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Head of Design, Andy, presents the ‘Jewels’ palette

Head of Design, Andy, presents the ‘Jewels’ palette

January 29th, 2025

Paint & Paper Library

Paint & Paper Library’s Head of Design, Andy Greenall, takes a closer look at the new ‘Jewels’ capsule collection, featuring eight majestic shades derived from rare and semi-precious minerals.

Learn about what inspired the collection and discover the beautiful natural sources behind the new paint colours…

Behind the collection

The existing Paint & Paper Library colour card encompasses a broad palette of muted, natural shades. Families of Architectural Colours such as Cotton, Stone, Slate, Sand and Salt bring the understated beauty and versatility of nature into interior design.

The Jewels palette, however, is inspired by some of the most dynamic and spectacular colours found within nature, from Peruvian sulphur crystals to electric blue pentagonite. These vivid natural hues bring a surprising new perspective to Paint & Paper Library’s signature look, injecting vibrancy into the overall palette whilst providing shades that work harmoniously alongside the existing colour card.

Andy writes: “We are the first to acknowledge there is rarely anything more beautifully designed than things created by nature. For these colours, we delved into some of the lesser-known, and therefore most enigmatic, sources of natural colour that we could discover.

What the collection brings is both the colours themselves and the lessons, delivered directly from the ground, on how to use them in a design scheme amongst and alongside a neutral palette.”

Explore the palette

Using the Jewels shades

Each shade within Jewels is able to completely transform a space as a single, bold colour, or to accent a scheme alongside the ‘Original’ or ‘Architectural’ Paint & Paper Library shades.

Embrace one shade all-over

Andy writes: “I see these shades being used on large expanses and in bold proportions by confident colour aficionados. Consider the captivating and sumptuous new ‘Malachite’ green, which has been directly inspired by an exemplary piece of velvet malachite. Formed in caves, in sculptural and even stalagmitic forms, the stones are heavy and cold to the touch, but are popular when polished due to their characterful green-copper patination.

By using this shade on all four walls in the flattest emulsion paint available, Pure Flat Emulsion, you can achieve an exquisite, powdery effect that elevates this opulent tone, making it perfect for more intimate areas of the home such as bedrooms, living rooms and libraries.”

Pair with the Architects’ finishes

Paint & Paper Library’s Architects’ finishes are ideally suited to creating all-over colour-drenched schemes, that incorporate the walls and ceiling, as well as skirting boards, cabinetry and radiators. These highly durable, washable paints make it possible to achieve stunning interior design in hardworking areas such as hallways, kitchens, pantries and bathrooms.

Andy writes: “The multi-surface, fast-drying qualities of the Architects’ finishes mean entire rooms can be transformed easily and quickly in just one ‘Jewels’ colour, maintaining the same, magnificent colour and finish across all surfaces.”

Here, the striking new magenta shade, ‘Cobalto’, is embraced across walls and woodwork in a bathroom scheme, creating a sense of complete transformation.

Explore the paint finishes

Use as a colour highlight alongside neutrals

For those that prefer neutral interior design, the new ‘Jewels’ shades provide an excellent opportunity to introduce a bright colour highlight that will enliven the space and add personality. “In gentler schemes,” Andy continues, “these shades will serve as elegant accent colours on walls, woodwork, trim or furniture, bringing a highlight in the same way you might brighten a room with a vase of flowers.

Our delicate new pink ‘Rose Cluster’ is a truly unique, coral-like cobaltoan calcite cluster, formed on a platform of warm grey baryte rock. The solid grey tones of the baryte perfectly illustrate how a gentle pink hue can feel sophisticated and grounded when used in combination with gentle neutral hues. Pairing ‘Rose Cluster’ with ‘Slate II’ can achieve a sophisticated scheme, where the warm grey tones of Slate will ground the space.”

Learn more about complementary paint colours

Transform the smallest room in your home

Andy writes: “For those that fear embracing powerful colours, opting to use these deep, rich new colours in the smallest room in the house is a fantastic way to incorporate them without feeling overwhelming. Although they are bold, they will work wonderfully well in small spaces.

Greens are one of the most versatile colours. Evocative of the shades grounded in nature, they work almost as a neutral within a scheme, balancing with a broad range of colours. Inspired by ‘forest epidote’ specimens, our new ‘Midelt Sage’ feels naturally at home in a hardworking pantry space, creating a calming, cohesive backdrop that feels both grounded and uplifting. Pair with natural timber flooring, wood finishes and rattan furniture to create a biophilic design that fosters a sense of wellbeing.”

Order sample pots of your chosen shades, or explore more design inspiration in the gallery.