Ten with Tom: Earthborn Paints
Pioneers in eco-friendly, naturally beautiful paints, Earthborn Paints transforms your home into a visual delight with each fresh coat. Enchanting each space it is introduced, whether inside or outside, Earthborn’s range understands how your paint needs to respect your sanctuary. We spoke to colour expert, Bailey, to find out more about Earthborn, sustainability and some helpful tips on how to chose the perfect shade for your space.
TR: Can you tell us a bit about Earthborn?
BO: "Earthborn was founded in 2002, and since then, we’ve been passionate about creating high-quality, high-performance paints that are kinder to the environment. We use carefully selected ingredients that are better for our homes and the planet, and we were honoured to be the first paint company in the UK to carry the prestigious EU Ecolabel for Indoor Paints and Varnishes! But what really sets us apart is our wealth of knowledge in Claypaint - our highly breathable clay based emulsion that's perfect for older properties where traditional paint can cause problems with damp and mould. It's a game changer for preserving beautiful older buildings, and we're proud to be leading the way in sustainable painting solutions".
TR: Can you talk about the day in the life of a colour expert?
BO: “After an early start looking after my horses, I like to ease myself into the working day by checking our social media channels and responding to any colour related questions or comments that have popped up overnight. I love being able to share my expertise and help people feel colour confident. After that, I dive into writing and sending expert comments to press on upcoming trends and colour focuses. It's always exciting to share my insights and predictions then seeing them later published in magazines - I still pinch myself! When I'm not writing comments for press, I'm busy writing blogs on the latest trends and colour schemes. I love sharing my passion for colour with everyone and inspiring people to get creative with their own spaces. Finally, I wrap up the day by designing and photographing inspirational mood boards for our next colour projects - I am already hard at work on our Colour of the Year 2025”.
TR: What environment inspires you the most when creating new paints?
BO: “I know it's cliche, but nature really is the ultimate inspiration for me when creating new paint colours! There's something about the way the light filters through the trees, the vibrant colours of a sunset, or the soft hues of a misty morning that just sparks my creativity. I love taking my dogs on long walks in the woods, capturing photo's of flowers or leaves, and observing the way the colours of the natural world blend together. It's amazing how a single leaf can inspire a whole new shade of green, or how a sun-drenched rock can inform a warm, earthy tone. When I'm surrounded by nature, I feel like I can tap into this endless well of inspiration and help to create paints that truly capture the beauty of the world around us.”
TR: Why is sustainability so important to Earthborn and how do you implement eco-friendly practices?
BO: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From the materials we use to create our colour cards (which are made from eco-friendly materials and biodegradable glue) to our packaging and tins which are both fully recyclable and made from recycled materials, we're all about reducing our impact on the planet. Even our foam packaging chips are fully biodegradable and can dissolve safely in water! We're super selective about the ingredients we use in our paints, choose ones that are free from harmful emissions and sourced sustainably. It's all about being kind to the planet and making sure that our products are not only amazing, but also good for the world we live in.”
TR: Can you give some advice on how to find the perfect wall colour?
BO: “Choosing the perfect wall colour can be a bit overwhelming, but I've found that breaking it down into three simple steps can make it a lot more manageable. First, think about the light in the room. Is it north-facing, south-facing, or somewhere in between? This will help you decide whether warm or cooler colours will work best. For example, if your room gets a lot of direct sunlight, you might want to choose a neutral with cooler undertones to balance out the intensity. ”
Next, consider the function of the room. Are you looking to create a social space that's full of energy and life, or a calming space that's perfect for unwinding? Different colours can have a huge impact on the mood and atmosphere of a room, so it's important to choose one that fits with the room's purpose.
Finally, don't be afraid to test out your favourite colours! Once you've narrowed down your options, I would recommend painting out swatches on to larger sheets of paper and testing them on the walls or grab one of our handy swatches! This will give you a much better sense of how the colour will look in different lighting conditions and how it will work with your furniture and decor."
TR: Do you find yourself following industry design trends or painting your own path?
BO: “I'd say I'm a bit of a mix between following industry design trends and painting my own path. While I love staying up-to-date on the latest design trends and being inspired by what's out there, I also believe that it's essential to put my own unique spin on things to make them truly stand out and working at Earthborn allows me to do that...after all we are 'beautifully different'.
I find that taking a trend and adding my own twist can result in something truly special and unique. It's all about finding that balance between staying relevant and pushing the boundaries and thinking outside of the box.”
TR: What is your favourite Tom Raffield design?
BO: “I have to say, I'm absolutely obsessed with Tom Raffield's designs! Each one is a masterpiece, but if I'm being completely honest, my absolute favourite is the No.1 Pendant. There's something about it the design that just speaks to me.
I think it's the way Tom Raffield has taken wood, a raw, natural and sturdy material and transformed it into something that's not only beautiful, but also seemingly impossible. There's something about the harshness of wood that looks so elegant when bent and curved into these intricate forms - then once light shines through...it's just magic!”
TR: Do you have any unusual colour combinations or ideas?
BO: “Navy and Terracotta! I don't know if it's unusual but every time I suggest the combination to people, I always get a few raised eyebrows. There's something about the bold, deep blue of Navy and the warm, earthy tones of Terracotta that just works. It's like a surprise party in your eyes - the contrast feels jarring at first thought, but when you see it together, it becomes harmonious. I think it's because Navy has this way of grounding the space, while Terracotta adds a sense of warmth and cosiness. Together, they create this incredible balance that's both calming and energising.
It's not for everyone, but for those who are willing to take the leap, I think it can lead to some truly stunning design results. I love it so much I have picked it as my colour theme for my wedding in August!”
TR: What’s the secret for creating a timeless space that suits every season?
BO: “I think the secret to creating a timeless space that suits every season is to focus on a neutral foundation rather than trying to change your entire colour scheme with the seasons. Let's be real, painting your home a different colour every few months can be overwhelming and expensive!
Instead, I recommend painting a neutral backdrop or introducing a subtle hint of colour that can be enjoyed all year round. This way, you can create a sense of calm and continuity in your space, while still allowing yourself to switch up the accessories and textiles to match the season.
For example, you could paint your walls a soft, creamy white and then add pops of seasonal colour through throw pillows, blankets, and vases. In the winter, you could add warm, cosy tones like red and orange, while in the summer, you could bring in lighter, brighter hues like yellow and blue. The possibilities are endless!”
TR: What is your favourite area in your home to paint?
BO: “My favourite area to paint in my home is the kitchen! I think it's because it's the heart of the home, where we spend so much of our time cooking, sharing meals, and making memories. Plus, I love that it gets plenty of natural light pouring in through the patio doors, which makes it feel bright and airy.
I have to admit, I've redecorated my kitchen at least 5 times in the past 2 years - yes, you read that right! I just can't help myself, I love trying out new colours, patterns, and styles I think it's part of my job. And each time I finish a new project, I feel like I'm giving my kitchen a fresh new personality. It's amazing how a fresh coat of paint can completely transform the look and feel of a space.”
Posted: 21.06.24