Inspirational decorating

Sunflower yellow, the dark shades of olive trees, a touch of terracotta earth with tinges of lavender are the colours of this harvest kitchen.

Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun, an impressionist painting by Van Gogh, inspired the softened late-summer shades used to decorate our kitchen.  We chose a sunflower shade for the walls to give the impression of late-summer sunlight.  The woodwork - beams, shutters and doors - was painted in soft lavender.  This colour combination is tonal rather than contrasting, creating a soothing environment.  Since this is a hardworking family kitchen, we chose a large rustic table and bench. Pine chairs painted watery olive or lavender provide extra seats.

The Kitchen Table

Checked and patchwork fabrics sprinkled with meadow flowers bring prettiness to the kitchen.  Rather than using one fabric throughout, which can be too formal, patterns and shades of olive and lilac are mixed for curtains, tablecloth and cushions.

Featured fabrics:  Gingham in Apple Green, Lavender  and Lime all £24.00 per metre.