Worlds Best Homes

5 color tips to take away from this bold yet elegant manor house in Devon

Marvel at this historic home...

exterior of a manor house in Devon
(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

An historic manor house in Devon is offering a masterclass in how to use bold colors in an effective yet elegant way.

The home, called Elderwood Manor, was built in 1837  as part of the Church of England’s estate, and has a history of housing education and music. It sits within three acres of glorious grounds  with croquet and bowls lawns, as well as a secret garden and wildflower meadow.

Sympathetic to the house's history through every aspect of the restoration, vaulted ceilings, original 19th century tile floors and enormous windows were carefully considered within its new contemporary guise to offer pure indulgence, while a nature-inspired colour palette invites serenity and peace.

The seven bedrooms are all decorated differently, offering a range of brilliant bedroom ideas for your next makeover.

Get inspired with these top color tricks from the beautiful home below...

1. Paint the woodwork in the hall for an elegant entryway

hallway with console table

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

The rich, deep teal in this hallway makes a beautiful contrast to the bright white walls and ceilings, and adds depth and dimension, along with the patterned tiles. 

The bright pink lamp also adds visual interest, and and you can never go wrong with a styled console.

2. Use colorful furnishings in an otherwise neutral living room

snug with green sofa

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

White living room ideas definitely don't have to be boring. Try using bold-hued furnishings in complementary yet contrasting colors for a visually interesting yet curated look.

Adding a soft hue on the fifth wall (the ceiling) also offers a cozy finish.

snug

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

3. Paint your kitchen cabinets a bold hue

blue kitchen in manor house in Devon

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

Keeping your walls neutral and painting your cabinets a chic hue is a top kitchen idea.

We love this deep sapphire blue paired with the white walls and green oven. A rustic wooden kitchen island, oversized rattan pendant and vintage art provide extra character and warmth.

blue kitchen

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

4. Use different hues to make each bedroom unique

bedroom with pink quilt

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

This home boasts seven rooms, so great bedroom ideas are in abundance. Most of the rooms have cozy patterned rugs and statement lampshades in common, but different colors are used to create unique aesthetics. There's botanical art or wallpaper, rich merlot reds, sky blues, bright orange headboards, and elegant pink quilts.

blue bedroom with orange headboard

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

bedroom with blue botanical wallpaper and orange headboard

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

red bedroom with botanical art

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

5. Pair rich hues with heritage checks

bathroom with red bath

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

Checkerboard floors can bring a real sense of authenticity and refinement to a period property. 

They're seen throughout this home paired with bold hues, and we love how this deep red freestanding bath adds drama to the space.

6. Go monochromatic for a style statement

blue library

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

Paint the walls and the woodwork the same strong shade for talking-point decor that's also snug and stylish. 

The interior design tip works wonders with bold blue in the library, perfectly paired with a striped accent chair.

It's also seen to great effect in one of the bathrooms, where the teal green is even seen on the tiles in the shower, as well as on the walls and door.

green bathroom

(Image credit: Unique Homestays)

Elderwood Manor is available to rent for holidays via Unique Homestays.

Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.