Colour wise

This month, I want to talk about paint. I can’t think of a single Castellum project that has not featured paint, or a single person that lives in a house without paint. People have been painting their houses since forever; even cave dwellers used natural pigments to cheer up their caves! Ancient Egyptians (C 3,000BC) used a lime-based whitewash to coat their walls for both practical and ceremonial reasons (these early coatings helped to reflect sunlight and acted as a primitive disinfectant). Ancient Greeks and Romans too used natural earth pigments (mixed with binders like milk and eggs) and the Romans were particularly advanced in using frescoes and decorative painting. Paint was important as a preservative, but it also reflected social standing and indicated wealth.

During the Middle Ages, paint remained largely utilitarian and lime-washes and oil-based coatings were applied by hand. Painting became a skilled trade and techniques such as tempera and fresco painting were refined in more affluent homes and religious buildings. The Renaissance (14th–17th centuries) brought a rebirth in architectural design and interior decoration, particularly among the elite.

As with so many things, it was The Industrial Revolution that saw the birth of modern paint and mass production came about in the late 1800s, making paint more accessible and affordable as synthetic pigments, binders and chemical processes evolved. Painting was, by now, more widely used both for protection of materials like timber, but also for self expression and personalisation and, by the post World War II Boom, there was a massive demand for house paint. The 1950s and 60s saw the introduction of latex and vinyl paint (which made it easy to apply and popular with the DIY market). However, with this, came less welcome advancements: the use of lead (commonly added for durability and colour vibrancy) until it was banned due to health risks and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are present in all paints to a certain degree but found in high concentrations in many oil based paints and which release harmful fumes that contribute to indoor air pollution.

As our awareness of both environmental and health issues grows, we are increasingly making better choices and yet, considering sustainable paint is still relatively low down the list of priorities when it comes to construction.

Today, when it comes to choosing paint, colour is still the first thing people think about (and it is definitely the most fun to consider!) Colour selection has a unique power to influence a space that is nothing short of remarkable. However, what is also worth considering, is the impact of paint that is not immediately visible and, with further technological advancements, we do now have the opportunity to make good decisions with absolutely no compromise on colour choice or

At our recently completed retro-fit project for the Grosvenor Estate, Graphenstone were the chosen sustainable paint supplier and I caught up with Greg Norman, Head of Key Accounts, to talk all things paint. “Graphenstone’s paints have been certified with one of the world’s lowest profiles in C02(e) which includes its significant C02 absorption ability, during the curing process. Our products comply with building standards such as BREEAM, WELL & LEED, while offering unmatched performance. Based on natural minerals, that have been trusted for millennia, Graphenstone offers a greater range of globally recognised harm-free certifications than almost any other brand, tested using rigorous independent analysis.” Greg’s chat is compelling and I find myself wondering why you wouldn’t use it?

Graphenstone have collaborated with English Heritage to offer an expanded house range of 120 shades, an ‘NCS’ range of 980 colours and, if you still can’t find the perfect shade, they can colour match anything. Greg tells me that almost the first thing he is asked about when it comes to talking about his brand is colour. “Colour is the last thing I want to talk about. If you will pardon the pun, we have that covered.”

Greg acknowledges that “A common misconception is that eco-friendly paints don’t perform as well as their traditional counterparts. However, advances in technology mean that many sustainable paints now offer equal – if not superior – durability, colour retention, and coverage. Graphenstone infuse their lime and mineral-based paints with a patented graphene polymer – which transforms the milky lime wash-like base into a paint that is applied and performs just like standard paint – but without the petrochemicals. Switching to sustainable paint is an easy and impactful change. It safeguards your health, protects the environment and aligns with a broader movement toward responsible living – all without having a major impact on cost.” Graphenstone is surprisingly competitive when it comes to pricing.

The VOCs in paint can contribute to headaches, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems. In contrast, sustainable paints are typically low-VOC, making them a safer option for homes, especially those with children, elderly people, or individuals with asthma or allergies – and that is just the end product. Graphenstone paints are classified as Trace VOC. Conventional paint manufacturing processes can be resource-intensive and polluting. Many standard paints are made from petrochemicals and release greenhouse gases during both production and application. Sustainable paints, by contrast, are made with eco-friendly materials like plant oils, natural minerals, or recycled content. These choices help reduce your carbon footprint and limit the environmental damage associated with manufacturing and

The UK government has been increasingly tightening regulations on building materials to reduce environmental harm. The push toward Net Zero and stricter rules on VOC content in household products align perfectly with the use of sustainable paints. By choosing them, homeowners not only stay ahead of regulations, but also support a growing market for greener alternatives.

Many sustainable paint brands operate under strong ethical principles, using fair labour practices and sourcing ingredients responsibly. By choosing such products, you’re supporting companies that prioritise both people and the planet – a small choice that contributes to a much larger impact. Adopting sustainable paints is a simple, yet effective way to make your home greener. It’s a change you can make without major renovations or expense.

Colour is not just a backdrop. Colour is all powerful. From the clothes we wear to the design of our homes, advertisements and even the food we eat, colour plays a subtle but profound role in our lives. It’s not just about aesthetics; colour influences our psychology, emotions and behaviour more than we often realise. Our emotional response to colour is not random – our brains associate certain colours with specific feelings and ideas based on cultural, biological and experiential factors.

High-end homes are often defined by their attention to detail and elevated sense of style. The colour palette plays a central role in conveying sophistication and refinement. Neutral tones like warm greys, soft taupes and rich creams are popular in luxury settings because they suggest timeless elegance. Conversely, deep, dramatic hues like navy, charcoal, or forest green can bring depth and opulence to a space when used thoughtfully.

Luxury doesn’t always mean bold – often, it means carefully curated. The right colour can create a seamless flow from room to room, setting a consistent tone of class and exclusivity.

High-end homes often boast custom joinery, statement ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unique architectural elements. Strategic colour use can highlight these features. For example, painting ceiling mouldings in a contrasting or complementary shade draws the eye upward, emphasising height and detail. Soft whites can help reflect natural light, accentuating airy spaces and high ceilings, while darker accent walls can ground a room or frame key features like fireplaces or built-in cabinetry; colour is a tool to enhance such features.

Colour has a powerful psychological impact. In luxury homes – where comfort and experience are paramount – this is especially important. Calming colours like muted blues and earthy greens can create a restful, spa-like environment in bedrooms or bathrooms. Vibrant, warm tones in kitchens or sitting rooms can foster energy and sociability. A well-thought-out palette supports the desired emotional tone of each room. Colour helps craft experiences.

Luxury homes are typically furnished and styled with a designer’s eye. Paint colours must integrate seamlessly with the broader interior design – including fabrics, furniture, lighting and flooring. Colour choices can either tie together disparate design elements or disrupt the visual flow. In high- end design, where cohesion is critical, the wrong shade of paint can throw off the entire aesthetic whereas colour can help ensure every hue chosen serves the overarching narrative of elegance and harmony of a space.

Choosing paint colours for a luxury home is far more than a decorative decision – it’s a foundational aspect of design that affects perception, emotion and value. Colour has the ability to elevate a property from beautiful to breathtaking. It’s the subtleties that count and colour is one of the most powerful subtleties of all. I still can’t think of a single reason not to make that a sustainable choice.