The Art of Colour: Inside Claire Orders’ Latest Annexe Project

Claire Orders chats to Anna about the brief, the inspiration behind the design and how colour helped bring the space to life using our paint.

Claire Orders – captured by Claire Naylor Photography

Can you tell us about the client and the annexe? Who was it for, and how would it be used?

The Annexe was designed for a lovely family with four young boys who wanted to create a dedicated space away from the main house that the boys could really call their own. The ground floor, formerly a double garage, was transformed into a permanent playroom where the boys could spend time together, play and generally have somewhere to escape to as they grow older. Above, we created guest accommodation for visiting friends and family, particularly those travelling from overseas who often stay for weeks at a time. Although the two floors serve very different purposes, it was important that the Annexe felt cohesive, with a sense of warmth, personality and character throughout.

What was the brief? What did the client want the space to feel like?

The brief was to create a fun, welcoming and characterful space that was equally practical for a busy family. For the playroom, we wanted to strike a balance between playful and sophisticated. Somewhere the boys would love spending time now, but that wouldn’t feel too young or dated in a few years’ time. Plenty of storage was essential, as was incorporating different areas for playing, relaxing and reading. The guest accommodation above needed to feel slightly different; more grown-up, comfortable and inviting, with all the practicalities of a home away from home. Throughout, the aim was to create interiors that felt relaxed and considered, with colour and pattern bringing personality to each space.

‘Catkin’ used on joinery and panelling. Interior Design by Claire Orders. Photography @peas.in.my.pod

What were the main challenges?

As with most conversions, the biggest challenge was making the existing footprint work as hard as possible without compromising the overall design. The playroom needed to accommodate a surprising amount, from generous storage to a desk area and a cosy reading nook, while still leaving plenty of space for the boys to play. Bespoke joinery was key to achieving this, allowing us to maximise every inch without making the room feel overcrowded. It also allowed us to hide a new boiler and many charging points behind the doors.

We also wanted the Annexe to feel like a natural extension of the main house, despite having its own distinct purpose. Creating a sense of connection between the playful ground floor and the more restful guest accommodation above was another important consideration, and colour played a big part in bringing everything together.

Where was the starting point for the colour palette?

Interestingly, the starting point for the playroom was the checkerboard ceiling! I had a vision for introducing something a little unexpected overhead and, thankfully, managed to convince my clients to embrace the idea. I’ve always believed that ceilings deserve just as much consideration as the four walls, and in this instance, the checkerboard pattern really helped set the tone for the rest of the scheme. Luckily, we were able to raise the ceiling joists and hide the unsightly RSJ to allow for a flat wallpapered surface.

We also introduced a wonderfully whimsical House of Hackney wallpaper in the cloakroom, which brought another layer of personality and pattern to the ground floor. From there, the paint colours were carefully selected to complement these stronger design elements rather than compete with them. I wanted a palette that felt playful and interesting, but still had warmth and longevity.

‘Peddars Way’ walls and ceilings. ‘Boleyn Rose’ on kitchen joinery and storage area. Interior Design by Claire Orders. Photography @peas.in.my.pod

Which of our colours did you choose, and why?

We used a selection of Fenwick & Tilbrook colours throughout the Annexe, each chosen to create a particular mood whilst ensuring the spaces felt connected.

In the playroom, we chose The Needles for the walls. It’s a beautifully understated shade that provides a lovely backdrop to the more playful elements of the room, particularly the checkerboard ceiling and bespoke joinery. I wanted the colour to feel calm and considered, allowing the patterns and textures to do some of the talking. In the cloakroom, we introduced Catkin on the vanity and wall panelling, paired with The Needles on the ceiling. Catkin brings a wonderful sense of character to the room and works beautifully alongside the whimsical House of Hackney wallpaper. I love how the combination feels playful without being overpowering.

Upstairs, the guest accommodation called for a softer, more restful approach. We used Peddars Way across both the walls and ceilings, creating a lovely enveloping feel and a sense of continuity throughout the space. In the bathroom, Crackleglaze was selected to create a fresh, understated backdrop, while Boleyn Rose was used on the kitchen joinery and storage area, introducing a gentle warmth and another layer of colour.

What I particularly love about these shades is how they each have their own personality, yet sit so comfortably alongside one another.

How did you approach the joinery?

Bespoke joinery was an integral part of the project, particularly in the playroom, where we needed to balance generous storage with something that felt fun and visually interesting.

I worked closely with my carpenter where we designed a full wall of fitted cupboards incorporating a large tv, several display shelves and a rather special little reading nook, creating somewhere the boys could retreat to with a book or simply enjoy a quieter moment away from the chaos! Given that the space was designed for four energetic boys, durability was just as important as aesthetics. We opted to vinyl-wrap the wall-to-wall fitted cabinetry to provide a robust, practical finish that would withstand everyday family life.

For me, bespoke joinery should always feel like an extension of the architecture, rather than something that has simply been added afterwards. Getting the proportions, detailing and finishes right makes all the difference.

‘Peddars Way’ walls and ceilings. ‘Boleyn Rose’ on kitchen joinery. Interior Design by Claire Orders. Photography @peas.in.my.pod

How do the colours work together? Were there any bold pairings, and how did you keep the scheme cohesive?

I think the key to using colour successfully is understanding how to balance it, particularly when you’re introducing pattern into the mix. The playroom and cloakroom were opportunities to be a little braver, with the checkerboard ceiling and House of Hackney wallpaper bringing a playful element to the scheme. The Needles provides a quieter backdrop, whilst Catkin adds a lovely contrast and helps anchor the cloakroom.

Upstairs, we took a more tonal approach. Peddars Way creates a sense of calm across the walls and ceilings, with Boleyn Rose introducing a subtle contrast through the joinery.

Although each room has its own personality, there’s a softness to the overall palette that helps everything sit comfortably together. I don’t believe every room needs to match, but there should always be a common thread running through a home. Sometimes it’s the colour palette, sometimes it’s the materials or the way you’ve layered pattern and texture. It’s about creating a sense of flow without everything feeling too coordinated.

What made you choose our paint for this project? What do you value in it compared with others you’ve used?

I’ve used Fenwick & Tilbrook paints on a number of projects and have always been drawn to their beautifully considered colour palette. There’s a wonderful depth and subtlety to their shades, and I particularly love that so many of the colours have an interesting complexity to them. They can change quite noticeably throughout the day depending on the light, which brings another dimension to a room. The quality of their paint is exceptional and every decorator I use is always impressed with how their paint applies compared to other well known brands.

I also love supporting local independent British brands, particularly those with a genuine passion for what they do.

‘Peddars Way’ walls and ceilings. ‘Boleyn Rose’ on kitchen joinery. Interior Design by Claire Orders. Photography @peas.in.my.pod

What advice would you give someone nervous about using colour at home?

Firstly, don’t be afraid of it! Colour is such a wonderful way of bringing personality into a home, and I think people sometimes underestimate how much it can influence the way a room feels. My advice would be to start with something you genuinely love – whether that’s a fabric, wallpaper, piece of art or even a favourite item of furniture and build your palette from there. Always test paint colours in the actual room on lining paper or heavy card, and look at them at different times of the day. Natural and artificial light can make an enormous difference.

I would also encourage people to think beyond the four walls. Ceilings, woodwork, joinery and even picture frames are all wonderful opportunities to introduce colour, and sometimes these unexpected details make a room feel really special.

And finally, remember that using colour doesn’t necessarily mean going bold everywhere. Even the most subtle shades can have a huge impact when used thoughtfully. For me, the most successful interiors are those that feel personal, layered and lived-in, rather than simply following a trend.

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