No matter the trends, blue has consistently been the world’s favourite colour as it’s a shade that evokes feelings of calm and serenity. That’s why decorating with this particular colour is so popular – and if you’re considering painting your walls or accents in your home blue, these are the most popular Farrow & Ball blue paint shades that are worth knowing about.

Farrow & Ball is the authority in the world of paint, colour and interiors – not to mention it’s one of the most popular paint brands, if not the most popular. So turning to some of its most popular paint colours for your blue living room or bedroom ideas wouldn’t go amiss.

I know I started off by saying that blue is the world’s go-to colour at all times, but 2026 especially is all about all things blue – it’s one of the biggest colour trends of the year and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon, especially considering its timeless quality. So without further ado, these are the two blue shades that Farrow & Ball customers have been loving.

1. Hague Blue

Last year, Hague Blue was one of Farrow & Ball’s bestselling shades. So it’s no surprise that it’s still one of the brand’s most popular blues.

‘Hague Blue is a popular deep, rich navy with green undertones,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘It has a kind of velvety, glamorous touch that makes it feel particularly intimate.’

He adds, ‘You’ll often see it used on woodwork like cabinetry, and on exterior doors – particularly in its gloss finish. Worked against contrasting oranges, greens, and whites, this colour is renowned for helping accents pop.’

2. Lulworth Blue

Soft shades of blue have been especially popular this year, as well as last year when the blue trend was already coming into its own. I myself painted my doors and skirting boards in a light sky blue shade (Lick’s Blue 08, available at B&Q) last year. So if that’s the look you’re after, Farrow & Ball’s popular Lulworth Blue is the one for you.

‘Farrow & Ball’s Lulworth Blue is one of their most loved blues,’ Michael says. ‘It’s a soft mid-blue that’s favoured for its gentleness. This shade was inspired by the sea at Lulworth Cove in Dorset, so it has a kind of easy maritime, oceanic feel, reminiscent of long, sleepy summer days. It’s loved for bringing that feeling of ease home.’

And if you’re a fan of colour drenching - as we here at Ideal Home are - then this is the perfect colour to cover all your walls and other surfaces with.

‘Lulworth Blue is a popular shade for colour drenching – it’s versatile, simple and takes the pressure out of decision-making. It works really well when used across a whole space, especially paired with crisp whites to really lean into that maritime feel. For that reason, it’s often used in bathrooms with white finishes and in bedrooms with white bedding, where it keeps things feeling fresh, calm, and pulled together,’ Michael explains.

Which Farrow & Ball blue is the winner for you? Is it the soft and bright Lulworth Blue or the moody and sophisticated Hague Blue?

Farrow & Ball doesn’t only make some of the best paint for your walls, but it’s also a popular go-to for front door paint colours. And if you’re thinking of giving your front door a makeover and make it stand out from the rest on your street, then why not take inspiration from the most popular Farrow & Ball front door colours of 2026?

This is the perfect time of year to give some thought to new front door colour ideas and seriously elevate the look of your home’s entrance. Giving your front door a fresh lick of paint in a sophisticated shade is one of the best and easiest ways to make your front door look expensive. Just make sure to stick to either the exterior eggshell or full gloss finish when shopping for front door paint at Farrow & Ball.

I’ve asked Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, one of Farrow & Ball stockists, for the most popular front door colours from the famous paint brand – and these are the 3 he shared with me.

1. Bold reds

Even though the very classic primary red is a front door colour going out of style this year, alternative shades of red are thriving. Farrow & Ball reds included.

‘Red is warm, energetic and attention-grabbing – it’s also the colour of love,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says. ‘For that reason, it is great for giving the impression that “this is more than a house, it’s a home”. Farrow & Ball's Romesco is a popular colour at the moment, which suggests these kinds of homeowners have a fashionable, passionate and perhaps even a slightly fiery side.’

2. Deep blues

Blues of all shades are generally one of the biggest colour trends of 2026. And when it comes to front door ideas specifically, deep, dark blues are the ones that people are favouring, whether that’s navy or royal blue.

‘A royal blue front door exudes elegance and a touch of regality. Shades like Farrow & Ball's Blue Maize nod to iconic doors, such as that from the Notting Hill film. These blues are timeless, bold and a great colour choice, complementing period properties by combining the classic with a modern punch. These colour doors are usually found on Victorian homes in the UK,’ Michael explains.

3. Earthy greens

Green has been one of the most popular colour choices for front doors for a few years now. And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Earthier shades of green are currently the go-tos, whether that’s sage green, olive or a dark, smoky shade like Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke.

‘A sage green like Farrow & Ball's Ball Green suggests owners value a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Its soft, cottage-like vibe brings a sense of calm, as green’s natural associations suggest freshness and balance. This colour gently lifts your mood and enhances happiness,’ Michael says.

What colour are you going to be painting your front door this year?

The colours you decide to include in your home have the power of transforming your space – and depending on what colours, as well as colour combinations you go for, this transformation can either be for the better or worse. This is where colour theory comes in - and knowing the basics of these colour rules is the best way to prevent the latter scenario from happening.

Colour theory is how interior experts design and decorate rooms and homes and select the best shades for every space. It’s about knowing what different colours and tones feel like and evoke, how to use the colour wheel in order to create the best colour combinations and more.

‘We often think of colour as a visual decision, but it’s also biological,’ says Jen Devaney, Frenchic Paint’s colour consultant. ‘Different colours affect the brain and nervous system in measurable ways. This is called chromotherapy, or colour therapy. And while it’s often associated with holistic healing, the science is well-established.’

Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, continues, ‘Colour theory is about understanding the relationship between colours and the atmosphere they create within a room.'

'It looks at how tones interact with one another, how they respond to light and texture, and the emotional response they can evoke.’

Mastering colour theory is the way to a harmonious and stylish home – and this is how to harness its powers.

How to use colour theory

Even if you’re not familiar with the rules of colour theory, you’ve likely heard of some of the well-known rules that are based on it – I’m talking about the likes of the 60-30-10 colour rule or the unexpected red theory which became a major home decor trend a couple of years ago and remains very popular to this day.

Here are some of the experts’ top tips to take away from the vast teaching of colour theory.

Warm vs cool colours

Different colours evoke different emotions – and a lot of this comes down to whether they’re warm or cool colours. You should choose one or the other depending on what room you’re decorating and what atmosphere you’re looking to create.

‘Warm colours (reds, oranges, yellows) tend to stimulate the senses and increase energy. They’re great for social spaces like kitchens and dining rooms. Cool colours (blues, greens, violets) help lower stress, reduce heart rate, and promote focus and are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices,’ Jen at Frenchic explains.

Analogous vs complementary colour schemes

‘Colour also influences how we behave and experience a space. Softer colour palettes can help a room feel more restful and grounding, while stronger contrasts or brighter accents can encourage creativity, focus or conversation,’ Cathryn at Earthborn says.

This is also referred to as an analogous colour scheme - a colour scheme which uses colours close together on the colour wheel - and a complementary colour scheme, which pairs together colours that sit opposite one another on the colour wheel.

‘Colours that sit closely together on the colour wheel tend to create a softer and more harmonious feel, while contrasting shades can bring depth, energy and definition when used thoughtfully,’ Cathryn adds.

Tonal vs contrasting colour schemes

Flow is an important word when it comes to interior design and decorating – and one that I’ve been hearing more often lately. One of the easiest and most important ways to make sure your space has the right flow is through colour.

‘Beyond mood, colour theory helps create flow throughout the home. Tonal colour palettes can make interiors feel harmonious and connected, while thoughtful contrast can draw attention to architectural details or introduce personality without overwhelming the space, such as the peek-a-boo effect,’ Cathryn at Earthborn says.

While the peek-a-boo theory is the perfect example of a contrast, the popular colour drenching and newer double drenching method are ways to embrace a tonal scheme.

Light and size perception

‘It also changes how we perceive proportion and light. Lighter shades can help smaller rooms feel more open and airy, while deeper colours can add comfort and intimacy to larger spaces that may otherwise feel cold or impersonal,’ Cathryn says.

One of the well-known tricks of making a small room look bigger is by painting a light colour as these shades reflect light. The same goes for rooms that lack natural light.

A lesser known way to visually open up a small space is by using a hue that’s light and cool on the walls – for example, the Dulux Bright Skies shade, available at B&Q.

‘Colour theory is about understanding how colour, light and texture work together to shape atmosphere and emotion in a way that feels personal and reflective of how someone wants to live within their home,’ Cathryn concludes.

Farrow & Ball is undoubtedly one of the most iconic paint brands, if not the most iconic. You’ll find Farrow & Ball’s paint covering the walls of the most stylish homes – and so I wanted to know what have been Farrow & Ball’s most popular paint colours of 2026 thus far.

I’ve gone straight to the source to find out what the current and future colour trends are, as Farrow & Ball is nothing short of a trendsetter in this space. The brand’s shared a few of its bestselling shades – and I must say that several of them surprised me, not to mention that most of them are also newcomers to the list of bestsellers when compared to 2025’s most popular Farrow & Ball shades.

I’d expected the likes of Scallop or Sulking Room Pink to make an appearance in the top sellers as they are some of the shades that I keep hearing about and seeing in people’s homes time and time again.

At the same time, there are a couple of colours which experts predicted to be big in 2026 at the end of last year alongside those fully welcome surprises.

1. Wimborne White

Every paint brand’s top selling colour is their best white paint, pretty much without fail. And despite Farrow & Ball’s impressive range of 132 beautiful shades, this rule applies to this iconic paint company, too.

‘For the first time, Wimborne White, named after Farrow & Ball’s home town, has taken the top spot in our rankings, overtaking All White as our number‑one colour,’ says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Farrow & Ball’s All White is unique in that it includes no other pigment than white. Meanwhile, pretty much every other white paint on the market will feature an undertone of another pigment which includes the infamous brilliant white which traditionally has blue undertones.

But this year, Farrow & Ball’s most popular white is Wimborne White which is the softest off white with a slight warm yellow undertone.

2. Porphyry Pink

Now, let’s get into the really surprising stuff as mentioned above. The most unexpected top seller is Farrow & Ball’s Porphyry Pink – and that’s largely because I’ve personally never heard of this shade. And neither has anyone on the Ideal Home team which is unusual as between all of us, we’ve covered the majority of the brand’s offering. I suspect this is because this pink shade is an archival colour which is not part of the core range.

But I’m glad I’m now familiar with Porphyry Pink as it’s a beautiful colour, described as a deep muted rose. Named after porphyry stone characterised by its dark pink colour, this paint shade is inspired by the Regency period which was in turn influenced by ancient Roman and Greek art and architecture. And Romans apparently used to love to build with porphyry.

3. Mouse’s Back

Brown has been a major colour trend for the last couple of years. And Farrow & Ball has seen a significant rise in the popularity of this earthy colour. Last year, Farrow & Ball released 12 new shades, including Broccoli Brown which quickly became one of the brand’s bestsellers.

And while Broccoli Brown is still up there, Mouse’s Back is another brown shade that’s topping the charts at the moment. Similarly to last year’s Pantone colour of the year, Mocha Mousse, Mouse’s Back is a softer and more gentle brown which also has slight grey undertones, referencing the ‘fawny colour of a British field mouse’ according to Farrow & Ball.

4. Brinjal and Preference Red

‘Warm, characterful colours are driving sales in 2026,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball says. And Brinjal and Preference Red are certainly that.

Brinjal is actually one of the two Farrow & Ball shades that experts predicted to soon become bestsellers last year. And they were clearly right about this sophisticated deep aubergine colour.

While Brinjal is more of a dark purple, Preference Red (pictured above) is Farrow & Ball’s deepest and richest red. ‘Preference Red is showing an increase in popularity that signifies a demand for richer, earthier tones,’ Patrick adds.

5. Dead Salmon

The presence of Dead Salmon on the bestsellers list is surprising to me as I would have expected the trending, recently launched Scallop to feature in its place. Scallop was developed as a response to customer demand for a lighter version of Dead Salmon.

Described as an aged salmon pink, Dead Salmon is a very interesting Farrow & Ball colour because everyone sees it differently. While some see a pink shade, I (and many others) see more of a light mushroom colour.

6. Hay

‘Even softer shades like Hay are rising, reinforcing a clear shift toward warmer, more expressive palettes,’ Patrick says.

Farrow & Ball’s Hay is the other predicted future bestseller by experts last year. And they were clearly onto something as this joyful but soft and muted yellow shade is becoming a customer go-to.

If the butter yellow colour trend is up your street, this colour named after the dried crop is for you.

Which one of these popular shades would you use in your home?

Just like anything else in our homes, colours, too, go in and out of style. And this includes front door shades. Very often, the same colours that fall out of favour in the interior space are also the front door colours that go out of style. So what front door colours are going out of style in 2026?

Most of the front door colour ideas that are fading in popularity are shades that are either very cold or too stark as this year’s colour trends are all about more complex, deep and grown-up hues or earthy tones that feel comforting and warm.

‘Front door colours are responsible for setting the first impression of your home so choosing a shade that aligns with your style while enhancing your kerb appeal is key,’ advises Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar. And this is something that’s certainly crucial to keep in mind when picking your front door ideas.

But whether you end up following this advice or not, it’s always good to be informed as choosing a certain colour can end up making your entrance look outdated rather than stylish.

1. Grey

Grey is a colour that’s been going out of style across home interiors and exteriors for the last couple of years. And even though it was a front door colour that was going out of style last year already, it seems that with each year, it’s disliked more and more.

‘Brits appear to be moving away from grey front doors, despite its popularity in recent years,’ says Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager at Ronseal. ‘Grey has been a go-to choice over the past decade, but many homeowners now seem to be looking for colours with more warmth and character for their entrances.’

2. Black

Even though black is quite a timeless and you could say ‘save’ shade to paint your front, it’s not as popular as it once was.

‘For a long time, many homeowners have favoured stark black tones, particularly as modern monochromatic schemes became increasingly popular but we’re now seeing a shift away from these tones. We’re moving away from harsh, industrial looking finishes in favour of colour that feels softer and adds personality,’ Lucy at Valspar explains.

3. Bright red

‘While classic red doors will always have a certain nostalgic charm, we are starting to see a shift away from those cleaner, more primary shades towards colours that feel softer, earthier and more emotionally comforting,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

As Marianne points out, red front doors are a classic go-to in this country. But if you’re not after a particularly traditional look and prefer a contemporary colour scheme, bold reds are not as appealing as some of its more sophisticated counterparts like the very on-trend burgundy.

‘Bright high gloss reds and primary colours are also becoming less popular as they can feel quite overpowering against today’s more timeless and natural exterior schemes,’ Lucy at Valspar explains. ‘As homeowners become more confident with colour, there’s a growing preference for shades that connect to the surrounding materials and landscape, rather than colours that demand attention.’

What’s replacing them

1. Berry tones

As already mentioned, burgundy is replacing the formerly favoured bright red as one of the popular front door colours. But other deep and dark shades of red and purple are right up there with it, too.

‘Homeowners are opting for burgundy tones as these help to highlight key features of the front door while maintaining a subtle, classical aesthetic,’ Jimmy at Ronseal says.

Top pick

2. Green

Green front doors are not necessarily anything new. But the level of their popularity has definitely skyrocketed as it’s replacing the likes of grey, white and black as the go-to front door colour. And while pretty much any shade of green goes, olive greens and sage greens are particularly popular right now.

‘A love of green in all its shades shows no sign of waning,’ says Sara D’Souza, content strategist and creator at Frenchic Paint. ‘Perhaps it’s our desire to reconnect with nature and create a deeply relaxing feel at home. Opt for timeless elegance of Wise Old Sage. For period properties, the jewel-like shade of Constance Moss can look particularly striking. The British racing green of Victory Lane is also proving to be a winner.’

Top pick

3. Deep blues

If you prefer a front door in a very deep and dark shade then the perfect alternative to black and dark greys that’s currently very popular is navy blue, as well as any other shades of deep, dark blues.

‘What’s really rising in popularity are colours with complexity and depth to them. Think smoky blue-greys such as Stonewashed Blue,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Top pick

4. Terracotta

Terracotta shades are not only one of the biggest colour trends of the moment, it’s also become one of the new neutrals replacing beige in 2026. And this warm, earthy colour is now making it onto many a front door, too.

‘Earthy terracottas such as Tuscan Terracotta feel grounding, elegant and effortlessly livable. These colours still create impact, but in a much gentler and more sophisticated way, almost acting like contemporary neutrals with personality,’ Marianne at Dulux explains.

Top pick

‘There’s been a real move away from anything that feels too harsh or high contrast and towards colours that create a sense of calm, character and connection to nature. People still want their front door to feel welcoming and expressive but increasingly want it to complement the overall mood of the home rather than shout for attention the moment you arrive,’ Marianne concludes.

Small spaces and otherwise awkwardly shaped rooms - including narrow and uneven ones - are often a challenge to decorate. But I always try to look at it as a fun challenge and an opportunity to get creative and resourceful – which is why I love coming across new tricks that make the job easier. And that’s very much the case with this cool paint colour trick to make a small room look bigger recommended by experts.

I asked 3 colour experts and all of them agreed that this is an excellent paint idea for any small or awkwardly shaped room – and all it takes is painting the walls in a light but cool shade like a soft blue or green with a cool undertone.

‘I absolutely love this approach to decorating because it’s such a simple yet transformative way to change how a space feels,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘What’s especially exciting is that it’s not just about making a room look bigger – it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels uplifting and restorative, too. Colour has an amazing ability to influence how we emotionally experience a room, and cool, pale hues like these can make a space feel lighter, calmer and far more inviting.’

How does the cool paint colour trick work?

You might be wondering what makes these cool-toned colours such a good small living room idea (or any other compact room in the house for that matter). Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, explains how it works.

‘In spaces that are smaller, unusually shaped or lacking in ceiling height, one approach is to apply a cool, pale hue, which has the effect of helping walls to recede while still conveying character. These light, desaturated colours have a naturally airy quality. They reflect more light and carry less visual weight, so they don’t draw the eye inward. Instead, they seem to drift back, helping the room feel more open,’ Helen says.

But just like when choosing the best white paint for your space, it’s important to consider your particular space and everything about it, including what kind of light it receives throughout the day.

‘I also recommend pairing them with a satin finish to further enhance light reflectivity and help bounce light around the room,’ advises Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar. ‘That said, it’s important to avoid anything too stark or icy, particularly when decorating north facing rooms where cooler tones can sometimes feel flat. Opting for softer, more muted shades like Summer Dusk and layering in natural textures such as linen, light woods or brushed brass will keep the overall look feeling balanced, relaxed and inviting.’

How to tell if a colour is cool

If you’re not confident in telling which blue and green shades are in fact cool and which lean warm, Helen at Benjamin Moore has some useful, clever tips.

‘Look at the undertone of the colour as every paint colour is built on a subtle base tone. Warm shades tend to carry hints of yellow, red or orange, while cool shades lean towards blue, green or violet. If you’re unsure, think in simple, familiar associations such as warm colours echo sunshine, fire or sand, whereas cool colours feel more like sky, water or shade,’ Helen explains.

Top cool paint colour picks – as recommended by the experts

Marianne at Dulux concludes, ‘It’s this magical little combination of colour science and aesthetics that can instantly create a sense of openness and light, making even the smallest rooms feel spacious and airy. I’d absolutely recommend this approach, particularly when paired with layered textures and good lighting.’

I don’t need to tell you that decorating a narrow room comes with its challenges as the proportions of the space are unbalanced from the start – you already know that. But there are ways to make a narrow space look less out of balance, more cohesive and generally bigger by knowing the best paint colours for narrow rooms and sticking to them.

The right paint idea, shade and technique can make a world of difference. I asked paint and colour experts and they have all agreed that there are 4 colours that work amazingly well with narrow spaces, whether it’s a narrow living room idea or a narrow utility room that you’re looking to makeover. But the one colour that might at first appear as the obvious top choice is actually the one that the experts advise against – and that’s white.

‘The best paint colours for narrow rooms are those that make the space feel considered rather than simply trying to make it disappear,’ explains Caroline Thornborough, design director at Thorndown. ‘The biggest mistake is treating a narrow room as if the only answer is white paint. People often assume a narrow room must be painted bright white, but that can backfire. If the light is poor, white paint can look grey and lifeless, and it may emphasise shadows rather than disguising them.’

Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint, adds, ‘When decorating a narrow room, it’s important to avoid anything that emphasises the long, tunnel-like proportions of the space.’

1. Gentle greens

As a general rule, lighter colours always work better for smaller and more narrow spaces as they reflect light better and create the illusion of a larger space, especially if it's a cool paint colour like a gentle green.

‘If your goal is to make the room appear larger and more open, opt for light-reflective shades such as gentle greens. Our Keen on Green or Afternoon Nap shades works particularly well here, as softer tones like this naturally recede, helping walls feel as though they’re moving away from you and creating a greater sense of depth. Pairing these tones with a gloss or satin finish will further enhance light reflectivity, helping to bounce light around the room,’ Lucy at Valspar advises.

Top pick

2. Terracotta tones

Not only are terracotta shades replacing beige in 2026 as the new, bolder go-to neutral, but it’s also the perfect colour to go for in a narrow room when you’re not necessarily trying to make the space look large, but rather cosy and stylish, such as a narrow hallway.

‘If you’d prefer to embrace the room’s proportions, warmer tones can create a beautifully snug effect. Earthy hues like terracotta pinks and clay tones like Pink Alabaster work particularly well to add depth and character, making narrow living rooms or bedrooms feel inviting and cosy,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

But if you’re nervous about covering the entire walls in a darker shade like terracotta, you can alternatively paint only half of the walls in the darker tone which is a technique that will make the space appear bigger than it is. ‘For a more cohesive look, try a duo-tone approach by keeping a lighter shade from the ceiling down to the upper wall, such as Gauzy White or pale chalky neutral, then use a deeper tone below like a gentle clay. This helps to anchor the space while still keeping it light. It also gives you the opportunity to introduce a more playful or bold colour in the lower section,’ Lucy adds.

Top pick

3. Soft blues

‘Mid-tone, softly muted colours are often the most effective choice for narrow rooms because they reduce contrast between surfaces and help the eye move more smoothly around the space,’ starts Victoria Yardley, colour specialist and co-founder of Victory Colours. ‘Chalky blues work particularly well.’

And if you opt for a shade like a soft blue, you can also opt for a colour drenching paint method which is another clever way to make a narrow space look more balanced.

‘An effective approach is colour drenching, where you use the same shade across the walls, ceiling and even woodwork. This helps to blur boundaries and creates a seamless, continuous feel, making a narrow room appear less confined. For a lighter and airier finish, soft blues work beautifully, evoking open skies and a sense of space,’ Lucy at Valspar recommends.

Top pick

4. Pale neutrals

If you’re really trying to make something like a narrow hallway look wider, opting for a pale neutral paint shade is your safest bet.

‘Lighter neutrals like off-whites, beiges, creams and pale pastels can make a small bedroom look bigger as these shades reflect more light, which helps to create the illusion of a brighter and more open feel,’ says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed. ‘I’d recommend moving away from crisp whites. Although they are brightening and can give the illusion of a bigger room, they can often look somewhat clinical and harsh. Instead, lighter beiges, yellows, pinks and off-whites can be more effective in bringing softness to your living space whilst still incorporating that crucial light-reflecting factor.’

Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, agrees and adds another idea, ‘Consider opting for calming neutrals to accentuate the sense of more space and create a serene and focused atmosphere. To introduce a touch of colour without being overly distracting, you can also choose to paint your ceiling. Dubbed the "fifth wall", this space offers a unique opportunity to infuse the room with subtle hues that enhance the perception of space while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.’

Top pick

The bottom line and top recommendation is to avoid brilliant white when decorating narrow rooms, as well as very dark colours and bright primary shades like bold red as these are likely to overwhelm the space.

Sulking Room Pink is one of Farrow & Ball’s bestselling, most popular and iconic shades. But if you’re not sure what to pair with this dusky pink shade, I’ve asked interior designers and a paint expert about what colours go with Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink – and they delivered.

Dusky and earthy pinks are replacing beige in 2026 as more people ditch ‘safe’ neutrals and embrace more colour. So I predict that Sulking Room Pink, described as a muted, powdery rose shade, is about to become even more popular than it already is. And even though certain shades pair with it especially well, Sulking Room Pink is a surprisingly versatile paint idea.

‘I love the muted character of Sulking Room Pink,’ says Francesca Leat, owner, director and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors. ‘It has a lovely deep tone to it that complements almost every colour palette and therefore I wouldn’t rule out any particular colour. It works well in formal entertaining areas (especially where there is little natural light) for a cosy and elegant feel as well as in bedrooms for a more feminine look.’

Perfect for pink living room ideas, as well as for bedrooms, decorating with Sulking Room Pink can entail a fully colour-drenched space – but if you’re after a more complex colour scheme, these are the 3 shades that go with it the best.

1. Softer pinks or neutrals

You can create a double-drenching scheme by pairing Sulking Room Pink with a softer shade of pink, whether that’s Farrow & Ball’s popular Setting Plaster or one of the predicted Farrow & Ball shades to be big this year, Scallop.

