A calm and welcoming entrance space with @jade.doutch

Discover how @jade.doutch used Slaked Lime – Deep alongside natural accessories to achieve this beautiful entrance space…

What Little Greene colours have you used in your home?

I have used Little Greene for a few projects in the past. My lounge was painted in Light Peachblossom, which got so much attention. My bedroom is currently painted in French Grey, and I get asked a lot what the colour is.

The most recent project was my front entrance porch and I opted to streamline it with one colour for the walls, ceiling and woodwork. I chose Slaked Lime – Deep and the door frame was painted in contrasting Jack Black to match the crittall door vibes.

I knew I wanted an earthy but bright neutral, as the room is north facing with no direct sunlight. After trying a few tester pots, I knew it was going to be one from the Slaked Lime family, as they’re such lovely tones. The Deep won in the end as it made the room feel bigger and brighter but also cosy and homely.

How did you make this space so welcoming?

There is a half-vaulted ceiling in the room, and I wanted to try and draw the eye up to make the most of this higher ceiling. I added some wooden battens, and it worked so well. They look like they've always been there. I also lightened up the old original quarry tiled floor by white-washing them.

I love adding something old, vintage or antique to every room I finish, I think it adds depth and character to a space…Here I added an antique little bench which is the perfect spot to sit and put your wellies on. This was lime waxed to take away some of the yellowness of the pine, and to blend better with the floor.

For the finishing touches (the real fun bit), I added lots of texture with scarfs, material bags, cushion on the bench etc. and used some branches high up on the shelf to cast shadows and, again, draw your eye up to the vault.

What are some of your best tips for DIY?

I start with a very simple mood board. You can even create the simplest ones on Instagram stories now by just adding lots of pics together. Start with the items that are staying in the space, such as the floor, door and windows – my doors and windows are black in the area and the floor is the quarry tiles. Then add your colours on top.

I quite often don't decide on accessories until I have almost completed the space. Trust the process, take pictures as you go and, when you've downed tools for the evening, refer back to these pictures and see how things are evolving. I also always shop my home before spending money. There is a lot of trial and error when it comes to the styling, so try using the vase and cushions you already have first.

I find staying motivated is easy as I am always super excited about the finale. Nothing gets me out of bed easier than when I am in the middle of a project or about to start!

Are there any Little Greene colours you would like to try in future projects?

Leading on from the porch is the hallway, stairs and landing. I would love to continue with the Slaked Lime – Deep on the walls and ceiling in here and the staircase and skirtings in the Slaked Lime – Dark, and finish with more Jack Black on the staircase banisters. I am excited for this area to feel as fresh and welcoming as the porch.

Explore our full palette of neutrals or find more inspiration.