Lynn O’Rourke: Switching to the dark side

I DON’T know if it’s the darker nights, the chill in the air or just that time of year, but I have a real notion to change the look of things at home.

Lynn O'Rourke. Picture: TSPL

And I’m starting to question if my white house (complete with grubby handprints) is really what I want. What about a bit of colour to liven things up?

We have been down the colour route before, but it was a long time ago and the Antique White has pretty much ruled the roost since. White does reflect the light, but colour looks so sophisticated, all those dark greys and deep reds – I’m seriously contemplating a switch to the dark side. I could start in the kitchen – warm colours are apparently good for eating and cooking areas, so maybe a red. I convince myself, but make the mistake of flicking through colour charts and suddenly Duck Egg crops up and Brinjal, then there is Venetian Red and Crimson. My resolve weakens. Now I remember why we stick to the Antique White... I can never decide on anything else.

This week we take a look at a fantastically stylish extended home in Edinburgh’s Duddingston area on page 4. The warmth and character of the Longniddry cottage featuring on page 10 is clear to see. Slate sculpture is well suited to Scottish gardens on page 14. And on page 34, ceramic artist Susan O’Byrne talks about growing up with crafts and her love of 90s music.