‘Scallop's even tones paired with Sulking Room Pink give a luxurious feel to a kitchen and create a smooth palette that feels elegant and inviting,’ suggests Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist.

Alternatively, a number of warm neutrals pair very well with Sulking Room Pink. Farrow & Ball’s website suggests one of the brand’s most popular shades, Skimming Stone.

‘For something more subtle, I would combine it with paler neutrals – warm whites, or stone tones,’ says interior designer Lucy Van der Gucht. ‘These allow the colour to feel elevated rather than decorative. The key with Sulking Room Pink is balance – it’s a colour with depth, so it benefits from being paired with tones that either ground it or gently lift it, rather than compete with it.’

2. Dark green

If you’d prefer to lean more into the cosy nature of the colour, which was originally inspired by the shade often used in boudoirs, then a dark green shade like Farrow & Ball’s bestselling green, Green Smoke pairs perfectly with it. And as Lucy Van der Gucht already said, Sulking Room Pink responds well to shades that either lift it or ground it. And this is a case of the latter.

‘Sulking Room Pink works particularly well with deeper, grounding tones like mid to dark greens, which bring out its warmth and stop it feeling too sweet,’ Lucy explains.

This is exactly what Kim and Stewart price have done in their living room (pictured above) which is colour drenched in Sulking Room Pink with the exception of the fireplace picked out as an accent in dark green.

3. Burgundy

Once upon a time, pairing pink and red was almost unthinkable. But in recent years, it’s a go-to stylish colour combination. And the elevated version of this is a dusky pink like Sulking Room Pink paired with a deep burgundy shade.

‘The best colour to pair with Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink is a deep burgundy red such as Little Greene's Bronze Red, as this pairing is the perfect combination of elegance and intensity. The combination of Sulking Room Pink with Bronze Red is best used in spaces that thrive with a moody effect, like an office or a home library,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Alternatively, you can go for a shade that’s even darker but still has that red undertone. The perfect example of this is model Charli Howard’s kitchen where the walls are painted in Sulking Room Pink and the cabinets are covered in Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black. This is a red-based black hue but in Charli’s kitchen it looks almost like an aubergine or a plum shade, depending on the lighting.

Lucy Van der Gucht concludes with a final piece of advice, ‘Sulking Room Pink works well in bedrooms and sitting rooms, where its softness feels cocooning rather than overpowering. It’s a colour that responds well to layering – so it tends to work best in rooms where you can introduce texture, contrast and a mix of materials, allowing it to feel part of a broader scheme rather than a standalone statement.’

Trends regularly change and evolve – and this goes even for exterior house colours. As homeowners start to favour new shades, other house colours are going out of style in 2026.

If you’re planning on giving your home’s facade a colourful makeover this year and are looking for some house exterior colour ideas, as well as what shades not to go for, I’d recommend steering clear of the once extremely popular soft yellows, magnolias and beiges.

‘There’s a real sense of familiarity and comfort in those creamy beige and soft yellow tones that have been a staple on British homes for decades,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘They were loved for being easy, warm and reassuringly “timeless”, which made them a go-to choice for exteriors.’

But in 2026, that’s no longer the case.

Why are these colours going out of style?

In the last couple of years, colour trends have been shifting towards more expressive and attention-grabbing tones, moving away from the previously favoured soft neutrals.

‘As our relationship with colour has become more confident and expressive, those custard-like shades can now feel a little flat and dated. Today, people are looking for colours with more depth and nuance – shades that respond to the light and bring a sense of design intention to the outside of the home, rather than simply blending in,’ Marianne at Dulux explains.

She adds, ‘As more of us start to view the outside of our homes as an extension of our personal style, there’s a real confidence emerging in colour choices. The exterior is no longer an afterthought – it’s one of the most transformative and accessible ways to elevate kerb appeal and create that all-important first impression.’

What’s replacing them

While earthy shades, deep burgundy tones and soft blues are reigning home decor trends this year, the biggest exterior house colour trends aim to stand out by going much darker.

‘We’re seeing a rise in bolder, more architectural shades. Deep charcoals, inky navies and complex dark neutrals which bring an immediate sense of sophistication and design intent, while still feeling timeless. They highlight the structure of a property beautifully and add a sense of drama without overwhelming it,’ Marianne reveals.

While I’m personally not the biggest fan of dark greys or charcoal, I’m all for deep blue houses! And these would be my top picks if I were to paint the exterior of my house (if I had one, that is).

Marianne at Dulux concludes, ‘These shades offer depth, elegance and versatility, and they shift gently with the changing light throughout the day. It’s this combination of impact and longevity that’s inspiring people to be braver, and to see exterior colour as a powerful tool in creating a home that feels considered from every angle.’

That’s right, beige is not enjoying the kind of popularity it once did, and it’s quickly fading away from our homes. But I’d argue that the shades taking over are in many ways better – so what’s replacing beige in 2026?

Already last year, beige was on its way out as a colour trend, being slowly replaced by brown and green – both earthy colours. And while brown and green aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, as they’re still enjoying much popularity, this year, there are two new neutral alternatives that are popping up in some of the most stylish homes. And that’s earthy, dusky pinks and warm terracotta shades.

Granted, both of these colours are quite a bit bolder than beige or even grey, another neutral go-to of previous years. But people are showing a desire to embrace more colour in their homes as the likes of Farrow & Ball report soft pink shades as some of their most popular neutrals with customers, particularly Setting Plaster.

‘What we’re seeing now is a shift,’ confirms Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick. ‘People want their homes to tell their story, to evolve with them and reflect who they are. With that comes a growing confidence: a willingness to move beyond “safe” choices and embrace colours they genuinely connect with. This is where the idea of “new neutrals” comes in.’

Dusky pinks

‘Dusky pinks like Taupe 03, Pink 01 and Pink 07 bring warmth, softness and incredible versatility working beautifully in any room,’ Tash at Lick continues.

Earthy and dusky pink living room ideas are particularly rising in popularity in 2026, as even Ideal Home’s Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight painted her lounge pink earlier this year. But these soothing and grounding shades of pink work amazingly well in pretty much any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom.

‘Earthy and dusky pinks like Terra Cotta Blush from Valspar, available at B&Q, are the perfect shades for bringing softness into homes this summer whilst adding sophisticated character,’ adds Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar.

Terracotta shades

Terracotta shades can be very similar to earthy pinks, depending on what undertone you opt for – just like natural fired clay, terracotta shades can have an orange, red or indeed a pink undertone, depending on what you prefer. I personally love all of them and over the last couple of years, I’ve been seriously considering painting my home (or a part of it) in a terracotta shade – but for now, I’m sticking to smaller accents.

‘This year, I’ve seen a shift towards earthier, rich neutrals like terracotta, offering a moodier, nature-inspired alternative to the minimalist interiors that have remained popular for so long. Sun-baked shades like Valspar’s Caramelised Peach or Storybook Sundown, both available at B&Q, are really coming into their own, tapping into the Mediterranean trend and helping to create beautifully styled interiors that feel warmer and more intentionally designed,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

Rachael Green and Alex Kirby, founders of Pickleson Paint, agree, ‘A warm, grounding tone like Palma Clay from Matthew Williamson’s range with Pickleson is a good example. Although inspired by the buildings of Mallorca, it reads in British homes as a wonderfully cosy, cocooning shade. Colours like this are increasingly replacing traditional beige, offering the same sense of calm neutrality but with greater depth and warmth. It’s also a great alternative to the blushing pink neutrals that many people gravitate towards when creating a relaxed living space.’

2026 is all about expressing yourself through your home, while also making it a cosy and comfortable space for you to spend time in – and colour is the perfect tool for this. So whether you’re thinking of incorporating pink, terracotta or a whole other shade into your home, the interior experts and I say do it!

With the arrival of a new year, the focus is always on the fresh trends that a new season brings with it – at least here at Ideal Home, it is. But as new looks rise in popularity, others fall out of favour as a result, which includes interior colours – and even though you might not even realise it, these are the colour combinations dating your home in 2026.

As interior colour trends change with time, so do the best colour combinations for your home. And as overall home decor trends for 2026 favour earthy shades, as well as deep and rich colours like burgundy, there is a common theme running through the colour pairings that are no longer up to date – and the theme is high contrasts.

‘Our relationship with our homes has shifted, and people are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel warm, welcoming and nurturing, rather than minimal to the point of feeling impersonal,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘There’s a definite move towards warmer, more embracing palettes.’

So with that being said, the outdated colour combos are likely not going to take you by surprise…

1. Black and white

Black and white displays one of the most drastic and stark of colour contrasts. So it’s only natural that the popularity of this colour pairing is decreasing.

‘High-contrast black and white schemes can start to feel a bit harsh if they’re overused, particularly when they’re not softened with any warmth or texture,’ says Rob Abrahams, co-founder of COAT Paints. ‘In general, anything that lacks depth or warmth tends to date more quickly.’

2. Grey and white

It feels like I’ve been talking about cool, brilliant whites and grey shades falling out of favour for ages now. But some people still feel comfortable with these cold albeit neutral shades. But perhaps 2026 is the year that we eradicate the presence of cold white and millennial grey.

‘Some of the cooler, more clinical combinations are beginning to feel a little past their best, particularly that familiar pairing of “millennial grey” with crisp, blue-toned whites. While it was once seen as effortlessly modern, it can now feel quite stark and lacking in personality,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

What’s replacing them

1. Soft off-whites and earthy shades

It’s official – warm-toned white and off-white shades are replacing brilliant white in 2026 in general. And as for the overly simplistic and cool greys and black, these colours are being swapped for warm, cosy, earthy shades when creating colour combinations for a home.

‘We’re seeing a clear move towards warmer, more layered palettes,’ Rob at COAT says. ‘Soft whites such as Mindful paired with earthy tones like clay, taupe, muted greens or yellows like Cheap Soufflé are performing really well because they create a space that feels calm and inviting.’

2. Tonal schemes

Colour drenching is not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, if anything it’s further developing into the likes of double drenching and colour capping paint trends. The versions of the biggest decorating of the last few years incorporate multiple shades and tones of the same colour creating depth in a room and a desired layered effect.

‘There’s a growing interest in tonal schemes, using variations of the same colour across walls, woodwork and ceilings. This can work with bolder shades, for example a dark red such as Smith & The Devil paired with a softer one such as La Torre or even a plaster pink such as Piglet. That approach adds depth without strong contrast, which makes a room feel more cohesive,’ Rob at COAT explains.

Is your home’s colour scheme on the list? And are you thinking of giving it a much needed update?

Earlier this year, Farrow & Ball announced a global design competition, a first of its kind, encouraging anyone from homeowners to interior designers who have used Farrow & Ball colours to enter their space for a chance to win. And this week, the heritage paint brand revealed the five winners of the Farrow & Ball Iconic Spaces 2026. And I couldn’t help but notice that three of them had one colour in common – pink!

Pink is quickly becoming one of the biggest colour trends of this year, yet it’s somehow flying under the radar. But it’s not the loud and bright type of pink – it’s the soft, earthy, plaster-like quiet pinks that are enjoying much popularity, both in people’s homes (including our Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight’s pink living room) and in Farrow & Ball’s Iconic Spaces competition.

‘While pink has been a colour of choice over the last three years, it doesn’t have to resonate of children's bedrooms or overtly pretty spaces – it can be bold and modern too, even when using gentle tones,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

‘Even the softest of our gentle pinks, Setting Plaster, can feel thoroughly modern when mixed with moody greens such as Green Smoke or an unexpected partner in Hague Blue. I think we’ve stopped stereotyping recent beliefs about pink and its suitability. Chosen wisely, it can be used as a neutral, but mix it up with bolder accents, and it feels fresh and modern, avoiding those twee overtones often associated with it.’

Since Setting Plaster has been one of the most popular Farrow & Ball colours of recent times, it’s perhaps no surprise that one of the winners of this competition utilised this very shade of pink (as seen in the image above). But the other two opted for different pink tones entirely…

1. Best use of signature palette

Farrow & Ball and the judges had every intention of choosing just one winner for the top prize of Iconic Space 2026. But upon seeing the entries, they decided to give it to two different entrants – one that used the signature, core Farrow & Ball colours, and one that opted for the more unusual archival shades.

As previously mentioned, Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster was the star of this bedroom, colour drenching the space, except for the contrasting bay window painted in Yeabridge Green.

‘The Grieves Farmhouse at Banchory Farm has always had an extraordinary story to tell, and my ambition was to honour its heritage while reimagining it for contemporary living,’ says the owner of the winning space, Jane Manifold. ‘A palette of Farrow & Ball colours brings depth and richness that shifts beautifully with the light, creating warmth and a gentle sense of whimsy throughout. The result is a timeless, layered master bedroom designed to be truly lived in.’

2. Best use of an archive colour

Looking at the space that’s won best use of an archive colour, you wouldn’t think it’s in the UK – and yet it is. The use of colour and the abundance of light is reminiscent of somewhere like California which is exactly what the creator intended. The star of the show is the shade Faded Terracotta which is described by Farrow & Ball as more of a soft, pale orange inspired by the colour of terracotta pots but in certain light and paired with the yellow and blue shades, it can read as more of an earthy pink.

‘I chose the colour scheme to playfully resolve the different panes of the stair volume broken in triangular shapes,’ says architect and co-founder of Daab Design, Anais Bléhaut. ‘Colours are essential sculpting tools in my work; as soon as I saw the space I thought that was the right place for it as the roof room was to be my client’s little California, her holiday place away from busy life.’

Joa Studholme, colour curator for Farrow & Ball and one of the competition judges, continues, ‘The skillful layering of our Archive colours in this space can’t help but make one feel happy. The playful use of three colours makes for a sunny and uplifting space created by the juxtaposition of three very different tones, but each with the same intensity.’

3. Best outdoor space

If you’re looking for your house exterior colour ideas, then I urge you to consider pink – just like the winner of the best outdoor space did. Located in Florida, this house is covered in Farrow & Ball’s Calamine shade which is a light pink shade with a touch of grey undertone to avoid the colour reading as too sugary and sweet.

The homeowner paired this not-as-well-known soft pink with one of Farrow & Ball’s bestselling shades, Railings. This almost-black colour introduces a bold contrast that really works.

‘Exteriors have been a major focus for us,’ says Gareth Hayfield, head of research and development at Farrow & Ball. ‘Seeing this colour used in such a vast environment, and in such an impactful way, made it an immediate winner for me, evoking a sense of happiness and bringing a smile to my face.’

Are you now thinking of painting your home pink?

Trends come and go. As we become infatuated with a new look or in this case colour, be it butter yellow or cherry red, other previously loved colours will fall out of favour. To help you keep ahead of the colour trend cycle I asked four colour and interiors experts what living room colours are going out of style in 2026, and these are the four that kept coming up.

These were once among the go-to living room colour schemes, but in my experience, changes in colour trends are rarely a complete U-turn. Instead, they are a steady evolution to new tones and shades.

‘The living room is a space that works really hard,’ says Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick. ‘It’s where we socialise, where we unwind at the end of the day, and for lots of people it’s also where they work. Because it holds so many different moments in our weekly routines, people want colours that support that feeling rather than flatten it, and are leaning towards warmer, more soulful colours that bring life and warmth into the room. There’s a growing understanding that colour is emotional. It’s something we respond to and connect with, rather than choosing purely because it feels neutral or safe.’

So bearing that in mind, these are the four living room colours going out of style this year, and the shades replacing them.

1. Beige

We’ve been talking about grey being one of the main living room colours going out of style for the last couple of years. But now, the neutral that replaced grey, beige, is also falling out of favour and there are new shades replacing beige in 2026.

‘One colour direction I’m definitely seeing fall out of favour in living rooms is those very safe beiges that don’t have much depth to them. In the colour consultations I do, people often tell me they chose them because they felt like the easiest option, but quite often they sit slightly grey and can end up draining the energy from a space,’ Tash at Lick explains.

What’s replacing it: Brown

Brown properly arrived on the scene last year as Pantone named Mocha Mousse its colour of the year for 2025. But it doesn’t seem like the brown colour trend is going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it’s replacing beige as the popular earthy neutral shade people are decorating their living spaces with.

‘Brown is emerging as a sophisticated alternative to black and grey,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Deep chocolatey tones, such as Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year 2026, Silhouette, offer a rich and versatile option. With subtle charcoal undertones, it can anchor a variety of interiors, creating depth and sophistication.’

2. Sweet pink

With the release of the Barbie movie, Barbiecore was one of the biggest home decor trends a few years ago, making Barbie-coded sweet, ‘girly’ shades of pink very popular. But as the Barbiecore trend faded away, so has the appetite for those kinds of pink.

‘Pink has had an interesting evolution,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘The sugary, bubble-gum variants are slipping quietly away.’

What’s replacing it: Earthy pink

But is not completely out of the picture. On the contrary, pink living room ideas are rising in popularity – it’s just a different kind of pink that people are opting for in their living rooms (and their homes in general).

‘Earthy pinks are another direction I’m seeing a lot of. Shades like Pink 08 have real depth and character, and they bring warmth into a room in a really subtle way,’ Tash at Lick explains.

Helen at Benjamin Moore adds, ‘Plaster pinks and soft dusky rose shades add an earthy, grounded feel while providing a perfect foundation for layered decor and evolving personal style.’

3. Saturated primary colours

Only just last year at the height of dopamine decor, bold, primary colours were enjoying a lot of popularity. But this enthusiasm for primaries is fading in 2026.

‘Colour trends are gently shifting this year. While bold, highly saturated hues were popular in the early 2020s, these are now giving way to more nuanced and versatile shades,’ Helen at Benjamin Moore says.

What’s replacing it: Burgundy

So what nuanced shades are replacing primary colours? In general, you could call them the more grown-up and sophisticated shades of those primaries. One particular hue that everyone’s currently loving is burgundy.

‘We’re welcoming colours with generosity – burgundy, rich reds, and berry tones are sweeping back in with confidence, think Finest Burgundy and Auburn Embers . These hues bring a sense of intimacy and sophistication, but also comfort. They feel indulgent without shouting, and they’re helping us rediscover drama in a way that feels grown-up and grounded,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

4. Brilliant white

Even though going for the best white paint is almost the default for many, the stark, brilliant shade of white can feel a little too cold and clinical which goes against the current desire for warm, cosy and comfortable homes and living rooms.

‘I’m seeing a huge shift away from stark whites in living rooms this year, largely because people are gravitating towards spaces that feel warmer and more comforting,’ says Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint. ‘While those shades have long been popular for their clean and modern look, they can evoke a cold or clinical mood within a room, and homeowners are avoiding this in areas designed for relaxing and spending time together.’

What’s replacing it: Soft blue

In more general terms, brilliant white is being replaced by warmer shades of white, off-whites, creams and taupes. But when it comes to the lounge, blue living room ideas are increasingly more popular and soft shades of blue are becoming almost the default choice for living room walls.

‘Blue feels like an old friend rediscovering new ways to surprise us. It’s not barging in or demanding attention, instead, it’s gently reminding us why we’ve always loved it. With the Dulux colours of the year 2026, Rhythm of Blues, we’ve leaned into blue’s ability to meet us exactly where we are. Blue has this natural ability to settle into a home as if it’s always belonged there. It carries trust, tranquillity and a sense of stillness, yet it never stops evolving with us. It’s calm without being cold, elegant without effort, and endlessly adaptable,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Helen at Benjamin Moore concludes, 'Rather than fleeting microtrends, the focus is now on colours and designs that have lasting appeal and flexibility over time.'

Over the last few months, whenever speaking to interior and paint experts about wall colours going out of style or recommendations for neutral wall shades, I've noticed that the crisp, brilliant white that many of us grew up with as the default 'always looks good' paint colour is being left behind. There is a new go-to shade in town that’s replacing brilliant white in 2026 and beyond, and it can only be described as a warm off-white or cream.

I know it’s not necessarily a dramatic departure from the pure white we’ve grown accustomed to – it’s not like brilliant white is being replaced by pink or green. But this subtle shift from one shade to another, taking the crown of the best white paint is significant enough, and is part of a larger movement toward more comfortable and cosier interiors. Dare we say it, even Magnolia is back on the cards as an alternative to Brilliant White.

‘For many years, brilliant white was the default choice because it feels clean, bright and reassuringly simple,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘But as our homes have evolved into spaces of comfort and wellbeing, our relationship with white has started to shift. When used across every wall in a room it can sometimes feel a little stark, particularly in the softer natural light we often experience in the UK.’

What shades are replacing brilliant white?

When it comes to the newly favoured shades of white, it’s all about the undertones, united by their warmth – which is something I've noticed even when our Ideal Home editors shared their top white paint shade picks. ‘Neutrals with subtle red, brown or yellow undertones introduce a gentle warmth that feels considered and inviting, something that cooler, brighter whites can often struggle to achieve,’ explains Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint.

Marianne shares what Dulux shades of white have been gaining in popularity and overtaking the once popular brilliant white, ‘People are becoming more aware that different whites serve different purposes, and many are now choosing softer, warmer whites for larger wall spaces to create a more relaxed and welcoming feel. Warmer whites, like Dulux Timeless and Jasmine White, are beginning to take its place, with demand increasing as people move away from very stark whites. These shades have a gentle warmth that softens a room.’

Some people go even further askew when looking for the likes of neutral living room ideas and instead of a white shade opt for a darker, earthier tone instead, ‘Richer neutrals like warm beiges, soft taupes or 'greige' are becoming increasingly popular in the place of brilliant whites, offering a more nuanced alternative that evokes a more lived-in and inviting feel,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

My off-white top picks

Of course, this doesn’t mean that there’s no place for brilliant white in your home anymore. ‘It’s still perfect for woodwork, ceilings and finishing touches where that clean brightness really shines,’ Marianne at Dulux explains. Brilliant is simply no longer the default go-to white or neutral paint shade as it once was.

Farrow & Ball has a collection of exactly 132 paint colours. And while some shades enjoy a lot of popularity with the brand’s customer base and cult following - I’m looking at you, Setting Plaster, Railings and Skimming Stone - many others manage to fly under the radar. But if you’re looking for a new paint ideas why not try one of the most underrated Farrow & Ball shades?

Even though I regularly (almost weekly) look at Farrow & Ball’s colour offering, I, of course, don’t know them all. So I called on the real expert, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador and colour expert, Patrick O’Donnell to reveal the most underrated colours that deserve a lot more attention than they’re currently getting.

Opting for shades that are not one of the few most popular Farrow & Ball shades - or one of the F&B colours that are going to be trending in 2026 - is also how you’ll end up with a space that’s much more interesting and original.

Brassica

‘Mauves, lilacs and mulberries are appearing more frequently in fabric and wallpaper, yet uptake in paint has been slower,’ Patrick says. ‘When used thoughtfully, they bring a gentle sense of interest, particularly for those keen to step “off-piste” from perennial blues and greens. Our charming Brassica, which sits within the lavender-lilac family, has a beautifully ethereal quality. It’s soft rather than sharp, making it equally at home in contemporary schemes and more traditional settings.’

While some of the deeper and darker aubergine or plum purples are among this year’s colour trends, softer purple shades and lilacs are currently not very popular. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be or that you can’t use them if purple is a colour you gravitate towards.

And if you’re interested in decorating with birth month colours and happen to be born in February, shades like Farrow & Ball’s Brassica is the perfect one to incorporate into your home as purple is the month’s colour.

Fake Tan

Darker, earthy shades of terracotta have enjoyed a lot of popularity in recent months as warm, nature-inspired hues are what people are loving right now. But the lighter versions of these colours are not as widely used, even if they are Farrow & Ball colours.

‘Apricot pinks and faded terracottas can feel like a trickier colour family to work with, but it’s incredibly effective for adding warmth. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, with a brief revival in the 1980s, these hues - used wisely - can transform an unpromising space. They particularly shine in rooms flooded with natural light, where the apricot notes soften and create a gentle, sunny glow. Two favourites from our archive palette are Menagerie and Fake Tan,’ Patrick explains.

How to use Farrow & Ball’s Fake Tan to show off its full potential is perfectly illustrated in creative consultant Max Hurd’s home (pictured above).

Suffield Green

Some Farrow & Ball greens such as Green Smoke are among the brand’s top sellers. But others go largely unnoticed – among the most underrated are a couple of shades that Patrick refers to as Regency greens.

‘Green is a perennial favourite, yet we often gravitate towards cooler, paler shades or darker, moodier tones. Mid greens - those richer, more verdant hues - bring a joyful freshness to spaces ranging from bedrooms and sitting rooms to kitchen cabinetry. They work effortlessly alongside many other colours, allowing freedom to layer textiles and artwork. Archive shades such as Pea Green and Suffield Green offer charming period elegance and are particularly suited to rooms with generous proportions and high ceilings,’ he says.

Wainscot and Dauphin

The underrated status of Farrow & Ball’s Wainscot and Dauphin surprised me as brown colour schemes have been very popular in the last couple of years – so much so that Farrow & Ball came up with a new brown shade, Broccoli Brown, and included it in its launch of 12 new shades last year. But according to Patrick, these shades deserve a lot more attention than they’re getting.

‘Tobacco and caramel tones is a palette often embraced by confident designers but can feel less accessible to the DIY decorator, though it deserves far more attention for its understated elegance.

