Interior designers' favorite Farrow & Ball paint colors

Farrow & Ball, a renowned British paint company, has curated a list of its top-selling paint colors across various hues to assist homeowners in their next decorating project. Patrick O'Donnell, a color consultant for the brand, offers insights into these popular shades, which range from subtle neutrals to bold, dramatic tones, aiming to inspire sophisticated home makeovers. The selection begins with "Red Earth," described as a rich, midtone red that beautifully transitions from a pale brick to a deep terracotta, making it ideal for rooms with limited natural light. Its blend of red and yellow pigments enhances coziness, and it suits both traditional and modern interior styles. For whites, "Wimborne White" stands out as the best-seller, lauded for its versatility due to a delicate yellow undertone. This shade is recommended for trim and ceilings or to create a gentle, cohesive atmosphere in bedrooms, bathrooms, or foyers, especially when paired with darker walls. In the green spectrum, "Green Smoke" is the most sought-after. This smoky green-blue, inspired by 19th-century aesthetics, offers a calming and serene ambiance. While exceptional for interior spaces, its deeply drab character also makes it an elegant choice for exterior trim. "Setting Plaster" is the top-selling pink, cherished for its historic feel and soft, yellow undertone. O'Donnell suggests it for bathrooms or any area where a gentle warmth is desired, noting its flattering quality and compatibility with antique furnishings. "Down Pipe" is Farrow & Ball's leading gray, a sophisticated dark shade that possesses a surprising warmth due to a hint of green. This rich, daring color provides an excellent backdrop for artwork, adding a dramatic touch to any room. For neutrals, "Oxford Stone" takes the lead, drawing inspiration from Cotswold cottages. This dark taupe is celebrated for its forgiving nature and ability to introduce a subtle warmth to spaces where white might appear too stark. Its red base contributes to its earthy richness, making it perfect for neutral color schemes. "Hague Blue" is the preeminent dark blue, a classic hue with significant depth and an underlying green note. O'Donnell recommends using it in a higher sheen finish for dramatic effect, particularly in small, intimate rooms. "Peignoir" represents the top purple shade, offering a romantic feel with both depth and softness. Its light, gray-tinged lilac quality makes it highly versatile, suitable for bright bedrooms, and it pairs well with bold cabinetry colors like "Railings" or "Down Pipe" in kitchens. For those seeking a vibrant splash of color, "Charlotte’s Locks" is the best-selling orange, reminiscent of 70s aesthetics. This deep orange, almost red, is ideal for colorful accents, such as a living room bookcase against dark brown walls or as a playful touch on kitchen table legs. Finally, "India Yellow" is the top-selling yellow, a rich ochre shade that brings warmth and a moody character to a home. O'Donnell suggests it for traditional dining rooms, where the glow of candlelight enhances its deep beauty and unique character. This curated selection provides diverse options for homeowners looking to infuse their spaces with Farrow & Ball's distinctive color palette. #FarrowAndBall #PaintColors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #DecoratingTips #NeutralColors #BoldColors #PaintSelection

This article delves into the unique and often eccentric paint color names employed by the distinguished British paint company, Farrow & Ball. Unlike many paint manufacturers that use generic or overtly cute color names, Farrow & Ball has cultivated a reputation for conversation-starting names that add layers of intrigue and history to their products. The company, founded in 1946, is celebrated by decorators for its water-based, eco-friendly paints made with deep natural pigments. However, it's their distinct naming convention, featuring hues like "Elephant’s Breath," "Arsenic," and "Dead Salmon," that truly sets them apart. Sarah Cole, a director at Farrow & Ball, explains that the company prioritizes emotive names, considering them as integral to the color as the pigment itself. The article reveals the fascinating origins behind some of these seemingly quirky names. For instance, "Dead Salmon," a dark peachy pink, traces its roots to an 1805 painting bill for a Kedleston library, where "Dead" referred to a 'Dead Flat' paint finish and "Salmon" indicated the warm red tone. The vibrant green "Arsenic" playfully alludes to Napoleon, linking the verdigris color, initially used as a ground for Napoleonic Bee Wallpaper, to the historical theory of Napoleon's potential poisoning by arsenic pigment in his St. Helena bathroom wallpaper. "Elephant’s Breath," a warm purple-gray, is highlighted as one of the most quirky names, yet it possesses a rich history. The phrase was used by influential 20th-century English decorator John Fowler and his partner Nancy Lancaster. Further research by author Deb Salisbury in her 2009 glossary, _Elephant’s Breath and London Smoke_, shows the term's origins dating back to 1874, where it described various shades from a misty blue to a pale olive-green, and later a cool purple-gray. This evolution underscores how old hues were often given new, imaginative names. Farrow & Ball also draws inspiration from historical locations and their local heritage. "St Giles Blue" and "Hardwick White" are named after the homes where these colors were discovered. Being based in Dorset, a southern coastal county in England, the company incorporates regional terms into its palette, such as "Dimpse" (a pale gray) for the fading twilight and "Mizzle" (a greenish gray) for the local mix of mist and drizzle. Nature further influences their color selection, with many of the current year's colors mirroring the Dorset landscape, including "Stiffkey Blue," which is inspired by the unique color of mud found at Stiffkey Beach in Norfolk. While many names are abstract or historically rooted, some are more straightforward. "Yellowcake," a classic bright yellow, signifies a revival of the 'homemade' aesthetic, reminiscent of bold hues popular in 1960s kitchens. Lastly, some colors are named after individuals, adding a personal touch; "Charlotte’s Locks" and "Nancy’s Blushes" are inspired by the fiery red hair and rosy cheeks of people known to the company. This creative naming process imbues Farrow & Ball's colors with personality and narrative, making the selection of paint a more engaging and memorable experience. #FarrowAndBall #PaintColors #ColorNaming #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BritishDesign #DesignInspiration #ColorHistory

