Colour secrets: Dulux Trade colour consultants share all with codebreaking site Bletchley Park

The historic Bletchley Park, which was home to secret British code breakers during World War II has received a stunning makeover in its Manor House Drawing Room by ESK Decorating Contractors Ltd, with help from Dulux Trade Colour Consultants. ESK was tasked with redecorating the illustrious room, and with guidance from the colour team at Dulux Trade, transformed the interior colour scheme giving it a prestigious new look.

Steve Milne, managing director at ESK Decorating Contractors, says: "The brief called for the room to have the highest quality décor that was sympathetic to the historic building, so we called in the specification and colour experts from Dulux Trade to give us professional guidance on colour, texture and atmosphere." The Dulux Trade Commercial Colour Consultancy service is a free resource provided by Dulux Trade, offering complete colour solutions for myriad commercial projects.

Lisa Pilley, Dulux Trade Commercial Colour Consultant, continues: "Working on such an important historical site meant we had to preserve the narrative of the entire venue within just one room. We created a simple, timeless and quite classic, neutral scheme that could be dressed in a range of colours for a wedding or other private events that would create a warm, calm and unimposing look for other uses. The Drawing Room's mahogany fire surround influenced the overall tone of the colours, and I used both warm and cool neutrals to bring equilibrium to the scheme. I also wanted to draw emphasis to the 'Daisy' work on the ceiling and to add a little drama away from eye level, so it made sense to use the deepest shade overhead, to give extra impact on entering the room.

"The colour scheme I created of Muslin Birch and Soft Truffle on the main panelling and ceiling areas gives a muted and neutral effect with an injection of gentle warmth. Today's neutrals are 'greyed off' tones, which ensure a calmer impression and are the perfect partner for a whole range of other colour accents, bestowing the room with a chameleon like quality to keep it appropriate for the many events the room caters for."

The specification team recommended that the Dulux Trade Diamond range be used throughout the project due to the products' tough durability and stain resistant properties, both of which are up to ten times greater than standard silk emulsions. The room itself displays prominent original interior wood panelling so Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood was a natural choice, presenting a sleek and refined finish to ensure the wood panels maintained their authentic appearance whilst preserving the wood itself.

Ann Noble, Marketing Manager, Colours and Tinting for Dulux Trade says: "The Dulux Trade Commercial Colour Consultants worked closely with the ESK Decorating Contractors and the team at Bletchley Park, and by making use of Lisa's invaluable eye for detail, the end result was of the highest quality. The professional colour selection has achieved a sleek look that is reminiscent of the room's original character. The guidance and extra assistance that we provide as part of the Commercial Colour Consultant service ensures the best use of colour for every project."

Steve Milne concludes: "The Drawing Room looks fantastic and we're really proud to have it in our portfolio. Working with Dulux Trade in sourcing a colour to match its original period décor adds to the atmosphere of the room. Bletchley Park has told us that many of the conference guests and brides have commented how great the room is, especially the gilded look ceiling."

For more information on the Dulux Trade Colour Consultant service, please see the technical support section on this website.