'These colours layer beautifully with greens, blues, pinks and reds, while always adding warmth. Think cosy yet chic. Pair them with a crisp white trim for a more contemporary feel, or lean into softer, drabber neutrals for something more settled and lived-in. Archive shades such as Dauphin and Wainscot are go-to choices for me, with Wainscot making a particularly timeless kitchen cabinet colour when paired with aged brass hardware.’

Which one of these underrated Farrow & Ball shades is your favourite?

January is the perfect time for a home refresh. Not only is this a great way to update your home for the new year, but it’s also wonderful for beating the January blues. And what better way to do this than by bringing some mood-boosting colours into your space?

Whether you’re looking to completely change your living room colour scheme or just add some pops of colour throughout your home with accessories, the experts recommend opting for one or more of these 4 shades in order to start 2026 right.

‘For a mood-boosting, fresh start to the year, look to colour palettes that feel joyful, energising and a little playful,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Don’t be afraid of colour, even in small doses. If you’re more colour-shy, start with bright accents on a single wall, the ceiling or painted woodwork to create an uplifting focal point without overwhelming the room.’

1. Muted greens

It’s no coincidence that green is one of the happy colours for bedrooms that pros turn to time and time again. It’s also the shade that interior designer Bilal Rehman swears by when redecorating at the start of the year.

‘At the start of the year, I love working with colours that feel grounding yet uplifting,’ he says. ‘Muted green in particular is timeless, it represents growth and balance. I always recommend layering rather than committing too heavily in one place especially if you’re still experimenting and not 100% dedicated. Introduce these tones through textiles; cushions, throws, or rugs or through natural materials like stone, wood, or ceramics.’

2. Soft blues

Blue is one of the biggest colour trends of 2026, especially the lighter blue shades. But it’s also the colour of calm, peace and relaxation – which is also partly why it’s become such a big home decor trend. So you won’t regret incorporating soft blue shades into your home right now.

‘Soft blues evoke calm and mental reset, which feels especially relevant after the holidays and actually a colour I've introduced in our new office space. Colour is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape how a space feels, and when it’s used with restraint and intention, it can be both deeply personal and one of the best ways to effortlessly elevate a space,’ Bilal Rehman explains.

3. Warming shades of orange

‘The colours around us have a powerful impact on our mood, so starting with shades that make you feel happy is a simple way to make your house feel like home,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed. ‘Bright, warm tones such as oranges are particularly charming.’

Now I know that bright orange can be a little ‘too much’ for many people to commit to in their homes. So if that applies to you, you can opt for an earthy, terracotta shade instead, which will feel even warmer and cosier.

‘Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte's Locks and Dulux Trade’s Tuscan Terracotta are excellent examples,’ Michael continues. ‘They have the effect of energising us and making us feel more lively and enthusiastic. Using happy shades through colour capping is a clever way to give your interiors a much-needed lift. By layering different tones of a bright, uplifting colour - using the deepest shade on the ceiling - you can turn the often-overlooked “fifth wall” into another feature that brings happy energy to the entire room.’

4. Joyful yellows

For Dulux, 2025 was all about the joyful yellow as the brand named True Joy its colour of the year. But yellow is not going anywhere in 2026 with everything from the on-trend butter yellows to the more saturated shades still enjoying much popularity. And the fact that it’s such a happy colour makes it all the more perfect to use at this time of year.

‘For a truly energising effect, yellow is hard to beat. As the brightest colour in the visible spectrum, it’s naturally uplifting and works beautifully with everything from crisp whites to deep charcoal. A full colour-drench, walls and woodwork included, delivers an instant hit of sunshine, while a single yellow feature area can be just as effective for a subtler approach,’ Helen at Benjamin Moore suggests.

Which of these mood-boosting colours are you going to decorate with this month to give your home a much needed refresh?

Have you ever thought of using your birth month colour when decorating your home? Until recently, I hadn’t. But as the trend towards hyper-personal and 'real homes' is growing in popularity, I thought there might be something in decorating with birth month colours, despite my initial scepticism.

Birth month colours are based on the stones assigned to each month and their shades. And incorporating your assigned colour might be the ultimate anti-trend way to make your space timeless and truly personal to you. Your birth month colour is never going to change and go out of style like most colour trends are likely to.

‘Birth month colours are typically based on gemstones, making them not only a distinctive way to bring a piece of you to your interiors, but also an opportunity to explore a palette with natural richness and a touch of mystique – qualities that are increasingly popular in interiors,’ explains Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed.

The one problem with this is that not everyone likes their assigned birth month colour. After doing a poll around the Ideal Home office, only half of the team was happy with their birth month shade and would be open to incorporating it into their home’s colour scheme – or in some cases, they already have. Our Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight has gone for a pink living room idea using Little Greene’s Masquerade shade in her new home (which is her October birth month colour).

The other half of the team is not so keen on their birth month colour or on including it into their home, myself included. But this tip on how to decorate with birth month colours from interior designer Bilal Rehman has somewhat swayed me.

‘I think personalisation is at the heart of great interior design, but it should always feel intentional rather than literal. Decorating with birth month colours can be a beautiful concept if it’s interpreted subtly. Instead of directly applying a colour because it’s assigned to a month, I’d recommend using it as inspiration, perhaps as an undertone, an accent, or a material choice. When done thoughtfully, it adds emotional meaning to a space without overpowering it,’ he says.

So if you are thinking of including even small nods to your birth month colour in your home, here’s a complete list of all the shades and their respective months.

January – Dark red

As January’s birth stone is garnet, the birth colour is a dark, deep red. And I know I just mentioned that birth month colours are not about colour trends, but dark reds like cherry red, burgundy and damson are all having a major moment as one of the biggest home decor trends of the year.

And given the deepness and darkness of the colour, this is one you can actually use on walls, opting for shades like Lick Red 06 or Little Greene’s Arras as seen in our Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young’s office pictured above, for a cosy and cocooning look and feel. But equally, you can incorporate it as an accent on skirting boards and/or door frames or via smaller pieces of home decor.

February – Purple

February is my birth month and as the birth stone is amethyst, the birth colour is purple. I don’t personally enjoy most purple shades, especially the ‘true’ purple of the amethyst stone. But I can appreciate something like a very deep and dark aubergine shade in smaller doses which is technically purple. And that’s exactly what you can do, too.

Or based on Bilal’s tip, you could even go for something like Little Greene’s Purple Brown which is more of a deep brown shade but has a purple undertone.

On the other hand, if you love purple, it’s a great colour to incorporate into your home in abundance as the colour is widely linked to creativity and spirituality.

March – Aqua blue

Aqua blue, much like March’s birthstone aquamarine, on which the colour is based, sits somewhere between blue and green. Or rather it’s a blue with green undertones, which is a colour reminiscent of the ocean and nature.

I especially like the idea of using this shade as part of a bathroom or a kitchen colour scheme as pictured above, using kitchen appliances like the KitchenAid stand mixer in the Aqua Sky shade, available at Amazon.

April – White

With April’s birth stone being diamond which is clear, there isn’t much ‘colour’ to talk about here. The closest here would be white – and, of course, white paint is the popular go-to for most homes’ walls. You can invest in more white pieces and focus on layering different textures and whites with slightly different tones to create a more interesting yet very serene room.

Alternatively, you can mimic diamond’s absence of colour by investing in clear but intriguing home accessories like the clear icy salt and pepper mills from Addison Ross.

May – Deep green

If you were born in May and love green - as many people do, especially when it comes to home decorating - you’re in luck because your birth stone is emerald, which means your birth month colour is dark green. Of course, you don’t need to feel restricted by this and can go for any other green shade as Ideal Home’s Managing Editor, Thea Babington-Stitt has done, opting for soft sage green in her home decor instead.

But dark green certainly has its appeal, especially if incorporated as a sofa like the Swyft Model 03 sofa in the shade Vine since green sofas are among the most popular go-to living room sofa ideas.

June – Off-white

Similarly to April’s diamond, June’s birth month colour is also quite tricky as the month’s birth stone is pearl. This is widely interpreted as a creamy off-white like Farrow & Ball’s Off-white shade when it comes to the birth month colour which is the shade most pearls bear. But since pearls come in different colours, including soft pinks, grey and even black, this is again very much open to interpretation.

However, there's no denying that in its off-white interpretation, this is perhaps one of the easiest birth month colours to decorate with. Whether you opt to use this birth month colour in the bedroom or living room, it's a very easy shade to live with.

You can even take this reference further and incorporate the pearlescent finish - like pearls have - into your home with decorative pieces like this Oliver Bonas ceramic ring dish.

July – Red

July’s birth stone is ruby which compared to the dark red garnet of January is much more vibrant and bold – almost a true primary red. But since a red like that can be a little overwhelming to use in a home, I’d recommend using it in smaller doses. It’s really the perfect excuse to practise the unexpected red theory – an interior design concept that believes a room can be elevated by placing one red-coloured piece in it.

It can be as small as a red cushion or you can go a bit bigger with something like a dining chair or two like these Habitat Larsa wood dining chairs.

Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, has another tip, ‘For example, if your birth month colour is ruby, but your style leans Japandi, consider introducing it through a piece of art, or soften it by choosing a warmer terracotta hue instead.’

August – Green

While May’s birth month colour leans more towards the darker side of green, August is all about lighter shades. Or if you really want to be true to your birth stone peridot, the particular colour is green with yellow undertones which can range from anything like olive green to chartreuse.

Olive green as seen on this Habitat conical ceramic table lamp has been particularly popular lately and it’s the perfect grown-up and sophisticated shade of green to go for in your home.

September – Blue

Blue is not only the world’s favourite colour and the ‘it’ colour of 2026, it’s also September’s birth month colour, based on sapphire being its birth stone. Sapphire blue is a deep yet vibrant shade of blue that will both energise and calm.

But if softer blues like Dulux’s Mellow Flow are more your thing then go for it. They make an especially great choice for bedroom and living room colour schemes.

October – Pink

Pink can take on so many different looks – and since October is the only month that’s assigned this colour, pink is all yours if you were born in the 10th month of the year. From Barbiecore hot pink to girly baby pinks and earthy shades like Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster that even men can get on board with, pink can really go in many different directions.

The month’s birth stone is tourmaline which leans towards a darker and more vibrant shade of pink. But you can go as pared back or as bold as you like here.

November – Yellow

Yellow is the colour of joy and of the sun. And it’s also the birth month colour of November, based on its birth stone which is citrine. Much like October’s pink, November’s yellow also comes in a plethora of shades, from deep mustard yellow to bright sunshine yellow and pale (and on-trend) butter yellow.

You can incorporate yellow similarly to the unexpected red theory and make it the unexpected yellow theory if you opt for the bolder shades of yellow. But if earthier shades or butter yellow is the one that appeals to you, you can paint your walls with it – I’m especially fond of Lick’s Yellow 07.

December – Turquoise

There is a fine line between aqua blue (the birth month colour of March) and turquoise which is the birth month colour and birth stone of December. They are both made up of blue and green but while aqua blue has more blue in it than green and tends to be on the lighter side, turquoise has a higher ratio of green and is usually deeper and darker.

But if you lean more towards the other than what’s assigned to you as your birth month colour, just go with that.

Helen at Benjamin Moore concludes with a final piece of advice on how to decorate with your birth month colour, ‘Using birth month colours can be a fun and personal touch, but it works best when integrated in a way that feels natural and timeless - whether as accent colours in your paint scheme, or through textiles or other small style details - rather than forcing a full palette that might not suit your space.’

At the end of last year, Pinterest declared Cool Blue - a soft, icy shade of blue - as its colour of the year for 2026. But, if you were looking for more colour inspo then look no further as Pinterest has announced the rest of its colour palette for 2026 – a selection of 5 shades (including Cool Blue) that are set to define this year, and it holds some surprises.

Some of the shades are confirmation of the 2026 colour trends I’ve seen coming through from other paint brands and homeware collections. But there are some wild cards in the most-searched colours, especially the brighter tones like Wasabi and Persimmon.

‘The Pinterest colour palette of the year feels very in tune with how people are approaching their homes right now, using colour not just for impact, but to shape how a space feels,’ says Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design.

‘It’s a lively palette, but what I love is how considered it is, balancing richer, grounding tones with lighter, more optimistic shades that bring energy. This palette really encourages people to experiment with colour in a way that feels achievable.’

But Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs, advises to only incorporate these and any other trending colours into your home only if you really love them as doing so just for the sake of it can really date your home.

‘Trend-led palettes like Pinterest's annual colour forecasts are created to capture a cultural moment as opposed to enduring for the long-term. While these forecasts are great for inspiration or introducing seasonal accents, relying too heavily on them risks creating design schemes that will date very fast. In interior design especially, these 'trending' shades can tie a space to a specific year or season, quickly making them feel dated and tired as the trends evolve and move on.’

Let’s meet Pinterest’s chosen shades for 2026 and see how to incorporate them into your home.

Cool Blue

Pinterest is not the only one naming blue as its colour of the year – Dulux named not one but three different shades of blue as its colours of the year for 2026 among others. And blue is the biggest home decor trend as far as colour is concerned.

Cool Blue was inspired by Pinterest searches for terms like ‘cool blue’ rising by 85% and ‘glacier aesthetic’ increasing by 35%. It’s a cool-toned, light shade of blue. And Holly of Holla Design is a fan – especially when paired with one of the other colours in the palette, Plum Noir.

‘I’m naturally drawn to burgundies and blues, so Plum Noir and Cool Blue really stand out to me,’ she says. ‘It’s a combination we’re seeing more and more, with deeper tones adding warmth and depth, while cooler blues keep things feeling fresh and calm, a pairing that feels set to carry through into 2026.’

Plum Noir

Last year was all about Cherry Red which was the shade that Pinterest named its 2025 colour of the year. And while dark cherry reds, burgundies, maroons and damson reds are not going anywhere this year, I’ve also seen this appetite for dark, moody tones expand to purples, including rich plum and aubergine shades.

And that’s something that Pinterest has also noticed as searches for ‘dark plum’ has risen by 220% and ‘deep burgundy’ searches have increased by 230%. And while Plum Noir looks great on singular home accessories, it really shines on kitchen cabinetry as seen in the image above where the cabinets were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black shade.

‘Earthier shades like Plum Noir and Jade work beautifully on larger elements such as kitchen cabinetry or built-in joinery, where they can add richness and a sense of permanence,’ Holly at Holla Design says.

Jade

Is it just me or does the Jade shade look a whole lot like some of the lighter sage green shades people have been favouring the last few years? You can hardly go wrong with green, especially a muted, nature-inspired tone like this one – and according to Pinterest, this green is going to replace other green trends like pistachio and matcha.

This is a very versatile green shade and can be used anywhere from kitchen cabinetry - as Holly already mentioned - to bathroom tiling as seen above.

Persimmon

Persimmon is where things get a little heated. Described as part orange and part red, this is a bold orange hue inspired by searches for ‘persimmon aesthetic’ rising by 100% and ‘orange colour combo’ being up by 75%.

Because it’s such a vibrant shade, it’s best used in smaller doses in the form of accessories like lighting, cushions or tableware.

But if you’re after a more timeless alternative that you can also use on larger surface areas, Emma at Kelling Designs has the answer, ‘Terracotta and rust tones have become a staple in interiors, offering a warming and earthy alternative to Persimmon.’

Wasabi

Wasabi can also be described as lime green or chartreuse – but calling it Wasabi certainly sounds more fun. It’s an electric shade of green with a yellow undertone. Searches show that interest in ‘chartreuse green’ has increased by 175% but it’s best to keep this bright colour to accessories only.

‘Brighter colours such as Persimmon and Wasabi are ideal for softer, more flexible layers; cushions, lampshades or accent details,’ Holly at Holla Design recommends.

While it’s recommended to use these shades with consideration for the long run, there are so many different ways you can incorporate them into your home in just a small way as a quick update. ‘Whether through paint, upholstery or soft furnishings, these shades can be layered gradually to create spaces that feel personal, uplifting and thoughtfully designed as we move into the year ahead,’ Holly at Holla Design concludes.

When it comes to colour trends for the home, sometimes the comparison between one year and the next is as stark as can be, abandoning one style or shade we’d been obsessed with for one that’s the complete polar opposite. But the transitioning from 2025 to 2026 colour trends doesn’t feel or look like that at all – it’s more of a harmonious evolution or, in some cases, even just a continuation.

Over the course of the last few months, I’ve been talking to colour, paint and interior experts to give me the lowdown on the colour and paint trends set to define this year as most brands revealed their chosen colours of the year (also known as COTYs) for 2026, including perhaps the most important one, the Pantone colour of the year 2026 which was revealed to be a white shade called Cloud Dancer. It’s also the perfect time to think about what you’d like your home’s colour palette for 2026 to look like and how you'd like to use the current home decor trends.

‘Designers are loving colours with plenty of depth and warmth that bring intrigue and sophistication to the home,’ says Lucy Steele, paint and interiors expert from Valspar Paint. ‘By softening and layering these multi-dimensional shades, interiors gain the richness and moodiness that make them feel intentional rather than accidental. So, we can expect to see shades like rusty reds, atmospheric blues, and herbal greens that feel expressive and inviting.’

1. Dark reds

Pinterest called it first by naming cherry red its colour of the year for 2025. And sure enough, dark, deep reds are the shades everyone’d been obsessed throughout last year. So much so that we’re not ready to let go and are bringing dark reds and burgundy shades into 2026 with us and they are replacing other living room colours going out of style – as are several paint brands, from Lick’s colour edit 2026 to Graham & Brown’s new COTY. Not to mention that they look great in the on-trend glossier paint finishes.

Last September, Graham & Brown named Divine Damson its colour of the year 2026. ‘Dark reds and burgundy shades are set to continue being one of the biggest colour trends in 2026,’ says Paula Taylor, stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

‘Reds will be popular for 2026 in all different shades. Our colour of the year, Divine Damson, is a dark cherry red colour which feels bold and polished, making a strong visual statement in any room it is used in. Its depth brings an instant sense of sophistication, making it a striking choice for more dramatic spaces. Yet it’s equally at home in transitional areas like hallways, where it introduces warmth and character without overpowering.’

Heritage paint brand Little Greene announced its first-ever colour of the year, naming Adventurer, a shade somewhere between burgundy red and plum aubergine, as its COTY for 2026.

‘For 2026, we will see a natural progression in the use of burgundy in interior design, with shades of red, pink and purple all becoming more popular as customers continue to demonstrate more colour confidence in their homes,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Regal, reassuring plum aubergine hues like Adventurer are historically associated with opulence, providing the perfect shades to combine luxury with tranquillity, intimacy and restfulness in bedrooms, dining rooms and bathrooms.’

And if you want to create an on-trend colour palette in your home, pair these dark red tones with butter yellow – another colour trend that’s had us in a chokehold throughout 2025. Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick and author of Master the Art of Colour, available at Amazon, has been seeing this colour combo everywhere which is why it’s ultimately a solid part of the Lick’s colour edit for 2026.

‘Red 06 draws on red from the primary colour palette but presents it in a timeless way through a rich wine tone that works beautifully with buttery yellows – a colour combination we’re seeing everywhere from fashion to interiors,’ Tash says.

2. Blues

Blue is apparently the world’s favourite colour which is why it’s one that we keep coming back to. The thing that does change from year to year is what shade of blue we might gravitate towards. In 2026, it’s largely about softer blues with warm undertones.

‘It’s a colour that feels safe, familiar, and calming – and in a world that can feel chaotic, people are leaning into colours that bring clarity and peace. But what’s interesting is that blues in 2026 aren’t cold or coastal feeling; they’re more grounded, more thoughtful. People want blues that anchor a space without overwhelming it – something that still feels timeless but emotionally steady,’ Tash at Lick says. So it makes sense for shades like Blue 03 and Blue 18 to be part of Lick’s new colour edit.

And it’s not just Lick that opted for multiple shades of blue as the year-defining colours. For the first time ever, Dulux introduced not one but three colours of the year for 2026 – all different shades of blue.

‘The versatility that blue offers is much of the reason it continues to be the world’s favourite colour to decorate with – not to mention the fact we are surrounded by blue outdoors in our everyday lives, so it has become a very familiar and comforting colour to us all,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

‘Our colours of the year, Rhythm of Blues, showcase the best of blue’s many talents. From the zingy and sprightly Free Groove, to the soft and grounding Mellow Flow, to the inky and all-encompassing Slow Swing, we’ve shown that there truly is a blue for every person and every mood. I think it’s exactly what we need right now – a colour that feels familiar yet reenergising, steady yet adaptable. That’s why blue will be such a strong colour trend in 2026.’

3. Earthy shades

The year-defining colour palette for 2025 introduced the newly found popularity of earthy shades in our homes as we found ourselves craving maximum levels of comfort and cosiness in our spaces. And this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Benjamin Moore reveals a deep brown shade with charcoal undertones called Silhouette as its COTY, Sherwin-Williams opts for a warming neutral named Universal Khaki and Earthborn introduces Freckle, a naturally occurring clay/terracotta colour which is one of the shades replacing beige as the go-to neutral in 2026.

‘Earthy interiors will define 2026 interiors as they help to create an atmosphere that feels grounded, warm and restorative – and using paint thoughtfully can make a huge impact,’ says Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. ‘Soft, earthy and inviting, Freckle is a versatile shade that brings a grounding presence of comfort and connection to any space.’

‘Chosen for its visual warmth, Freckle in Earthborn’s signature Claypaint finish is a naturally occurring clay colour and completely free from colourants – a true expression of the brand’s eco-friendly roots. The versatility of this colour is one of its greatest strengths. Whether chosen for an accent wall, adding a pop of colour to ceilings or introducing personality to kitchen cabinets, Freckle works beautifully alongside bold shades and neutral schemes.’

4. Greens

Green, along with brown, has earned the title of the new go-to neutral that replaced beige in interiors last year. But this nature-inspired colour is not going anywhere anytime soon. So it’s no surprise that green is making its appearances in the colour palette for 2026, whether that’s the matcha Green 18 shade and olive Green 05, both part of Lick’s colour edit, or Valspar’s COTY for 2026 called Warm Eucalyptus.

‘In 2026, we’ll see green continue its evolution as the colour of balance, nature, and restoration, but with more warmth and versatility than before,’ Lucy at Valspar says.

'People are craving a connection to nature, but also individuality, so we’ll see richer, moodier greens like moss, laurel, and eucalyptus making their way into living spaces, cabinetry, and even ceilings. Compared to 2025’s cooler, more traditional greens, 2026 will lean into these warmer, herbal tones that pair beautifully with both natural materials and contemporary finishes. It’s a reminder that green isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming a timeless neutral that helps every space feel more connected and alive.'

She also points out that green shades like these are the perfect ones to incorporate into a colour capping scheme which is one of the biggest paint trends coming out of 2025, staying very much relevant for this year. ‘We’re also seeing a rise in the use of colour capping with green. This is where walls are painted up to a certain height in green and finished with a lighter tone above to add subtle architectural interest and make spaces feel more cocooning.’

My top picks

Tash at Lick concludes, ‘2026 is all about feeling confident to play with colour and create homes that feel unapologetically you. After years of cooler, minimalist interiors, people are craving depth, personality and feeling.’

Last night, the Benjamin Moore colour of the year 2026 was announced, naming the dark and rich Silhouette shade as the new year-defining shade. I was there to experience it first hand and I’m glad I was because it’s an interesting in-between colour that dramatically changes and shifts depending on the light.

Is it brown? Or is it grey? The answer is that it’s somewhere in between, but the brand describes it as a brown with charcoal undertones – or more specifically a colour that ‘combines rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal’. Benjamin Moore started this paint trend of in-between shades last year already with its colour of the year for 2025, Cinnamon Slate.

‘It’s an evolution rather than a revolution from last year,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Last year, we had this idea of in-between colours – colours that we couldn't necessarily place in one colour family, because they've got really strong undertones of one or the other. And so to describe a colour, you have to say, it's a greeny blue, or it's a pinky red and so on.’ And that’s the case with Benjamin Moore's Silhouette, too.

Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young was also there to see the new COTY (colour of the year) up close and personal – and she loved the cosiness of Silhouette, ‘I love the richness of this, and I think it will feel really velvety and encompassing in our homes. What I like about it is that it would work well in a smaller room to make it feel really cosy, but I can see it in a light-filled room as well.’

Why is Silhouette the colour of the year 2026?

The world of fashion and interiors is closely linked as fashion trends often make their way into home decor trends soon after. And that’s exactly where the inspiration for the Benjamin Moore Silhouette shade comes from – fashion, referencing sleek tailoring and suiting.

‘What the Benjamin Moore colour team do is they shop for colour for about six months without any filters. They just see what they're seeing, basically. And then they bring it all together, look for themes and see what comes out. And this idea of a deconstructed suit came out really strongly this year,' says Helen at Benjamin Moore.

'In fashion, the suit’s kind of come back, but it's much softer, more fluid. And people are wearing suits that are much more relaxed, rather than structured. I think the fashion industry always informs the interiors industry, but I think this year, it just really popped out more strongly.'

