Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT, WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1641" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor.jpg" alt="kettlewell colour analysis somerset" class="wp-image-105681" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor-731x800.jpg 731w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor-914x1000.jpg 914w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor-366x400.jpg 366w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor-768x840.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-exterior_Fotor-1404x1536.jpg 1404w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>People often talk about a place being a hidden gem but the <a href="https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/colour-studio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kettlewell Colour Studio</a> truly is.  Located near Cricket St Thomas, on a teeny tiny industrial estate on a country road between Crewkerne and Chard in south Somerset, you&#8217;d literally never know it was there – but you really should. </p>



<p>Renowned for their colourful wardrobe essentials, and now part of a group which includes Celtic &amp; Co and Frugi, <a href="https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kettlewell Colours</a> have been dressing women from the West Country and beyond for around 20 years. </p>



<p>As well as being Kettlewell HQ –&nbsp;the heart and soul of the brand, where they design, market and dispatch the collection – this is also where you&#8217;ll find their shop and Kettlewell&#8217;s expert colour stylists, who promise to discover the feel-good colours that are most flattering to your skin tone, eye and hair colour, helping to make you look and feel your beautiful best.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Colour analysis is about finding not just the colours but the subtle shades that naturally enhance your natural skin tone, eye and hair colour.  By looking at the impact different shades have on your face, and by a careful process of elimination, the colour stylist creates a palette of colours that are the most flattering for you.  Grouped into four categories, which Kettlewell call Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, a colour – say, blue – may be warm or cool, soft or bright, dark or light.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1920" height="2560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-scaled.jpg" alt="kettlewell colour analysis somerset" class="wp-image-105666" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlebell-IMG_9356-1536x2048.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p>Once you know your colours, you can choose the clothes – and make up – that make your skin glow and your eyes sparkle. Sounds brilliant. But does it actually work?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>Once you&#8217;re inside, the shop&nbsp;– with racks of clothes in masses of different colours (more than 300 at the last count, all specially dyed for Kettlewell under the guidance of founder Melissa Nicholson and her team, and arranged in seasonal palettes), bright yellow sofa, and a curtained off private studio at the back – wouldn&#8217;t look out of place in Bath.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="kettlewell somerset" class="wp-image-103501" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Then of course, there are the lovely Kettlewell ladies, whose mission in life is devoted to bringing out the best in the rest of us.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="kettlewell somerset" class="wp-image-103498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/12/kettlewell-Artboard-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens">WHAT HAPPENS</h2>



<p>Here&#8217;s the blank canvas, no make up and wearing a big white bib in front of a mirror with colour stylist, Heather, ready to do her thing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351.jpeg" alt="kettlewell colour studio somerset" class="wp-image-105436" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9351-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Once you&#8217;re sitting comfortably, Heather works her way through a big carousel of Kettlewell colour swatches aka the Kettlewell Colour System. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350.jpeg" alt="kettlewell colour studio somerset" class="wp-image-105435" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-IMG_9350-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As they&#8217;re laid across your body, the instinct is to look at the colours and think &#8216;do I like that colour?&#8217; The trick is to look at your face&nbsp;– and see how it changes with the different colours. I was amazed to see how much difference it made. Some colours reflected light up onto my face, giving a healthy glow. Others emphasised my bags and jowls (no thanks). Sometimes the difference could be subtle, so a cream white was flattering; a silver white, not. </p>



<p>You&#8217;ve got to trust the process! By careful selection, consideration and discussion, Heather gradually worked out my palette, which turned out to be Autumn. That&#8217;s warm, deep soft colours inspired by nature like mustard, teal and a rich dark chocolate (which I should wear instead of my ubiquitous black, which it turns out is NOT one of my colours at all).</p>



<p>What do you think? Love my new colours and I can see a real difference in my complexion.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1419" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor.jpg" alt="kettlewell colour studio somerset" class="wp-image-105450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor-800x757.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor-1000x946.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor-400x378.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/kettlewell-Heather-Colour-Studio-7_Fotor-768x727.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Once you&#8217;ve got your palette you&#8217;re good to go. Very handily, you can buy gorgeous clothes and accessories in all your colours from their shop in Somerset or online (where you can sort via your season) but you&#8217;re also given a little swatch book with colour fabric squares – really helpful to refer to wherever you&#8217;re buying new clothes or make up.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1.jpg" alt="kettlewell colours somerset" class="wp-image-105660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/02/00-kettlewell-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: Giving yourself a great big confidence boost. A wardrobe revamp. Easier clothes shopping. A gift voucher for a friend, sister, aunt, mum – even better, all go together?  If you&#8217;re not local, Kettlewell can suggest lots of lovely places to stay and other things to do to make a fabulous Somerset getaway.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: The woman who&#8217;s got it all nailed (and that&#8217;s almost no one).</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> A three-hour, one-to-one colour analysis costs £195, which includes shopping time, tea and coffee, and a fabric swatch book with your own colours to take away. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/colour-studio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kettlewell Colour Studio</a>, Goldenhaye Industrial Estate, Chard, Somerset TA20 4BN. 01460 279800.</em></p>



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Review: Kettlewell Colour Studio, near Cricket St Thomas

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