We make natural, breathable, mineral based paint
Atelier Ellis makes breathable paint using natural and mineral based materials. We’re renowned for our uniquely contemplative, poetic aesthetic built on a meticulous approach that is driven by research, design and creative thinking. Our acute sensitivity to colour and its effects on people and places, combined with emotional and material intelligence, is at the heart of our practice.
We think about colour differently
The 126 colours that make up our collection reflect a new classicism that is neither minimalist nor traditional. Embracing a simple-useful aesthetic, our colours are imagined from timeless human, nature and art-based ideas. We craft them like an artist, using up to 10 pigments to create complex, unique and nuanced shades. Our intensely pigmented, en terre colours are designed to feel both familiar and comforting, creating spaces that are welcoming, calming and cocooning.
We see home as a container and colour as a conduit
We value home in its truest sense – as a container for everything. An almanac of our homes as the holder of our possessions, experiences and people.
We intentionally choose materials and ways of making that keep people safe, protected and uplifted by where and how they choose to live.
We want homes to be an uplifting container for the life, stories and memories that happen there, and our hope is that our paint and colours inspire people to create the perfect backdrop for the way they wish to live.
We manufacture our own natural and mineral based paint at our East Sussex, farm-based factory, sourcing 95% of our ingredients from the UK. The remainder comes from Europe.
We choose natural and unmodified ingredients that are the cleanest and safest to use, and we limit the use of preservative to the minimum needed. They are also completely free from heavy metals, ammonia, glycols and micro-plastics.
We believe beauty is the language of care
At its simplest, we find beauty in the unique, emotive and very beautiful colours that we make, but it is much more than that.
The true beauty of making paint is a carefully considered balancing act of responsible and accountable materials, production, locality and respect for humans.
It’s equally in the paint that we make, where we make it and how we make it. All combined with warmth, humanity and simplicity.
We use a renewable bio-resin natural binder made from raw materials including sugar, bio ethanol, vegetable oil produced from waste crops, castor oil and/or linseed oil. Often referred to as plant-based, it provides a beautiful alternative to standard acrylic binders.
All of our paints are formulated to be highly breathable. They create safe homes, ensuring buildings breath, regulate moisture and improve air quality. Our True Matt Emulsion has an SD value of 0.004 and Steadfast Emulsion 0.0615. Both can be used on both lime and gypsum plasters.
Find out more about our commitment to responsible production.
Our founder
Atelier Ellis was founded in 2018 by Cassandra Ellis. Creating homes that feel safe, creatively fulfilling and uplifting to live in is the foundation that Atelier Ellis is built on.
As a maker and researcher, she has always woven narratives between people, their possessions and place. She is celebrated for her deep commitment to responsible stewardship and beauty.
As a colourist with a rich background in decorative design, Cassandra crafts colours and stories that inspire serene and natural living spaces, helping us tell our story of home and place. Her work embodies a thoughtful blend of artistry and environmental care.
“I believe everyone should be able to live in a joyous, safe and beautiful home that tells their story. Where and how we live is unique and I want our colours to help people find their joy, haven and personal narrative.” Cassandra Ellis