How to use Silhouette in your home

Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette shade is a dark and rich shade and as Ideal Home’s Heather already suggested, it’s perfect for making spaces more cosy because it has warmth and softness to it which is where it differs from the traditional but now outdated grey.

‘It doesn't have the coldness that grey does. And I think the reason grey is going out is because it does feel quite cold, whereas colours like this feel a lot softer,’ Helen at Benjamin Moore says.

She adds that Silhouette is a shade that’s the perfect alternative to stark colours like black or even grey. ‘Black and grey are quite stark. And so when you get this mid tone which is definitely a brown, but it's got this charcoal undertone, it feels a lot softer. A lot of people have black doors in their home, they might have a neutral on the walls and then black on the door. It always looks really striking, but quite cold. Whereas if you did a colour like Silhouette in that design idea, it would feel a lot softer.’

Alternatively, it makes for a great kitchen colour idea, ‘I think this would look really gorgeous as well on kitchen cabinets,’ Helen says.

Alongside the colour of the year, Benjamin Moore also revealed seven other shades that are part of its 2026 colour trends palette, named ‘Tailored Classics’, in keeping with the fashion, suiting and tailoring theme – it includes everything from a blush pink called Batik to a deep teal named Narragansett Green. And they all, of course, work perfectly with Silhouette.

Alternatively, you can inject the dark coffee shade into your home through smalller pieces like these.

What are your thoughts on this espresso shade with a charcoal undertone?

There are some colours that just work together, and although perhaps not a ground-breaking combo, the pairing of blue and green is one of the biggest paint trends to be taking the interior world by storm this year.

Sat side-by-side on the colour wheel, these harmonious hues bring out the best in each other and make the perfect partners when it comes to decorating almost any room in your home.

'Blue and green are natural companions', explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director & Colour Expert at Dulux, 'just think of forest and sky or river and reed beds, they are colours that live hand in hand all around us.'

I've spoken to the experts to bring you 6 rooms that show just why blue and green are this year's must-decorate-with colour combo.

1. Dare to be dark in a living room

'There’s an old adage that blue and green should never be seen,' comments Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village, 'but in reality, when used in deep, considered tones like navy and dark green, they create a bold and sophisticated palette that works beautifully together.'

Perfect for a small living room, using these dark and dramatic shades together, creates a cosy place to relax and unwind with the green bringing a lively freshness to the snug space.

'In this living room, a navy velvet sofa set against dark green walls feels enveloping and elegant', Shelley explains, 'with fresh foliage bringing the outside in.'

Not only is blue and green featuring via the furniture choices, but it is also being used in the accessories chosen, such as the rug, small side table and cushions and throw on the sofa. This helps to make a confident colour statement and is a great example of how to use blue and green room ideas.

2. Navigate towards nature in a dining room

If you're searching for dining room ideas, take this as your sign to stop, as the pairing of blue and green, is a great duo for your entertaining space.

Flora Hogg, colour consultant and interior designer at Craig & Rose advises, 'Blue and green are often seen as nature’s neutrals, they are innately grounding, versatile, and harmonious too.'

'Perfect in a dining space, start by matching undertones and colour temperatures, to keep your palette cohesive. Try pairing a muted sage green like Olive Laque with a smokey navy such as Payne’s Grey for a subtle, sophisticated contrast.'

Work in some wood where you can too, whether this is via furniture or flooring, to keep the theme of nature cohesive.

'For something bolder, consider Saxe Blue with Angelica - a deep teal with rich forest green depth for a layered, tonal look that feels both fresh and dramatic. Mix in pops of vibrant green via houseplants to bring some life to the space too.'

'If all else fails use nature as your guide,' continues Flora, 'think of ocean waves against moss covered rocks or evergreen trees silhouetted at twilight. These natural pairings are proof that blue and green belong side by side.'

Shelley adds, 'If you're looking for subtle ways to use blue and green in a dining room, classic wooden furniture can be styled with a selection of blue and green patterned textiles, like cushions and napkins, creating a grounded yet vibrant atmosphere.'

3. Elevate the energy in a kitchen

We all know how lust-worthy blue kitchens are, but how about adding some green into the mix too for a cool yet contemporary space?

Marianne explains, 'In kitchens, try Coastal Grey on the walls to create a calm, balanced atmosphere, complemented by Pine Needle or Village Maze in trim, paneling, or open shelving. Let the colours flow from room to room - sometimes blue takes centre stage, other times green. The key is in the balance, and layering different wall tones and colour accents like on cabinets, brings the space to life.'

With two-tone kitchens being a popular kitchen trend in themselves, opting to use blue with green really raises the energy levels in your space, resulting in a room you'll want to spend time in beyond just cooking.

Emma Price, Director and Founder at Fable & Willow adds, 'Blue and green are great for subtly defining different zones within open plan living areas. Consider a deep marine blue for the kitchen cabinets and an invigorating lime green for an accent wall in the adjacent dining area. This creates visual separation while maintaining a cohesive flow.'

4. Keep things calm in a bedroom

When looking to use blue and green together in a bedroom, it's all about creating a calming and restful bedroom colour scheme, something this pair excels at.

Emma explains, 'The inherent compatibility of blue and green lies in their natural origins. Think of a tranquil lake nestled amongst lush trees, a vibrant meadow under a clear sky or the captivating depths of the ocean.'

'Sitting next to each other on the colour wheel, blue and green are inherently calming and refreshing. Blue evokes feelings of peace, serenity and stability, while green symbolises growth, renewal and balance. When combined, they create an incredibly soothing and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a bedroom and for unwinding after a long day.'

'Together blue and green create a sense of calm and connection, grounding us in something beautifully familiar,' says Marianne. 'This colour pairing brings balance, tranquillity, and timeless appeal- ideal for a bedroom space.'

Try opting for a soft sage or pale mint shade on the walls, then adding in rich blue bedding in linen, cotton and velvet to create a bed you can't wait to sink into.

5. Layer tones in a lounge

For living spaces that are flooded with natural light, a different approach may be needed when looking for blue and green room ideas, but this doesn't pose a problem for this dynamic duo.

Emma explains, 'The beauty of blue and green lies in their versatility. From subtle whispers to bold statements, there are countless ways to weave these captivating colours into every home.'

'For a sophisticated and understated look, focus on layering different shades and textures of blue and green. Imagine a living room with soft sage green walls, a deep teal velvet sofa, and scatter cushions in a mix of sky blue and moss green linen. This approach adds depth and interest without overwhelming the space. Don't be afraid to mix warm and cool undertones within your blues and greens for added complexity – a warm olive green can be stunning next to a cool duck egg blue.'

Marianne agrees with the layering technique but also adds, 'Start by deciding which colour will take the lead when using blue and green together. In a living room, try Tranquil Dawn on the walls, accented with touches of Teal Voyage on upcycled furniture or a feature wall. These gentle shades awaken the room while remaining soft and soothing – perfect for light-filled spaces that act as a central family hub, but also where relaxing is key.'

6. Combine with pattern in a guest room

Although blue and green work wonderfully together in blocks of colour on walls or furniture, they also combine beautifully via pattern with a standout wallpaper idea.

'Incorporating patterns is an excellent way to introduce both colours, especially in a guest room where you can be a little more adventurous,' says Emma. 'Think botanical prints with lush green foliage and delicate blue flowers or geometric patterns that combine crisp blues and vibrant greens. Wallpapers, fabrics, and even tiles, offer endless possibilities.'

'Alternatively, a large piece of art or a rug that prominently features both colours can anchor a room and draw the eye,' she says.

What is the one thing you shouldn't do when pairing blue and green together?

'My biggest tip would be to avoid clashing undertones,' says Marianne. 'A delicate cool muted blue like Coastal Grey won’t sit so well with fresh yellow tinted greens. Stick to colours that share a similar base - think muted, chalky shades like Tranquil Dawn and Stonewashed Blue - to maintain a gentle, cohesive flow.'

Emma comments, 'Choose shades of blue and green that are too similar in intensity and tone, especially if they are also very saturated. This can make the combination feel a bit ‘muddy’ or indistinct, rather than vibrant and harmonious. For example, pairing a very muted, desaturated blue with a very muted, desaturated green can sometimes lack the dynamic contrast that makes the combination truly shine. Aim for some variation in intensity or brightness to create visual interest.'

Shelley adds, 'Avoid using overly bright, neon or artificial versions of blue and green. These can feel jarring and undermine the richness of the palette.'

What is a third colour that will work as an accent with blue and green?

'A fantastic third colour that works beautifully as an accent with blue and green, is pink,' advises Emma. 'A soft blush pink can add a delicate touch of warmth and femininity, while a bolder fuchsia or coral pink can introduce a playful and vibrant contrast. Pink complements the cool tones of blue and green by offering a warm, inviting counterpoint, creating a balanced and visually interesting scheme.'

Marianne agrees, 'To lift and warm the palette, introduce a soft blush tone like Pressed Petal or Sweet Embrace to blue and green. Just a touch adds charm and balance, like the glow of a sunset over sea and land.'

Shelley adds, 'I think yellow is a perfect accent colour that works with blue and green. Mustard or bright yellow adds vibrancy and contrast, and it lifts the blue and green tones beautifully. These are all classic colours, so they work well with traditional-style furniture, like a scrolled arm sofa or button-back headboard, and complement a maximalist, bold approach to styling.'

Get the look

Which room of your home will you be trying blue and green in?

Can you remember what colour you loved in your bedroom when you were growing up? Because you might just find that same colour is now back in fashion, as retro bedroom colours have started creeping back into our social feeds.

Bedroom colour schemes have a special place in most of our hearts as they are the first place many of us will have had any input into how a room looks.

'Colour is a powerful time machine when it comes to sparking memories and emotion,' explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director & Colour Expert at Dulux. 'So, it’s natural that we gravitate towards those we associate with happy moments from the past, because they are familiar and comforting.'

When we talk about colours being 'retro', we mean from around the 1950s up until the late 1990s (which for millennials like myself is now unbelievably pushing 30 years ago!) Throughout that 50-year period, homeowners embraced a whole host of shades in their homes, from avocado-green bathrooms to Formica-blue kitchens, and even metallics had their moment.

According to industry colour experts and stylists, these 3 retro bedroom colours are staging a comeback, but this isn't a time warp. This is how to use these colours in a way that feels modern (if a little nostalgic).

1. Orange

The first of our retro bedroom colours that is back in fashion is orange. An unlikely shade for a bedroom, you might think, but it's actually been making waves for a while now.

'When you say retro bedroom colours, my mind immediately goes to the 70s - think orange and brown,' comments Emma Morton-Turner, Interior Stylist & Founder of Inside Stylists

'These warm, traditionally autumnal hues have been creeping back into interiors across the seasons now, and they absolutely work today. What stops them feeling dated is how they’re being paired with fresher, happier tones — like lilac!'

'It sounds unlikely, but lilac and orange is a surprisingly perfect combo for bedrooms. Just look at what brands like Next and Dunelm are doing with bedding — even the shapes have gone retro.'

'Bedroom fabrics are also taking on a modern approach to a retro style. Corduroy is one that back in the day was small like the skinny lines of needlecord which are now huge jumbo cords. They’re perfect for headboards, a bedroom chair or a cushion to finish styling your bed and bringing it bang on trend today,' continues Emma.

'For years, grey bedrooms have reigned supreme as the modern go-to colour, but now our love for all-things retro is seeing vintage colours make a comeback,' adds Marianne.

'When it comes to a retro bedroom colour that we're seeing back in fashion, Orange is the middle ground to yellow’s optimism and red’s fearless energy – two things we tend to associate and admire in our older generations. So, colours like Tuscan Treasure 2 and Orange Fizz tend to have a sentimental nostalgia, as if receiving words of wisdom from your grandparents. Although, like being told what to do as a kid, it can be quite like Marmite and not to everyone’s taste.'

2. Lilac

The second of our retro bedroom colours emerging as big for 2025, and as Emma has already mentioned, is lilac. I definitely remember having a lilac bedroom in my early teens, which I'm fairly sure I paired with a daisy-print bedroom wallpaper border. But over 25 years later I can once again embrace a lilac bedroom (won't my husband be pleased!)

'Lilac has made a real comeback in the last few years,' comments Joanna Thornhill, Interior Stylist, Writer and Trend Forecaster, 'but unlike the cooler tones popular in the 90s, which were often paired with equally-cool greys and silvers, the way it’s being used now is on the warmer side of the colour wheel, which can make it feel far more cosy and welcoming in a bedroom.'

'Shades with undertones of red and black, which give it a slightly muddy mauve look, act almost as a new-neutral, and can work really well with similarly warm-toned darker accents like berry and Bordeaux.'

Emma adds, 'If we’re talking 90s retro (and I’m really showing my age here because wasn’t that just yesterday!), today’s version is far bolder. We’re seeing lilacs and pinks together again, but this time they’re styled with chrome and sculptural silhouettes that say ‘statement’ not subtle. It’s all about confidence, pattern, and a playful nostalgia that still feels fresh, even if you have a small bedroom.'

3. Brown

The final of our retro bedroom colours that is back in fashion is shades of brown. With Pantone's Mocha Mousse flooding the interiors world earlier this year, it's no surprise that this shade from years past is back in the limelight.

'Retro style in interior design draws inspiration from the bold, playful look of the 1950s through to the 1970s and beyond', comments Kathryn Lloyd, Colour Specialist at Crown.

'Think bright colours, striking patterns, quirky furniture, and graphic artwork all brought into the modern day with a fresh twist. Today’s retro-inspired interiors take those iconic elements and reimagine them for contemporary spaces.'

'While it's not necessarily one specific colour that defines a retro scheme, we’re seeing a return of soft, earthy tones such as clay-like shades, pale ochres and warm tans alongside more vibrant, saturated palettes that inject energy into a space.'

'Tan shades are a hallmark of retro interiors', continues Kathryn. 'In the 1970s, these colours became popular as a reaction to the loud, psychedelic palette of the 1960s. As that decade gave way to economic struggles, political unrest, and a more serious national mood, the bright, carefree spirit of the previous decade began to feel out of place. Instead, people gravitated toward warm, autumnal and more natural tones like tans, ochres, and oranges.'

Joanna agrees, adding 'Decor schemes in the 1970s were typified by slightly garish shades of avocado, orange and brown - and while all these colours have become far more popular in recent years, we’re now seeing them show up as more sunset-style tones like sun-bleached terracotta, golden ochre and rich olive green. These can work wonderfully in a bedroom to give a splash of vibrancy that still blends into the background.'

So is your favourite retro shade making a comeback for 2025? Or are there some other colours you think are overdue a return to fashion?

If repainting the window frames is high up on your to-do list this spring, you're probably wondering which colour would make the best choice. And as with many interior decisions, a good place to start is by eliminating the colours which would be a bad choice.

According to interior design experts, there are three colours to avoid painting window frames with. Learning how to paint window frames is one of the fastest ways to up your home's kerb appeal. While individual tastes and preferences will come into your paint colour choice, some colours will have a negative impact on the look of your home inside and out.

Before you make a choice you'll regret, we've asked design and window experts to share the top colours to avoid painting window frames, and alternative shades if you can't be swayed from those colours.

Most of the colours listed apply to the colour you use when painting the exterior window frames, but it's still worth considering the advice for the interior frame too.

1. Red

As one of the primary colours, red definitely has a place in interior design - but window frames are not one of them, particularly when it's used in a brighter, more dominant form.

'Bright red always draws the eye, but not necessarily in a good way!' Lucy Mather, design expert at Arighi Bianchi says. 'Red window frames tend to dominate a home’s façade rather than complement it. And they can also fade unevenly over time, leaving your home looking tired and unkempt.'

To stop your window frames attracting unwanted attention, opt for rich burgundy or deep terracotta instead. These earthy tones can help make the space look more inviting, without being overwhelming. 'They’re also much easier to pair with brick, stone, and neutral renders,' Lucy adds.

2. Pure white

Window frames are one of the areas in the home not to paint pure white, according to the experts. This might come as a surprise, as white is a common choice for window frames - but because of its ability to highlight dirt, dust and debris, it's a high-maintenance pick.

'So many people think a nice crisp white is a top choice, but I would highly recommend avoiding it unless you can commit to repainting it regularly,' Alan Reid, a uPVC and home improvement specialist at Art Windows and Doors says. 'It shows dust, dirt and discolours very quickly compared to other colours. Any mark is going to pick up straight away, so it’s not really worth it.'

If you do prefer white window frames to more distinct colours, opt for ivory instead. It's a lot more forgiving than pure white, and can be softer on the eye as well.

3. Bright green

The last of the top colours to avoid painting window frames with is - perhaps unsurprisingly - bright green. While we're all for making bold choices and injecting personality into the home, bright green doesn't have much longevity, in terms of both style and finish.

'Bright green frames tend to date very quickly,' Matt Thomas, Director of Apollo Blinds confirms. 'They can make a home look out of place or overly trend-driven and are a risky choice if you’re thinking of selling as they could put off future buyers. And because they clash with traditional materials and textures, using very bright colours generally makes it much harder to achieve a cohesive exterior vibe.'

Sage green on the other hand is the ideal way to add a touch of vibrancy, while still maintaining a timeless appeal. It's a nice way to subtly contrast your window frames with the surrounding walls.

FAQs

Should window frames be lighter or darker than walls?

In many cases, window frames that are darker than the surrounding walls work well. They create a nice, visual contrast that naturally draws the eye.

'Darker frames create contrast, which adds structure and elegance to a façade,' explains Matt. 'They help define the windows and often make the whole home feel more architectural.'

But, as Matt adds, 'lighter frames can work well on homes with traditional or coastal styles, especially when paired with soft wall colours and lighter trim.'

Ultimately, whether your window frames should be darker or lighter comes down to your personal taste. 'The key is to make sure of is that there’s enough contrast between the wall and the frame to avoid it looking washed out and blending in,' Alan from Art Windows and Doors says.

What is the most popular window frame colour?

As with many paint trends, colour choices for window frames can shift in popularity over time. Right now, slate grey is one of the most popular colours, due to its modern, versatile look.

'Anthracite grey works well on both contemporary and traditional homes, which makes it a go-to for many homeowners,' Alan says. 'It creates clean lines, is low maintenance, and does a great job of hiding dirt and weathering over time.'

Similarly, matt black for window frames is having a moment in the sun, again because of its versatility. 'It’s sleek, versatile, and works across almost all home styles – from period properties to industrial style lofts,' design expert Lucy explains. 'It frames your views like a picture and pairs well with both light and dark wall colours.'

Now you know the top three colours to avoid painting window frames, you should have a clearer idea of what will work in your home. Happy painting!

Drenching your bedroom in one immersive hue is one of the boldest moves you can make with a paintbrush. It's been trending hard on social media and interiors magazines for a while now. Brilliant bedroom colour drenching ideas are everywhere you look (if they weren’t, they will be now).

Unlike feature walls or two-tone schemes, drenching eliminates all visual breaks, so the space feels limitless and cosseting. Your chosen bedroom colour ideas wrap the room like a cosy blanket, and the effect is unexpected and impactful, which is what produces the wow factor.

‘Colour drenching - where walls, ceilings, woodwork, and even radiators are painted in a single shade - is a transformative approach to interior design,’ says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director & Colour Expert at Dulux. ‘By embracing colour drenching, you can turn your bedroom into a peaceful retreat that showcases your personal style.’

But before you hot-foot it to the paint shop and clean out the paint chart racks, let’s unpack the hot question you’re here for: ‘Is colour drenching a bedroom a good idea?’ Clearly, we think so and we’re going to argue the case seven ways to prove it, all with the aim of helping you to nail a decent drench without ending up in colour chao.

1. It creates a cohesive sanctuary

‘Colour drenching in a bedroom is always a good idea as it envelopes the room, making you instantly feel calm and relaxed,’ says Emma Bestley, Co-founder of YesColours.

By bathing every surface in one colour, drenching dials down the “visual noise” of competing trims, patterns and jarring contrasts, so your poor tired brain isn’t left trying to make sense of lots of details when it’s time to go to sleep.

‘As this bedroom drenched in our dusky Secluded Lilac demonstrates, colour drenching make the space feel cohesive while reducing the visual noise,' adds Emma.

Note how the panelling-style trim subtly delineates the walls here, introducing textural interest without disrupting the room’s serene, all-encompassing calm. In a different colour it would look far busier.

This doesn’t mean colour drenching is boring. It’s a fearless painting technique that, when embraced properly, pays off with high-statement style. ‘What makes colour drenching so brilliant is its versatility – it effortlessly adapts to bedrooms of any shape or size, transforming them into cohesive, immersive sanctuaries,’ says Emma.

2. It solves spatial issues

While colour drenching is more commonly seen in bedrooms with decent square footage and soaring ceiling heights, it can be just as impressive as a small bedroom idea. In fact, clever decorators use it as a technique to boost the sense of space and iron out any architectural anomalies.

‘Colour drenching is perfect for bedrooms with awkward ceilings, especially when the wall colour is carried straight over the ceiling. This will help with the continuity of colour and will feel less distracting on the eye,’ explains Patrick O'Donnell, Brand Ambassador, Farrow & Ball.

In this small but cosy loft bedroom in Wine Dark by Farrow and Ball, painting out the angles where walls meet the sloped ceiling and carrying into the skylight alcoves has a space-boosting effect. This is because a continuous wash of pigment tricks the eye into perceiving a more expansive space with higher ceilings, turning the potential awkwardness of a low-slung ceiling into a desirable feature.

The tongue-and-groove feature wall adds charming country-cottage character, yet painting it in the same hue keeps the look calm and understated and avoids crowding the small bedroom.

3. It promotes better sleep

Select the right shade, and a colour-drenched bedroom transforms into a tranquil sanctuary that promotes deep, restorative sleep. ‘It envelops a room in a cohesive colour, creating a truly harmonious environment. This technique can be particularly effective in the bedroom, fostering a sense of calm and unity that’s ideal for a restful sleep,’ agrees Marianne Shillingford at Dulux.

Take this serene bedroom in Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn, a hazy pale green inspired by the morning sky. ‘This versatile shade subtly shifts between green, blue, and grey tones, adapting to different lighting conditions. When drenched in a bedroom, Tranquil Dawn can create a serene and soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding at the end of the day,’ explains Marianne.

When choosing to colour drench specifically with calming in mind – perhaps you suffer with insomnia or have a busy mind – science says it’s best to opt for pale, nature-led shades.

In chromotherapy, the practice of using colour to influence our mood, soft blues and greens are thought to be most calming, because their cool wavelengths slow the heart rate and reduce tension.

4. It makes decorating easy

If you’re the sort of DIYer who spends more on tester pots than you do on holidays, colour drenching could be right up your street. Sure, you’ll need to commit to the perfect shade, but it cuts out the endless dithering over which accent tones will complement your walls. With colour drenching, you can stop losing sleep over the best colour combinations and safely ignore decorating formulas, like the 60:30:10 rule.

‘Painting in one colour, without having to cut in around the ceiling, door frames and skirting boards, is far quicker,’ adds Anna Hill, Brand Director and Colour Consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘Colour drenching really adds personality to a space and, as paint is a relatively inexpensive way to update a room, it can be a budget-friendly transformation too!’

Styling a colour-drenched bedroom is also a breeze. Since the backdrop is set, all you need to do is layer in your favourite furniture, textiles and artwork without worrying about upsetting a complex colour palette. Swapping out bedding becomes a joy rather than a design dither when you’ve only got one colour to coordinate with.

Ginger Curtis, founder of Urbanology, has absolutely smashed it out of the park in this dramatic bedroom drenched in black, which is certainly dressed to impress. Note how the delicious blue-black called Inkwell by US brand Sherwin Williams (Fenwick & Tillbrooks’ Scribblings is similar) has a satin sheen that reflects the natural light coming in. So clever.

5. It highlights architectural features

A big benefit of colour drenching in a bedroom is its ability to instantly draw the eye towards and accentuate your sleep space’s scrummiest architectural details. By enveloping everything in a single hue, you will create an expansive canvas that makes features like pitched ceilings, architectural mouldings and fireplaces (whether new or original) pop in light relief.

In this spacious bedroom, The Vawdrey House's Sophie Chapman got really creative with the ceiling by using decorative beading in a contemporary pattern inspired by the property’s Art Deco heritage.

‘The decorative beaded panelling on a ceiling had the effect of drawing the eye upwards to create a feeling of spaciousness and grandeur, while somewhat conversely also providing a cocooning cosy effect within the room,’ she says.

Drenching the ceiling and walls in the same stone-toned paint ensures cohesion through the space, with some subtler beading on the walls continuing the design story.

‘This simple yet striking effect can be achieved by gluing and tacking a simple timber ogee bead, readily available at any builder’s merchant, to the ceiling and painting over the top in the same colour as the ceiling for a harmonious effect,’ she explains.

Of course, Sophie says she could have opted to paint the beading in a strong contrasting colour, and it would no doubt have looked incredible, but a continuous drench is a more restful way to amplify that fabulous detailing.

6. It can increase property value

A beautifully executed colour-drenched bedroom that’s totally Insta-worthy and looks like the work of a design pro will have potential buyers swooning. It’s essential the results look intentional, modern and fashion-forward, and the finish must be superb. A botched job in a dodgy, dated colour will have the opposite effect!

