Which White?

It is time to choose our interior paint colours, and boy are there a lot of shades of white to choose from. We knew that we didn't want a harsh white, and most people would naturally choose an off-white for ceilings and walls these days. After looking through the Resene colour range (NZ's main paint company), we have settled on 'Double Alabaster' for the ceilings (3rd up, 2nd from right)...

We think that we will choose a slightly darker shade of off-white for the cornicing and skirting, and any wainscoting panels, and will look at having a colour made up for us for the interior walls, probably about 1/8th 'Willowbrook', as we made a paint colour for the outside render. It would be similar to 'Half Spanish White' (3rd down, left hand row).

Any suggestions?

Blushing Brides and Bouquets...

For added depth and colour to the entrance of Willowbrook we've decided to plant a low hydrangea hedge in front of the Leylandii Hedge (on the exterior side). We picked up the hydrangeas at the weekend, which were a gift from Peter's mother, Marie. 

 

Above: Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet'

Peter at Ngaroto Nurseries ordered in the hydrangeas specially. He knew we wanted stunning white ones, which would not fade to brown as the season progressed, and when he came across Bridal Bouquet he thought they would be most appropriate. 

It is also that time of year again when the frosts start to come. We covered all our citrus in The Orangery area with frost cloth, which Willoughby found most amusing...