Farrow & Ball's new colors have just launched – we ask designers how to use this calm, yet colorful palette

The article discusses the latest additions to the Farrow & Ball paint color library, featuring 11 new shades introduced for the first time in four years. Studio McGee expresses a strong affinity for Farrow & Ball paints, citing their use in various projects, including the Hilltop Estate, where the ceiling in one room is adorned with 'Setting Plaster.' The new collection encompasses a diverse range of hues, from a playful pink to a wistful blue, each offering unique design possibilities. Shea McGee, a prominent designer, shares her insights and favorite selections from the new paint palette. She highlights several colors and provides guidance on their optimal application in interior design. For instance, 'Stirabout' is lauded for its neutral quality, described as neither purely white, grey, nor beige, but rather possessing a natural, organic feel akin to raw linen. This shade is recommended for creating a relaxed and organic ambiance while still providing sufficient contrast to establish a defined color scheme. Another favored hue is 'Pink Ground,' which Shea appreciates for its soft pink tone that avoids being overly feminine or saccharine. She suggests its versatility, indicating suitability for a sophisticated girl's room or even a living room when combined with dark wood elements and vintage furniture. An innovative application proposed is pairing 'Pink Ground' with the new 'Templeton Pink' for a subtle yet significant color-blocking effect. 'Whirlybird' is identified as a vibrant and playful green. Shea envisions this color transforming cabinetry in spaces that receive ample sunlight, where it could appear luminous in the morning and develop a glazed, burnished quality in the evening. She suggests combining 'Whirlybird' with 'Beverly' to achieve a deeply tonal and highly personalized aesthetic. For those drawn to darker, more atmospheric tones, 'Hopper Head' is presented as a compelling option. Inspired by industrial iron elements and rainwater, this shade is described as dark and moody yet possessing an organic character. It is recommended for spaces where a balance between coziness, warmth, and contemporary design is desired. Finally, 'Selvedge' is celebrated for its dusty, vintage appeal, reminiscent of raw denim. Shea notes its adaptability, explaining that it can function as a soft blue-grey or be combined with deeper tones to create a more dramatic and moody atmosphere. The article underscores the thoughtful consideration given to each new shade and their potential to enhance various interior design projects, reflecting Studio McGee's design philosophy. #FarrowAndBall #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #SheaMcGee #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #NeutralColors #MoodLighting

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

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

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