The most important thing to consider when colour drenching with a view to boosting property value is to choose a colour that’s universally flattering but still makes enough statement to be remembered. While vivid shades can feel intensely personal and may deter more cautious buyers, a nuanced neutral drench feels effortlessly elegant, drawing attention without overwhelming sensitive souls.

‘You ideally want to choose a shade that will complement the furniture, flooring and any other decorative elements in the room for a sophisticated and cohesive feel,’ says Anna Hill from Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘You also need to consider the amount of natural light in the space and remember that lighter colours like warm neutrals and muted pastels will make the room feel bigger and brighter.’

When it comes to property listings on sites like Rightmove, any room that looks high-end and spacious, without the obvious fish-eye lens fakery, is always going to earn more viewings.

7. It encourages creativity

When your walls, ceiling and trim all sing in the same shade, you may find yourself more inclined to experiment with complementary materials, quirky accents or easy DIY projects that riff off the dominant tone. A successful colour drench can also build confidence in general, empowering you to be braver when decorating more public spaces like the living room or kitchen.

For many, colour drenching is the gateway drug to double drenching, and once you’ve got a handle on the former, you’ll feel brave enough to tackle the latter.

‘Double drenching is a move on from colour drenching and is an interior design technique that sees two or more tonal partners being painted onto multiple surfaces to create a really dramatic transformation,’ explains Anna Hill. ‘It works well as it creates a really cohesive scheme that goes further than just using one colour all over, bringing visual interest, depth and character to a space.’

To get it right, you have to ensure you choose colours that are neighbours on the colour wheel, or colours with the same base undertone. ‘For example, you could use a green with blue undertones, with a true green, alongside a green with yellow undertones for a really impactful trio,’ explains Anna.

FAQs

Does colour drenching make a bedroom look bigger or smaller?

It very much depends on the colour you choose. ‘Colour drenching a small bedroom can be a great move, especially with a lighter or mid-tone hue. It helps open up the space, making it feel bigger and airier – perfect for small or awkward rooms with alcoves or chimney breasts,’ says Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed. ‘Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin is a solid pick for this, as it blurs the lines between the walls and ceiling, creating the illusion of more space.’

If you are determined to go for a colour that’s deeply dark and the room is poorly lit, it can cocoon the space so much that it feels smaller and more intimate. This isn’t always a bad thing – many boutique hotels employ this trick to ensure guests can enjoy a cavernous room that doesn’t feel stark and unwelcoming.

We’re not saying light colours make a bedroom look bigger and dark colours make it appear smaller in every case. There are extenuating factors, such as the sheen ratios of your paint finish, the amount of natural light and the use of other light-reflective surfaces in the room to consider. But in general, it’s a pretty safe guide to follow.

What colour should you not colour drench a bedroom in?

Colour choices are always personal but if you want to get some decent shut-eye in, it’s wise to steer well clear of pace-racing shades like retina-burning neons and bright pillar box red. Primary colours in general can be quite overwhelming in a full drench and will keep your brain buzzing into the early hours. As mentioned, you may also want to avoid really dark colours in a small, poorly-lit bedroom, unless you’re secretly a bat looking for a cosy cave to hang out in.

We're not entirely sure it needs saying but you should never colour drench a bedroom in a shade you don't love. You're going to be surrounded by it for (ideally) at least eight hours in 24, so it'd really suck if you felt sick of the colour within a week!

If you’ve ever wondered whether going all-in on your walls, ceiling, and doors is worth the paint tins, these seven examples should convince you that colour drenching your bedroom is absolutely the way to go. Grab a brush and get drenching.

It was the elaborate porch that was the first attraction to this Victorian house in Bridgend, Wales, but stepping inside, it looked like too much of a project to take on.

The three-bedroom semi-detached property needed replastering throughout, new period-style windows, a new kitchen and a new bathroom. Later, the wall between the living room and dining room was removed, to form a more sociable, open-plan space.

Still, the house always felt 'special'. Twenty years on, it's a much-loved family home with a calming vibe created from the careful choices by artist and colour consultant, and the home's owner, Andrea Curtis.

A calming colour scheme

Blues and greens dominate the decor, inspired by Andrea's love of the sea and sky. ‘The fact you've got just these two or three colours through the whole house does make the house feel quite calm and restful,’ she says.

The strict colour palette offers up energy in varying degrees. In the entrance hall, an eye-catching green and blue highlight the period elegance of the staircase and balustrades, whereas in the open-plan living and dining room, a single shade of green-blue cleverly colourwashes the walls, woodwork and the doors for a sense of flow.

The layering of furnishings and accessories adds another dimension. ‘It’s about how you want the room to feel,’ Andrea explains. ‘For example, in the front living room, a bubblegum pink lounge chair and an olive-green cupboard introduce a cosy feel. In the other living room, for a lighter look, I chose a cream sofa.’

Exterior

The house boasts a lovely Victorian porch, that Andrea has painted in eye-catching Lichen by Farrow & Ball.

Andrea’s advice to anyone nervous about decorating with colour? ‘Take inspiration from something you love, such as a textile or rug, and trust your instinct.'

'Don’t listen to others’ opinions. And remember, if you paint a wall and really don’t like it, you could just paint over it. It's not the end of the world!’

Entrance hall

The entrance hall is a welcoming space and the perfect introduction to Andrea’s love of colour. She has cleverly painted the woodwork, stairs and balustrades in two complementary shades of blue and green that highlights the period details of the space.

The door, skirting and panelling in Dix Blue by Farrow & Ball, while the stairs and balustrade are in Aquamarine Deep by Little Greene.

A striped runner adds a layer of warmth on top of the painted floorboards and a wooden bobbin standard lamp base has been painted in a contrasting shade of pink for a playful touch.

Living room

The couple removed the wall between the front living room and dining room to create an open-plan living and entertaining area. Andrea has colour-drenched with the same shade on all walls, woodwork and the doors to create a calming effect.

Rustic touches add warmth and a vintage chair upholstered in a shade of pink adds a touch of retro charm and a relaxed vibe to the living area.

Dining room

Andrea’s artwork takes pride of place on the walls in the dining room. An olive-green cupboard adds some warmth and energy, and a rustic wooden table and retro Eames dining chairs create a relaxed retro vibe for entertaining friends and family.

Second living room

Andrea has used the same paint colour to create a sense of flow throughout the house, but has introduced furniture and accessories in paler and softer colours to create a brighter and lighter mood.

A bountiful collection of houseplants further adds to the fresh feel of this room that benefits from a south-facing aspect and views out onto the garden. One of Andrea’s paintings, entitled Welsh Pots and Daffodils, hangs above the wood burner.

Kitchen

The kitchen is spacious and full of colourful notes. A doorway painted in a fresh shade of green – Little Greene's Aquamarine Deep – leads the eye to the pantry space behind.

Tessellated tiles create eye-catching splashbacks behind the cooker and also the sink area. A pretty shelving unit has been painted in a lively shade of red for a burst of energy.

Bathroom

A roomy walk-in shower makes the most of the space in the bathroom. Metro-style tiles in aqua are in keeping with the colour scheme throughout the rest of the interior and provide a dash of utilitarian period style. An ornate tessellated tile design on the floor adds interest.

Bedroom

The main bedroom is situated in the eaves and is a generous-sized room full of colour. A retro chair and traditional Welsh tapestry blanket add charm.

This article first appeared in Country Homes & Interiors. Subscribe and save here.

Patience and caution are key when you are tackling a big renovation.

‘Take your time, do it well and do it once. If you wait longer, you will get a better result,’ says Becky Rossetto, who took her time renovating her family's Victorian home.

‘This is the slowest renovation we’ve ever done,’ says Becky. ‘We started in 2019 and there’s one more room to do, but I’m so happy with what we’ve achieved.’

Her patience has been rewarded with the home of her dreams, filled with some stunning wallpaper ideas.

Built in the 1890s, the property was in reasonable structural condition, with fine architectural details, but there were signs of wear and tear. The house felt dark, old-fashioned and ready for a new look.

Becky thought long and hard about every decision, but as she runs her own interior decoration business, she has the skills required.

Open-plan kitchen-diner

After 12 months of living in the hallway and cooking meals for five on a gas stove outside the back door, it’s no wonder that this Victorian home looks so good now.

‘The house needed a lot of care and we wanted to figure out how we would live in it as a family, how to make it work in this day and age, and also how to be sympathetic to the simple original layout,’ she explains.

‘We took everything apart before putting things back in the right way. Gradually, we could live in the bits we had renovated,' says Becky.

Having decided to create a new open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, getting the right look was important.

‘We invested in good-quality joinery and chose a classic painted kitchen in a style that works with the house,’ says Becky. ‘I didn’t want anything contemporary as I didn’t think it would look right.’

The arched openings reveal how the space at the back of the house had once been a Victorian labyrinth of small rooms. Becky upcycled the bar stools and re-covered them with a mid-century fabric, which had been her grandmother’s curtains

A delicate paint shade – Edward Bulmer’s Sky Blue – enhances the bespoke kitchen cabinetry, creating a timeless look for the open-plan living area.

The glazed cupboards are lined with a decorative pattern – Hencroft in Pink Primula by Little Greene – adding an extra layer of pattern.

Beautiful wall murals

Becky wanted to capture the essence of Victorian style and reflect the property’s grandeur, but nothing here is stale or old-fashioned.

The colours are fresh, and Becky’s room designs are imaginative and original, nowhere more so than her elegant hallway idea.

She commissioned artist Francess Mullan to hand-paint a leafy parkland mural featuring cranes and – a Victorian favourite – peacocks. ‘I went wild in here. I wanted to do justice to this special space,’ says Becky.

Add to that the intricate plasterwork and mouldings, and a collection of houseplants any Victorian botanist would be proud of, and this entrance area ensures a lasting first impression.

The soft leafy design of another of Francess Mullan’s murals adds individuality to the dining area in the new open-plan layout.

Its relaxing blues and greens provide a stylish backdrop for one of Becky’s most treasured pieces in her home – the handsome Victorian mirror that once belonged to her father.

Living room transformation

The living room was part of a 1960s extension and, to ensure the space fits well with the Victorian aesthetic, Becky chose Morris & Co’s classic Pure Honeysuckle and Tulip wallpaper, with new wall panelling painted in a tonal colour.

The bespoke corner sofa is covered in a robust, pale blue fabric, complemented by an ottoman and an armchair upholstered in vibrant colours.

Framed vintage Indian and Afghan textiles bring even more warmth and colour, and the pelmets disguise plain roller blinds as a window treatment idea.

Bold colour choices

One of the joys of this renovation for Becky has been discovering more about Victorian design. ‘When we first moved here, I didn’t know much about the era’s style and furniture. I did lots of research and decided to bring in strong vibrant colours,’ she says.

Indeed, the rooms are now beautifully decorated in a kaleidoscope of paints, fabrics and wallcoverings. ‘That’s part of the history of these houses – the Victorians did have strong colours and patterns, and it’s been such a joy to let my imagination run wild,’ adds Becky.

In this green bedroom, the walls and wardrobe are painted in Sanderson’s Botanical Green. Becky picked up on this colour with the fabric for the headboard.

Rooms are a cheerful blend of brights and patterns. Here, an upholstered headboard, a patchwork quilt and vibrant artworks stand out against cool blue bedroom walls.

Bathroom pattern

Shell design bathroom wallpaper adds a pastel glow to this en suite, complemented by tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a tonal blue.

The burnished-brass taps, mirror frame and light fitting add warmth.

Auction and junk shop finds

‘When we first moved in, we had lots of mid-century furniture from our previous home but it didn’t work,’ says Becky.

‘I realised we needed to match the grandeur of the house.’ Their original furniture was sold and Becky started from scratch, collecting secondhand furniture pieces more in keeping with the age of the house.

‘I always try to think about sustainability, so I’d look for things at auctions and in junk shops. It’s so much more fun than buying new,’ she says.

‘I’m a magpie for pattern and colour. I always have been. I love pinks, greens and floral prints,’ says Becky.

‘And in this house full of boys I indulge myself with pattern and flowers in every room, and they don’t seem to mind or even notice!’

This article first appeared in Period Living Magazine. Subscribe and save here

Get the look

If you love filling your garden with colour, then you’ll know camellias are often a top choice for filling outdoor spaces with early spring blooms. And now, experts have revealed when to prune camellias to ensure you are rewarded with rosettes of bright pinks, reds and white.

Pruning camellias is an essential part of maintaining the shrub’s health, which is why getting the timing right is just as important. And it’s a good job you’re asking ‘when to prune camellias’ as this summer job is coming up fast.

The vibrant blooms of a camellia make them one of the best flowering shrubs to add to your garden, and by giving them a prune this June, you can ensure the flowers are a continuous welcome attraction in your garden.

When to prune camellias

If you’ve been growing camellias, then you’ll already know that they’re a relatively fuss-free plant. And while they don’t require much attention, you do need to prune them to ensure the shrub stays healthy.

‘Camellias are low-maintenance shrubs that tend to thrive with minimal intervention. In general, they do not require regular pruning, making them a great choice for gardeners who want beautiful blooms without too much upkeep. That said, it’s always wise to remove any dead wood and spent flowers to keep your plant looking tidy and healthy,’ explains Rachel Cole, seed manager at Mr Fothergills.

‘If you do choose to prune your camellia, timing is key. The best time to prune is just after the plant has finished flowering, which is typically in early June. Pruning at this time allows you to avoid the risk of damaging late frosts, which can be harmful if your shrub has been recently cut back. Exposure to frost following pruning can stress the plant and may hinder its growth or flowering potential in the following season.’

Camellias typically finish flowering during April and May, so it is best to wait for June to prune them. Some varieities of camellia flower in winter which means you can typically start pruning from April as they stop flowering in March.

Alongside, pruning between April and June when the plant has stopped flowering, you should also consider the conditions of the day you’re pruning to get the best results.

‘It is best to prune a camellia on a cloudy day, as too much sunlight can potentially dry out the pruning wounds on the plant. Additionally, waiting too long after flowering to prune camellias can mean that it is harder to avoid cutting off any new growth on the plant that will produce the following year's flowers,’ says Graham Smith, MCIHort, gardening expert from LBS Horticulture.

However, Graham also states that while pruning is typically done from late spring to June, there are occasions when you can make an exception.

‘Camellias can be pruned at any time of the year whenever you see a branch that looks diseased or unsightly, but it is best to wait until immediately after flowering to reduce the risk of removing new growth from the plant,’ he says.

Camellias start forming buds during the summer months, so you should avoid pruning during high summer if you can as pruning too late can risk next year’s blooms.

‘By following these simple care tips, your camellias should reward you with an abundance of glossy evergreen foliage and vibrant flowers, bringing timeless elegance to your outdoor space,’ Rachel concludes.

Camellias’ evergreen leaves make them a perfect choice for your garden border ideas, given that some camellias bloom during winter means you are rewarded with beautiful blooms when there is little colour elsewhere. Now you know when to prune camellias, you can ensure an abundance of blooms to come.

What you need

Despite the fact that it's a room that we spend more time in with our eyes closed than open, most of us would agree we want to enjoy the way our bedroom looks, and colour plays a large part in that.

Each year, new paint hues gain popularity in the bedroom as colour forecasters and stylists conjure a new selection of shades designed to capture the mood of the moment. And, of course, the flipside of that means a roster of bedroom colours is on its way out of style.

These new bedroom colour ideas often evolve from last year's trending tones, making it an evolution of colour rather than a complete overhaul; and that means there are usually plenty of tweaks to your existing decor you can make to embrace this season's hottest looks.

According to interior experts, this year bedroom trends are all about warm tones and saturated colours, so if you're currently looking for inspiration to get out the paint brush or shop for some new bed linen, these are the bedroom shades to avoid and the ones to consider instead.

1. Cool white

Yep, in 2025, cool white is out and warm white bedroom ideas are in. 'It’s wonderful to see the move away from the habitual use of white in bedrooms,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. 'White is often one of the most difficult shades to choose, mainly because there are many nuances and hues, so finding the right tone of white can be a challenge.'

'Many people make the mistake of using a ‘Brilliant White’ with the aim of creating a relaxing bedroom sanctuary, but this can be very harsh, too bright, and often a little sterile, so it’s been positive to see people embracing warmer neutrals, and deeper darker colours in bedrooms.'

What's in: warm white

Instead, 2025 is the year of warm white shades. 'This year, we’re embracing warmer, earthier, more cocooning colours with warm undertones that make us feel cosy and safe,' shares Tash Bradley, colour psychologist and director of interior design at Lick.

'Brilliant white paints can feel sterile, so swap them out for warming whites like oaty White 05,' says Tash.

'Soft warm whites, taupe-based mid-neutrals, and earthy shades are taking centre stage, creating spaces that feel inviting and cocooning rather than cool and impersonal,' agrees Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.

2. Cool grey

After a few years of prominence, it's perhaps no surprise that grey bedroom ideas are one of the trends tipped to go out of fashion this year. You can get enough of a good thing, after all.

'Greys and grey-based bedroom colours are going out of style in 2025,' confirms Tash Bradley. 'Once the reigning neutral, grey shades have gradually lost their dominance, especially in bedrooms,' agrees Anna Hill of Fenwick & Tilbrook.

'Grey can sometimes feel cold and uninspiring,' explains Lucy Steele, senior brand manager at Valspar Paint. 'In 2025, a move away from grey coincides with the current appeal for warmer colour schemes instead of cool colour schemes, which generally feel cosier and more relaxing, perfect for the bedroom.'

What's in: warm beige

'Colour trends are always in flux,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux, 'and 2025 is all about moving away from cool, stark minimalism and embracing warmth, comfort, and personality.'

Instead of cool-toned greys, warmer beige and neutral bedroom ideas are about to have a moment.

'Those cold, clinical greys that once dominated bedrooms are making way for softer, earthier neutrals; think warm beiges like Knotted Twine, and soothing mushroom shades such as Gentle Fawn,' shares Marianne.

3. Pastel pink

'We never seem to tire of pink bedroom ideas, and for a good reason,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, 'they are eminently liveable, flexible and a dream to layer with other colours.'

However, in keeping with the move towards more warm and cosy shades, this year, cool-toned pastel pinks are out, and more earthy terracottas and plaster pinks are in.

'While pale pastels have their place, 2025 sees them becoming more complex and sophisticated,' explains Dulux's Marianne Shillingford. 'Soft peachy pinks are replacing the sugary pinks of previous years. It’s all about creating a bedroom that feels restful yet expressive, with colours that nurture and uplift in equal measure.'

What's in: plaster pink

In contrast to a cool blue-tinted pink, a 'cosy, nurturing pink will work wonders for your sleep,' says Tash Bradley. 'I recommend opting for muted hues, like Pink 07 or Pink 08. These dusky pinks are straight from nature. They are earthy and grounding, and that heavy dose of black pigment makes them feel really grown up. Opting for Pink 13 will also create a cosy and cocooning feel in the bedroom.'

'Try our much-loved Setting Plaster,' suggests Patrick O'Donnell of Farrow & Ball. 'It is not a sugary, overtly pretty pink but contains a good dose of earthiness to neutralise it from truer perceived pinks.'

'Elegant and earthy, Split Pink is a wonderfully warm, pink hue that will add a homely and soothing feel to a bedroom,' says Ruth Mottershead. 'For a cohesive and contemporary feel, avoid combining with bright white on skirting and woodwork. Instead, consider a colour-drenching approach, or embrace darker tones and opt for a coordinated colour.'

4. Dark blue

'In bedrooms especially, colour does heavy lifting,' says Jen Devaney, Colour Consultant at Frenchic Paint. 'It sets the emotional temperature of the space.' And as we're seeing in each of this year's tweaks on colour, in 2025, that emotional temperature is all about adding warmth and cosiness to the bedroom.

That's probably why cooler-toned navy bedroom ideas are on their way out.

'The ultra-dark, moody blues and deep charcoals that have been popular for the past few years are shifting towards richer, more inviting hues,' explains Marianne Shillingford. Instead, 'fiery reds such as Auburn Embers, are taking centre stage, bringing depth and a sense of cocooning comfort.'

What's in: dark burgundy

Instead of deep, dark moody blues, 'in 2025, we’ll be opting for alternative, more dramatic yet earthy colors like aubergine instead,' says Lucy Steele. 'The burgundy colour trend has been called out as one of the ones to watch this year. These shades are still earthy and grounded while evoking feelings of luxury and sophistication, making them a soothing and elegant choice for a space meant for rest and relaxation.'

'Creating a sense of warmth alongside offering a cocooning retreat away from the outside world, deep hues such as rust... are becoming a more popular choice,' agrees Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours.

As an alternative to navy blue, 'why not try a beautiful burgundy tone such as an impactful Adventurer,' suggests Ruth Mottershead, 'or Cordoba, a trendy and warm option to provide the ultimate space oozing comfort and relaxation.'

These warm, earthy, and saturated bedroom paint ideas will all look brilliant on the walls, but if you're not quite ready to get out the paintbrush, or you're living in a rented house, these trending hues can all be added via accessories instead.

Our guide to where to buy bedding has plenty of stockists that have embraced these new tonal colourways in duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, and cushions, making it easy to switch up your bedroom as the seasons and styles change. Which shade will you be going for?

Cuprinol Garden Shades’ Natural Stone has been trending on Pinterest for a while, and for good reason: it’s the perfect foundation shade that sets the stage for a myriad of garden colour schemes. But which garden paint ideas should you pair it with?

'Cuprinol Garden Shades' Natural Stone is one of those quietly magical shades – soft, grounding, and endlessly versatile,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. It’s like sun-warmed pebbles or weathered driftwood, bringing a calm, natural elegance to any garden.'

We’ve pulled together a list of the best garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone to help you design an effortlessly beautiful outdoor space. Although the images below don't display Natural Stone, we've found similar shades to illustrate how the pairings can work in the garden.

Where to buy Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone

1. Soft greens

For a natural, cohesive look, opt for soft green hues. Sage green has been a trendy colour for a while, and it’s the perfect match for Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone.

‘If you’re looking for a calming, muted style, pair Natural Stone with soft green such as sage, as it blends well with stone tones,’ says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Marianne is also a fan of greens against Natural Stone. 'It pairs well with gentle greens like Fresh Rosemary or Olive Garden for a restful, sanctuary feel – perfect for leafy hideaways,' she says.

2. Calming blues

For a Mediterranean garden feel, calming blue is another garden colour scheme that works with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone.

'If you’d rather a holiday-inspired look, to achieve a sun-drenched Mediterranean vibe, try Barleywood or Coastal Mist,' says Marianne. 'Together with Natural Stone, these colours evoke the feel of soft linens, ceramic pots, and lazy summer afternoons.'

Adding some of the best Mediterranean plants to your garden, like lavender or an olive tree, will enhance the look.

3. Silvery foliage

Speaking of plants – If you're keen to tie foliage and flowers into some garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone, silvery tones are a must.

'Tones like cool lavender hues, deep purples, and silvery greens look perfect with this soft, earthy tone,' says Andrew Porwol, garden and landscaping expert and founder of Garden Centre Shopping. 'Your best bet should be plants like Salvia 'Caradonna', Eryngium (Sea Holly), and Nepeta (Catmint). These plants will create an eye-catching contrast while also keeping the look harmonious.'

4. Dusky pinks

For a romantic look, go for soft, muted pink tones, which pair perfectly with Natural Stone.

'Add a pop of personality with romantic shades like Sweet Pea or Dusky Gem,' Marianne suggests. 'They contrast beautifully while keeping things soft and welcoming.'

If you're looking for garden trellis ideas, it's a great opportunity to try out a pink palette.

'Use mute dusky pinks on furniture or trellises,' says Andrew from Garden Shopping Centre. 'These tones bring out the warm undertones in Natural Stone while adding subtle depth.'

There are also plenty of climbing plants with pink flowers, as well as other rosy-toned plants. 'You can also go for soft ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima, which add movement and texture without overpowering the palette,' Andrew adds.

5. Darker tones

Using darker shades against Natural Stone can create definition and highlight areas of the garden.

'If bold is your preference, a darker grey, navy or black will stand out and even help to enhance the colours of the plants you choose, providing a dramatic backdrop,' says Morris.

If you're on the hunt for garden container ideas that pair well with Natural Stone, Andrew recommends looking at metal-style planters.

'A pro tip that I'd give is adding accents in weathered copper or brushed brass, which pick up on the earthy base of Natural Stone and offer a beautiful, timeless look,' he says. Something like this Sandburg Metal Pot Planter from Wayfair is a great choice.

There are so many palettes you can experiment with when it comes to the best garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone. Which look will you be going for?

When scrolling through Instagram with my morning coffee a few days ago, the algorithm handed me a photo that made me verbally utter 'oh wow'. The source, you ask? Zoe Ball's warm and colourful kitchen.

Every time I see an inspiring kitchen colour scheme in a real-life home, I'm instantly impressed. It can be hard to veer away from neutral schemes, particularly when it comes to big investments, but choosing an invigorating palette instantly makes a kitchen feel like the heart of the home.

