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?

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?

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.’

One of my (and most people’s) favourite paint brands and the authority in the world of paint and interiors, Farrow & Ball recently created a colour scheme of 9 shades celebrating the long-awaited arrival of spring. But there was one shade central to the Farrow & Ball spring colour edit that stole the show and has become the firm fan favourite – and that’s the delicate Farrow & Ball Scallop.

Shared on Farrow & Ball’s Instagram, the post was captioned ‘Springtime shades for joy - which is your favourite?’. And many took to the comments to claim their top pick. When reading through the comments, Scallop is the shade that keeps coming up time and time again. And it looks like this recently launched extremely soft salmon hue is quickly becoming one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular neutrals.

‘I was looking to create “colour moments” from key springtime offerings such as flushing hedgerow with the vibrant green, to shoots of almond and cherry blossom, just primarily about capturing the optimism that springtime delivers,’ explains Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador and the creator of the spring colour palette in question. ‘Scallop offers a discreet delicacy and is an incredibly versatile colour.’

Scallop was only released last year as one of Farrow & Ball’s 12 new paint shades. But it had been the favoured colour of the launch from the get-go and it soon started trending. And at the end of last year, Patrick at Farrow & Ball predicted that it would be one of the most popular shades in 2026.

‘It’s a wall colour in its own right, with delicate white on trim for something fresh and ethereal, or it can be used as a trim colour with more muscular shades like Tanner’s Brown or Etruscan Red where it will read more as a nuanced “white”,’ Patrick says and continues with more suggestions on how to best use Scallop in your home.

‘Scallop is a glorious colour for bathrooms, especially when teamed with natural material like a well patinated oak vanity unit but makes for a beautiful bedroom colour, especially one that gets drenched in abundant light,’ he recommends.

Scallop-esque homeware top picks

If you want to inject this spring-ready shade into your home in a smaller dose, you can either opt for painting trims like skirting boards or adding a piece of decor or some soft furnishings in a Scallop-esque colour. These are my top picks that will look great in your abode this spring and beyond.

Would you like to incorporate Farrow & Ball’s Scallop shade into your home’s colour scheme?

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?

Even though many of us are becoming braver with our wall colour choices, white walls will forever remain the classic, timeless go-to. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you choose the right shade of white for the room you’re working with.

When it comes to Farrow & Ball, one of the best-known paint brands in the UK, there is one bestselling white paint that will almost always look good, and that people can't get enough of, and it's Wimborne White.

Farrow & Ball’s best white paint is loved by the brand’s insiders, as well as customers, for its versatile nature. It pairs well with pretty much any other colour, including the most popular Farrow & Ball green shade, Green Smoke. ‘Wimborne White is our most popular white,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘Is it too much to say it is the perfect white?’

Why is Wimborne White the most popular white?

Existing customer reviews sing the paint’s praises as much as Patrick does. One reads, ‘Lovely light cream colour, brightens the room. I used it on lounge-diner walls, ceiling, coving to good effect. Very pleased with the fresh bright appearance.’

While another says, ‘I was recommended Wimborne White. It fits the bill as a perfect white that goes with everything.’

Named after the town of Wimborne in Dorset which is where Farrow & Ball is based, this white paint idea is described as just off-white, a shade away from pure white. And since warm off-whites are replacing brilliant white as the go-to paint shade, it makes complete sense why this paint colour enjoys so much popularity. So much so that it's become Farrow & Ball's bestselling colour of 2026 overall.

‘The gentlest undercurrent of yellow is the key to this softest of whites. It is not too harsh but will appear the purest white against stronger colours. It teams beautifully with all our colours for the classic white trim and ceiling colour, but it is also lovely when paired with complementary whites like New White or Dimity for a soft and restful look,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball explains.

Alternative Farrow & Ball white shades

If Wimborne White is not quite the white you had in mind, there are 40 Farrow & Ball white shades in total to choose from. These are my top 3 picks, in addition to the near-perfect Wimborne White, of course.

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?

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for a reset, especially of our homes. The Christmas period tends to be the busiest time of the year, so a little calm in January is a welcome change. And what better way to inject a little sense of relaxation and calm into your space than with a soothing paint shade? That’s why I asked Farrow & Ball’s colour expert to recommend the most calming Farrow & Ball paint colours.

These paint ideas are the perfect tools to create a relaxing home, especially now as we find ourselves at the start of a new year. Farrow & Ball is an authority in the world of interiors, paint and colour, so what better brand to turn to for a new soothing shade for your abode?

‘Colour psychology can offer a fascinating insight into how particular colour families and shades can impact our mood or emotional response,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball brand ambassador. ‘There are several groups that colour psychologists always suggest to imbue calm – greens and blues chief among them with their affinity to the natural world.’

So it’s no surprise that this list includes both blue and green shades among others. And incidentally enough, blue shades are also one of the biggest colour trends of 2026.

1. Light Blue

Not all Farrow & Ball paint colours come with quirky names like Charlotte’s Locks or Raw Tomatillo. Some simply describe exactly what they are, as is the case with Light Blue which Patrick at Farrow & Ball chose as one of the most calming paint shades.

‘Light blue is our most nuanced of blues that hovers between blue, green and grey, depending on the light. This lends an elegant and incredibly restful backdrop to every room, from tranquil living spaces through to a calming bedroom scheme. For an easy, traditional look, team with Slipper Satin on your woodwork, or to add a more modern approach, consider pairing with our dark Studio Green, to bring out the subtle colour notes in Light Blue,’ he explains.

2. Pink Ground

It’s not just blue and green shades that can create a calming atmosphere in a space. Soft, earthy pinks like Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground are very much up there, too.

‘The delicate, ethereal notes of earthy pinks are beautifully calming, none more so than the soft tones of Pink Ground for relaxation and serenity. This shade will work in any room, from the most flattering wall colour of your bathroom to an elegant living room or warm-blushed hallway,’ Patrick says.

Setting Plaster, one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular shades in 2025, is another one of the brand’s colours that can create this effect, only a shade darker than Pink Ground.

3. Mizzle

As for the aforementioned greens, Patrick highlights the soft Mizzle shade as one of the best choices for a soothing space. It’s a very light shade of green with a grey undertone, a lighter version of the more popular Pigeon shade, named after a mix of mist and drizzle often seen in the West Country evening sky.

‘Mizzle is a calming pale mint that feels incredibly soothing, but thoroughly modern. It will team really well with stronger colours such as our bolder Pigeon or even the charcoal notes of Off-Black on kitchen cabinetry with Mizzle as your wall colour to temper the boldness of your kitchen units,’ Patrick suggests.

4. Sap Green

‘Although calming colours tend to lean towards more muted, soft tones that are gentle on the eye, they can also encompass deeper, darker shades that will create a cocooning and comforting feel,’ Patrick starts.

That’s one of the reasons he recommends Sap Green, one of Farrow & Ball’s 12 new shades launched last year, as the perfect calming colour to use in your home.

‘Not only will a rich, earthy green like Sap Green help impart the mood of relaxation, but it will create a lovely link to the outdoors. Use in a sitting room used at night for a cosy, protective feel. Try decorating on both the walls and the ceiling for a fully immersive experience, this will help blur the boundaries of a room with limited space, too,’ Patrick says.

Are you looking to give your home a more calming and relaxing feel in 2026? If so, what Farrow & Ball colour would you choose to help you do that?

Even though Farrow & Ball’s near-black Railings paint shade is a rather statement and dark colour, one that I would imagine most people to be a little scared to use in their homes, it’s in fact one of the brand’s bestselling colours.

But if you’re one of the many fans of the now iconic shade then there are a few Farrow & Ball Railings alternatives you can find at other and perhaps lesser-known paint brands that you should also know about.

Railings has been one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular shades throughout 2025, and it’s likely to continue going strong well into the future as dark and moody shades are among the biggest colour trends of 2026.

‘Farrow & Ball’s Railings is a softened style of black, with heavy blue undertones and a deep, mineral-like quality,’ explains Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘This modern take on a classic colour is a great choice for those drawn to moody tones.’

Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick and author of Master the Art of Colour, available at Amazon, continues to explain why Railings enjoys so much popularity, ‘Railings is such a special colour because it offers that softer alternative to black and I think that’s why so many people love it.

'True black can feel quite daunting in a home, but when you introduce a charcoal with a blue undertone, suddenly it feels more elegant, more wearable, and people are much braver with it.’

But while everybody knows and loves Farrow & Ball, if you want to decorate your home like the experts do, it’s worth knowing about other alternative brands making paint and creating shades that are equally as good and, in some cases, can even be a little more budget-friendly.

1. Dulux Cannon Ball

I think the closest match to Farrow & Ball’s Railings from other brands is Dulux’s Cannon Ball – and it also happens to be the most affordable of the bunch. And that’s always welcome.

‘Cannon Ball captures that same deep, inky allure – a soft, almost-black with a subtle blue undertone that adds richness rather than harshness,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘It feels grown-up, tailored and beautifully atmospheric, the sort of colour that instantly adds a sense of refinement wherever it’s used.’

And similar to Railings, Cannon Ball is becoming more and more popular with Dulux customers, too. ‘Cannon Ball has become increasingly popular because more people are discovering the charm of darker tones. They bring a calm, cocooning quality to a room and create a lovely backdrop for everything else you place in the space,' explains Marianne.

'Cannon Ball, in particular, is admired for its versatility – it can read smart and contemporary or quietly classic, and it brings a real sense of design confidence without ever feeling overwhelming.'

2. Little Green Basalt

If you feel confident and comfortable enough - or perhaps even eager - to go even a little darker than Farrow & Ball’s Railings, then Little Greene’s Basalt is the paint shade for you.

‘Little Greene’s Basalt is similar to Railings but slightly darker,’ explains Michael from The Paint Shed. 'In low light, it appears almost black while still showing the subtle blue undertones, making it a popular choice for front doors, window frames, and kitchen cabinets.'

Little Greene is also in many ways a similar brand to Farrow & Ball – a heritage British company with a very sophisticated style and a wide yet very curated range of paint shades. ‘This brand is highly regarded. It’s frequently used in prestigious projects by professional painters and decorators, offering excellent coverage, durability, and finish,’ Michael adds.

3. Lick Grey 08

Another great alternative is Lick’s Grey 08 paint colour, a deep charcoal shade created in collaboration with Soho House, which is perhaps a touch lighter than Railings, depending on the light.

‘Our closest match at Lick is Grey 08,' says the brand's director of interior design, Tash. 'It’s that same deep charcoal grey with a blue base, so it gives you the moodiness and drama of Railings without ever feeling harsh. It’s incredibly chic, and it’s always been a very popular colour with our customers for exactly that reason. Grey 08 has always been a go-to for anyone wanting that dramatic, architectural feel without going full black.'

Tash adds that in recent times, she’s noticed a shift in customers’ preferences when it comes to these dark, moody tones and it’s in fact Lick’s Grey 07 that’s been the more popular shade.

