Make the most of neutral colours, in association with Farrow & Ball

white kitchen with drawers and dining table

(Image credit: Farrow and Ball)

Within the neutral palette, some hues work better with a contemporary décor while others are perfect for a country feel. To choose the right one for your home, look at the colour bias of each neutral shade.

Neutrals with a grey note, which include Farrow & Ball's Slipper Satin (colour card number 2004), Lime White (1), Off White (3) and Old White (4), create a cool urban atmosphere. For this reason, although the colours are very traditional, they lend themselves extremely well to contemporary looks.

By contrast, neutrals with a yellow note, such as Farrow & Ball's White Tie (2002), New White (59), Matchstick (2013) and String (8), add warmth to a room. They have a country feel that is easy to live in and are the perfect backdrop for a traditional décor.

For a warm look with a contemporary edge, choose neutrals with a red note. Colours such as Pointing (2003), Dimity (2008), Joa's White (226) and Archive (227), which are a recent addition to the Farrow & Ball's colour card, achieve a sophisticated but soft, cosy feel.

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.