Working with Arior Design, Zoe Ball's kitchen and living room came to life, resulting in a cosy yet on-trend space that you just don't want to tear yourself away from. Plus, she didn't even need to rip out the original kitchen. This is how they created it.

1. Choose multiple shades

If you're wanting to breathe new life into a space then colour is the easiest, and often most affordable, way to do it. Green has been a huge kitchen trend in recent years and continues to be popular, but by combining it with the orange kitchen island, it makes it even more stylish.

'The Howden’s kitchen was already in place, very well arranged and practical, the only thing we wanted to change was the colour. The house was very nice, but everything painted white with the grey kitchen it just wasn’t Zoe and it didn’t reflect her colourful personality, having worked with Zoe on a previous project I knew her style and love for colour. This is a great example where the use of paint really changes a space and enhances any original features,' explains Catherine Smith, director of Arior Design.

'It was important to pull the colours through both rooms, using the lovey Little Greene Paint company Masquerade pink on the walls, skirting boards, built in cupboards, shelves, doors and frames – we chose to paint the ceiling and window frames in a soft white – Slaked Lime Mid by Little Greene – because the living room bay window had white shutters that Zoe wanted to keep,' she adds.

2. Work with the layout

When Zoe bought the house, the layout worked well for her needs and it was just the style that wasn't to her taste. The 'before' was a very pared-back palette, which hugely contrasts the rich scheme Catherine was able to bring in.

As Zoe has an open plan kitchen layout, it's important for the colour scheme and style to flow naturally between the cooking and living spaces.

Not only did Catherine match the wall colour in both rooms but she also subtly pulled through feature colours like the green armchair which parallels accessories on the island and art on the kitchen wall.

'I wanted to make sure the fabulous Jules Et Jim framed poster would be set off against the wall colour and be complemented in the new kitchen paint colours,' Catherine explains. 'It made sense to combine these tones and she was brave enough to go bold on the island, giving a glowing warmth. I pulled everything together with beautiful curtain fabrics, in both the living room and kitchen, new green armchair and lamps to ensure it all made sense throughout both rooms.'

Considering your kitchen layout comes down to the small details, too. Think about how you are going to use the space on a daily basis to really dial into whether it will work on a practical level.

'One thing to mention is that we wanted to add curtains for warmth, pattern and to soften the edges, however with the oven so close to the right hand curtain, we had a bespoke curtain pole and rings made to ensure this curtain can be pulled right the way over to the left when cooking is in progress for safety,' adds Catherine.

3. Add the finishing touches

Once you've decided on a colour palette and layout, the finishing touches are what bring the entire look together.

'Zoe had the same pendant light over the island in her last kitchen and loving it so much she wanted to have one again. It is a beautiful traditional style by Devol Kitchens,' says Catherine.

'We also changed the handles to update the look, they are from Corston Architectural, I love their hardware, really reasonably priced when you need so many. The finish we used is Antique brass – it is what they call a “living finish” meaning they will darken/change tone with use over time.'

Shop Zoe's Kitchen

Zoe's kitchen is a perfect example of how to breathe new life into a space that is lacking character and doesn't feel like 'you'.

Trying out a kitchen colour scheme with three core shades adds so much dimension to a space and actually makes it easier to form the core of your design. Which shades would you put together?

Bathrooms without windows are surprisingly commonplace, especially in older homes where en-suites have been carved out in all manner of nooks and crannies. On the plus side, a windowless bathroom can be a bonus from a privacy front. Arguably, it’s also far better to have a view from your bedroom, than when sat on the loo…

When choosing paint colours for a windowless bathroom, it’s crucial to try out paint samples before you commit. You’ll need to see for yourself how each colour looks under your bathroom’s specific lighting conditions. What appears soft and welcoming in natural light can read as cold or dingy under artificial light.

While curating bathroom colour schemes without natural light can be challenging, it’s really not a deal-breaker. To avoid a cramped, gloomy space, all you need to do is choose the right paint colour, and I'm here to show you the light.

I've uncoverd the hues that work best in windowless bathrooms and how to use them to create an inviting, vibrant wash-space. With no peeping toms to worry about!

1. Pretty pastels

If you want plenty of personality without overwhelming, pastels are a savvy choice for a windowless bathroom. ‘Pastels will not only help create the illusion of a bigger space but will also add a sense of warmth and personality to what could be a very bland and sterile room,’ says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘For a sense of calm and serenity, opt for pale pastels such as soft pinks, sky blues or pistachio.’

Painting walls or bathroom cabinets in delicate shades, such as blush pink or mint, will help counteract the lack of natural light and visually expand the space. Use textural finishes like leathered stone countertops, seagrass and sisal to prevent a pastel palette from feeling too saccharine. Finish with plenty of fluffy white towels and potted foliage for a fresh, spa‑like retreat.

2. Soft white

While it’s true that an all‑white scheme is one of the easiest ways to make a bathroom feel brighter, without assistance from natural light, it’s crucial to pick the right white. Pigments in white paints carry very subtle undertones that influence how the colour reads under artificial lighting.

Choosing a white with the appropriate undertone ensures it won’t appear too chilly or too sickly in your windowless bathroom. Helen from Benjamin Moore recommends avoiding whites with cool blue undertones, such as Brilliant White, as they can look harsh and unwelcoming. They may also make your reflection appear pallid. ‘A warm white with subtle yellow undertones makes these dark spaces feel warm and sunny without looking too creamy,’ she adds.

Opting for a tone-on-tone, warm‑white palette is the sophisticated way to do white under artificial light. Apply the 60-30-10 rule by using your primary white (60 percent) on walls, a secondary white in a slightly darker tone (30 percent) on cabinetry or tiles, and a 10 percent accent white in the form of textured whites, like white-washed linen baskets, boucle-topped stools and fluffy bathmats. Choose semi‑gloss or satin finishes to gently twinkle electric illumination (or candlelight by night) around the room.

3. Dramatically dark

It takes bravery to plump for dark bathroom ideas in a windowless space, but they prove transformative. Rather than fighting the lack of natural light, lean into the gloom with deep, moody tones that feel luxurious and enveloping. ‘Deep, sumptuous colours will envelop the space and create a cocooning and calming feel,’ agrees Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

Choose dark colours with depth and nuance rather than flat, light-absorbing blacks. Think regal navy, lush emerald, or a rich chocolatey brown like this Elysian Ground from Little Greene. Such shades will add sophistication and warmth, creating an inviting, cocooning atmosphere. ‘Add contrast with opulent details, such as gold fittings and accessories and an abundance of houseplants for balance and harmony,’ advises Ruth. Consider faux greenery if there isn’t enough borrowed daylight to sustain the real deal.

With thoughtful styling and a few indulgent touches, deep, saturated colours can bring boutique-hotel elegance to a windowless bathroom, transforming it into an atmospheric retreat that feels anything but gloomy.

4. Monochrome

An all-black scheme will almost certainly suck all the light out of your bathroom (not to mention your soul), but pair it with a fresh clean white and things will instantly feel upbeat and invigorating. ‘Monochrome is a brilliant choice for spaces with limited natural light,’ agrees Leanne Robey, Senior Designer at Ripples Newbury. ‘Crisp white tones help keep the room feeling bright and airy by reflecting artificial light, while contrasting black accents add depth, interest, and a sense of style.’

Monochrome is also a simple yet striking colourway to execute. ‘Your tile choice will have a significant impact - consider bold, patterned tiles in varied sizes to create a dynamic look or opt for heavy-veined marble panels for a touch of classic elegance,’ suggests Leanne.

‘Matt black brassware is a perfect fit for this scheme, but for a modern twist, look at anthracite or black chrome finishes, and pair with deep black furniture to complete the look.’

By playing with contrasts and balancing light and dark colours, a windowless bathroom can become a chic, inviting space that’s fresh and timeless.​

5. Earthy tones

Channel all the sunny warmth of holidays abroad by selecting earthy mediterranean-inspired colours for your windowless bathroom. By grounding the space in warm, nature-led colours, all your window-based worries will fade away.

‘Earthy tones are very much on trend, offering a warm and natural feel that’s ideal for windowless bathrooms, preventing them from feeling cold or clinical,’ says Leanne, pointing to warm terracotta, sun-baked ochre and soft sandstone tones. ‘Paired with rustic wood elements and soft, organic shapes, a colour scheme led by earthy colours will create a calming, tranquil space,’ she explains.

Matte finishes and mixed textures work especially well here, adding depth and warmth. ‘To keep the room from feeling flat, consider incorporating polished accents or hand-glazed tiles with a reflective finish,’ adds Leanne. ‘Large, oversized mirrors can also help by bouncing the electric lighting around the room and compensating for the lack of natural daylight.’

6. Sage green

‘Sage green is a great combination for a windowless bathroom because it can help to brighten up the space and create a sense of calm,’ says Lucy Steele, Paint & Interiors expert at Valspar Paint. Unlike stronger greens, which can feel too intense in low-light settings, sage has a subtle, muted tone that’s kinder on the eyes and the perfect green bathroom idea for a windowless space.

‘To nail this colour combo, try all sage green walls with white ceilings and fittings to maximise the sense of space. Also, find a big mirror to make the room appear light and airy - bonus points if it's sage green too!’ adds Lucy.

‘Towels or bathmats are an easy way to incorporate colour into a bathroom. Checkerboard prints are very on trend so a sage green and white patterned towel or mat would be perfect to bring everything together.’

Sage green works effortlessly with warm neutrals and natural materials like stone and wood, making it ideal for a biophilic-inspired bathroom. Its soft, organic tone brings a sense of calm and connection to nature, even without natural light.

7. Yellow

The fact yellow mirrors the colour of the sun isn’t the only reason it works so well in a bathroom that never sees the light of day. It’s also the way yellow instantly lifts the mood and brings a sense of warmth and brightness to dullest of spaces. In chromotherapy (also known as colour therapy), yellow is associated with feelings of joy, energy, and optimism, which is why it’s hard to feel sad when surrounded by this sunny hue.

‘A bathroom featuring lively lemon yellow is guaranteed to put a spring in your step, even on the gloomiest winter days,’ agrees Louisa Swannell, Head of Creative Design at Walls & Floors. ‘These bright yellows are known for instilling a sense of self-confidence and happiness, ideal for the bathroom where we spend time getting ready for the day.’

Soft, butter yellow – so very on-trend – is a safer option in small, windowless bathrooms, as it will add a subtler touch of warmth without overwhelming the space. To swerve the need for sunglasses in the shower, opt for muted yellows like ochre or mustard, which knock-out the brightness without losing warmth.

Get the look

What’s the best lighting for a windowless bathroom?

Don’t shy away from bold, darker shades just because the space lacks natural light. Burgundy and similar rich hues can make a dramatic statement, adding warmth and

Besides wall colour, the biggest influence on a windowless bathroom’s ambiance will of course be the type of bathroom lighting you install. ‘A single overhead light isn’t going to cut it when you don’t have the back-up of natural light,’ says Leanne from Ripples Newbury. ‘Use a combination of task lighting and decorative feature lights to layer light sources and really bring your wall colour choice to life.’

Accent lighting, such as LED strips under shelving or within cabinets, adds depth and a relaxing mood. Always go for LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, and make sure they’re IP-rated and suitable for bathroom use (the precise spec varies, depending on placement).

The colour temperature of your LED bulbs is also important. Cool white (4000K–5000K) is closest to daylight and feels fresh, while warm white (2700K–3000K) provides a softer, more forgiving light. For natural-looking light, seek out bulbs with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI 90+), which is great for applying makeup or shaving in a windowless bathroom. For total flexibility, fit a dimmer switch and dial the lighting up or down to suit the time of day and your mood.

With the right paint, you can take your windowless bathroom from dingy dungeon to stylish sanctuary – and with one less window to clean, bonus! Whether you’re craving sunny brights or prefer a cosy cocoon, slap on the best paint for the job, flick on the lights and you’ll soon forget all about the lack of a view.

After living in a series of new builds while moving around the country with her husband’s job, Derya Berber took a leap into the unknown with a neglected period property that needed a major renovation.

Derya and her family moved into the four bedroom, three bathroom, three storey semi-detached Edwardian house in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, in December 2020.

What was the attraction of this property?

'The location was ideal, and the garden was nice and big,' explains Derya. 'We hadn’t been particularly looking for a period property, but this house had so much potential. It originally had six bedrooms and just one bathroom, but we knew this wouldn’t work for us.

'We moved in between lockdowns, and made the decision to basically go for it, and do all the work in one big go, which meant eighteen months of disruption, dust and chaos.'

'We had to replumb and rewire completely, as well as putting in a new central heating system and replaster all the walls that had been messed up. That took around six months, and I was desperate to get onto the décor, but had to be sensible.'

'We took down a wall between two small rooms at the top to make a guest suite and upgraded the tiny shower. We sacrificed a bedroom to give us a much bigger main bathroom, plus we changed the original bathroom into an ensuite in our younger son’s room.

'We moved around from room to room after the builders and a low point was all four of us sleeping in the room at the top with strips of wallpaper hanging down everywhere like a Halloween set.'

The elegant decor approach

'The character of our home guided my interior design choices. I believe it’s important to embrace the style of a building, appreciate its unique features and enhance them. I did some research into Edwardian colours and design before I started,' says Derya who shares many pictures from the transformation on Instagram @prettylittleedwardian.

'I like to stick to a palette of three colours, and I took my shades of green, yellow and pink from the original stained-glass windows. I’d never been a fan of wallpaper ideas before, I always worried that it would date quickly, but in this house, it just seemed right, and I’ve surprised myself by embracing dramatic florals.'

Choosing colours

'I like a mix of dark moody colours and light shades and it really depends on which way the room faces. In the north facing rooms, such as our bedroom, I’ve gone light with the pale pink,' Derya says.

'I’m really into colour drenching, I’ve never liked white ceilings, and it’s a great way to blend ceilings and woodwork into the room. We’ve totally drenched six rooms now, and it makes such a difference.'

The open-plan kitchen

‘An open plan kitchen diner was an essential for me when considering a house. I enjoy being able to cook and spend with family at the same time. The only disadvantage is that any mess in the kitchen is always visible,’ says Derya.

‘We inherited a solid wood kitchen in grey and we could have had a new kitchen to our taste, but that would have been wasteful as the bones of this one are good, so we had it resprayed instead in two different colours for new look. It only took a day and cost around £1,000.’

‘As part of the kitchen respray, we matched the majority of the units to the walls as part of a colour drench, while we had some sprayed in the same green we’ve used in the sitting room and we’ve changed all the handles.’

The dining area is connected to the kitchen and anchored with a rug. ‘I always worried that a rug under the dining table would get too dirty, but actually it’s been fine. It was only after I added the rug and brought in some green that I realised how empty it had looked before.’

‘I love the intricate detail on our dining table and bench, rather than just plain wood, and I’ve added some vintage dining chairs. Mixing vintage with modern is a growing trend, which is motived both by sustainability and wanting unique and cosy interiors.’

The colour-drenching siting room

colour-drench‘I found this pair of Parker Knoll armchairs on Facebook Marketplace and knew they’d be perfect for the sitting room. Finding an old chair and transforming it with a new fabric is one of my favourite things to do.’

‘I’ll always decorate at least one room in a dark moody colour and in my opinion, you can colour drench any space. Think about the impact that colour will have and make sure it gives the room the feeling you want. I fell for this green straightaway.’

‘The marble fireplace really stands out against the green walls, and I found a mirror and wall scones in brass because green and brass is a combination that’s hard to beat. I’ve also added ceiling roses back around as there weren’t any.’

‘I love paintings of flowers, and search things out from The Vintage Art Gallery, where my red roses are from, as well as The Wallflower Art Gallery and Junk Deluxe in Margate.’

Bathroom wishlist

‘A freestanding bath was always on my list for the bathroom, and I’d envisaged it being painted black. But once I got the wallpaper up, I knew it had to be a colour reflected in that. I never imagined we’d have a yellow bath, but in interiors, never say never.’

‘Search out unique pieces of vintage furniture for every room, like this cabinet we use for storing towels. Our home just wouldn’t feel the same without them.’

‘The vintage washstand was a Facebook Marketplace find for £120, and it was the first thing I bought, before we’d started any of the work, to make into a vanity unit. Ceramic basins just looked wrong, until I spotted a marble one.’

Putting wallpaper in bathrooms tips

Make sure if you’re planning to put wallpaper in a bathroom that there is good ventilation within the space. That’s the most important thing. Using wallpaper in poorly ventilated bathrooms isn’t recommended.

Choose the wallpaper first before you make any other decisions on colours and build the bathroom colour scheme around it.

Decide on how many walls you’ll be putting it on. If it’s a large, intense pattern it may feel too overwhelming to have it on all the walls.

If you have a freestanding bath which will be the focal point, consider putting it on the wall behind the bath, as long as it’s far enough away from major splashes.

If the walls aren’t straight, using lining paper underneath the paper can help to disguise imperfections, prevent wallpaper shrinkage and improve the durability of the wallpaper. Always use a varnish afterwards to protect the paper from moisture.

A blissful bedroom

‘I’ve always loved pink and wanted it for our bedroom. My husband wasn’t sure and asked for it not to be a girly pink, but I found a colour that we both love. I’ve colour drenched it from the ceiling down and picked out the delicate shade in the floral bedding, rug and blinds.’

‘Hang onto original floorboards if you can, and I’m thrilled we managed to in the bedroom. There was mention of carpet, but I chose a very large rug instead. I love flowers and my vintage rose picture from The Vintage Art Gallery is in the ideal spot above the fireplace.’

What's next...

'Now we’ve got the taste for it, I think we’ve got one more renovation in us, but I’ve promised to wait until the boys finish secondary school so we’re here for a quite a while. I’ve loved sourcing the vintage furniture and art that is dotted around the house, and we’ve still got the garden to do.'

Blueberry has become a standout colour this year thanks to social media. But if you’re thinking about styling this popular colour at home, there are three shades you need to avoid pairing with it, according to experts.

Soft blueberry blue has become a key colour trend this year and part of the 2025 colour palette as we’ve gone crazy for the colour, whether that's on our nails, our matcha order or as part of our home decor.

Blueberry blue belongs to the sky blue family; this warm blue shade can be used to make a statement in your home. However, three colours won't bring out the best in this vibrant shade, and can make a garish combination.

1. Bright Green

It may sound surprising, given that green is now widely considered a neutral that will pair with anything, but blueberry is its kryptonite, and you should avoid pairing the two - especially bright greens.

‘Certain shades of green, specifically bright or neon green, don’t pair well with blueberry as they can clash and create a jarring interior. Blueberry and bright green are very bold shades, so when combined, they can be overpowering and distracting in a home. Similarly, neon green can take away from the sophisticated richness of blueberry,’ says Lee Trethewey, interior design expert at Sustainable Furniture.

If you want to incorporate green into your colour scheme, pops of soft sage green can work with blueberry without overpowering it. Think about the shade of green in a Blank Street iced matcha blueberry latte and you'll be onto a winning pairing.

2. Bright Orange

Blue and orange may be complementary colours on the colour wheel, but this doesn’t mean blueberry and orange work in interior spaces.

‘Bright orange and blueberry are both bold, warm-leaning colours that can easily overwhelm a room when paired. Being opposite on the colour wheel, their high contrast can be jarring rather than energising, particularly in residential interiors where you want colours to flow rather than shout. If you wanted a more finessed splash of orange, we’d suggest either a burnt orange or a pastel orange,’ says Camilla Lesser, Property Development Manager at Essential Living.

Because bright orange and blueberry are warm-toned, they can easily create a washed-out effect, which dulls your space. Instead, a pastel orange would emphasise the richness of blueberry blue, rather than wash it out.

3. Red

Primary colours - and the unexpected red theory - have been popular for a while, but this doesn’t mean you should embrace bright red and blueberry.

‘It's best to avoid combining blueberry and bright red as it can make your interior feel very juvenile and childlike. These are two very strong colours, so visually they are not very attractive, especially within a home, and they can often seem as though they are competing rather than complementing each other,’ says Lee.

‘If you wish to combine blueberry and red within your interior, it's best to stick to muted or deep reds. A burgundy shade is the ideal deep, rich colour for creating a sophisticated, yet dramatic statement that is perfect for a dining room or cosy living space.’

Cherry red has been a huge trend this year, and the depth of this sultry shade means it can be used alongside blueberry without overwhelming it.

Shop the blueberry trend

Now that you have those colour pairings in mind here are just a few of the ways I'm planning to bring this vibrant colour trend into my home.

When paired correctly, blueberry can create a rich, atmospheric space. Are there any colour combinations you recommend?

There's no denying that colour can be pretty altering when it comes to our homes. A quick lick of paint can turn a space from drab to fab in just a couple of hours. When it comes to decorating a small bedroom not only are there colours that will create the illusion of space, but some colours that will make a small bedroom look more expensive too.

If you're looking for small bedroom colour ideas and wondering what are the colours that make a small bedroom look expensive, then this is the round-up for you. I've spoken to some of the industry experts to bring you a list of colours that will not only inject some style into your sleep-space, but will also upscale the room to looking more fancy too.

Read on to discover these shades and find out just how to apply them to your bedroom.

1. Dark blue

The first of our colours that make a small bedroom look expensive, is dark blue. We've long since lusted over blue bedroom ideas but we love that this shade will make your space look more lavish too.

'Luxury in a small bedroom isn’t just about colour - it’s about how you use it,' comments Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director & Colour Expert at Dulux.

'My top tip is to embrace depth. Don’t be afraid of darker shades; they can make a small space feel more elevated when used in the right way. Deep, rich colours like our dark navy blue, Sapphire Salute adds instant sophistication and creates a cosy, cocooning effect.'

'Another great trick to enhance the sense of space and luxury is to paint walls, woodwork, and even the ceiling in the same colour, a technique called colour drenching. This removes visual barriers, making the room feel seamless and more curated. Choosing a paint with a soft sheen or a velvety matt finish will also help reflect light beautifully without looking flat,' Marianne explains.

2. Emerald green

Anna Hill, Brand Director and Colour Consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook agrees that dark shades are the way to go when looking for colours that make a small bedroom look expensive.

'Rich jewel tones in a bedroom exude elegance, instantly elevating the space. Think emerald greens, garnet burgundies or deep sapphire blues, perfect for bedroom colour schemes. These deep, opulent shades enhance the feeling of luxury, making the room feel effortlessly sophisticated and expensive,' she explains.

Maxine Brady, Interior Stylist & Host of 'How to Home' Podcast adds, 'For something moody and inviting, why not choose a deep teal-green in your bedroom, such as Hobgoblin by Earthborn Paints. The shade will add depth and drama, especially when teamed with gold accents and a velvet headboard- a guaranteed combo to make your small bedroom look more expensive.'

A great way to add in the emerald green shade in slightly smaller doses, is with cushions of varying shades on your bed, such as the one below from Oka.

3. Butter yellow

There's no getting away from the shade of the moment Butter Yellow, and it is another one of the colours that make a small bedroom look expensive.

Maxine explains, 'As an interior stylist, I know that colour can make all the difference on the look and feel of a room, especially in small bedrooms. Instead of warm-whites, premium interiors are opting for a buttery yellow tones which are very much on trend right now. A rich yellow colour will look warm and elegant, without feeling dull and lifeless.'

Try painting just the bottom half of your wall in this sunny shade, leaving the top half and the ceiling a fresh white. This will also draw your eye upwards and make the space feel bigger, as well as giving it a luxe look.

Or update your bedding to something in a sunnier shade, like the set below.

4. Ruby red

While paint ideas are the most obvious way to bring colour into your bedroom, they are not the only way to make a small bedroom look more expensive.

Jamie Watkins, Co-founder at Divine Savages explains, 'We believe wallpaper is the best way to inject colour into a small room to create a more expensive look.'

'It offers depth, texture, and storytelling patterns that paint alone just can't achieve. Wallpaper also allows for bold colour choices without overwhelming a space, as many designs balance rich hues with elegant patterns'.

'To create a luxurious feel with wallpaper, opt for deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red for a rich, opulent look.'

Wallpapering the wall behind your bed or even an alcove is also a great way to bring colour to your bedroom and give it a glam makeover.

5. Soft grey

If rich, jewel tones don't feel very you, there are also some colours that make a small bedroom look expensive that are a little more paired back, like grey bedroom ideas.

Claire Garner, Director at Claire Garner Design Studio explains, 'When designing a small bedroom with a luxurious feel, colour choice plays a key role in creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. A well-chosen palette can enhance natural light, add depth and bring a sense of calm and sophistication to even the smallest of spaces.'

'A neutral foundation instantly makes a bedroom feel more refined and spacious. Shades like warm taupe, soft greys, creamy whites and subtle beige create a serene backdrop, helping the room feel airy and uncluttered. These hues also reflect light beautifully, enhancing the perception of space.'

'Opt for paint with a soft matte or velvet finish rather than high gloss—it absorbs light gently, creating a more elevated, high-end feel,' Claire adds.

6. Dusty pink

Another of our top colours that make a small bedroom look expensive is a dusty pink.

'If you prefer a lighter, airier look for your small bedroom, opt for warm neutrals such as Natural Calico, and dusty pinks such as Pressed Petal' suggests Marianne.