‘What’s really interesting and something I’m seeing across so many of my consultations is that people are now moving away from those cooler, blue-based charcoals. They still want the depth and the personality, but they want more warmth. And that’s exactly why I created Grey 07. It’s a beautiful charcoal with a green undertone, so it feels much more grounded, more natural, and ultimately more liveable in everyday homes.'

Are you thinking of painting either a feature (like your woodwork) or even colour drenching your space in one of these sophisticated, standout near-black paint shades?

As we find ourselves at the tail end of the year, it feels only fitting to look to the new year and wonder what looks and styles will define 2026 and what we’ll be obsessed with. And where better to turn to than Farrow & Ball, pretty much everybody’s favourite paint brand and a leader in the interiors space? That’s exactly why I’ve asked the experts what Farrow & Ball shades will be big in 2026.

Farrow & Ball’s unique colours often become standalone paint trends in their own right, much like the almost black Railings shade that’s still one of the go-to Farrow & Ball colours for many interior designers. Meanwhile, others reflect the more general colour trends of the year that you’re going to soon see everywhere.

So if you are planning on redecorating your home next year or even now, at the very end of the year, these are the Farrow & Ball shades that experts recommend and predict will reflect the mood and colour palette of the next 12 months or so.

1. Scallop

Scallop is one of the 12 new Farrow & Ball shades released earlier this year, which was a huge event in and of itself as the brand rarely ever introduces new colours to its highly curated range. This soft pink shade was an instant hit as it is so easy to use Scallop in your home, it’s so versatile. And Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, predicts that its popularity will only continue rising in 2026.

‘We are seeing soft pinks growing in popularity as people turn to comforting, liveable shades. It also makes a great choice for those nervous of using an overtly bold pink. They can be clean without feeling too sharp, creating a wonderful and gentler alternative to a white wall. Our recently launched shade, Scallop, has been immensely popular for this reason,’ he says.

2. Hay

Dulux named the sunny yellow shade called True Joy its colour of the year for 2025, but it’s butter yellow that’s been the major colour trend since last year, both in fashion and interiors. And it’s set to continue well into 2026, as colour experts predict that the pairing of butter yellows and dark reds will be the winning combo. And, of course, Farrow & Ball has an answer for the butter yellow trend that everyone’s craving in the form of its Hay shade.

‘Soft yellows are becoming popular choices for those nervous of committing fully to yellow. Hay is rapidly growing in popularity. It is not as brash as some yellows can be, and it is dirty enough to effectively serve as a neutral. It gives warmth without feeling overwhelming and, unlike many yellows, it will feel incredibly at home in a contemporary interior, especially when paired with warm oak furnishings,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball says.

3. Brinjal

Speaking of dark reds, Farrow & Ball has a whole host of them. But one that I’ve admittedly never come across before is Brinjal, even though it's perhaps more in the deep plum and aubergine purples territory. And yet, that’s the one that Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, predicts will be the one to go for. And sure enough, it's proving to be one of the most popular Farrow & Ball shades of 2026 thus far.

‘Maximalism isn’t going anywhere, but it is maturing. Instead of relying on loud primary colours, people will experiment with richer, moodier shades, russet reds and purples like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal. Texture will play a bigger role too, with wall panelling, trim work, and wainscoting being used to add dimension and elevate these bolder colours. It’s less about chaos and more about curating,’ he explains.

4. Sardine

Blue shades of all kinds are set to be big in 2026. But according to Michael at The Paint Shed, it’s largely mineral-inspired blues like Sardine from Farrow & Ball and similar hues that will be all the rage.

‘Mineral-inspired tones are set to define 2026, and Farrow & Ball’s palette is perfectly positioned for this shift. Shades like Sardine by Farrow & Ball, in particular, fit this colour palette. They have a muted, subtle mineral quality that creates a kind of cool-toned earthiness. As we move further away from the dominance of all-white minimalism, these gentler, nature-driven colours offer a more styled, intimate alternative,’ he says.

Hopefully, this will give you some inspiration for your next paint project. Which direction do you reckon you’ll go – Scallop, Hay, Brinjal or Sardine?

The days are growing shorter and the light has officially taken on a consistent grey undertone, which of course means that winter is here. As a result, the kitchen has become a cosy point of refuge, one that deserves some special decorating for the season.

While festive decor is a given, kitchen paint ideas are less associated with seasonal changes. It's easy to see why - it requires more commitment and costs more, but if these Farrow & Ball paint shades are anything to go by, you would gain plenty by taking the plunge.

'I would never encourage decorating for a seasonal shift but out of necessity only,' echoes Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. However, 'when it comes to reviving a space, always think creatively. Painting units is often a good way to make a tired kitchen feel ‘new.’

If you're due a paint refresh this winter and want to make the most out of the cosy colours of the season, these are paint shades recommended by the experts at Farrow & Ball.

1. Cola

It's safe to say chocolate brown is the colour of the season. It's made a serious case for sticking around in our wardrobes, and adding it to our homes is a great way to tap into the kitchen trend and invoke a sense of warmth. Farrow & Ball's 'Cola' is the ultimate dark brown shade,

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so opting for shades with warm undertones will further those feelings of cosiness, encouraging everyone in the house to gather and socialise in this central spot. This is even more crucial in the winter months when a homely, inviting atmosphere is even more desired as an escape from the cold, dark evenings.

Colour is an underrated way of decorating for the seasons, and it can have a huge effect on mood, particularly if you struggle with SAD. Kitchen trends for 2026 are centered around creating warmth and a lived-in appeal through colour and texture, particularly earthy tones, and Farrow & Ball's 'Cola' fits this brief.

2. Preference Red

Understandably, chocolate brown might feel like committing too much to a trend. While Farrow & Ball has an abundance of paint shades that are perfect for winter, there is one other colour that particularly stands out.

'Don’t be afraid to go dark on your cabinetry, especially when paired with a good mid-neutral on the walls. Deep wine reds, such as Preference Red, are another classic choice and will add an elegant contrast to soft, plaster pinks,' explains Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Red might feel like a scary shade to decorate with, but if the unexpected red theory has taught us anything, it's that it might be the missing piece to a stylish scheme. While red is inherently festive, incorporating red paint doesn't feel like an obvious seasonal nod. Instead, it feels cocooning yet sophisticated and carefully curated.

3. Setting Plaster

While the rich, dark shades make a kitchen feel cosy and enveloping in the winter months, sometimes a lighter colour is needed to lift the scheme. Pink once felt like an 'out-there' choice but is now considered much more of a neutral, as it works so well with an abundance of other colours.

'Utilising more nuanced, earthy pinks such as Setting Plaster or Templeton Pink will surround the room with a warm glow and bring nostalgic comfort,' Patrick adds.

Shop Farrow & Ball paint

Even if painting your kitchen walls and cabinetry isn't on the cards pre-Christmas, there are so many ways to incorporate these shades. Whether it's through painting a door frame or even accessorising in rich chocolate brown and red hues, it's guaranteed to add a seasonal touch.

If you live in East London or near enough to be able to come down to The Mix by Bert & May, I recommend you do so. Tile brand Bert & May just opened The Mix, a permanent collaborative retail space this month, featuring a host of other brands which including a beautiful Farrow & Ball pop-up. If you're looking for paint ideas that don't cost a fortune to make a big impact, then this is the place to go.

I visited The Mix this week, located in a warehouse building at 67 Vyner Street in East London’s Bethnal Green area. It might look dark and industrial on the outside, but inside it’s a cosy, warm and super stylish space.

The colour scheme for the whole space was chosen by Farrow & Ball’s colour curator, Joa Studholme. When I spoke to her, she said that she was going for a cosy look, but she also wanted to reflect the creative and youthful edge that East London is known for. That involved including paint inspiration for anyone working on a tight budget.

‘I spend quite a lot of time in people's houses, helping them choose colors,’ Joa says. ‘And I have lots of very young clients, and they can't afford to paint their whole house. So here it shows you how to paint just one feature - like the door, for example, just paint something - to add a little twist. The pillars are only half painted across the space, and all these little quirks.’

While the space uses a combination of paint all over. All the ideas can be taken in isolation as inspiration for how you can stretch one tin of paint to add colour throughout the whole house as your red thread. Like Joa says, not all of us have the time or the money to redecorate our whole home in Farrow and Ball paint.

If you're only picking one shade to decorate your home, the space also offers plenty of bold suggestions. There are quite a few different Farrow & Ball paint shades used here including some of the most popular Farrow & Ball colours and this year’s newly launched shades.

Starting with the brand’s pop-up space, the main wall is painted half in the new Marmelo shade on the top and Broccoli Brown on the bottom with a stripe in Reduced Green running through the middle, separating the two block colours.

An organic-shaped table in the middle of the space is painted in the more vibrant Bancha green shade, while a moodier green tone called Douter was used on the screen separating the Farrow & Ball pop-up from the rest of the space.

But the real statement was created in the centre of The Mix using a fiery orange Bamboozle shade where it was perfectly paired with tiles from Bert & May and fabrics from Ottoline used on ottomans and a banquette bench.

While you can’t purchase Farrow & Ball paint and wallpapers directly from The Mix, it’s a perfect place to go and explore the range of colours and wallpapers on offer.

You can also order paint sample pots and book colour consultations with the Farrow & Ball team at the venue. It’s the perfect place to pop by and remind yourself that even with just a tester pot or a small tin of paint you can completely change the look and feel of a room.

When it comes to deciding on your kitchen paint, there are a lot of considerations to take into account. Firstly, deciding on a kitchen colour scheme that will evoke joy on a daily basis but will remain a favourite for years to come. Then comes the more practical decision: choosing a paint finish.

Farrow & Ball's latest paint release makes this choice simple. Their latest paint finish, 'Flat Eggshell', completes their Interior Range and is a specifically hardwearing blend that is designed for interior wood and metal.

In short, it's perfectly suited to a kitchen. Whether you're painting your kitchen walls or you have decided to paint your kitchen cabinets, you'll need a paint that is resistant to scratches and scuffs, and most importantly, can be scrubbed when spillages occur. Here's why this might be a great paint choice for you, alongside some Farrow & Ball colour inspiration.

When considering which paint finish to opt for in a kitchen, durability is key. It needs to withstand scuffs that naturally occur over time and be hardwearing enough that you can give your cupboards or walls a scrub without worrying about ruining paintwork.

When I asked experts which paint finish was best for kitchen walls, the answer was a resounding 'satin'. Paints with sheen tend to wear better, however, this isn't always the desired look. If you want a paint finish for your walls or cabinets with a lower sheen, Farrow & Ball's flat eggshell only has a 20% sheen finish, making it much less noticeable.

This lower sheen finish will subtly highlight these areas, helping to bounce light across a room and add dimension, without a 'shiny' look. While matt finishes might give you a super pared-back look, they often show up grubby fingerprints which is less than ideal in a busy cooking space.

