Exploring @frenchforpineapple’s neutral home
The beautiful home of @frenchforpineapple demonstrates how warm, neutral tones can be embraced to create stylish, soothing interiors.
We spoke to Bianca to explore the shades she has used from the Little Greene palette.
Which Little Greene colours do you have currently in your home?
“The new bathroom has been painted head to toe in Silent White Pale, which I absolutely love, and I’m currently looking at colours for the living and dining rooms - Slaked Lime Mid is currently the front-runner. I’ve just taken the TV room to the deepest darkest brown using Chocolate Colour, the utility room is Travertine, with Attic II on the cabinetry. Oh, and the inside of the front door is Bassoon!”
What do you love about the Little Greene palette?
“I’ve used Little Greene paints for well over a decade, so I think that speaks for itself. It’s brilliant quality - great coverage and applies like a dream. The colour selection is just the right size to be extensive but not overwhelming. As for a favourite colour, I’m pretty taken with Travertine at the moment, which I’ve used on our utility room walls and ceiling. It’s neutral but with a good hit of yellow, making it super warm and I think it would be gorgeous in practically any room.”
When did your interest in interior design begin?
“I’m pretty sure it’s in my DNA. When I was little, my father was always doing some kind of building work on our house, and my mother has always decorated her homes obsessively, so I had no chance! That said it didn’t really start to take over my life completely until about ten years ago when I really gave in to it, and now it’s a full-time obsession. Luckily, it’s my work too!”
What is your favourite room in the home?
“It tends to be the room that has most recently been finished, and true to form that is currently our bathroom, which was completed towards the end of last year. It feels like a luxury hotel bathroom, super spacious and with beautiful finishes. After thirteen years with a falling apart, pretty grotty, tiny bathroom, it still doesn’t feel real to have such a gorgeous space, and our new, relocated and much larger one makes me happy every single time I walk into it. It truly is a sanctuary!”
How do you use neutrals to create spaces that feel so warm and inviting?
“It’s all about layering. Neutrals sometimes get a bad name because they can appear boring, but they don’t have to be! Layered lighting is super important. The minimum a room needs is a pendant/chandelier if ceiling height allows, wall lights if possible, and lamps. Decorative moulding or panelling is a great way to add interest and texture on big, blank walls, or textured wallpaper like grasscloth and of course artwork too.
“Natural wood tones sit beautifully with neutrals, as do stones like marble, travertine, onyx and alabaster. Rugs, window dressings and soft furnishings are all opportunities to bring in more layers and texture. And adding some natural greenery can really bring everything to life.”
What do you prioritise when decorating – comfort, style or trends?
“I believe that comfort and style are just as important as each other. How your home makes you feel, both physically and mentally, is so important, and in my opinion is directly related to happiness. Trends not so much! It’s hard to avoid them when you’re constantly bombarded on social media, but if you always listen to your heart, hopefully you’ll only incorporate trends that you truly love into your home.”
Discover more from Bianca on her blog
