Spotlight on House and Garden Show Speakers
Julia Kendell and Niki Schafer
Colour by Luxury Paintmaker Farrow & Ball
Colour Consultants Camilla and Simone began their presentation in the Town Hall with a brief look back at the company’s 85-year heritage, which started in Dorset using quality ingredients and traditional block and trough printing methods. Today, Farrow and Ball’s entire range is still manufactured in a Dorset factory using age-old techniques.
The pair introduced the six neutral colour groups – the traditionals, red-based, yellow-based, contemporaries, easy greys and architectural cools – and explained how these can be combined with stronger colours to great effect. They also recommended starting with the hallway when decorating, so that all rooms blend seamlessly from there.
Most people know Farrow & Ball for its beautiful paint, but the company is also renowned for its wallpaper that’s printed with Farrow & Ball paint onto FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved paper. Camilla and Simone displayed the latest range – described as “exquisite” by the National Gallery – which is inspired by 19th– and 20th-century French fashion found in the Ducharne and Albert Dufours collections.
Rachael Jenson, Showroom Manager at Henley’s brand-new Farrow & Ball store, was also on hand to answer questions. The new shop is on the riverfront and showcases the entire collection of wallpapers, alongside Farrow & Ball’s edited palette of 132 paint colours.
Kitchen Design by Julia Kendell
“Kitchens are my first love,” Julia Kendell said, who has lived in the Henley area for the last 27 years and one of her first jobs was working in the John Lewis of Hungerford kitchen shop that used to be in Henley.
Julia talked about the latest trends in kitchens which have changed from the minimal look that was popular in the 00s which didn’t work well for most people. Kitchens are now more relaxed and informal and not just for cooking in. They’re a real family room. The latest trend is a ‘Brooklyn loft’ style of open brickwork walls and beams with industrial style light fittings and with neutral colours.
Julia said though, “It’s important to have some depth of colour using accessories and furniture and reflective materials such as copper and mirrors are a great way to create a feel of more light and space.
“The ‘working triangle’ created in the 1940s is now obsolete and people should plan their kitchens around their lives, the appliances they use, the style of cooking and the space available. There are some great new storage solutions like drawers with dividers or shelves which make this much easier to see everything and doors”, said Julia.
The most important part of the kitchen design though Julia said was the lighting and most people forgot about this. When planning a kitchen you need to really think and plan the lighting for both day and night.
Julia said, “The best way now of getting ideas for your kitchen is to go the website www.pinterest.com and create a mood board. It’s really easy to do and great fun.”