'Flat Eggshell combines our handcrafted approach, the highest quality ingredients and our cutting-edge technical expertise. We designed it with both DIYers and professionals in mind. The water-based formula is quick drying, quick curing and has the lowest possible VOC rating, so you can enjoy your finished space even sooner,' explains Gareth Hayfield, head of research and technical development at Farrow & Ball.

When you're painting a kitchen yourself, whether it's just the walls or you're embarking on cabinetry too, the paint needs to be foolproof. With this new shade, you get the beauty and depth of Farrow & Ball's heritage shades, alongside a truly practical paint finish that doesn't require tricks of the trade in order to apply well.

If you're considering a kitchen refresh, then this new finish really is a no-brainer. Plus, it's available across the range of beautiful shades.

Burgundy is a huge trend for autumn winter 2025, and going into 2026, which Paean Black is perfect for (don't let the name deceive you!). You can see the rich purpley hue in all its glory in Charli Howard's home tour.

Green shades are always a winner in a kitchen too, helping to tie the outside into your interiors. If you want to add dimension, Etruscan Red will add the ultimate deep, moody touch. It's surprisingly one of the best Farrow & Ball shades for small kitchens, too.

Shop Farrow & Ball Flat Eggshell paints

Would you give this new finish a try?

The cosy season has officially begun – and if you’re looking to add some warm, cosy and autumnal touches to your space, colour is one of the best ways to do this. Perhaps that’s why Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo paint shade was a breakout term on Google a few weeks ago, with searches for the colour rising by more than 5000%. But since it is a colour that’s a bit out there, I’ve asked the experts how to use the Farrow & Ball Marmelo paint shade.

This latest paint trend is a deep, earthy shade of orange matching the shade of autumn leaves or quince which it’s named after. ‘Marmelo, named after the quince that inspired marmalade, is one of my favourite new colours,’ says Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball. ‘Who could fail to be comforted by that familiar orange reminiscent of warm, buttered toast and conversations around the breakfast table?’

Ever since Farrow & Ball launched 12 new shades earlier this year, the buzz has been largely about the soft, neutral Scallop shade. But perhaps due to the change of seasons, Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo colour - also part of the latest drop - has been enjoying a lot more popularity lately.

‘Marmelo is a burnt orange toffee colour that was inspired by the colour of quince,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director of The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘It’s a really beautiful syrupy, earthy colour that feels grounded and autumnal. As we move into autumn, people naturally gravitate towards orange shades, and Marmelo is the perfect gateway thanks to its brown undertone, which reduces its “noise” and consumers’ fear of anything too brash or garish.’

What rooms to use Marmelo in – and how

Marmelo can be used pretty much in any room of the house but it makes an especially lovely hallway or kitchen colour scheme. Vibrant colours like orange or yellow make for a great hallway colour idea, which is why another one of Farrow & Ball’s orange shades, Charlotte’s Locks, has been one of the most popular Farrow & Ball hallway shades lately. But Marmelo with its earthy undertones makes an orange hallway or kitchen even more accessible.

‘Where you use Marmelo depends on the style you want at home. In the kitchen, it suits a retro 70s look, so pair it with vintage statement finds and bold colour blocking. I’d suggest taking Marmelo onto the cabinetry and setting it against a warmer neutral wall shade,’ Michael says.

Lastly, a living room covered in Marmelo will also look incredibly cosy and warm. ‘In the living room, paired with other burnt oranges, reds and charcoals, the palette opens up design options like Moroccan influences or a more eclectic, country-home feel. For this look, try taking Marmelo across all four walls, with a lighter contrasting ceiling, and then bring in the warmer tones and charcoals through furniture, artwork, fixtures and rugs,’ Michael advises.

What shades to use with Marmelo

As Marmelo is a statement shade, it looks great paired with neutral shades, such as the super popular Farrow & Ball Scallop.

‘Marmelo is a bold, poached quince,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘Try using on your walls with the incredibly flexible Scallop as a trim or ceiling colour.’

Alternatively, you can really lean into the autumnal colour palette - which will look just as stylish throughout the seasons though - and pair it with red shades, as already mentioned. ‘For a more autumnal, forest-inspired feel, shades like Eating Room Red or Book Room Red are perfect for bringing a warm glow. This shade combination, in particular, is perfect for reminiscing on everything earthy, cosy, and charming,’ Michael says.

What to pair with Marmelo

Are you considering using Farrow & Ball’s Marmelo in your home?

A kitchen is for more than just a season; it's an investment to last you years, if not decades, and as a result, your colour choice must be well considered. However, sometimes, the change in season inspires a certain colour trend that we just can't say no to.

Model and writer, Charli Howard's kitchen is evidence of just that. Rich aubergine hues are set to be one of the biggest kitchen colour trends this autumn/winter, a natural progression from the pink and red shades we've seen dominate in recent years. It has the same feminine touch but feels grown-up and timeless, which is exactly what you want out of a kitchen colour scheme that has to go the distance.

In an exclusive for Ideal Home, Charli Howard takes us on a tour of her colour-packed kitchen designed with Farrow & Ball paint, which is exactly where we're taking our inspiration from for the most stylish kitchen colour.

Choosing a bold kitchen colour is a difficult task, particularly in a small space like Charli's. However, a small kitchen shouldn't put you off from opting for dark kitchen ideas. It will help to create a dramatic mood and cosy feel, which is well suited to a homely cottage kitchen like Charli's.

Using Farrow & Ball paint, Charli's goal was to create a colourful interior that still felt mature and sophisticated. 'I wanted it to be really feminine and cosy, but I didn't want it to look Barbie. I didn't want it to be too girly, and I feel like this space got that quite right,' she explains.

With Farrow & Ball Paean Black on the kitchen cabinets and Sulking Room Pink on the walls, the grown-up pink shade brings out the aubergine hues of the darker cupboards as this is one of the best colours to pair with Sulking Room Pink.

Sulking Room Pink is one of Farrow & Ball's most popular shades and the beauty of it is that under different light, it can go from more of a muted pink to a dusky brown shade.

'Sulking Room Pink is the moodiest of our pinks with a lovely earthiness to it, so it never reads saccharine or bright. In poorly lit rooms it will appear much darker with a brown note to it. Don’t be nervous about this, it will create a rich and cosy ambience. For something a little more dramatic, pair with a dark shade for a contemporary twist,' explains Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball's brand ambassador.

Separated by the statement marble worktop, which picks up on the aubergine tones, it creates a distinctly feminine palette that looks grown-up. 'The marble is called Viola and it really picks up on the Farrow & Ball purplely colour of Paean Black,' Charlie explains. Cullifords Calacatta Viola Marble won our best kitchen worktop award for 2025, so you can be sure it's an on-trend choice that oozes luxury.

Farrow & Ball paint shades are almost always a guaranteed ticket to a stylish kitchen scheme, but these two colours in particular inspire a fresh take on trending tones heading into 2026.

'Aubergine-toned shades are growing in popularity and I think this is partly due to a switch in attitude which changed purples from dated to moody and unique,' explains Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed.

'These more aubergine, wine tones can really bring a new kind of three-dimensionality that neutrals sometimes miss. They are also ideal for those nooks and spaces where the feeling of warmth is really important. I think we’ll continue to see a move towards this shade as homeowners accept the move into a drizzly autumn.'

Particularly in a small kitchen like Charli's, leaning into this cosy atmosphere makes a cooking space feel like a truly inviting nook to spend evenings in. Even when the weather brightens up, the doors on the opposing side of the L-shaped kitchen will bring ample light into the space.

While more red-based burgundy shades were popular last year, we're turning to purple hues this year.

'Farrow and Ball’s Paean Black is a red-based black that, especially under natural light, has a leathery aubergine tinge,' Michael adds.

Sulking Room Pink is a shade that isn't going anywhere. A guaranteed stylish and safe blush pink paint that elevates any kitchen scheme.

'Pairing it with a lighter, dusky shade that shares similar undertones, such as Sulking Room Pink, helps create a kind of ombre scale where dark bleeds into light. It plays into the idea of double drenching — combining two colours across a room in different tones,' Michael concludes.

Shop the look

We're claiming it now - aubergine is going to be a huge trend this season. Will you be trying it out?

You can see more of this stunning home in the October Issue of Ideal Home, on sale now.

Hallways are often the most overlooked and neglected spaces in our homes, often decorated as an afterthought. But I urge you not to make that mistake as your hallway is like the preview trailer for your home – something I read recently and thought was extremely fitting. So if you are thinking of painting your entryway, why not do it with one of the best Farrow & Ball paint colours for hallways?

Farrow & Ball is probably the most popular paint brand on the market and the one that everybody looks up to. The brand’s curated range of exactly 132 beautiful paint shades is filled with potential hallway paint ideas, but the 3 below are the ones the experts recommend the most.

‘Hallways are more than just a passage to other rooms in the home; they are your home’s first impression,’ says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘The right shade not only sets the tone for the house but also creates a sense of cohesion, tying the space together.’

1. Inchyra Blue

There are some of the most popular Farrow & Ball paint shades that I keep hearing about on a regular basis as interior experts and homeowners alike love them. Inchyra Blue, a dark blue grey colour, was never one of them – and yet, in the space of the last couple of weeks, it's all of a sudden popping up everywhere. First, it played a major role on the set of the Netflix film Thursday Murder Club, as seen on the walls of Elizabeth’s flat.

And now, Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, names this shade as one of the best hallway colour schemes. ‘When used in two different finishes, you will get textural changes and light that will respond wonderfully. Inchyra Blue in full gloss on the lower half of the wall (chair rail height will do the trick) and modern emulsion to ceiling height will create a statement that is utterly stylish and practical (as fully washable).’

Alternatively, Michael at The Paint Shed says a similar blue grey shade called De Nimes has been among the most popular Farrow & Ball hallway colours as of late.

2. Studio Green

‘For 2025, blue and green tones continue to hold their place as timeless favourites for hallways,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Now that we’ve covered blue, let’s move onto green. Time and time again, experts recommend shades of green for hallways as a nod to the outdoors – and with the entryway being a link between your home and the outside, it’s only fitting.

But instead of going for something safe like a sage green, Patrick at Farrow & Ball recommends leaning into darker, moodier tones like Studio Green – the brand's darkest green that can appear almost black, depending on the light.

‘Venture towards the darker end of the spectrum – you will be amazed how beautiful it will be (and surprisingly, not as enclosing as first might appear). Dark colours are a wonderful backdrop for pictures – something like Studio Green will make your forgotten masterpieces sing in a new light.’

3. Charlotte’s Locks

On the other hand, your hallway is also the perfect opportunity to create a fun space. As it is a room you don’t spend a lot of extended time in, you can go for something bold and vibrant that will wow your guests as soon as they walk through the door – something like Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks. But you don't necessarily have to colour drench your whole entryway in this bold shade. Instead, you can just go for something like a door.

‘Rich, more saturated orange shades emerged as an exciting trend for 2025. Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks (a bold, deep orange) is one of the most popular shades I am seeing among customers at present,' Michael at The Paint Shed says.

