Our New Collection: 'Stone'

Continuing its collaboration with Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust, Little Greene presents ‘Stone’ - a versatile new palette of natural colours offering warmth, tranquillity, timelessness and harmony.

January 2021 saw the launch of ‘Stone,’ a coordinated collection of 36 natural colours comprising 22 new additions to the Little Greene palette together with 14 shades which have been judiciously selected from the Little Greene archives.

The card and its contents have been cleverly edited into six columns of graduated families representing the breadth of the individual stone hues. The six families are divided according to undertone, each based on naturally occurring pigments; Red Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Lamp Black and Green Earth. The card has been designed to make colour selection simple - colours within the same column can be used alongside each other within tonal schemes, whilst shades from across the colour families can be combined to deliver more dynamic, contrasting combinations.

Eleven of the new colours included in the collection have originated from Little Greene’s ongoing colour research across the portfolio of properties in the National Trust’s care, continuing the cataloguing of original colours from key periods of interior design. Readings were taken from paint colours, architectural elements, tapestries and indeed stone itself.

‘Stone’ brings together a harmonious palette of colours from an eclectic mix of grand and humble spaces; from statement walls of prestigious entertaining halls, to delicate shades from more modest quarters, to accompanying tones of decorative features, including woodwork, plasterwork, stonemasonry, soft furnishings, ceramics and wall coverings. Deep earthy red, ‘Arras’ can be found on the tapestry hanging in the chapel at spectacular Elizabethan house, Hardwick Hall, ‘Book Room Green’ was found in the neoclassical Book Room at Wimpole Hall, whilst the authentic grey limestone ‘Baluster’ was taken directly from the carved balustrade which accompanies the ‘Castell Pink’ stonework in the great stairwell at Penrhyn Castle.

The capsule collection of warm neutrals provides a welcome transition from the ever-popular, decade of grey! The move to warmer, more natural colours often termed the ‘new neutrals’ sees earthy, stonier tones becoming increasingly popular, providing a restful alternative to cooler choices. These gentle neutrals can be used in all areas of the home adding warmth, relaxation and simplicity as well as a sophisticated, complementary canvas for fabrics wallcoverings and furnishings from all genres.

Little Greene’s Creative Director, Ruth Mottershead feels the introduction of stone is particularly timely:

Our households have become our haven, whether working or relaxing we are all spending an increased amount of time at home. We are searching for interiors that are comforting, which is driving the desire to create cocooning, cosy spaces - the colours of stone are indefinably beautiful, so pleasing to the eye and soothing for the soul. There is certainly a shift away from cooler greys towards warmer hues and the warm neutrals that the Stone palette provides are perfect for creating restful living spaces, whilst absolutely attaining elegance in both contemporary and classical settings. This is not about a return to beige or magnolia, it’s about using these new neutrals to create interiors that are smart and inviting.’

Clare Brown, Head of Brand Licensing for the National Trust adds:

"The places in our care have long since been special spaces for families and communities to come together. At a time when our own homes have taken on an even greater importance, we are thrilled that our places are once again a source of inspiration and comfort. Little Greene have created another stunning paint range, expertly understanding and respecting the stories of the places behind the colours, as they appreciate the value of caring for these places for future generations. We’re so grateful for their continued support and the income that each sale contributes to our conservation work of our houses."

A contribution from the sale of every can of Little Greene paint will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work to help them care for the nation’s nature, beauty and history for everyone, forever.

Available in the full range of Little Greene paint finishes, the Stone palette is suited to both interior and exterior use, working well when paired with metalwork, slate, stone, woods, and natural elements such as foliage.

Little Greene paint is available nationally and internationally through Little Greene’s network of showrooms, distributors and online at littlegreene.com.

The ‘Stone’ colour card launched on Monday 25th of January.

Please see below some more images from the collection:

Browse the Stone collection here.