This blog post explores a collection of bold paint colors that interior designers are eager to incorporate into their future projects. It highlights the unique opportunity individuals have to be both client and designer in their own homes, allowing for unconstrained color choices, unlike professional designers who often work within client preferences. The article then delves into specific color recommendations from several prominent interior designers, providing insights into their preferences and suggested applications. May Harrington of Huff Harrington in Atlanta, Georgia, expresses enthusiasm for "French Ochre" by Benjamin Moore. She describes this color as a deep, saturated ochre with hints of olive and burnished gold, making it a bold yet grounding neutral. Harrington suggests pairing it with black, deep browns, golds, or rich cognac to create a moody and unexpected aesthetic. Another Atlanta-based designer, Micaela Quinton of Copper Sky Design & Remodel, favors deep plum and raisin hues, specifically recommending Sherwin-Williams' "Blackberry." Quinton notes that these colors are sophisticated and dramatic while simultaneously fostering a cozy atmosphere within a space. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe in San Francisco is inspired by a recent manicure to suggest "Hot Lips" by Benjamin Moore, a deep neon pink. Munroe believes this vibrant pink would be impactful on a ceiling, storage cabinet, or stair rail. She emphasizes that pink radiates warmth and gives skin a vibrant quality, making it particularly suitable for powder rooms and entertainment areas. Katie Lee Jacobs of Katie Lee Interiors in Westchester, New York, reveals her long-standing affection for "Stone Blue" by Farrow & Ball, describing it as a notably bright and bold blue. Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a strong advocate for Benjamin Moore's "Evening Blue." She envisions this bright electric blue being used on trim or built-ins to create a striking contrast. Naïka Andre of NJA Interiors, also based in Connecticut, is drawn to "Brassica" by Farrow & Ball, a moody lavender. Andre finds this color to perfectly balance charm and drama, suggesting its versatility in various design schemes. Finally, Arizona designer Bari J. Ackerman of Bari J. Designs expresses a desire to experiment with a lilac-pink color, combining it with greens or mustard. Her recent experience with a painting featuring a lilac background sparked the idea of using this color for an entire room, indicating a broader application of this soft yet distinctive hue. These diverse recommendations collectively showcase a trend towards embracing expressive and unconventional color palettes in interior design. #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #PaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ColorPalette #BenjaminMoore #FarrowAndBall #SherwinWilliams