'For those looking to inject a pop of colour into their hallway designs, Charlotte’s Locks is a great option. A deep and dramatic orange, perfect to introduce for the autumn period, Charlotte’s Locks can bring that warm and welcoming atmosphere into the home. Charlotte’s Locks is ideal for rooms with limited natural light, where it adds brightness and creates a greater sense of openness.'

Patrick at Farrow & Ball concludes, ‘Most people panic over how to decorate their hallways, often due to the limitations of natural light. However, as these are essentially transient spaces to lead you to the primary rooms of the home, you can play with this.’

The best utility rooms all have one thing in common - a beautiful colour scheme. Despite being hidden off the side of a kitchen or the back of a house, your utility room colour scheme deserves to be just as thoughtfully considered as the rest of your home, and these Farrow & Ball shades are the best place to start.

The heritage paint brand has created palettes with an instantly identifiable quality, in turn creating a high-end design that exudes elegance - even if it is a small and function-first space. While utility room ideas put practicality before anything else, choosing a scheme you love will bring joy to these everyday laundry and cleaning tasks.

So which Farrow & Ball shades work best in a utility room? These three popular colours will feed on beautifully from your kitchen for a chic space that inspires productivity.

1. French Gray

Grey kitchens appear to have gone down in popularity over the last few years in favour of warm-toned neutrals, but French Gray by Farrow & Ball is the exception. It's really more green than grey, making it perfect for a utility room that is close to the garden as it helps to link the two together.

'Utility rooms deserve the same thought as kitchens or living spaces - with the right palette, they become beautiful, characterful rooms you actually enjoy spending time in,' explains Melissa Hutley, Interior Designer & Co-Founder of Hutley & Humm.

'Choosing the right paint colour can completely transform how this hardworking room feels day to day. French Gray is a favourite for its soft, sage-tinged neutrality - calm, timeless, and quietly uplifting, especially in spaces with little natural light.'

2. Green Smoke

As utility rooms are such a small area, they can benefit from a moodier colour scheme that draws the room inwards.

'Green Smoke is ideal for achieving that cosy ‘cottage’ or ‘farmhouse’ look that has become a popular trend in kitchens,' explains Michael Bolland, managing director at The Paint Shed.

'Its calming colour helps soften the stresses of a busy kitchen, making the heart of the home feel grounded and safe. From a practical perspective, Green Smoke is available in a range of finishes suited to kitchen spaces. The Dead Flat formula, for instance, is washable, wipeable, and scuff-resistant, making it perfect for withstanding the demands of daily kitchen life.'

2. Sulking Room Pink

Pink kitchens became a big trend a few years ago, and I still can't get enough of them. While I believe pale pink is essentially a neutral, it's understandable that others might feel differently about decking their kitchen out in this hue.

Instead, a utility room is the perfect place to experiment with a more playful shade. Pale pink is the ultimate choice as it adds personality while still opening up the room and adding light - and Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink is the way forward.

Sulking Room Pink is a slightly more 'grown-up' shade of pink. It's a muted rose with lots of warmth, making your utility a comforting space to enter.

A utility room is a great opportunity to experiment with a different colour scheme, but if you want to coordinate with your cooking area, take a look at the best Farrow & Ball shades for a kitchen to inspire your new look.

Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club was the last place I thought I'd find my new Farrow & Ball paint colour crush. However, after previewing the film ahead of its launch, I guarantee that this lesser-known Farrow & Ball paint colour is going to take off in a big way.

The new film drops on Netflix on 28th August with a stellar cast including Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Kingsley. It's based on the books by Richard Osman, and follows a group of OAPs solving crimes at their retirement home, Cooper's Chase. However, this is not just any old retirement home.

Set at Englefield House in Berkshire, it is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and all of the characters' apartments are filled with surprisingly stylish design details. This was all intentional, James Merifield, the film's production designer, told me when I spoke to him. 'We wanted this place to feel aspirational.'

However, there is one set in particular that even James admits he'd love to live in, and that is the apartment of the main character, Elizabeth, played by Helen Mirren.

Elizabeth is the unofficial leader of the crime-solving crew, and it's her living room that features the blue paint shade I spotted instantly in the trailer for the new film. When I spoke to James, he revealed that the colour was based on Farrow & Ball's 'Inchyra Blue'.

You'll likely have heard of the famous 'Hague Blue', but 'Inchyra Blue' is one of Farrow & Ball's lesser-known colours, which makes it all the more appealing. It is a pungent blue with a dark grey undertone inspired by the Scottish skies. It's an unusual and sophisticated take on the navy colour trend.

'It had to feel very elegant, very regal, very sophisticated, but also well-travelled,' says James of the look he was going for in the character's apartment. 'It by no means should ever feel fuddy or fusty.' The rich blue is a key part of achieving this modern, but timeless aesthetic.

Colour drenching the walls, bookcases and fireplace in this shade, and coordinating the sofa is a smart design trick that works both on screen and in a real home to make a room look effortlessly stylish and expensive.

'Darker colours can imbue a magical quality in your living room, especially in the evening,' says Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'Maximising a cosy quality, they can cocoon you in their richness. Something such as the complex blue/green notes of Inchyra Blue in Dead Flat would look super elegant in a living room paired with woodwork in a shade such as Old White in Estate Eggshell. Add a note of spice with a sofa in burnt orange wool or velvet.'

In the film, this blue paint colour is the perfect backdrop that ties together the antique wooden furniture and terracotta reds in Elizabeth's apartment. Eagle-eyed fans will even spot a few other design-favourite brands adorning her flat, including candlesticks which look very similar to Nkuku and lighting from Pooky.

Get the look

Inchyra Blue might be the film's surprise breakout star, but the whole film is packed with other beautiful interiors, from the jigsaw room interpreted as a stunning orangery to the Laura Ashley-inspired apartment of Celia Imrie's character Joyce.

Let us know which character's room you're most looking forward to seeing in the new film in the comments below.

Dulux’s high-end paint range, Dulux Heritage, is trending. The timeless yet contemporary edit of 112 colours rivals even some of the most popular designer paint brands like everyone’s favourite Farrow & Ball – and that includes the Dulux Heritage bestselling paint colour, Sage Green, available at B&Q.

People are clearly in the mood for some DIY and painting action, looking for elevated paint ideas as Google Trends reports that searches for both ‘Dulux Heritage colour chart’ and ‘Dulux Heritage paint stockist’ have increased by 5000% just in the last month.

With green paint shades regularly ending up on brands’ lists of bestsellers - including Farrow & Ball’s bestselling green colour, Green Smoke - I’m not entirely surprised that the timeless Sage Green is the Dulux Heritage shade shoppers can’t get enough of.

Why is Sage Green the bestseller?

Whether you’re thinking of green living room or green bedroom ideas for your home, a sage green shade always works well – it’s one of those versatile shades that’s easy to use pretty much in any room.

‘Soft yet rich, herbal and earthy, it’s no surprise Sage Green is one of our best-selling Dulux Heritage colours,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘It’s a hue we see so often as we open our curtains in the morning, and extends our spaces into glorious nature.'

'Its familiarity is comforting, and because of this it’s a colour many of us - even die-hard neutral lovers - feel confident using. Not to mention, it works beautifully alongside furniture in natural materials, as well as tonal shades or more classic neutral paints, like Silver Fern.’

‘While this range is highly sought-after, the colour that sees the most demand is Sage Green,' adds Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed which stocks the Dulux Heritage range.

'Earthy tones such as Sage Green are timeless; however, we are increasingly seeing greens being adopted in homes as people seek to create a space that feels grounding and comforting. With more people working from home post-pandemic, having a space such as an office that feels serene is essential.’

Alternative sage greens

What is the Dulux Heritage range?

Dulux Heritage is a carefully curated range of 112 shades, chosen specifically for their timeless nature with a contemporary edge – similar to Farrow & Ball’s 132 colours. All of the shades come in a luxurious velvet matt finish which further enhances their luxurious feel.

‘The Dulux Heritage collection is a premium designer range that combines timeless elegance with the durability of professional trade-quality formulations,' says Michael at The Paint Shed.

'It places a strong emphasis on aesthetics, offering a palette inspired by British design heritage. The velvet feel is also beneficial as it minimises any flashing in the form of brush or roller marks. The flow makes it extremely easy to apply while achieving high-quality, professional results. It is seen as a superior alternative to retail Dulux paints, and it is also a very strong contender against other designer brands.’

If you need me, I’ll be perusing the Dulux Heritage colour chart!

Even though people are getting more adventurous with colour in their homes, neutrals are still the go-to shades, especially when it comes to wall paint colours. As Farrow & Ball is one of the most (if not the most) sought-after paint brands I was curious to know which are the most popular Farrow & Ball neutral paint shades – so I asked the experts.

While some of the answers fell into the category of ‘traditional’ neutrals - the shades that you would likely associate with the term such as off-white and cream - there was one particular paint idea that stood out from the rest as Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, named a surprising shade as one of the brand’s most popular neutrals. And that’s Setting Plaster, one of the paint colours most interior experts swear by.

Why is Setting Plaster one of Farrow & Ball's most popular neutrals?

‘Most of us think of a neutral as an off-white, something with a little more character that leans towards pale greys or brown-ish whites,’ Patrick explains. ‘However, colours can be neutrals too. Especially our classic Setting Plaster, the warmest of earthy pinks. This colour is brilliant at bringing delicate warmth to a poorly lit space or “bleaches” out rather beautifully in a bright and sunny room, so has true versatility in its uses!’

While pink as a neutral is on one hand unusual, on the other hand it makes sense for a few different reasons. For one, earthy shades (including earthy pinks like this one) are one of the biggest colour and paint trends of 2025. And more ‘colourful’ shades like green and brown are even replacing beige as the go-to neutral this year. Not to mention that Setting Plaster is one of Farrow & Ball's most popular 2025 shades overall.

But if you’d still prefer to go down the more conventional route of neutral tones, these are some of the other popular Farrow & Ball shades that fulfill that brief.

Elephant’s Breath

Elephant’s Breath is not only one of the best Farrow & Ball shades experts recommend for decorating a small room – it’s also a very popular all-round neutral, described as a warm grey. That’s right – even though the popularity of grey is increasingly fading, it largely goes for grey shades with cool undertones. Warm greys can still look super chic and contemporary.

‘In 2025, demand for neutral shades shows no signs of slowing down,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘Among Farrow and Ball customers, the most sought-after shade is currently Elephant's Breath.’

He adds, ‘I would recommend colour drenching in spaces such as the kitchen or living room to create a cohesive backdrop. Once you’ve got a unified colour, you can then inject layers of personality through different accent pieces.’

Skimming Stone

Skimming Stone is another one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular shades overall. But this off-white colour with grey and beige undertones is more of a traditional, versatile neutral shade, which is perhaps why it’s so widely loved.

You can use Skimming Stone in the kitchen, but it also makes for an excellent small hallway idea to visually expand the tiny entryway. And the same goes for a small living room.

