior design style and colours.
Who is Annie Sloan?
Annie Sloan is a renowned British artist and colour expert. She is the inventor of Chalk Paint®, a unique decorative paint used to revamp furniture and interiors.
What topics are covered in Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour?
Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour covers a wide range of topics such as colour theory, mixing patterns, choosing furniture, creating a mood board, and more. It also includes DIY projects and step-by-step instructions for painting furniture with Chalk Paint®.
Who would benefit from reading Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour?
Anyone who is interested in interior design and wants to learn more about colour theory and decorating with Chalk Paint® would benefit from reading Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour by Annie Sloan.
Where can I buy Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour?
Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour by Annie Sloan is available for purchase on various online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Is Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour only for people who use Chalk Paint®?
No, Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour is not only for people who use Chalk Paint®. The book covers many topics that are not related to Chalk Paint®, such as colour theory and mixing patterns, that can be useful to anyone interested in interior design.
Are there any DIY projects in Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour?
Yes, Required Reading: Room Recipes for Style and Colour includes several DIY projects such as stenciling walls and painting furniture with Chalk Paint®.
