Lessons from Nature
Soft matte walls with eco-certified clay paint in 14 shades
Nen-do means "clay" in Japanese. When developing the colour palette for her eco-certified clay paint, interior design consultant and concept store owner Xenia Rosengart—working alongside designer and photographer Peter Fehrentz—had a clear vision: to create nuanced shades that enhance individual spaces rather than impose themselves, fostering an atmosphere of genuine comfort. Drawing directly from nature, they developed 14 colours, each derived entirely from the clay itself. No synthetic dyes or pigments were added; nature alone dictates the palette. The result: a refined Pale Clay, a rich Cedar Wood, and a vibrant Matcha Garden, among others.
This paint offers superior building biology credentials—solvent-free, breathable, and ideal for maintaining healthy indoor air. It's particularly suited to bedrooms and children's rooms. The paint's structure combined with the cross-stroke application technique produces a beautifully textured, velvety matte finish. Best of all, professional application isn't required; anyone can apply it directly. Manufactured in Germany, the dry powder is remarkably easy to work with. Simply mix with water and apply to any paintable surface. Using the cross-stroke method—forming horizontal figure-eights with a flat brush, painter's brush, or similar tool—yields an even, textured result every time.
Photography:
Peter Fehrentz
www.peterfehrentz.de
Özlem Oezsoy
(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|24)