anatomy of a room

This living space oozes laid-back cool and manages to make neutrals feel warm colour expert Ruth Mottershead explains how it's done

This scheme is made up of predominantly diluted colour. Due to their soft strength and natural undertones, these shades are gentle, tranquil, earthy and comfortable, and the combination of these colours, alongside the off-whites and neutrals within the scheme, provide for an especially restful interior.

Although the blue carpet is more saturated than the green sofa, the two colours share similar pigmentation. Both colours are soft, each allowing the other to play a role. The blue of the carpet is strong enough to ground the scheme, yet gentle enough to ensure the green of the sofa doesn't get lost. The temperature and strength of each tone is what makes these colours work in harmony and the neutrality of the green means it is especially versatile, allowing the two different elements to complement each other.