‘A very bright white in a small living room will make it feel cold and unwelcoming – a bit prison cell-like,’ says Jo Lane, interior designer and founder of See Your Place. ‘I would suggest instead a light warm neutral like Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone to brighten a small space but keep it soft.’

Off-White

Off-White is one of the original Farrow & Ball colours and one of the first white shades the brand came out with. So it’s no surprise customers today still love it. It sits within a broader palette of Traditional Neutrals which is the go-to for Patrick at Farrow & Ball.

‘If sticking to the classic route of neutrals, we at Farrow & Ball have grouped them into six tonal families and I always return to our Traditional Neutral palette of Slipper Satin, Lime White, Off-White and Old White. The latter two are my favourites, they have this lovely underlying green note that is enlivened by a dose of yellow and both are wonderfully sophisticated and very easy to layer with  bolder colours either in paint or textiles,’ he says.

Decorating with neutrals comes with the benefit of ease as they go with everything and they create the perfect background for smaller pops of colour and other statements.

But even if you’re not planning on sticking with a simple neutral, these shades also make for the perfect holding paint colour. A holding paint colour is when you move into a new home and you can’t stand the existing wall colour, so while deciding on your future colour scheme, opt for one of these gorgeous neutral colours to ease your mind and eyes as you settle on a more daring colour scheme.

Farrow & Ball is a luxury household name for good reason. The heritage paint brand is an authority when it comes to all things colour and this isn't exclusive to grand spaces - even small kitchens can benefit from a sophisticated Farrow & Ball palette.

Despite popular belief that bright white is best for small kitchen, this couldn't be further from the truth. There are so many ways to add depth and dimension to small kitchen paint colours and Farrow & Ball has some of the chicest options to choose from.

Farrow & Ball paint doesn't come cheap, but in a smaller space, it is often easier to justify a more high-end choice when you need much less of it. So, we've asked interior experts which three shades they recommend from Farrow & Ball's collection to add light or create a cosy feel in a compact space.

How to choose a Farrow & Ball paint for a small kitchen

When it comes to choosing the right Farrow & Ball paint colour don't shy away from more statement hues. Often times homeowners believe that sticking to neutral tones is best to make a small room feel and look bigger, but sometimes this can make it feel stark and soulless.

Instead, choosing warm-toned pale hues, pastel shades and even rich jewel tones will have a much more profound effect, creating a stylish and inviting space.

'Before choosing a paint colour for your small kitchen, we recommend finding out which way the rooms faces, this will help you choose the right paint colour depending on how much natural light your kitchen gets,' adds Sophie Clemson, interior designer and marketing director at The Living House.

1. 'Green Smoke'

Green kitchen ideas are always on trend, yet the shade often varies from year to year. At the moment, earthy, moody green hues are rising in popularity, particularly in small spaces.

Farrow & Ball's 'Green Smoke' is a stylish way of inviting this colour scheme into your compact cooking area.

'Green Smoke is a great example of how non-beige colours can act as neutrals. Its cool grey undertones and earthiness create a natural ease in the home, feeling effortless yet rich in depth,' explains Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed.

'Green Smoke is ideal for achieving that cosy ‘cottage’ or ‘farmhouse’ look that has become a popular trend in kitchens. Its calming colour helps soften the stresses of a busy kitchen, making the heart of the home feel grounded and safe,' Michael adds.

2. 'Joa's White'

'Joa's White' is a true heritage Farrow & Ball shade, named after the brand's first colour consultant, Joa, who still develops many of the paint shades. It's described as a light and contemporary taupe, treading the line nicely between traditional cream and bright white.

'If your small kitchen is north facing, then you want to choose a paint colour that has yellow or red undertones to add warmth,' Sophie explains.

'A paint colour we recommend from Farrow and Ball is Joa's White, this is a light neutral shade, therefore will work well in a small kitchen whilst still making it feel inviting with those yellow undertones.'

3. 'Etruscan Red'

Red might seem like an intimidating paint choice no matter the size of your kitchen, but if we've learnt anything from the unexpected red theory, it's that it might be the surprising shade your kitchen is missing.

'If you're wanting to add colour to your small kitchen, earthy red shades are very popular this year. We are seeing more red kitchens, but I don't mean a bright post box red, it's a warm muddy tone just like Farrow and Ball Etruscan Red (one of their beautiful new colours),' Sophie explains.

Earthy shades have been a huge kitchen trend in the last year, and they're especially popular in small spaces for adding warmth and creating a super cosy environment.

'This is a darker shade, but just because your space is small doesn't mean it can't handle an interesting colour like Etruscan Red. Go for it and paint the ceiling too. This will help blur the edges in your small kitchen and make the space feel bigger. Pair with brass hardware for an ultimate warm and inviting small kitchen,' Sophie adds.

Which is your favourite colour?

Farrow & Ball is arguably the most popular and well-known paint brand on the market, and one with a high level of authority in the field. But many other, perhaps lesser-known paint brands are just as good that you should know about, especially since they often offer extremely similar alternatives for Farrow & Ball shades – even such cult favourites like the Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink.

I, along with the rest of the Ideal Home team, love Farrow & Ball and its range of highly pigmented, high-quality paint ideas, just like everybody else – and I love seeing how people decorate with Farrow & Ball’s popular Sulking Room Pink shade and what colours they pair with it. But it’s always good to know what else is out there, just like when it comes to alternatives to Farrow & Ball's Railings.

For one, some of the alternatives for Farrow & Ball and Sulking Room Pink in particular can be more readily available and affordable, or the exact shade of one of them might be closer to what you’re looking for.

‘Sulking Room Pink remains one of Farrow & Ball’s standout shades,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director of The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘We see consistent demand, and it continues to feature heavily in design inspiration, particularly on platforms like Pinterest. It’s so popular because it’s a great gateway into colour. Its muted blush tone is not far from neutral, making it appealing to those who want to experiment with colour without committing to bolder trending shades.’

Violeta Stoyanova, Fantastic Handyman's home improvement and renovation specialist, describes the shade as ‘a muted, complex rose shade with a powdery softness that leans more toward a dusky mauve than a traditional pink. It has a deep, grown-up character that makes it look sophisticated instead of saccharine, thanks to its subtle grey undertones. This makes it incredibly versatile for both contemporary and period properties.’

It also happens to be one of the best Farrow & Ball shades for small rooms. And the same goes for these 4 alternatives…

1. Blush by Little Greene

Similarly to Farrow & Ball, Little Greene is also a British, heritage paint brand. And based solely on brand image, I’d say Little Greene is the closest alternative to Farrow & Ball with a similar look and feel.

‘In terms of quality, a brand like Little Greene really shines with its rich pigments and long-lasting durability,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist. ‘You will not be sacrificing style or performance with this option.’

The option in question that’s closest to Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink is Little Greene’s Blush. ‘Little Greene’s Blush has that lovely dusty warmth, but it leans a bit more towards coral, which really brings a cheerful vibe,’ Sienna adds.

2. Flora’s Tale by Earthborn

Earthborn is a wonderful brand of eco-friendly paints which don’t sacrifice on performance or style. And its library of 70 shades also offers an almost perfect match for Farrow & Ball’s popular pink called Flora’s Tale.

‘Our alternative would be Flora’s Tale from our classic colour range,’ says Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn. ‘A deep, dusky pink, it is a whimsical yet rich shade that has soft, floral roots balanced with deep, earthy tones that give a timeless quality and richness. This shade has proven really popular thanks to its versatility. Soft pinks such as Flora’s Tale are almost the new neutral, providing a great backdrop for a variety of schemes, whilst also being a powerful colour on its own.’

3. Pink 08 by Lick

Lick was started only in 2019, but the offering of this relatively young brand already spans an impressive 100 shades for its customers to choose from. A big advocate for colour drenching and bold use of colour in interiors, Ideal Home regularly turns to this cool brand and its director of interior design and author of Master the Art of Colour (available at Amazon), Tash Bradley for expert advice.

‘If you’re looking for an alternative muted rose pink, Lick’s Pink 08 is a super exciting option and one our design community loves. It’s a dusty mid-tone pink with yellow and brown undertones, giving it a warm, comforting, cocooning feel that is earthy rather than sugary,' says Tash.

'It’s quickly becoming one of our most popular pinks thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal. These pinks work beautifully across the home – from colour-drenched bedrooms to kitchen cabinets (which more and more of my clients are asking for) and can even transform a dark and gloomy hallway into a warm and inviting space,’ she explains.

4. Pressed Petal by Dulux

To be fair, you’ve likely already heard of Dulux - but while Farrow & Ball is often perceived as very stylish and pretty, Dulux can be seen as more utilitarian. But its extensive shade offering can easily compete with the likes of Farrow & Ball, and it even includes the perfect alternative for Sulking Room Pink called Pressed Petal.

‘For those looking to create an earthy, warm atmosphere while injecting the joy and positivity of pink, look no further than Dulux Pressed Petal,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

‘Sophisticated and chic, warming yet fresh, it’s a shade that works beautifully to reinvigorate any room in the home. It’s especially perfect for family hubs like the living room or kitchen – uplifting enough to be a backdrop for dinner parties and mealtimes, while cosy enough to spur that warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s the colour equivalent of a group hug with your longest friends.’

Michael at The Paint Shed concludes with a final piece of advice, ‘It’s important to choose paint based on the needs of your project. Think about the finish and the formula first. For example, Farrow & Ball’s interior paints are known for their rich pigmentation and stunning signature shades, ideal for interior walls in kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic areas. However, if you're painting a surface like a front door or exterior woodwork, you might want a tougher, more weather-resistant formula.’

Over the last couple of years, green has become the go-to colour for home decorating, especially when it comes to the walls. Farrow & Ball green paint shades have always been popular, but there is one particular shade that’s the most popular Farrow & Ball green paint – and that’s Green Smoke.

This aptly named Farrow & Ball paint trend is favoured by interior designers and those with super stylish homes, such as content creator Rachael Wilshaw of @beetrootandblack or Ideal Homes former Digital Editor and current Lifestyle Editor at Woman & Home, Tamara Kelly.

Best described as a moody, smoky and dark green with blue undertones, this shade is a vintage-style take on the current trend that treats green as the new neutral replacing beige.

‘Green is so popular due to its versatility,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, which is a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘Greens are calming and refreshing and, especially when combined with wood accents, can bring a natural and organic look to your home. For those who struggle with exploring colour, green can be a great gateway colour into the world of more unique design choices.’

But if you’re not sure how to use this popular Farrow & Ball paint shade of 2025 and make the most of its innate sophistication, I’ve asked the experts to share their top tips.

How to use Green Smoke

Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, describes ‘the ever-popular Green Smoke as a dark tone for a cosy and immersive feel’.

Michael at The Paint Shed continues, ‘This shade has become sought after as people lean towards introducing vintage-inspired touches and antiques into their homes. Especially for period properties, Green Smoke helps nod to heritage, whilst oozing class and calm.’