Choosing the right paint color can significantly influence the ambiance of a home. Interior designers frequently recommend a select group of paint colors that reliably enhance various spaces. Among white and off-white shades, Benjamin Moore's Paper White is favored for its warm, slightly gray undertone, making it versatile for kitchens, stairwells, and moldings. White Dove, also by Benjamin Moore, is another classic, offering a subtle warmth without appearing yellow, suitable for entire homes. Benjamin Moore's Linen White provides a perfect ivory with depth, adapting from a pure ivory in bright light to a soft pink as the sun sets. Decorator's White, a Benjamin Moore color with a slight blue tone, brightens rooms and is ideal for walls, trim, millwork, and built-ins. Simply White by Benjamin Moore is a go-to warm white for all-white schemes, and its effect can be enhanced by varying sheen finishes on walls, doors, and baseboards. For neutral grays, Benjamin Moore's Light Pewter is a timeless option that serves as an excellent backdrop for various interior styles. Shoreline, another Benjamin Moore hue, is a pale gray praised for its neutrality, avoiding blue, green, or lavender undertones, making it suitable for family rooms, hallways, and kitchens. Sherwin-Williams' Passive is a reliable neutral gray without strong undertones, adaptable to almost any room. Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore is a warm taupe-gray known for its chameleon-like quality, subtly changing with light conditions. Designers also embrace bold and vibrant colors. Farrow & Ball's Parma Gray, a blue with a purple undertone, can appear gray-blue and is used in high gloss for dramatic foyers or in matte for cozy family rooms. Brassica, by Farrow & Ball, is described as a quiet, masculine purple that complements various antique and modern furnishings. Benjamin Moore's Alligator Alley is a rich green with gray undertones, making it easy to integrate into a design scheme, whether as a base for wallpaper or an accent on ceilings. Heritage Red, a Benjamin Moore color, is recommended in high gloss for dining rooms or libraries, particularly for spaces used at night, creating a luxurious and cozy atmosphere. Benjamin Moore's Autumn Purple, a sophisticated berry hue, adds warmth and is suitable for dining rooms, powder rooms, or high-gloss built-ins in home offices. Specific blues and greens are also highlighted. Benjamin Moore's Bermuda Turquoise is a rich, saturated jewel tone perfect for small, transitional spaces like foyers and powder rooms, especially in a high-gloss finish. Blue Haze, another Benjamin Moore color, is an ethereal blue that is both calming and stimulating, often recommended for bedrooms. Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore, a dusty blue, pairs well with brass or wallpaper and is used on walls, trim, and cabinetry. Sherwin-Williams' Evergreen Fog is a saturated, dusty green that acts as a neutral, providing a calming effect, particularly when paired with warm wood tones. Topsail by Sherwin-Williams is a subtle mint color, offering a refreshing hint of pale blue and green that can uplift or relax a room. Unique and earthy tones include Farrow & Ball's Hardwick White, which reads as a taupe despite its name, offering warmth and neutrality. Wevet, also by Farrow & Ball, is a delicate white with a barely-there, translucent feel and a slight gray undertone. Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball is a light mushroom color, perfect for neutral rooms and effective on kitchen cabinets or interior walls. Jitney, another Farrow & Ball favorite, is a light and creamy brown with pink or peach undertones, offering earthy moodiness. Benjamin Moore's Palest Pistachio appears white with hints of blue or green, creating a happy and clean feeling. Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore, which often presents more green than blue, is deep, elegant, and timeless. Sherwin-Williams' Accessible Beige is a warm beige that avoids yellow undertones and works well for kitchen cabinets. Cavern Clay by Sherwin-Williams, a terracotta-inspired hue, adds richness and is ideal for pairing with warm woods and neutral colors, even on ceilings for a rosy glow. Outerspace by Sherwin-Williams is a deep blue with heavy gray undertones, perfect for high-impact areas like built-ins. Lawn Party by Backdrop is a vibrant medium green with warm yellow and tan undertones, suitable for walls, ceilings, and cabinetry. Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball is a versatile blend of blue and gray, shifting with light, and ideal for islands or millwork. Finally, Red Earth by Farrow & Ball, a blend of red and yellow pigments, provides warmth and is excellent for accent cupboards or front doors. #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorSelection #DesignTips #NeutralColors #BoldColors #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore

The choice of paint color is fundamental to home aesthetics, whether following annual trends or seeking a refresh. This article explores 12 paint colors favored by interior designers for 2025, offering insights into their application and impact, moving beyond conventional palettes. The selections range from deep, saturated hues to versatile neutrals and earthy tones. Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore is highlighted for its ability to bring millwork to life, especially in kitchens or libraries with floor-to-ceiling shelving. Its green tone retains depth in varying light conditions without appearing black or slate. For smaller spaces like powder baths and breakfast nooks, Gloucester Sage by Benjamin Moore provides a bold yet demure mossy green that avoids pulling gray, offering a vintage and traditional feel. India Yellow by Farrow & Ball is suggested for those desiring a bolder hue with earthy undertones, capable of being sophisticated or adding a vibrant pop, as demonstrated in a laundry room cabinet with a wallcovering. Wellfleet by Portola Paints is identified as ideal for the 2025 trend of color drenching, striking a balance between depth and warmth in its blue shade. It complements warm, earthy tones like Mocha Mousse. Barnwood by Benjamin Moore, a deep gray with brown hints, is recommended for its versatility and moody quality, suitable for bars and dining rooms. Pure White by Sherwin-Williams stands out as a reliable white, valued by designers for not pulling yellow, pink, blue, or gray in diverse lighting, maintaining its importance amidst trends favoring vibrant colors and jewel tones. Havana Affair by Alkemis, a bright, rusty orange-red, is praised for its ability to infuse joy and warmth, with its rich, matte velvet finish likened to a jewelry box interior. Benjamin Moore's 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, is described as a sophisticated blend of deep plum and earth brown, offering warmth, depth, and character without feeling heavy. Alabaster by Benjamin Moore is a soft, sophisticated white that instantly elevates spaces and is expected to remain a popular choice. Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore, a light gray with green-gray undertones, is favored for its warmth and versatility, suitable for layering with trendy colors and used across various rooms. Antique Pearl by Benjamin Moore is presented as a soothing, muted silver-lilac that transitions from lilac undertones in daylight to a warm gray at night, adaptable to both cool and warm color schemes. Finally, Heron Plume by Sherwin-Williams is a soft, warm cream ideal for kitchens, providing a welcoming and versatile foundation for modern designs with its nuanced warm cream and gray tonal values. These selections collectively offer a guide to creating inviting, stylish, and character-filled interiors in the coming year. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #BenjaminMoore #FarrowAndBall #PortolaPaints #SherwinWilliams #Alkemis