Flint grey and chalk white
Exterior flint courses vary from blue-grey to warm brown. We pull paint chips that sit beside mortar lines rather than matching a single stone, so repointed walls still feel harmonious after repair work.
Chalk whites on interior plaster need testing at dusk when Norwich rooms turn amber under table lamps — a step many skip and regret once emulsion dries flat.
Oak boards with honest grain
We prefer European oak with visible knots in country houses where perfection would look imported. Hardwax oil finishes suit kitchens and halls that see wet boots; lacquer reads too glossy against aged beams.
Sample lengths are laid parallel and diagonal to window light so owners see how grain shifts through the day.
Linens from muted dye lots
Plain-weave linen curtains in oat, sage, and soft terracotta hang well in Norfolk humidity without stiffening. We keep swatches in the studio drawer labelled by supplier batch because dye lots drift between orders.
Loose covers on armchairs use the same cloth family as curtains so a room feels tied together even when patterns differ.
Local brick and terracotta floor tile
Reclaimed Norfolk brick pavers suit orangery thresholds where new ceramic would look too sharp. We note slip rating and frost tolerance for any tile used within a metre of an exterior door.
Grout colour is chosen after tiles are dry-laid on site, not from a brochure thumbnail.
Brass and wrought iron hardware
Unlacquered brass patinas gently in coastal air; we warn owners near Cromer that polishing frequency rises if they want shine year-round. Wrought iron latches suit flint cottages where modern chrome would jar.
Hardware boards group pulls, hinges, and hooks by room so installers receive one labelled bag per doorway.
Palette review at Gentleman's Walk
Bring your floor plans to the studio and we spread boards on a trestle table beneath north light. A ninety-minute palette session costs £180 and includes posted sample chips for one room if you cannot visit in person.