And much like with green in general, Green Smoke, too, is loved for its versatility and can be used in pretty much any room, as long as it’s not a super dark one. ‘Green Smoke’s popularity means that I’ve seen it used in an array of different spaces. Not only is it sought after for bedrooms and kitchens, but people have fallen in love with its weathered earthiness and have begun using it in outside features like summer houses, exterior doors, and fencing. It’s calm, serene, and adds that touch of character that people are searching for,’ Michael says.

He adds, ‘My favourite place to see Green Smoke is smaller spaces like bathrooms and studies. It pairs well with tiles, wooden textures, plants, and other natural elements. In well-lit rooms, it’s ideal for colour drenching, while in darker spaces, a single accent wall works great. I’ve seen it transform compact, often-overlooked areas into genuinely magazine-worthy interiors.’

If you like this elegant shade of green but aren’t quite ready to coat your walls with it, then you can add smaller accents with home accessories like these.

Alternatives

On the other hand, if you’re after some green paint ideas for your home but Green Smoke is not quite your cup of tea, these two green Farrow & Ball paint shades are also very popular and extremely chic.

Vert de Terre

If you prefer a lighter and fresher green than the moody and dark Green Smoke, then Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre might be the one for you. Translated as ‘green of the earth’, this paint shade feels soothing and would look great in a bedroom.

‘Vert De Terre is one of Farrow and Ball’s most popular greens. This shade is loved for its hue: muted, soft, and inspired by earth’s green pigments. That means it has a natural tone to its colour that gives it this delicate, gentle, and pure finish. It’s the perfect nod to colour in the home and easy to pair with a range of neutrals,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

‘Vert De Terre is best used across large wall spaces. I think this shade is great for an overall home refresh, best used in bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchens. Some of the most memorable uses of Vert De Terre I’ve seen have been in living rooms and bedrooms, where homeowners have leaned into a warm, country home-inspired aesthetic. It really brings a finished look together, offering a soft, muted backdrop,’ he adds.

French Gray

Sage green is one of the most timeless and has been consistently one of the most popular shades of green used in homes over the past few years, inspired by biophilic design ideas. And sage green is in fact how I would describe Farrow & Ball’s French Gray which is another popular shade of green with a grey undertone from the brand.

‘French Gray is a delicate mid green and another very popular colour which acts almost as a neutral, making it easy to layer with other shades and a multitude of textures and wood tones,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball says.

Patrick concludes, ‘We know green is a restful colour, so what better place to put this to practice than by decorating your bedroom in one of its tones? Not only will green help impart the mood of relaxation, but it will create a lovely link to the outdoors. Try decorating on both the walls and the ceiling for a fully immersive experience, as this will help to blur the boundaries of a room with limited space.’

Farrow & Ball is the ultimate authority when it comes to all things paint and colour in interiors. But even though a level of luxury and grandeur is usually associated with this heritage paint brand, that doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have a whole array of paint shades perfect even for the smallest of spaces. In fact, I’ve asked the experts and put together a list of 6 of the best Farrow & Ball paint shades for any small room.

Whether you’re looking for small bedroom paint ideas or the best small living room colour scheme to incorporate into your petite lounge, these Farrow & Ball paint colours will work.

The perfect shade for you and your space will depend on what look and feel you’re going for, whether it’s neutral or more colourful, bright and open or cosy. There’s something for everybody and every compact space here.

1. Elephant's Breath

Light neutrals are universally accepted as some of the best colours to decorate with in small rooms. So, of course, there had to be a classic neutral shade on this list, too. Specifically, Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath which is not only light and neutral but also boasts a warm undertone for that cosy feel.

‘Elephant’s Breath is a popular choice for small rooms,’ says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, one of Farrow & Ball’s stockists. ‘It’s a real crowd pleaser – a warm mid grey tone that is the perfect contemporary neutral. We quite often see this used in smaller bedrooms and tight hallways.’

2. Card Room Green

Since green is one of the new neutrals replacing beige in 2025, it’s no surprise that a light yet earthy green shade like the Card Room Green from Farrow & Ball would make it onto this list. While it's not the most popular Farrow & Ball green shade - that would be the darker and moodier Green Smoke - it's still certainly up there. And one of the reasons why this shade works is because it's a cool paint colour.

‘People often steer clear of darker or smokier shades in small rooms, assuming they’ll make the space feel more cramped. But in the right setting, especially rooms with good natural light, a colour like Card Room Green can be surprisingly effective. It’s a rich, understated green that brings character and a bit of old-world charm, thanks to its roots in traditional Victorian study rooms. It’s an ideal choice if you’re after a slightly more heritage feel,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

3. Hague Blue

As Michael already mentioned, most people avoid using dark colours in small rooms, instead opting for light shades in an effort to visually expand the space. But going for something darker will result in a cosy and cocooning feel, embracing the room’s size and seeing it as a positive rather than a negative – which is exactly what Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, recommends.

‘Go dark – don’t fight the constrictions of restricted space and play to the limitations of the room. Choose a mid to dark and paint it all over – walls, ceiling, and woodwork.

'Even though dark colours ‘advance’ you will blur the boundaries where all the plains stop and start – for example, where the wall meets the ceiling, a built-in cupboard or a utilitarian radiator. What you do get though are some nice textural details from the various sheens used for the different substrates, such as eggshell for woodwork and matt finishes for wall and ceiling. Try moody, inky tones such as Hague Blue,’ he says.

Incidentally, Hague Blue is also one of Farrow & Ball's most popular blue shades.

4. Sulking Room Pink

Earthy pinks - and earthy tones in general - are one of the biggest paint trends of this year. And luckily, soft, earthy pinks like Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink also work incredibly well in small spaces as Michael at The Paint Shed reveals.

‘Sulking Room Pink is an earthy, muted pink that adds real depth and warmth to a smaller space. It’s a solid choice if you’re keen to move away from safe neutrals without going too bold. Soft and blush-toned, it adds a sense of intimacy while still sitting comfortably within the pastel family, making it ideal for cosy, compact rooms,’ he explains.

5. Ammonite

Of course, Farrow & Ball’s offering of 132 paint colours includes plenty of light neutral shades and off-whites to choose from, most of which will work well in most small rooms. But the Ammonite shade is the one that most people usually go for when decorating a petite space.

‘Ammonite is a favourite and a go-to among people working with smaller spaces. This shade is a light true grey, that is neither too warm nor too cold. It’s favoured for its ease, working in most spaces to create an understated blank canvas,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

6. Blue Maize

Similar to Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball’s Blue Maize is another shade that can seem like a surprising or counterintuitive choice for a small room. But this vibrant blue has the power to turn any small space into a statement and a standout feature of your home.

‘In terms of darker colours, we’re seeing more people interested in dark blue shades like Blue Maize for bold, intimate bathrooms. This shade is ideal due to its response to light and is often used alongside the recommended neutral, Au Lait,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

I hope this not only gives you some paint ideas to be inspired by, but that it also shows you that even though your space might be small, that doesn’t mean it can’t be elevated and made to look super stylish and luxurious with the right paint shade choices.

Using shades of green in our homes is nothing new, in fact it's one of the most popular colours to use year after year, century after century. Whether it's the connections it has to nature, the calming ambience it conjures, or just the vast usability it lends itself to, green will always be on-trend in interiors and kitchens. And there is one colour that is always trending, Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke.

Green kitchen ideas have been making waves for some time now, with more and more homeowners opting for this colourway. One particular shade that is proving a hugely popular choice, is Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, the perfect grey-green hue to transform your kitchen. It also happens to be Farrow & Ball's most popular green shade by far.

Patrick O'Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball explains, 'Green Smoke leans just on the side of grey. It is a deep, nuanced green that creates an elegant backdrop for a modernist interior. It ensures a cosy and immersive feel, making it a great way to warm up a large room.'

While rooms of any size can benefit from this contemporary colour, it works particularly well in kitchens, with social media platforms awash with images proving it. But if you still need a little persuading, we've spoken to some industry experts to bring you 5 reasons to use Farrow & Ball green smoke in your kitchen this year.

1. It adds depth to a small kitchen

'Green Smoke has become a highly sought-after shade in kitchen design due to its unique ability to balance warmth and depth,' explains Richard Davonport, Managing Director at Davonport. 'This muted green hue exudes an understated elegance that works beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces, and brings a natural, grounding feel to the kitchen.'

'While Green Smoke is a rich shade, it can be a stunning choice for small kitchen ideas when used strategically. It adds depth and character without overwhelming the space, especially when paired with light countertops, open shelving, and reflective surfaces to maintain an airy feel.'

2. It pairs beautifully with neutrals

'Farrow & Ball Green Smoke has become a favourite among homeowners - and it’s easy to see why', comments Amy Wilson, Interior Designer at 247 Blinds.

'This shade offers a fresh twist on the classic sage green, giving it a deeper, moodier edge. The colour also has the unique ability to shift throughout the day, transitioning from light to dark as the natural light changes. This makes it a perfect choice for a kitchen, often considered the heart of the home. It feels light and airy in the mornings, yet becomes warm and cosy in the evening as the light dims.'

'When bringing Green Smoke into your kitchen, consider the finishes and materials already present. This rich green pairs beautifully with neutral tones, like soft stone and light wood, which complement the depth of the colour. If your kitchen has lighter units or surfaces, try painting the walls and woodwork—such as the skirting boards—in Green Smoke. To keep the space feeling open, contrast the ceiling with a crisp white to reflect light and balance the richness of the green.'

3. It's ideal for creating a farmhouse-feel

'Green Smoke is ideal for achieving that cosy cottage or ‘farmhouse’ look that has become a popular trend in kitchens,' explains Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed. 'It's calming colour helps soften the stresses of a busy kitchen, making the heart of the home feel grounded and safe.'

'Green Smoke is also a great example of how non-beige colours can act as neutrals. Its cool grey undertones and earthiness create a natural ease in the home, feeling effortless yet rich in depth. Inspired by 19th-century interiors, this shade carries a distinct vintage, heritage feel. It’s timeless, which is why people are drawn to it — not just as a kitchen trend, but as a lasting choice that brings beauty to any home.'

Emma Price, Founder and Interior Designer at Fable & Willow agrees that the shade lends itself perfectly to a farmhouse-feel kitchen.

'I find Farrow & Balls Green Smoke particularly captivating when used in country kitchens. It’s a shade that resonates with the natural world, evoking the serene atmosphere of a rural landscape.'

'It's such a perfect choice for those seeking a classic, yet modern country kitchen because the shade possesses a wonderful depth that speaks of heritage and tradition. It isn’t a stark, modern green, but rather a nuanced, smoky tone that adds a touch of historical charm to kitchens. The shade also brings a sense of calm and grounding, which is crucial for the heart of a busy family home.'

'While Green Smoke is undoubtedly on-trend, it also possesses a timeless quality that perfectly suits the country aesthetic. It is a colour that will age gracefully, becoming a cherished part of homes for years to come. In country kitchens, natural materials are paramount and Green Smoke beautifully complements the warmth of solid wooden worktops and flagstone floors.'