'These tones provide an effortlessly stylish backdrop that allows textures and layering to take centre stage - think plush bedding, elegant lighting, and beautiful natural materials.'

Maxine agrees adding, 'Sometimes with a smaller bedroom, classic colours will elevate the room the most. Look out for warm terracottas, pinks or muted blush tones and then style your space with natural wood and crisp white bedding for that boutique hotel style.'

Claire suggests, 'Muted pastel tones like dusty pink or sage green can add a hint of colour without overwhelming the space. These shades create a gentle, dreamy atmosphere that feels both restful and sophisticated.

'Layering different shades within the same tonal family adds dimension and a curated look, to effortlessly make your pink bedroom look more expensive.'

7. Inky black

The final of our colours that make a small bedroom look expensive might surprise you. We're often told that painting a small room in a dark colour will make the space feel smaller, but not only is this not always true, it can really help to make the space feel more luxe.

Maxine advises, 'If you’re feeling bold, a near-black like India Ink by Valspar is the ultimate luxury shade — just add lots of light with floor lamps, and bedside lamps so that your all-black room looks chic and stylish.'

'My top tip for making a small bedroom look more expensive is to keep your colour palette edited, then adding a few luxe finishing touches like brass, marble, linen accents - and keeping clutter to a minimum. Simple, but it works!'

But if black just feels too intense for your bedroom, try a shade or two lighter.

Claire suggests, 'While lighter shades make a room feel open, don’t shy away from deeper hues. Rich, saturated colours like warm chocolate brown can bring an intimate, cocooning effect that feels high-end.'

'Just be sure to balance deeper tones with lighter bedding, curtains, or metallic accents (like brass or antique gold) to maintain a sense of balance and prevent the room from feeling too enclosed.'

Can any colours make a small bedroom look cheap?

'Colours that make a small bedroom look cheap is subjective, as we all lean towards different colours,' explains Marianne. 'But if you don’t want a room to feel it was an afterthought, I’d think about undertones and the intensity of the paint shades.'

'For example, bright, stark whites without any warmth can make a bedroom feel cold and clinical rather than luxurious. They work beautifully in airy, sunlit spaces but can feel harsh in smaller rooms.'

'Equally, artificial pastels—like neon blues, bubblegum pinks, or bright purples—can also be tricky. While pastels can be lovely when muted and paired with earthy tones, overly saturated or synthetic-looking colours can sometimes make a space feel less refined and more child-like.'

'The key to a luxe feel is balance. Soft, natural-looking shades with warm or muted undertones tend to feel more high-end, while anything stark or artificial can take away from that sense of elegance because it will disrupt the flow of the room.'

So will you be painting your bedroom any of these shades?

IKEA has given its iconic BILLY bookcase a gorgeous new design, but you’ll have to act fast if you want to get your hands on one, as it is a limited edition piece.

The BILLY bookcase collection is one of IKEA’s most well-known and beloved designs, largely down to the fact that BILLY bookcase hacks can easily make them look like a high-end piece, masking the IKEA affordable price tag.

Now receiving an on-trend update, featuring a vibrant green colourway and glass doors, this new design is a dopamine hit at an affordable price tag.

Last year, the BILLY bookcase was given a sleek, limited-edition navy update, and this time the palette has turned green. Green has been a huge paint trend for a few years now, and while this year, we’ve focused on softer greens such as matcha and pistachio, I applaud IKEA’s bold choice.

IKEA’s bright, warm-toned trending shade of green is bold and a little in your face. In other words, if you’re looking to make a statement, this is the BILLY bookcase for you. While playful and fun, the beauty of green shades is that they always work well with neutrals, making this bookcase a great way of introducing colour to a space.

The design follows the classic BIILY shape, and with glass doors, you can display your books or trinkets without fear of them gathering much dust. The shelves are also adjustable, so you can customise your BILLY as you please.

The green BILLY Bookcase with glass doors is 80x30x202cm, featuring two opening doors for £165. While BILLY cases start at £25, I’d still say this is an affordable price, especially as a standard BILLY wth glass doors is £150.

The green BILLY bookcase would make a great fit for any playroom ideas, due to it’s joyful looking hue. However, this doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work in more mature spaces. Fearne Cotton’s pistachio shelves are a great example of green shelving being used to add a pop of colour to a living room, without overwhelming it.

Similarly, this green hue could work well with pastel pinks (as Fearne demonstrates), as well as soft cream, earthy browns and other shades of green.

IKEA has warned these shelves won’t be on sale for long, so if you want to get your hands on the limited-edition green BILLY bookcase, I’d recommend picking one up now - else you might be left green with envy.

Green BILLY alternatives

If you’ve missed out on the IKEA green BILLY, here are some more green shelving units to choose from.

Let's be honest: nothing can ruin a good kitchen colour scheme as easily as a small appliance. When your only options are black or...black, it's easy to see why air fryers and toasters end up routinely shoved under worktops.

That's why, as Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, I've been petitioning for pastel versions of appliances like the best Ninja air fryers for the longest time. The brand is better than most for offering various colour options (it's one of the things I wish I knew before I invested in my Ninja air fryer) but pastel shades have still never appeared.

Until now. Released exclusively in the US (I know, I'm sad too), the spring collection features pretty Pink, Periwinkle and Mint. This is a look at the new envy-worthy shades and my favourite pastel-coloured UK alternatives that you can shop instead.

It's the Ninja Crispi specifically which has recieved this pastel makeover (via the Ninja US website). It's by far my favourite air fryer of the year (as covered in my Ninja Crispi review).

Portable, powerful, and PFA-free, the Cripsi is also complete with glass food containers that you can slot straight into your fridge with your leftovers. So it's easy to see why the pastel colours really complete the appeal with this one.

In total, it takes the colour options in the US up to six for the Crispi, while in the UK you can only pick it up in Blue, Sage Green or Stone (£179.99 from Ninja Kitchen UK) with the latter being my personal favourite.

As the Ninja Crispi is only really an air frying lid, it's not the all-over pastel makeover we've been praying for just yet. But we're seriously hoping this is a sign of more pastel things to come this side of the pond, too!

If you love the look of these pink and periwinkles and don't want to wait, these are my favourite pastel air fryers that you can snap up right now.

How do you feel about coloured air fryers? Are you more prone to stashing yours away anyway? Let me know in the comments!

Our front door is the first thing to greet guests as they visit our homes, so naturally, most of us want to choose the most welcoming colour to nail that first impression.

Whether you are selling up and want to send a hint to potential buyers or you're just wanting to ramp up that welcoming sight of your front door after a day at work, we've trawled through front door colour ideas to identify the ones that are the most welcoming.

‘There are many reasons why some colours are more welcoming than others,’ says Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection. ‘This is because colours evoke both psychological and emotional responses.’

For example, ‘warm colours like red and yellow are generally seen as more inviting because they are associated with warmth and positivity,’ says Victoria Robinson, Style and Trend Expert at Hillarys. Yet, ‘cool colours like blue and green can also be welcoming, but they tend to evoke calmness and serenity.'

So if you're looking to paint your front door this weekend, these are the paint colours to keep in mind when selecting your paint. I've also included some of our favourite paint shades and the expert’s top picks to make picking one out even easier.

1. Yellow

‘A bright yellow door is always going to feel welcoming and cheerful,’ explains Allan Reid, Front Door Expert at Art Windows & Doors. And there’s a reason why ‘this one is a nationwide favourite. Often associated with sunshine, happiness and optimism, it gives a sense of warmth, energy and a positive outlook.’

While it is ‘a bold and daring choice, it’s definitely one that will pay off.’ Just be careful to use the right shade, Lee Trethewey, Interiors Expert at Sustainable Furniture, warns. ‘If it’s too bright it can be distracting and jarring,’ he says. Thankfully, there are lots of lovely yellow hues to choose from.

2. Green

Green is a great choice for a welcoming front door according to Victoria. ‘Representing nature and renewal, it’s a versatile colour that can range from vibrant to muted tones, each offering a fresh and welcoming feel that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.'

There is a wonderful range of greens to choose from, but if you’re looking for a foolproof choice, opt for sage green. The experts agree that this is one of the best tones to paint your front door.

‘A soft sage green is the perfect colour to paint your front door as it’s subtle and blends well with nature to create a seamless finish, whilst offering a fun pop of colour. This colour isn’t too light either, so it won’t pick up dirt too easily, yet it still offers a calming and refreshing feel to the entrance of your home,’ Lee adds.

3. Teal and turquoise

If you’d prefer something a bit richer but still a welcoming colour, ‘teal combines the calming qualities of blue with the refreshing feel of green,’ Victoria explains. ‘It’s a unique choice that can make your home stand out while still feeling approachable.’ Plus, ‘teal tones such as ‘Tea with Florence’ on woodwork and doors will make for a striking contrast to red brickwork,’ admits Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

Alternatively, why not try turquoise? ‘This vibrant blend of blue and green gives your house a fresh, creative and approachable vibe,’ according to Allan. ‘It suggests your home is both calming and full of life. It also works well on various architectural styles and can add a really unique touch to your home.’

4. Red and terracotta

Sure to stand out for all the right reasons, red ‘is a classic choice for front doors, symbolising warmth, energy, and hospitality,’ says Victoria. It’s a great choice if you want something that will pop.

Similarly, ‘terracotta is a warm and earthy shade that can create a comforting and tranquil home exterior,’ Lee advises. It ‘can blend particularly well with a brick exterior, and when combined, it can make your home feel particularly welcoming.’

5. Grey

‘A carefully chosen warm grey can be inviting and sophisticated,’ Allan says. Just ‘be sure to avoid overly dark or cold greys as they may look quite harsh and unwelcoming. The warmer tones provide a sense of comfort and classiness.’

Jo agrees: ‘Grey is a contemporary neutral that balances trendiness with subtlety. It’s stylish without being bold, and works with both traditional and modern home styles,’ making it an excellent choice if you don’t want anything too bold or colourful.

Front door colours that are not welcoming

Not all colours are as welcoming a choice for your front door as others, but rather than specific shades being unwelcoming, it's how you use them that can cause the biggest issues. ‘Colours that are overly harsh or clash with the home’s exterior, such as neon shades or mismatched tones, can be less welcoming,’ says Victoria.

‘Additionally, shades that don’t complement the surrounding environment or neighbourhood aesthetic might feel out of place, meaning you have to bear this in mind too.

Are there any other ways to make your entryway feel welcoming?

Above and beyond painting your front door, there are a few other simple design choices that you can make to perk up your entryway. One quick change, which can have some serious impact, is ‘adding a stylish door knocker or handle to introduce a touch of personality,’ Victoria says. ‘Installing attractive lighting fixtures can also highlight the door and provide a warm, inviting glow.’

And ‘to make your front door look even more inviting, place plants, flowers and hanging baskets around the entrance of your door,’ Lee adds. ‘This will provide greenery and colour to the entrance of your home and make a welcoming first impression for guests and visitors.’

Try to choose flowers and plants in colours that complement your front door ideas and its surroundings for the most cohesive look.

Your front door is the easiest place to stamp your personality on the outside of your house or flat. But, when choosing a colour, should your front door match your hallway?

From bright yellow to muted sage, there are so many front door colour ideas to choose from. But while you might love the idea of a letter-box red front door, you might be less keen on the idea of a red hallway colour scheme, but does that matter? Should your front door be the starting point of your hallway colour palette, flowing into each other in the same shade or complementary colours, or can they be completely different?

Like with anything, personal preference will come into it, but there are pros and cons to each way of thinking. I asked the experts when you should and shouldn't match your front door to your hallway to help you identify the best approach for the look you are going for in your home.

Why you should match your front door to your hallway

1. It makes it more cohesive and welcoming

If you’re hoping for one room to flow coherently into the next, 'matching your front door and hallway creates a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior of your home, to make it more welcoming and inviting for guests,’ says Lee Trethewey, Interiors Expert at Sustainable Furniture.

'Creating cohesion through your front door and hallway will reinforce the design style of your home,' he adds. This gives you the perfect jumping-off point to continue the aesthetic into the rest of your living spaces.

While bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms give you the opportunity to play about with different patterns, prints and paint colours, keeping the common spaces like your hallway ideas calm and inviting can be a good idea.

2. It can create the illusion of more space

According to Lee, ‘matching the exterior and interior of your home can actually create an illusion of added space as it softens the visual boundaries of your home and helps you see the space as a whole,’ making it one of the best small hallway ideas to try out.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, agrees. ‘Consistency in the colour or tone can also visually expand the space, making the entryway feel bigger and more open, especially in smaller or darker hallways,’ she adds.

Try a lighter and brighter hue to really make the most of the space, as darker shades can have the opposite effect and make it feel more cramped.

3. It’s less likely to become dated

Even though it’s fun to add new pieces and play around with different home decor trends, you might not want to have to redo your hallway – or front door – all that frequently. Even though we move through it many times throughout the course of a day, unlike other rooms where we spend the majority of our time, it’s a space we only pass through, which is why it doesn’t necessitate a makeover all that often.

Coordinating your hallway to your front door allows for ‘A seamless design between the interior and exterior of your home and can create more of a timeless appeal,’ Lee adds. So, ‘matching your front door and hallway is a safer option as it’s less likely to become dated and out of style over time.’

Plus, ‘depending on the materials used for your front door and interior walls, and the type of paint you’ve chosen, matching them can also be a smart way to make use of any leftover paint,’ points out Michael Rolland, Paint Expert and Managing Director at The Paint Shed. ‘Not only will this save you money, but it’s also more environmentally friendly.’

Why you shouldn’t match your front door to your hallway

1. Not matching allows for greater expression

Many of us often paint our front door with curb appeal in mind, especially on streets where fellow owners might lean into a similar aesthetic. Or you might even be thinking about potential future buyers when you give your front door a fresh lick of paint. However, matching our hallways to these front door ideas might not reflect our usual style or personality.

Given that we only catch a glimpse of our front door as we dash in and out, limiting our hallway to this same colour or shade can restrict our creativity and expression. And that’s the last thing you want to be doing when it comes to your interiors.

If they don’t match, you can try out different things and really get to know what you like, without having to worry about what others who might be walking by might think.

2. It gives you more options overall

Choosing not to match your front door with your hallway ‘also offers adaptability, making it easier to update one area without needing to change the other, providing greater flexibility for future design changes,’ says Hillarys Trend Expert, Victoria Robinson.

If you’re someone who constantly likes to switch things up, having to paint your front door or hallway every time you change the colour of the other could get a bit tiresome after a while. Not to mention, the costs can soon add up too.

3. Darker on the outside doesn’t always work as well inside

‘Your front door is exposed to the elements on a daily basis, so it’s often best that it’s designed from a functionality point of view,’ Lee admits. And ‘this may not match up with your home's interior, which is perfectly fine. For instance, you may want to ensure your home is light and airy, but having a light coloured front door can be impractical as it will gather dirt easily and require regular cleaning.'

So, in that case, having the two differ makes more practical sense. It’s why white is one of the top front door colour mistakes to avoid.

What to consider either way

Before you choose which option is best for you, there are also a few other factors that you’ll want to consider. ‘When deciding whether to match or contrast, first consider natural lighting, which affects colour perception in both exterior and interior spaces. Lighter colours can brighten darker areas, while darker tones can add warmth and cosiness,’ Victoria explains.

You’ll also want to take into consideration the overall style of your home. It’s all well and good to opt for a modern design, but it might look jarring against a more traditional architectural style. Complementing the existing look can help to decide for you, while still giving you some leeway when it comes to the colour that you opt for.

And finally, ‘the material of your door can influence how colours appear and how well they match or contrast with interior finishes,’ Victoria adds. Meaning, if you plan on updating your existing wooden door, certain colours will work better than others. The same can be said for aluminium, composite and uPVC doors. If you are replacing your front door this is also something to consider.

So, will you be opting for the simplicity and elegance of matching your front door and hallway, or taking a more flexible approach by keeping them different?

Shirlie and Martin Kemp have unveiled their pastel-coloured flower beds on Instagram, and their romantic design should be part of any cottage garden’s inspiration.

Pastel-hued flowers have always been a popular choice for any flower bed idea. They have a soft and gentle look, which can make your garden feel like a more calming space. And with an abundance of beautiful pastel blooms, the Kemp’s have nailed this look.

If curating one of the best cottage gardens is on your to-do list, you really need look no further than Martin and Shirlie Kemp’s gorgeous pastel garden - this is how you too can get the look.

Martin Kemp, former bassist for Spandau Ballet and Shirlie Kemp, known for being part of the pop group Pepsi & Shirlie, frequently share glimpses of their life on social media, including the renovation of their Victorian home. On their home Instagram account @maisonnumber9, Shirlie frequently shares snaps of the couple's beautiful garden, and her recurring pastel colour scheme stuck out to me.

I’m sure you’re already aware, but pastels are everywhere right now. The pastel garden furniture trend, for one, has taken off this spring. Pastel pink flowers, as Shirlie demonstrates, are the timeless take on the pastel trend, and one that isn't going anywhere.

‘I've noticed a significant surge in the popularity of pastel gardens, particularly over the last couple of years. The trend seems to be driven by a desire to create softer, more romantic spaces that offer a gentle escape from our increasingly digital world,’ says Ted Bromley-Hall, managing director of IBRAN Limited.

‘Pastel gardens are popular because they create a sense of tranquility and calm - something we're all craving these days. These subtle colour schemes also photograph beautifully for social media, which has certainly contributed to their rise in popularity. The cottagecore aesthetic, in particular, has gained massive traction on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.’

Get the look

The Kemp’s have opted for a plethora of pink pastel flowers which are framed beautifully by the greenery of their garden. The flowers in question include foxgloves, daisies and violas - all great choices for nailing the pastel look.

‘To get the look I would use sprays of scented climbing roses up arches and fences, and double tulips in pale pink and white in the spring such as the white tulipa mount tacoma - think Lady Di’s wedding dress squashed into the carriage and plates of giant Ottolenghi meringues,’ says Harriet Worsley from Worsley Design & Consultancy.

‘Swathes of tall poppies in pastel colours weaving through beds with puffs of white geraniums and the pretty daisy flowered erigeron karvinskianus would all help to create the look. Nothing should look too neat and tidy, this is about wild country gardens, where plants seed at random and there is an element of the unkempt.’

What do you think about Martin and Shirlie’s pastel garden? Is this a look you can see yourself adopting, too?

This cheerful house in Salcombe, Devon, sits on a hill with views over the town, coast and countryside. A family home, the four-storey Victoria property has a kitchen, pantry, dining room, sitting room, cloakroom, utility, games room, cinema, study, five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

‘We needed help to plan the kitchen and to tie together some of our wild colour ideas,' explains owner, Olivia about creating the house we're touring today. ‘We wanted the house to be fun and playful but also practical; sand, dogs and kids are a part of our life and the house needs to reflect that, as well as where we are and the things we love about being by the sea.’

It's a lot of space to deal with, so the owners asked interior designer Sarah Southwell to bring her trademark style to the rooms. Her playful use of colour and pattern, along with a timeless mix of old and new furniture and decorative pieces, has created a warm and welcoming home that suits its seaside location perfectly.

Exterior

The pitched roof and decorative gables give the house plenty of character, but the property needed some significant improvements when the family first moved in. These included re-tiling the roof and replacing all 22 of the wooden sash windows.

‘Living in a coastal location with the front of the house facing the sea, we knew we had to do it,’ Olivia says. ‘We’re also in a conservation area and so needed, and wanted, to keep the replacement frames wooden.’

A new layout

The house had a typical Victorian layout, with the kitchen and sitting room separated by a dark corridor which was wasting valuable floor space and blocking light. Interior designer Sarah could see the potential in opening up the space.

‘By knocking down the wall between the kitchen and sitting room, and putting in bespoke joinery glass doors, it created a light space that is ideal for entertaining when the doors are open but offers seclusion and quiet when the doors are closed. This gave the clients the best of both worlds and much versatility with the layout.'

Kitchen

Classic kitchen units from Plain English and a marble countertop were chosen to enhance the new kitchen space. They provide a sophisticated dash of heritage charm which makes the room very much the heart of the home.

A red and white deckchair stripe is a lovely reference to the coastal location.

Dining area

The newly opened out kitchen area provides plenty of space for a dining table and chairs. An eclectic mix of antique and vintage furniture combined with bright colour and elaborate pattern creates a cheery and sociable entertaining space.

The dresser unit from Plain English is painted in Cook's Blue from Farrow & Ball. A cute seating area has been created in the window bay, with padded cushions and a frilled ottoman covered in fabric from Ottoline.

Utility room

A sunny yellow creates a cheery vibe in the utility room. Sarah has used green as the colour complement, being opposite on the colour wheel it cleverly adds a dose of visual energy to the room.

Units from Plain English Design were chosen for their timeless heritage appeal and craftsmanship.

Sitting room

Bespoke glass partition doors separate the dining and kitchen area from the living room, providing an extension of the open-plan space or privacy when open or closed.

The spaces are visually linked with the same use of colour and decorative style. A bespoke ottoman in an eye-catching wavy design takes centre stage and. Sarah re- upholstered the couple’s antique wing chair.

Cloakroom

Decorative details abound in the downstairs cloakroom with a pretty floral wallpaper and a vintage bobbin mirror.

Bedroom

A floor-to-ceiling picture window makes the most of the view from the main bedroom on the top floor, and allows daylight to flood in.

Wall panelling in a bold blue and a sofa upholstered in a cheery yellow statement stripe provide complementary colour harmony.

An upholstered headboard adds a layer of visual comfort and provides the perfect platform for introducing pattern.

Children's bedroom

The bunkbeds were painted in a rich sea green on first moving in to add a playful dash of colour.

This article first appeared in Country Homes & Interiors. Subscribe and save here.

It's official: knowing the flower colours that attract bees to your garden is one of the very best ways to create a (sorry) buzzing outdoor space, not to mention do your bit for the planet.

Yes, with bee populations declining at record rates in recent years – including a worrying drop in 2024 – gardeners are more eager than ever to do their bit for pollinators, with bee garden ideas soaring in popularity as a result.

Thankfully, you don't need acres of space to make a difference, as even a small patch of the best plants for bees can provide a vital lifeline for our stripy pals... so long as they're the right colour.

The flower colours that attract bees

It's all too easy to assume that bees buzz around any blooms they come across, but experts have revealed that there are some flower colours that attract bees to your garden better than others.

'Pollinating insects and the plants they pollinate have an age-old and symbiotic relationship. Yet, although it might appear as though bees and flies are buzzing randomly around flowers, they are actually responding to the shape and colour of the flower,' explains pollinator expert Vicki Hird of The Wildlife Trusts.

So, how best help our winged friends? Well, Vicki goes on to explain that bees are drawn to anything blue or purple – making both of these colours an excellent choice for your list of flower bed ideas.

'As humans, our eyes can only see certain shades of blue, but bees can see far more that we’d characterise as "bluish". Blue hues are difficult for plants to produce, so it may well be that flowers have evolved to be blue just to attract bees,' she says.

Keen to upgrade your garden border ideas and give it a go for yourself, then? Let's dive on in...

What you'll need

There are plenty of reasons to embrace the flower colours that attract bees to your garden, other than the obvious, as it’s not just pollinators who love this combination.

'Blue and purple planting schemes are a favourite among designers at places like RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and for good reason – they create a cool, calming feel that works brilliantly in both modern and cottage gardens,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

'In my own beds, I always make space for plants like lavender, catmint, wallflowers, salvias, borage, and alliums. And, if you have room, buddleja is always a great choice,' he continues.

'They’re not only long-flowering and easy to grow, but they also guarantee a steady stream of pollinators through the season. If you're looking for a garden that’s alive with colour and buzzing with life, blue and purple is the way to go.'

Our pick of the best blue and purple flowers

If you're keen to tap into the flower colours that attract bees to your garden, you can't go wrong with these beautiful blooms...

With so many gorgeous options to choose from, we suspect it's going to be hard to narrow it down.

FAQs

What colour flowers are pollinators most attracted to?

While bees are most attracted to blue and purple-coloured flowers, the same isn't necessarily true of their fellow pollinators.

'Research has shown that hoverflies, the second most common pollinator after bees, have a liking for the colour yellow. And for good reason, because there is an abundance of nectar and pollen in flowers such as yellow marigolds and cosmos daisies,' explains Vicki Hird of The Wildlife Trusts.

Butterflies, meanwhile, are drawn to blue, yellow and red, but they'll take their nectar wherever they find it!

What colour do bees avoid?

While bees prefer blue and purple, there aren't many colours that bees especially avoid – especially as some blooms have a secret magic to them.

'In certain flowers, such as hibiscus and evening primrose, there’s even a blue halo effect,' explains Vicki Hird of The Wildlife Trusts.

'Whilst the petals may be another colour, they are marked with raised ridges which diffract light in a way that enhances blue and ultraviolet wavelengths, to which bees are very sensitive.'

That being said, bees tend to be far less interested in black or white (just in case you were planning a Beetlejuice-inspired garden makeover!).

Now that you know the flower colours that attract bees to your garden, you can provide these vital pollinators with the food source they need to keep them thriving.

After all, with bee populations at their lowest on record in the UK, we can't think of a more pressing and worthy task.

