Damson: how to add this sumptuous shade in your home

Posted on 25th September 2023

One of the most exciting hues in this year’s colour palette is damson – a modern burgundy inspired by the British countryside.

This dark red colour is ideal for painting an entire room, ceiling included, to evoke that warm, enveloped feel. “Damson is the perfect shade for autumn, both a bold and harmonious colour,” advises Melanie Archer, colour expert at John Lewis. “It works effortlessly into customers’ existing schemes and is a shade that works well with many tones, from a warm palette of gold and copper, to cooler shades of blue.”

burgundy paint in relaxing bedroom — Lady Bug, £57.50 for 2.5 litres of Claypaint, Earthborn.

If you’re shy of committing to colour, you can simply dot pops of plum in your bedroom through soft furnishings. “Adding cushions and a bed runner in this autumnal shade can create a cocooning environment,” recommends Melanie. “Matching bedside lamps are also a great option to create symmetry and add a warm glow to the bedroom.”

beetroot coloured linen on bed — Beetroot 100 per cent linen bed linen, £159 for a double duvet cover, and £22 for a standard pillowcase, Secret Linen Store.

However, if you dare to go bold, consider deep red cabinetry and matching appliances for a statement look in your kitchen or dining space. “Add a selection of damson-coloured tableware and glassware to open shelving to bring this trend into your kitchen space,” says Melanie.

dark red kitchen with central island — The Real Shaker Kitchen by Devol, from £12,000. Interior design: Uns Hobbs.

burgundy boot room — Utility rooms by Olive & Barr start from £5,000.

And to elevate a bathroom design, pair this sumptuous shade with neutral tiles and natural materials such as red marble. For the finishing touches, opt for brass taps, patterned towels and fluted lights.

Scroll down to get this moody look…

luxurious bathroom with damson tiles and marble basin — Wiggle oval mirror, £190; Marble tumbler, £12; green Hexa towel, £12; Array towel, £12, and Klo towel, £12, all from John Lewis.

Get the look: damson interiors

From tableware and tiles to chunky appliances, damson adds warmth and interest to any kitchen design. “With its rich and deep undertones, damson exudes a sense of sophistication and allure that perfectly complements the seasons’ changing landscape,” says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours.

In your bedroom, add a splash of colour with some damson-coloured cushions, and set a moody atmosphere with the help of statement lighting. “We’re seeing damson being used to create a luxe finish to interiors. Accessories like cushions, rugs and throws are the perfect way to add this colour into a neutral colour base,” recommends Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi.

Lastly, to spruce up your bathroom, opt for luxurious red marble, painted tubs and striking taps.

Damson shop the look — 1. Le Creuset Signature cast iron casserole dish, £221.66, Amazon. 2. 90i range cooker in Burgundy, £9,530, Everhot. 3 Lava Burgundy tiles, £41.04 per sq m, Baked Tile Co. 4. Sandringham 3 seater sofa in Lilac Wine Red, £3,099, Bridgman. 5. Chelsea Dome wall light 8 inch in Burgundy, £99, Industville. 6. Portland low wide bookcase, £570, The Painted Furniture Company.

Velvet bed — Ruché bed in Burgundy Velvet, price on application, Ligne Roset. For more velvet beds, click here.

1. Burgundy, £26.95 for 1 litre of Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan. 2. Vintage Rose and Pinot velvet stripe cushion, £58, Rockett St George. 3. Squisharoo sofa in Drenched Damsons Clever Velvet, £2,435 for a large, Loaf. 4. Stools Heritage counter stool in Maroon, from £285, Ercol. 5. Temple Jar Chinese monochrome ceramic lamp base, price on application, Besselink & Jones. 6. Rosso Levanto polished marble, £155.96 per sq m, Mandarin Stone. 7. Perle collection pictured in Magenta Opaco, price on application, Gessi.