Newly opened in its US headquarters in Greenwich, Little Greene is a family-run British company known for wallpapers and long-lasting, multidimensional “intelligent” paints. David Mottershead founded the company in 1996, although Little Green Dye Works has records dating back to 1773. For this piece, we spoke to his daughter, Little Greene Creative Director Ruth Mottershead. “Dad was always around paint and color,” she notes. “As a child, I’d go to the factory, and I’d paint sample chips on the kitchen table.” Initially studying and practicing landscape architecture, she created outdoor public green spaces and heritage sites, feeding twin passions for design and the outdoors. Transitioning back to the family business, she joined her father and brother in the company in 2011.
As creative director, Mottershead devises concepts and ideas for upcoming paint and wallpaper collections, manages photoshoots and interacts with customers. She also handles promotional copy and social media, creating a contemporary presence for the company. Married to a wallpaper executive whom she met at work, they are raising their toddler daughter in a Victorian house with lots of detail, cornices and character. “We’ve given it a lick of paint and some wallpaper, and in time will evolve possible structural changes, but it’s very colorful now.”
While you had your sights on opening in America for some time, how did the war in Ukraine play a role?
We used to deal a lot with the Russian market. Having lost that business, we knew there was a demand here. Interior designers would ask us when were we coming to America, and it seemed the time to do it justice.
Why locate your American headquarters in Greenwich?
It’s perfect, a natural choice for us. Our firm is located in a historic hamlet, and Greenwich has a village feel that is relatable to us as a brand and is the perfect springboard to begin our US business.
Describe the new paint formulation you are introducing here.
They are self-priming, water-based paints. They don’t need a primer, they are easy to apply and adhere well on multi-surfaces—glass, tile, metal, woodwork. This spring we’re introducing Sweet Treats—a caramel/honey/chocolate palette specific to America.
What differences do you see between US and European choices?
High gloss is popular: Americans seem to prefer high sheen. In Europe, the preference is eggshell or matte.
Why are Little Greene’s sample color cards unique?
Lots of countries use color-matched inks. We make them with the actual paint straight from the tin. Our paints have complex pigmentation—up to 16 components. You need to see the actual color and how it reacts to varying lighting, otherwise the colors may not match what they are supposed to be.
What should be the first step in selecting a paint shade?
It depends on the situation, but the character of the house is really important— the proportions, height, windows, any historical features. You want to reflect the character of the home rather than what is trendy.
The paints have fanciful names. Why is one called Invisible Green?
It was developed for Regent’s Park to disguise the railings so they don’t stand out against the foliage.
Little Greene has colors re-created from paint analyses in historic properties. Why is that important?
We like to retain the historic aspects— what used to exist here—restoring it back to what it was. The door of Benjamin Franklin’s house in London was painted Chocolate Colour. We do a lot of work with the National Trust. You don’t want to redecorate a historic house.
What shades are popular now?
The oldest colors are the trendiest. Olive Color, a yellowy green, Basalt, which is a bluish black, and Obsidian, a black with a green tone. They work on woodwork and walls as well.
What is your favorite color?
I like Canton: It’s a turquoise blue—a bluey-green with a lovely warmth. It works well in lots of different light, and it doesn’t matter which way the room is facing.