4. It can transform drab cabinets in an instant

Another reason to use Farrow & Ball green smoke in a kitchen is its transformational qualities. Even if you can't afford a full kitchen reno, just painting kitchen cabinets in this earthy shade will give your space a revamp in just a few hours' work.

Richard says, 'The beauty of Green Smoke is in its adaptability as it works with several different colours of hardware and cabinetry styles. To incorporate it into a kitchen, consider using it on cabinetry for a bold yet timeless statement, or on walls for a soft, enveloping effect. Pairing it with light countertops and ample lighting will prevent it from feeling too dark.'

Patrick adds, 'Dark greens such as Green Smoke are a classic choice for kitchens, small or large. Green Smoke will always look smart, especially on your cabinets. Dark kitchens are striking yet timeless and are especially good at giving presence to a small room, even more so if your cabinets are the lower units - this will provide ‘structure’ to your room.'

5. It's versatility when it comes to accessorising

Our final reason for using Farrow & Ball green smoke in a kitchen, is it pairs perfectly with so many accessories you might already have in your home. From window dressings to lampshades, it's such a versatile colour, that you'll find so many ways to add finishing touches that make the shade shine.

Amy says, 'For larger, more traditional kitchens, you might consider matching the ‘Green Smoke’ colour to a Roman blind. Choose a fabric with a botanical print to bring the outdoors in, creating a serene, nature-inspired vibe. With this approach, you can embrace colour drenching to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both dramatic and cosy.'

'Or for another kitchen window treatment idea, a white blind could work nicely to keep things light and bright, while also adding a touch of sophistication to the space. If your kitchen features wooden surfaces or open shelving, pairing the green with a warm-toned wooden blind—like a Venetian style—can tie everything together beautifully.'

Emma adds, 'If you are hesitant about committing to painting full cabinets, you could consider using Green Smoke on a feature wall or as a backdrop for a Range cooker. I'd then advise using Zoe Glencross patterned tiles for a backsplash that adds an extra touch of personality.'

'You could also complement painted surfaces with Fable & Willow's hand-crafted textiles. Consider bespoke blinds or cushions in natural linens with embroidered trims or soft blush materials for added warmth.'

'Finally to enhance the country feel, try some scalloped lampshades from Pooky or Femoie, casting a warm, inviting light. Incorporate natural materials, such as wicker baskets and wooden chopping boards, will also complete the look.'

FAQS

What is an alternative paint shade to Farrow & Balls green smoke for a similar kitchen colour?

Micheal says, 'In terms of other brands offering similar shades, I’d suggest ‘Livid’ by Little Greene or Crown Trade’s ‘Family Tree’. However, while these colours are similar, they won’t guarantee an exact match to Green Smoke.'

'For DIYers seeking a colour match, but not in Farrow & Ball’s formula, services like The Paint Shed’s colour-matching service are ideal. With this service, customers can recreate any shade of paint in the formula and brand of their choice. For example, if you wanted to use Green Smoke for an exterior project that requires greater durability, we could mix this in a colour-match for you in a more exterior-focused brand like Zinsser or Johnstone's Trade Stormshield. While colour-matches are never exact, The Paint Shed colour-matching service offers matches that are pretty indistinguishable.'

Emma adds, 'For a similar kitchen colour, with a slightly more pronounced, almost sage-like undertone, I'd recommend using Little Greene’s Ho Ho Green. It shares the same muted, smoky quality as Green Smoke, but carries a touch more of that gentle, pastoral green, which is perfect for country kitchens.'

Is green smoke a good colour for small kitchens?

Yes! Green smoke is a great colour choice for small kitchen ideas and any-sized kitchen, for that matter, as discussed above.

Micheal says, 'From a practical perspective, Green Smoke is available in a range of finishes to suit kitchen spaces of any size. The Dead Flat formula, for instance, is washable, wipeable, and scuff-resistant, making it perfect for withstanding the demands of daily kitchen life, in even the smallest of kitchens.'

'When it comes to design choices, it would be great to see DIYers using this shade across kitchen cupboards or on walls behind countertops. This colour pairs beautifully with paler, pistachio tones like Farrow & Ball’s Eddy or Vert de Terre. To bring everything together, highlight your wood features — gloss or oil wooden countertops, tables, or storage elements. This will add warmth and create a real sense of completeness in the home, no matter what size of space you have.'

So have we convinced you to give this gorgeous green a go in your kitchen?

If you're in the market for a new paint colour for your kitchen, chances are Farrow & Ball is already on your radar. The heritage British brand has an abundance of colours, from muted to statement hues, that have the potential to make your kitchen look super high-end. One of their most popular neutral shades, Skimming Stone, is no different.

Choosing a kitchen colour scheme can be challenging. Do you go for a bold, playful look or choose a neutral tone that will last for years? It's a tough decision, and there's no right or wrong answer but starting with a paint company like Farrow & Ball that has so many options will give you the best start.

Some of the lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours have proved to be excellent choices for kitchens, but the most popular shades are bestsellers for good reason. 'Skimming Stone' is a beautiful stony off-white that looks perfect in a kitchen - here's how to use it.

How to use Farrow & Ball 'Skimming Stone' in a kitchen

Farrow & Ball describe 'Skimming Stone' as a 'stony off white' that 'takes its name from a 19th century skim, or plaster colour, but often reminds us of childhood afternoons skimming stones.' In short - it's the perfect neutral that provides will brighten a kitchen and create a blank canvas ready for family life to leave it's mark.

You would think that neutral shades are the easiest to work with, but if you want to avoid a boring scheme then you'll want to implore these tricks from kitchen pros and the Farrow & Ball team.

1. Drench the space

Perhaps the simplest, but most effective way of using Skimming Stone is to drench your cabinetry and walls for a bright and spacious feel. It's a timeless shade of cream that will look especially chic as a Shaker kitchen idea.

'Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone earthy, neutral undertone makes it a wonderfully versatile choice for the kitchen,' explains Carina Raymond, interior designer and founder of Studio Raymond.

'To create a cohesive, inviting feel, I would use it across the cabinet fronts, walls, and ceiling, enveloping the room in a soft, warm wash of colour. This all-over approach creates a sense of seamlessness and depth, making the kitchen feel elegant and serene. I’d pair Skimming Stone with warm, antique brass or bronze ironmongery to add richness and character.'

2. Pair with natural textures

If you want to create a calming kitchen scheme but also want to add depth and dimension into a design, layering natural materials on top of Skimming Stone is key.

'Farrow & Ball’s ‘Skimming Stone’ is a beautifully soft and versatile neutral that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in a kitchen. It’s a perfect choice for kitchens as it is such an adaptable colour,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director of Davonport.

'It works beautifully with natural elements like marble worktops, wooden accents, and slim shaker-style cabinetry. The subtle warmth of Skimming Stone enhances the depth of veined stone surfaces, while also pairing effortlessly with both matte black and antique brass hardware, allowing homeowners to customise their space to suit their style.'

3. Pair with burgundy

While the kitchen shown above has paired a blush pink shade with the burgundy island, you can also see how well a darker crimson red looks with off-white.

'Skimming Stone is a neutral with a dose of lilac, lending itself well to purple schemes. Try pairing with our richer lilac, Brassica. Or, for added boldness, consider eggplant shades of purple for kitchen cabinetry such as Pelt or Paean Black. Alternatively, try pairing with a dramatic dark such as the Bordeaux-toned Preference Red,' explains Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

Alternatives to 'Skimming Stone'

Are you tempted to try 'Skimming Stone'?

When it comes to paint, Farrow & Ball is both a trend-setter and icon; where F&B goes, the rest of us follow. That’s exactly why looking at Farrow & Ball’s most popular paint shades for 2025 - both existing and predicted bestsellers - is a great indicator of what colours we’ll see in the most stylish homes this year.

Here at Ideal Home, Farrow & Ball is one of our favourite paint brands that we look to for everything from paint trends to creative paint ideas. And seeing the bestselling Farrow & Ball shades is both interesting - because we all like being a bit nosy and ‘in the know’ - and very telling.

‘2025 is shaping up to be the year of warm, nature-inspired hues that bring comfort, serenity and personality into the home,’ reveals Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed which is one of Farrow & Ball’s stockists. ‘Trend-driven shades are also on the rise, with Blank Street’s Matcha Green and Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, leading the way.’

Having said that, these are the particular colours (in no particular order) that have seen or are predicted to see the most success this year, according to Farrow & Ball and The Paint Shed.

1. Setting Plaster

In the last few months, soft pink shades that are not overly ‘girly’ or ‘sweet’ have been one of the go-to living room colour schemes, according to experts. So I’m not surprised to learn that Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster paint shade is among its current bestsellers.

‘Setting Plaster is our “go-to” earthy pink,’ says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘It has none of the overtly sweet notes one often associates with pink and the underlying brown “knocks” it back a little. This creates a colour that appears as a gentle neutral when flooded with light to something more warming in poorly lit rooms.’

2. Green Smoke

Given the popularity of biophilic design ideas that bring the outside and the nature indoors that’s been going strong since the pandemic and resulting lockdowns, green remains one of the most popular paint colours that people love to reach for. So it’s a given that a green shade would make an appearance on this list – and the most popular Farrow & Ball green shade is the dark and moody Green Smoke.

‘Green Smoke leans just on the side of grey. It is a deep, nuanced green that creates an elegant backdrop for a modernist interior. It ensures a cosy and immersive feel, making it a great way to warm up a large room,’ Patrick at Farrow & Ball explains.

3. Hague Blue

When it comes to Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue, we’re getting to the ‘surprising’ territory as I didn’t see a dark blue like this one coming for the bestselling list. And yet, it's also one of Farrow & Ball's most popular blue shades! Blue is, of course, a solid choice for a wall paint. However, I’ve noticed people swaying more towards softer, lighter shades of blue as of late – perhaps something more like the Kakelugn shade from Farrow & Ball’s newest shade releases a couple of weeks ago.

‘At the darker end of the blue family, our ever-popular Hague Blue works a treat, even in north-facing rooms because of the underlying green note making it never feel too chilly. Try it in a living room for an atmospheric and deeply cosy feel,’ Patrick suggests.

This is also the shade one of the content creators featured in our IKEA KALLAX hacks used to transform her cube storage unit beyond recognition.

4. Skimming Stone

If you’re looking for the perfect neutral shade that will look chic but in a quiet, pared-back way then Farrow & Ball's popular Skimming Stone is the one for you.

‘Farrow and Ball’s Skimming Stone continues to be one of the bestsellers here at The Paint Shed. The light grey hue with subtle beige undertones brings a warm, inviting feel to any space. Whether paired with bolder colours or used to create a relaxed, modern atmosphere, its versatility is key to its popularity,’ Michael at The Paint Shed explains.

5. Pigeon

In all honesty, this is the first time I’m hearing about Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon shade. And yet, according to Michael at The Paint Shed, it’s one of the rising stars of this year – albeit quite unexpectedly.

