Paint and paper specialists Farrow & Ball have recently introduced nine new colours, something they only do every few years so I was very keen to take a look. For anyone who is familiar with the brand you will know that the names of the colours is a big part of the package – who can forget Elephants Breath for example. I love reading the back stories to where the names come from. Here’s my take on the new offering.
This is a deep rich Baroque red named for the company’s original trading name of Preference Paints. I’ve been trying to be bolder with colour lately and I love the warm tone of this shade which definitely makes a statement. It works well with grey and teal but also lighter shades such as lilacs and pinks. It would suit a contemporary kitchen but I would also use it in a snug to create that homely cosy feel perfect for colder nights.
Jitney is a brown based sandy neutral. It is a calming light shade that suits all properties and rooms. The colour was inspired by the coast and days on the beach and its name derives from the bus that takes the city dwellers of New York from the city to the beaches of the Hamptons. As a lover of all things coastal this is definitely one I am going to try. I would pair it with a blue such as the other newcomer De Nimes and sage green or a darker brown. Perfect dressed with fabrics and wallpaper from the Sanderson Embleton Bay range. I can see this one becoming a “go to” neutral.
Blue is a perennial favourite as evidenced by the fact that Dulux’s colour of the year 2017 was called Denim Drift. De Nimes was inspired by the everyday workwear made in the French city of Nimes so both colours are grounded in the practical. As mentioned above it fits well in a coastal scheme but would work equally with deeper reds and greys. I’ve long been a fan of duck egg but I do like this darker (and dare I say more grown up?) hue. I think it would make a great colour for an upcycled piece of furniture as well as on walls or floors.
Green is proving a key trend in 2018 and looks set to continue beyond. It is even giving grey a run for it’s money. Green is popular because of its association with nature and the outdoors. Bancha is an update of Farrow & Ball’s archived Olive and is named after Japanese tea leaves. It’s a calming colour – stronger than sage which is an increasingly popular neutral and more natural than the emerald of the exotic “jungle” schemes that we have seen a lot of. I would combine Bancha with soft whites, earthy browns and ochre but it also looks good with dusty pinks and purples.
Paen Black is undoubtedly the most dramatic of the new colours and does require a certain amount of bravery but it is very stylish and complements both sleek contemporary and boho interiors. The inspiration for this colour is old leather hymn books and the word paen means a song of praise. Perfect for an Art Deco or modern monochrome scheme Paen Black is complemented by white and grey. For those who love colour jazz it up with emerald and fuchsia or I would pair with mustard, white and teal. It is commonly thought that in small spaces light colours are best but dark ones actually look great.
Bang on the trend for exotics, this vibrant shocking pink is named for the powder thrown during the Holi festival of colours in India. As this background suggests, the colour is joyful and uplifting yet the slight touch of black pigment gives it warmth. It is ideal for family spaces because of its energy so think kitchens, playrooms or family rooms. If you like modern décor in character properties then it would make a statement in a living room. Dark grey and deep blue are obvious partners but to avoid overpowering a scheme keep floors and ceilings neutral with an off white or paler blue or grey. Add touches of orange in accessories for a colour clash.
When it comes to white the choice can seem endless and I can remember agonising over tester pots. However, you can’t go wrong with white and I am a fan of Slipper Satin in particular for its warm feel. The name derives from the colour used in old school rooms. This soft new white is in the same group as Shaded White, Shadow White and Drop Cloth which are all designed to look white in areas of deep shade. It therefore makes a good choice for those who like white but don’t want a space to feel clinical. It is the ideal backdrop to a relaxed scheme and can be used anywhere. This is another that I will be adding to my shortlist.
I think this is one of those names that is going to become a F&B classic alongside Elephants Breath and Mouse’s Back and a must try just for the name alone. The name was inspired by the colour often used in boudoirs named for the French “bouder” to sulk, and isn’t it true that after a bad day or a row we often retreat to the bedroom? This is a dusty rose rather than a “pink” pink so not overly feminine and would combine well with fellow newcomer Paen Black for a sophisticated look.
Treron is a darker version of the classic Pigeon and the name derives from the species of bird of the same name. This is a dark grey green which is very much in tune with the mood for nature and natural materials. Picture it in a botanically inspired scheme with lighter neutrals and lots of wood or in a modern setting with shades such as London Stone and London Clay. It would suit a kitchen either on a bank of units or island. A definite alternative to grey itself.
So what is my overall take on the new colours? They are very much in keeping with the existing F & B palette and slot in well. I am certainly looking forward to using them and actually am finding it difficult to choose any favourites. I have referred above to upcycling furniture and this is a great way to experiment with colour. If you are frightened of colour, always remember paint is paint and can easily be changed!
If you are thinking of redecorating and would like some advice, call 07745 876182, e mail info@homestyle4u.com or complete the enquiry form below. I cover Cheshire and the North West.
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