You can always rely on Le Creuset's releases as a litmus test of trends, and with the brand's newest launch, one thing is certain: the vintage cookware look is here to stay.

The release of the limited edition shade Flamme Dorèe (now available from Le Creuset's website) is a 'reimagining' of the brand's best-ever selling colour Volcanic, but with a new glistening finish to make it seriously shimmer.

As Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, I've tried my fair share of the best cast iron cookware, and Le Creuset is always the brand to beat.

So while there are at least 4 things I wish I knew before I bought my Le Creuset, I might need to tack on another point: get ready to have colour envy every time there's a new release. Mine's so bad that I wish I'd waited a little longer before I invested in my cast-iron collection.

The new Flamme Dorée range

Le Creuset's iconic Volanic shade is the brand's all-time bestseller, and it has more history behind it than you might think. In fact, the flame orange-red shade (which was inspired by the molten iron used in the casting process) has been the trademark of Le Creuset since the brand's inception.

Now, with the 100th anniversary of the brand's founding in 2025, it's no surprise that Le Creuset have leaned into the Volanic look, which is having a vintage revival.

You see, a few years ago, the brand's newest shades like Rhône and Chambray were all the rage, but recently there's been a huge uptick in popularity of the classic Volanic colour, which is up 60% compared to the last five years on Google Trends.

As arguably the brand's most timeless shade, I love the glow-up Volcanic has had with this new limited-edition release. Plus, if you're not prepared to go trawling in charity shops and car boot sales for your own orange set, this collection is the easiest way to buy a heirloom piece for your home that'll double as the most used pot in your kitchen.

The shimmer on the pots in this range is created using a third layer of enamel, which is 'enhanced with light-catching minerals'.

Another added feature with this collection (which is more costly than the usual range) is a reimagined knob, which is meant to reflect the three rings on the brand's logo.

Though it's bound to be popular, the release of this shade has been limited to just three select pieces: the round, shallow and oval casserole dishes. Billed as a 'special collectable piece', it couldn't be more different to the pastels that have recently proved so popular for the brand with Sea Salt and Meringue (especially the petal cast iron piece).

As far as colour choices go, it's a bold and timeless release that I imagine won't be sticking around for too long. If you want a piece of Le Creuset history, I'd recommend getting in quickly before it's gone.

A beautifully-maintained garden is one of the easiest ways to boost the value of your home, and experts have revealed the colours you should paint your garden fence to improve your home’s value.

Your garden fence paint ideas can have a huge impact on your home’s appeal. Of the garden features that will help sell your home quickly, giving your fence a fresh lick of paint is one of the easiest ways to boost its value - however, you must take colour into account as certain shades are more desirable than others.

‘The impact of curb appeal on a property’s value should not be underestimated – and your fence could be one of the first things potential buyers spot when viewing your home. First impressions are really important when it comes to selling a property, and the colour of your fence should be one of the first signals of a welcoming, well-maintained home, kick-starting the viewing on a promising note,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Cuprinol.

So without further ado, these are the four paint shades you should paint your garden fence to boost your home’s value.

1. Sage green

Sage has been a trending shade of green for some time, and it’s no surprise that its fresh, earthy look is popular for garden fence colours, too.

‘In general, natural tones continue to be the most popular choice when it comes to painting fence panels, and for good reason. Sage Green is a firm favourite, known for creating a fresh, calming atmosphere that blends beautifully with lush planting and suits cottage-style homes down to the ground,’ explains Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.

Sage green is a great choice for leafy or small gardens as it blends seamlessly with your surroundings, emphasising the pretty colours of your plants.

2. Slate grey

Grey is a fence colour that can also make your garden look bigger as it softens and blurs the edges of your garden, making it look bigger.

‘Slate grey is a modern and sophisticated choice for fence paint, it works particularly well with medium to large gardens, as at a glance it gives the illusion that the garden has no boundaries, helping it appear larger. Often, we associate white with making a space look bigger, but when it comes to larger gardens, it can do the opposite by creating an obvious perimeter to the garden,’ says Clara Dursent, interior expert and brand manager at Ronseal.

3. Earthy browns

Earthy brown shades have been a massive paint trend this year, due to it’s warm, cosy effect. When applied to a garden fence, the colour can add extra warmth to your garden and blend in well with your layout.

‘Earthy browns bring warmth, depth, and a timeless quality to any garden. They’re practical, low-maintenance, and pair naturally with wood, brick, or stone features. This shade gives the impression of a well-looked-after, durable space,’ says Glen.

4. Bold colour

Lastly, if you were looking for something a little more dopamine-inducing, bold colour can also have a lasting impact on a potential buyer.

‘Not only do dandelion yellows, sky blues and rosy pinks bring an instant dopamine boost (a perfect way to bring the enduring dopamine décor trend to your outdoors), they also do a great job in welcoming wildlife to the garden too,’ Marianne explains.

‘Take Sweet Sundae or Dazzling Yellow, for example – two popular, smile-inducing colours that very much lean into the current trend of decorating for pleasure. These are great for homeowners and prospective buyers who want to create spaces for play, and to attract nature.’

Which fence colour is your favourite? Will you be going for a classic grey or something much bolder?

Colour trends change from one year to the next and sometimes even from season to season. They can impact some of the most unexpected parts of our homes, like the front door. In the last year, there has been a huge shake-up in popular colours, and these are some front door colours going out of style in 2025 as a result of it, and the ones taking their place.

The start of spring is the perfect time to give your front door a fresh coat of paint, but it’s good to know what front door colour ideas to go for and which are best avoided, as they can make the entrance to your home look dated.

‘Front doors are really making a statement,’ says Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours. ‘It’s all about warmth, depth, and a nod to nature this year.’

Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, continues on why giving your front door some TLC this spring is something that should not be forgotten, ‘We've seen firsthand how creating an iconic door can transform a property from ordinary to extraordinary.’

But to achieve that extraordinary look, our experts recommend steering clear of the two below colours and instead, replace them with the new paint trends for front doors perhaps.

Grey

For the past decade, grey has reigned supreme in most areas of our homes. But in the past year or so, that popularity has been fading – and in 2025, it’s truly time to put grey to rest, including grey front doors.

‘Similar to the shift we’ve seen in interiors, grey is becoming less popular as a front door colour too,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘People want to be greeted by a colour that is going to make them and their guests smile on arrival.’

White

While I wouldn’t necessarily label white a front door colour mistake as it is fairly timeless, it’s still another shade that’s decreasing in popularity as it can come across as too boring and lacking character.

‘The classic white doors can still be timeless, especially when paired with modern hardware and contrasting wall colors, but their lack of personality and high maintenance tendencies have pushed them out of the 2025 trends list,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

What’s replacing them

But the exciting thing is that as one (or two) door quite literally closes, others open instead. So if you are looking for some front door colour inspo, these are the shades that are rapidly rising in popularity – and they’re stylish and fun, too, which never hurts.

Green

I’m not surprised that green is becoming a trending front door colour as a new neutral that also provides an injection of colour. It creates a seamless transition between the home and the outside. It’s also a colour that’s super flexible and versatile, as there are so many shades to choose from.

‘Green is the ultimate colour, we’re loving it in and out at the minute and it does give a warm welcome to people’s homes as the first colour they see when they arrive at your house. Choose a soft green like Green Glade, it’s the perfect amount of impactful colour while feeling balanced and not at all overwhelming to approach,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Michael at The Paint Shade adds, ‘For a more understated yet stylish choice, earthy greens remain a top trend. Shades like Little Greene’s Aquamarine can really elevate that fresh, bright feeling that comes with the blossoming flowers and longer, sunnier days.’

Citrus brights

If you want to make more of a statement with your front door colour choice then you’ll love the vibrant citrus shades like tangerine orange and sunny yellow - much like Dulux's colour of the year for 2025, True Joy - that are currently trending.

‘As we embrace the bright, playful tones of summer, tangerine shades like Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte's Locks are gaining popularity for their warmth and vibrancy, adding a bold and unique statement to your exterior,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Victoria at Victory Colours adds, ‘For those who like to stand out, cheerful yellow and burnt orange are perfect for adding a touch of personality while staying stylish.’

Soft pastels

It’s clear that more and more people are looking to incorporate colour into their entrances. But bright shades can be a bit scary for many – which is where soft pastels come in, as baby blues and blush pinks have been enjoying much popularity lately.

‘Those looking for less of a bold statement are now leaning into more pastel shades, such as Farrow & Ball's Exterior Eggshell in Pale Powder. This new trend offers a unique way to make a statement, while staying versatile enough to complement various architectural styles,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Victoria at Victory Colours adds, ‘We’re also loving feminine pinks and coral hues which look so pretty with roses and passion flowers round the door frame.’

So which shade are you thinking of painting your front door this year?

Fans of the all-hailed Aldi middle aisle, stop what you're doing. Aldi is launching a new £30 air fryer, and they’ve drenched it in 2025’s ‘it colour’.

If you told me you weren’t aware of pistachio shades being absolutely everywhere this year, I simply wouldn’t believe you. The fresh shade of green has dominated colour trends this year and is now making its mark on the best air fryers.

Landing in the middle aisle on Thursday (3 April), the Aldi 3.5L air fryer not only looks the part but has embraced many of the high-tech features you see on higher-end air fryers - this is everything you need to know.

The main thing that stands out about the Aldi 3.5L air fryer is the trending shade of green it’s been drenched in. Pistachio has cropped up everywhere this spring, from Fearne Cotton’s pistachio green shelves to Victoria Beckham’s pistachio sofa.

The Aldi 3.5L air fryer is also available in a sleek powder blue, another huge trend this year. Pistachio works wonders with most kitchen colour schemes, so you don’t have to worry about it clashing with your other appliances or kitchen cabinets.

The features of this air fryer also make it worth more than its incredibly cheap price point. Like higher-end models on the market, the Aldi 3.5L air fryer has a digital LED panel so you can select programs directly by touching the icon.

It has eight programs to choose from, a keep-warm function and even a 24-hour digital timer with a shake reminder. I’m also impressed with how the air fryer has been optimised for storage. It has cable store on the back of the device so you can tuck away loose cables (which can be a bit of an eyesore) when the air fryer is not in use.

With a 3.5L capacity, the Aldi air fryer is ideal for couples, those who live alone or are working with a small kitchen. It’s big enough to cook up to three portions of food, without taking up too much space on your side.

It’s not often a kitchen appliance looks as pretty as it is functional. Now, while I haven’t tried the Aldi 3.5L air fryer myself, Aldi’s middle aisle is known for delivering on quality. In its new pistachio shade, it could be one of the most stylish air fryers on the market.

Shop air fryer accessories

After selecting your favourite green air fryer, you'll want some accessories to optimise your cooking.

But like all middle aisle offers, when it’s gone, it's gone - so be quick if you want to grab one of these pistachio green air fryers.

If you have hayfever, the sight of beautiful flowers may not fill you with much confidence. A lot of the time, flowers equal pollen and that means dry eyes, runny noses and general discomfort. However, this doesn’t mean you have to avoid pretty blooms this spring, as garden experts have revealed the best flowers for hayfever.

Of course, investing in one of the best air purifiers can help keep pollen at bay inside the house, but this doesn’t exactly help when you’re in the garden. Instead, planting flowering plants with a low pollen count is one of the best ways to enjoy your garden free from the confines of hay fever.

While there are certainly plants to avoid with hayfever, garden experts say these are the flowering plants you should embrace and enjoy this spring, hayfever-free.

'Plants that are pollinated by insects, as opposed to the wind, are generally considered safer for allergy sufferers. Their pollen is sticky and resides near the plant, as opposed to the free movement through the air that grasses and trees have. Roses, particularly hybrid ones, are a classic example and are particularly popular among the sensitive,’ explains Michael Boskey, owner of Cook's Florist.

Of course, we can't say that these flowers will stop your hayfever. But these flowers are considered the safest for those with allergies.

So, without further ado, these are the four best flowering plants to grow in your garden if you suffer from hayfever.

1. Roses

‘Roses are the classic beauty that can be enjoyed by all, as they only release small amounts of pollen into the air. With a huge range of colours and varieties, they are the perfect choice for hay fever sufferers,’ says Domenico Musceo, Gardening Expert at Airtasker.

Roses make a romantic accompaniment to any garden, which makes them one of the best cottage garden plants for a whimsical and wholesome look. What’s more, now is the best time to fertilise roses for brighter blooms, so get on it and you can enjoy these beautiful flowers all summer long.

2. Snapdragons

‘Snapdragons are a traditional favourite and safe choice for hay fever sufferers as the tightly closed buds minimise the release of pollen,’ explains Domenico.

Growing snapdragons is a great trick for any gardener as they deliver a serious return on investment, providing beautiful blooms from June to October. They also come in a huge variety of colours, from yellow and orange to pinks and purple, so you can fill your garden with colour, without worrying about the effects of hayfever.

3. Peonies

Famed for their extravagant petals and pretty colours, peonies are also an excellent choice for sufferers of hayfever. Even better, April and May are the ideal months to start growing peonies, so you can enjoy this luscious plant this year.

Peonies are insect-pollinated, which means their pollen is thick and sticky and therefore less likely to become airborne - this is because it’s not light enough to float in the air. Because of this, you’re less likely to come into contact with the pollen and trigger an allergic reaction.

4. Hydrangeas

‘Hydrangeas’ huge blooms and petals make them a showstopper in any home or garden, and they're also a good choice if you have hay fever. Like peonies, they're insect-pollinated, and have sticky pollen that doesn't tend to become airborne,’ says Dominico.

Again, insect-pollinated plants have pollen which is too heavy to become airbourne and therefore spares those with hayfever from an allergic reaction. Even better, early spring is one of the best times to plant hydrangeas, so get cracking!

Hayfever doesn’t mean you should avoid enjoying your favourite flowers. Instead, stick to this list and enjoy these stunning flowers all summer long.

Having always longed to live by the sea, the owners of this (now) beautiful home bravely took on a full renovation of this outdated four-bedroom, detached house in West Dorset back in 2021.

‘We were living in a four-bedroom semi in Surrey. We’d spent summers visiting the Dorset coast and always said, “We’d love to live by the sea”, especially after my parents retired here. Then when my husband’s job went remote, we decided to go for it. We looked all over the south coast, but having family in this area made it the obvious choice.’

‘I didn’t want a project, but my husband, coming from a family of renovators, was more open to the idea. The house was built in the 1980s and in need of work, but there was something about it — the location and potential — that made us want to take a closer look. He viewed it with my parents, and I joined on FaceTime. It was spacious and light and we agreed it could be perfect. We put in an offer the next day!’

‘The house hadn’t been updated since it was built, with the original kitchen, bathroom and downstairs shower room still in place. Every wall was covered in layers of wallpaper, and there were old carpets and worn flooring throughout. Damp had taken hold in places, and the windows were rotten - everything needed replacing.’

'After tackling the basics, we got the go-ahead for the extension. We thought we could stay in the house during the work, but it was a bigger project than expected, and it became clear that living there with our three children wasn’t practical. My parents and friends with a holiday let came to the rescue, which helped us while the work took place.’

‘I wanted the house to feel warm and cosy, but also spacious and bright. So, I kept the palette light and airy, with soft neutrals and natural materials to keep things calm and welcoming. To add personality, I brought in pastel pinks and blues, which run throughout the house.’

‘The last three years feel like a bit of a blur - every spare moment has been spent working on the house. There were times when progress was slow, but now that almost everything is done, we’re finally able to enjoy our new home.’

Take the tour...

The ground floor features a large open-plan kitchen, with dining and living areas. The owner says of the kitchen: ‘The units are painted in a soft pink,' (namely, Pink Ground estate eggshell from Farrow & Ball). 'I never thought a handmade kitchen would fit our budget, but we found it in the sale.’

'I had a few must-haves,' she recalls. 'A big larder with a hidden coffee station, an island big enough for all the children to gather around, lots of storage, a large hidden bin, and last but not least, a hot water tap.'

'We really wanted a seating area in our open-plan space because it makes the whole room feel so much cosier and more relaxed. It’s a great spot to chill, read, or just hang out as a family and means when I’m cooking or getting dinner ready - plus I can keep a closer eye on the children.'

The artwork on the wall is actually a Samsung Frame TV (from £449, Currys). It cleverly displays your choice of over 2000 pieces of art when not in use, blending into the surroundings beautifully.

'We loved the natural light in this room, thanks to the dual-aspect windows, but everything else needed updating when the room was separated by a stud wall.'

'We replaced the electrics and windows, removed the old fireplace to make room for a wood burner, and added panelling to some of the walls for texture and interest.'

'Jane from Salt Haven design studio helped to reconfigure our bedroom - removing the built-in cupboards created space for a small en suite.’

'The family bathroom originally had a sunken bath and a low window at child height, neither of which worked from a safety perspective.

'With Jane’s help, we redesigned the space by blocking up the existing window and relocating it. We then reconfigured the layout to include a luxurious freestanding bath, a large vanity, and a large walk-in shower.'

A handy peg rail above the bath is a clever and space-saving solution, perfect for hanging towels or robes within easy reach.

'We used panelling in our daughter's room as a feature wall, with a shelf above for her to display her art and other favourite pieces. She had a big input into the colour scheme, choosing this warm, rich pink - Hellebore from Little Greene.'

'Our son helped with the bedroom colour scheme ideas in here, together we decided to half-painted the walls in a sage green wall, complemented by hints of yellow and blue in the soft furnishings. It’s a fresh look that will easily grow with him as he gets older.'

An art and play corner, with a table and stools, and a peg rail to hang things, add a fun and functional space for creativity to this space.

'My other daughter's room is in the new extension and features a lovely high ceiling and tall window. Instead of panelling, we painted a scalloped trim on the wall in Cinder Rose by Farrow & Ball.'

Focus on... Roman blinds

• THE KEY BENEFITS Roman blinds can enhance a room without overwhelming the space. When paired with curtains, they create a beautifully layered effect. Layering also works well in rooms that need extra insulation or where you want to emphasise the window as a feature in the room.
• MEASURING UP If fitting blinds inside a window recess, getting the measurements right is crucial. For a tailored look, opt for blinds that fit snugly within the window frame. Create a more relaxed or dramatic effect with a wider blind that extends beyond the recess, for a soft, flowing look.
• ADDING CURTAINS For a seamless appearance, position the curtain pole a little beyond the window frame, so the curtains fall neatly without obstructing the operation of the blinds.
• ESSENTIAL COSTS Roman blind prices range from £40 to £100 per blind, depending on fabric choice, size and whether they are custom-made. Consider fabric durability, light control and how easy they are to clean.

Get the look

The trend cycle of carpets is a slow mover, it is one part of the home that is relatively immune to micro-trends. Once a carpet has been put down, it can't be quickly updated with a bit of paint or fabric, so when a carpet colour starts to fall out of fashion, it's worth sitting up and taking note if you're about to invest in a new one.

After asking four different carpet experts about upcoming carpet colour trends, I was surprised when they unanimously agreed on the same shade.

'Grey, grey and grey!' announced Clare Jenkinson, Designer at Ulster Carpets. 'We have noticed a significant decline in greys after being popular for a long time.'

Becky Cash, Marketing Manager at Victoria Carpets, agrees, saying that the appeal grey enjoyed for the last decade has started to sour. 'The extensive use of plain light and dark greys, a trend once popular for those seeking a sleek modern look, has faced criticism for creating monotonous and impersonal environments.'

David Cormack, Marketing Director at Cormar Carpet Company, has also noticed the shift away from grey, though he is reluctant to say it has gone out of style completely. 'There is a natural move away from cooler, steely tones, reflecting a growing preference for cosy, nature-inspired interiors that feel both stylish and timeless.'

So now the former safe neutral of grey is being ushered out the back home decor trend door, what colour is coming in to replace it?

What is replacing the grey carpet trend?

While plenty of bold carpet shades are popping up to match the emerging playful paint trends, beige and creams are the neutral shade taking over as grey's successor. Yes, those creamy neutrals that fell out of favour in the early noughties are back. However, this time they're less minimalist and more about creating a warm, nature-inspired aesthetic in the home.

'Greys continue to fade towards beige to bring warmth and comfort to the home,' says Jodie Hatton, Design Manager at carpet company Brintons.

'Consumers are shifting towards warmer neutrals, with creams and beiges making a strong comeback,' agrees Becky at Victoria Carpets. She points out that a large reason for a return to these shades is the availability of carpets that can be more easily cleaned to remove stains.

The best part about the return of neutral tone carpets is their timeless appeal. 'Neutral tones, including rich creams, soft beiges, and warm taupes, remain a timeless choice thanks to their versatility and ability to complement evolving interior styles,' says David at Cormar Carpet Company.

But that doesn't make them a dull and safe choice for your bedroom carpet ideas. 'They can be the perfect foundation for adding depth and character to a space,' points out Becky. A large part of the design appeal of neutrals is the focus they give to the texture of the carpet, which can enhance the look and feel of a room beyond a blast of colour.

But while greys are falling out of favour, grey fans don't panic, they aren't completely disappearing. If you are looking to add a little more drama to your home, then smoky greys should be on your radar. 'Deep, moody hues like rich browns and smoky greys are gaining popularity for their ability to add both drama and warmth to interiors,' says David.

Are you convinced that grey carpets are on their way out?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ll already be aware of the butter-yellow trend which is sweeping both the interiors and fashion world. A gorgeous rich hue, it’s easy to see why this shade is so popular - but paint experts say these are the three colours you should never pair with butter yellow.

Butter yellow is the paint trend we’ve been melting for since it first appeared in 2024. It first sprang up on runways last year, before filtering into kitchen colour trends and then when Timothée Chalamet wore the now infamous butter yellow Givenchy Oscar’s suit, it’s become the 'it' colour of 2025 in fashion and interiors.

Within your home, butter yellow has surged in popularity due to its ability to warm and brighten a space.

But if you’re looking to introduce this joyous shade into your home, paint experts say these are the three colours you should never pair with butter yellow.

1. Cool-toned grey

,While there are plenty of grey living room ideas, you should steer clear of using them within proximity of butter yellow. This is largely because cool-tone greys will wash out the vibrancy of your butter yellows.

‘The contrast between these colours is too harsh, and butter yellow can be overwhelmed and visually dampened, creating an unflattering and unharmonious aesthetic,’ explains Paulina Wojas, Interior Designer at Stunning Chairs.

Greys with cool undertones in particular will make your room feel cold when paired with butter yellow. Instead, choose shades with warmer undertones.

2. Neons and highly-saturated colours

‘The colours to avoid pairing butter yellow with would be neon or highly saturated colours such as bright greens, electric blues or hot pinks. These tones can overwhelm the subtle warmth of butter yellow, creating a really jarring contrast,’ says Anna Hill, Brand Director and Colour Consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.

While butter yellow is certainly a statement shade, you still want to avoid overpowering it. Neon and butter yellow compete for attention which can result in a look that is too busy and unbalanced.

3. Browns

Mocha mousse may be Pantone’s colour of the year but you should steer clear of using it with butter yellow.

‘Dark muted browns can dull the vibrancy of buttery yellow, making it appear more washed out instead of the soft, warm shade people love. Instead of complimenting its cosy nature, these tones can drain its warmth and make the space feel heavy,’ says Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed.

Brown and butter yellow are two of the biggest colour trends on this year’s colour palette - but if you want to embrace them you’ll have to pick one or the other unfortunately.

Shop the trend

When paired with the right colours, butter yellow is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming space. But do you think there are any other shades we should avoid?

Growing season is upon us and if you’re looking to give your seedlings the best start or just jazz up your houseplant display, run don’t walk to IKEA as their classic ÅKERBÄR mini greenhouse has had a stunning new update for the season - and it’s just £15.

Arriving on the shelves in a new sleek navy blue colourway, the ÅKERBÄR mini greenhouse is perfect for kickstarting your planting this year, and its table-top size means it is perfect for any small garden ideas.

The new blue colourway makes it one of the most stylish (and cheapest) mini-greenhouses I’ve seen. A rich blue hue, paired with a matte finish it will look beautiful both indoors and outdoors.

It has to be said that when dreaming up greenhouse ideas, it’s not often colour is something you consider. More often than not classic white or natural wood are the obvious choices. But not including a shot of colour is such a missed opportunity, after all, if you’re going to an effort to create beautiful and vibrant blooms then the house that holds them should be pretty, too.

Joining the classic black and white colourways, the new blue colour is a standout in the collection. At just £15 it won't break the bank for any windowsill or balcony gardeners.

The ÅKERBÄR mini greenhouse is just 45cm in length and 35cm in height and suited for both indoor and outdoor use. The greenhouse provides a good environment for seeds to sprout and grow. The front can be opened with one hand and with the included rod, you can keep it open whilst working or give your plants fresh air as and when needed.

You may be wondering are greenhouse worth it - especially mini ones. But investing in a mini-greenhouse means you can start on your seedlings early and extend the growing seasons, especially if the weather is growing through a cold snap. You can even bring the ÅKERBÄR mini greenhouse inside during winter to maintain your crops all year round. Plus it just looks super cute.

If the ÅKERBÄR mini greenhouse isn't for you I have rounded up some more budget-friendly options to choose from.