‘We can’t say for sure, but the rising popularity of Farrow and Ball’s Pigeon may well be influenced by the Blank Street aesthetic and the current obsession with Matcha Green. For those drawn to the trend but hesitant to commit to a bold statement, Pigeon offers a softer, more versatile alternative. This muted blue-gray with green undertones breathes life into darker, more confined spaces, complementing both similar tones and neutral palettes,’ he says.

6. Railings

Railings by Farrow & Ball has been one of those paint colours that interior experts swear by for the last couple of years – even Ideal Home’s own Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young loves the almost black paint shade to the point that she’s covered her living room in it. Railings is a special shade with very few alternatives available. So it’s no surprise then that it remains one of the bestsellers.

‘It’s not hard to see why Farrow and Ball’s Railings is so popular, offering a fresh take on a classic shade. This softened black, infused with deep blue undertones, adds depth and sophistication to any space. Bold yet refined, it brings a striking presence that speaks for itself,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

7. Broccoli Brown

And lastly, rather than a current bestseller - as this shade launched only a couple of weeks ago - this is more of a prediction for this year’s next popular shade from Farrow & Ball, courtesy of Michael from The Paint Shed. And that’s the new Broccoli Brown.

‘Pantone recently announced Mocha Mousse as their Colour of the Year for 2025. And Farrow and Ball’s newly released Broccoli Brown is a similar hue. This rich, hushed dark shade aligns seamlessly with the growing love for earthy, nature-inspired tones, making it a standout choice for 2025 interiors and one I can see being very in demand,’ he explains.

In all honesty, you can hardly go wrong with any of Farrow & Ball’s carefully curated library of 132 paint shades. The heritage brand as a whole is extremely popular! Whichever shade you like is the one you should go for, whether it’s on this list or not.

Do you have a favourite out of these 7? Let us know.

Most likely when you think of paint, Farrow & Ball will be one of the first brands - if not the first - that springs to mind. Despite its impressively extensive but also perfectly curated library of 132 shades, one of the things that doesn’t happen often is a new paint shade launch from the paint brand. For reference the last new launch was back to 2022. But on Thursday (27th March) we’re getting lucky because Farrow & Ball is launching not one but 12 new paint colours.

If you couldn’t tell already, I’m truly excited because not only do these shades further confirm some of the hottest paint trends of 2025 like the fact that earthy shades are certainly here to stay, but with this release, Farrow & Ball is doing something it never usually does. You see, only nine of the paint shades are brand new, while the other three are archival shades that are being re-released. And it’s perhaps these three shades - Etruscan Red, Broccoli Brown and Sap Green - that I’m personally most excited about.

‘I love delving into our archive, there are some real treasures tucked away in there and I’m thrilled these three are getting another turn in the spotlight,’ says Charlotte Cosby, Farrow & Ball’s creative director.

But without further ado, let’s meet the new shades joining the Farrow & Ball ranks – including the ones I think will take over as some of the most popular go-to paint ideas.

The new Farrow & Ball paint shades

Etruscan Red

Not to play favourites, but if I was pushed to select my top pick from the new line-up then it would be the dark and earthy Etruscan Red. Featuring a brown base, this grounded shade is named and inspired by the Etruscan ancient civilisation that occupied today’s Italy and is known for its use of a similar deep red hue.

Farrow & Ball notes that it’s less intense than its Preference Red shade – so if you love red but find it too overwhelming to decorate with, this could be the perfect shade for you. And I’m pretty sure we’re about to see a lot of this colour popping up everywhere very soon.

Broccoli Brown

Ever since Pantone’s revealed its colour of the year for 2025 to be Mocha Mousse, a soft brown shade, various shades of brown have been popping up in homes and interiors a lot more. So I’m not surprised even Farrow & Ball has opted to relaunch one of its archival brown shades, Broccoli Brown.

This shade is certainly on the darker side but it’s sure to create a cocooning, warming feel in any space you apply it too with a strong connection to nature and the Earth.

Sap Green

Sap Green is the last archival shade of this launch. And while it’s not the only green in this collection, it’s certainly the most vibrant.

Due to the popularity of biophilic design ideas, green has been a go-to colour choice for many homes ever since the pandemic. Last summer, four green shades defined the season, including olive green – which is exactly how Farrow & Ball describes Sap Green, ‘an enticing olive shade’.

Marmelo

Marmelo is perhaps the most unique of the new launches. So it’s not entirely surprising that it’s also the brand’s creative director, Charlotte’s favourite. ‘Marmelo, named after the quince that inspired marmalade, is one of my favourite new colours. Who could fail to be comforted by that familiar orange reminiscent of warm, buttered toast and conversations around the breakfast table,’ she says.

The greens – Douter, Dibber and Reduced Green

The new launch includes three new shades of green: Douter, Dibber and Reduced Green. ‘I have a real soft spot for Douter,' Charlotte at Farrow & Ball says. 'It sits somewhere between Inchyra Blue and Green Smoke. It was inspired by traditional brass candle snuffers and I always think candlelight brings a magical quality, whether it’s a dinner party or just a cosy evening in.'

Aside from the smoky grey green Douter, there’s also Reduced Green - an extremely dark shade with an intense brown pigment that makes it appear as just brown to some - and Dibber, named after the gardening tool you’d use to poke holes in the ground to plant seeds. And while Dibber is also a muddied take on green referencing the natural world, it’s lighter and brighter than the dark Reduced Green.

The pastels – Scallop, Sizing and Kakelugn

Alongside the dark and earthy shades in this new release, some light and serene colours are on hand to balance it.

Soft pinks and light blues are among the most popular living room colour schemes at the moment. So these new Farrow & Ball colours will fit in with the current mood perfectly.

Starting with Scallop, a soft take on a salmon pink, it is a lighter reinterpretation of Farrow & Ball’s existing Dead Salmon shade.

Meanwhile, both Sizing and Kakelugn are light shades of baby blue. The former is the softer of the two, providing just a whisper of blue colour in its undertone and bearing a crisp, almost neutral quality. But if you’re after a bit more colour than that, Kakelugn is the one for you, named after Swedish folkloric fires that usually bear this very shade.

The brand also calls this ‘the cleaner interpretation’ of its Light Blue a shade that has been highly requested.

Duster

Who would have thought that bright yellows would be a home decor trend come 2025? The first hint was Dulux’s colour of the year, True Joy. But now, even Farrow & Ball is adding to it with its new Duster shade. Described as a deep ochre, this shade has a rather humble inspiration behind it as you may have guessed from its name – and that’s the bright yellow cloth we use to wipe and dust all surfaces at home.

Naperon

Is it just me that’s absolutely obsessed with terracotta shades? Every room, storefront or building covered in a terracotta colour is one I start lusting over and want to recreate at home. Naperon is Farrow & Ball's answer to this trend, a vibrant clay shade.

The full new range will launch on Thursday and we can't wait to see how these shades are interpreted and used throughout the home. Which is your favourite new paint colour?

Farrow & Ball are arguably one of the most lust-worthy brands on the market when it comes to paint ideas, with many of us familiar with some of their most popular colours.

Downpipe- a moody, dark grey, Railings- a trendy bluey black, Elephants Breath- a warm, contemporary and oh-so-easy to use grey and Wimborne White, a slightly off white, are just some of the more well-know shades, used in abundance in homes across the country.

Their main collection features just 132 colours (it's a one in, one out kind of situation), which compared to some other paint brands is a reasonably concise and curated offering. But aside from the colours we've all heard of, what about the other gems hiding among their more popular siblings? Are we missing out by sticking to the 'classics'?

We wanted to discover some of the lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours that some of the industry's top interior experts love to use, to inspire your next decor project, and show some love to some of the colours that might not be getting the attention that they deserve!

Read on to reveal why these stunning lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours might just become your new favourites, and let your house stand out from the crowd.

1. Studio Green

First up on our list of lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours is a truly transformative shade.

Katerina Tchevytchalova, Director & Interior Designer at K'Arte Design comments, 'I tend to gravitate to paints that might not be what you would initially expect in that room. For example, Studio Green is a deep, rich green that might not be an obvious choice for kitchens, but it works beautifully to tie in warm, earthy tones found throughout a home.'

'It’s surprisingly versatile, pairing effortlessly with worktops, hardware, and timber finishes. What makes it truly special is its uniqueness - it’s unusual yet timeless, creating a look that the eye never tires of.'

If you're looking for green kitchen ideas, Studio Green could be the perfect choice to take your space from tired to timeless with just a lick of paint.

2. Setting Plaster

'One of my absolute favourites of the lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours has to be Setting Plaster, explains Gemma Gear, Interior Stylist & Creative, at Thats So Gemma.

'It’s so versatile and has an amazing chameleon effect, changing shade depending on the light in the room. It’s a pinky-neutral shade that works beautifully with so many other colours'.

'I’ve gone all out by colour drenching my guest bedroom in Setting Plaster, and I honestly love how it transforms throughout the day. In the sunny mornings, it feels warm and glowy, really bringing out those soft pink undertones. Then, by the afternoon, it takes on a more muted, cooler vibe, which makes the room feel super cosy and calm.'

Pink is forever one of the most popular paint trends and it's easy to see why as this versatile hue has some many guises. There is no space it doesn't work, from bathrooms to bedrooms, walls to ceilings and even front doors!

Another shade of pink that Farrow & Ball is more well known for is Sulking Room Pink. A grown-up, dusky shade, knowing how to decorate with Sulking Room Pink will create a space that is coveted by all that visit.

3. Cooking Apple Green

'If you’re looking to bring more colour to your walls but still want something that feels neutral, then I'd highly recommend trying Cooking Apple Green,' advises Gemma.

'It’s such a warm, fresh shade of green that works with any style and adds a lovely natural feel to your space.'

Lisa Dawson, Interior Stylist and Author adds, 'I've used Farrow & Ball paint many times in my home over the last few decades. My first foray (around 20 years ago) was Cooking Apple Green, a soft, clean green that was perfect for my kitchen cabinet ideas. I teamed it with Shaded White and painted almost my entire downstairs in the same warm tone, loving the contrast with the white ceilings and original wooden doors of our 1930's home.'

4. Red Earth

Moving on to a couple of the more vivid lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours, Esme Amberg, Head of Design at The Roost reveals, 'My current favourite Farrow & Ball combination is a very autumnal and moody choice full of character. Red Earth and Mahogany complement each other beautifully, and the combination creates a bold yet moody and warm feel.'

'I recently used Red Earth on the upper part of the walls with Mahogany below the dado and on the woodwork. It works beautifully in hallways to create a striking, sophisticated look as you step into the house.'

While knowing how to decorate with red is not always an easy one, this warm shade is perfect for adopting the colour-drenching paint trend and will cocoon you in a comforting colour.

5. Beverly

'One of the other lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours that I love is Beverly,' continues Esme. 'A great, fun and playful green, which is commonly used in ambience filled dining spaces or snugs, but it’s perfect for playrooms too!'

'Lively and characterful, the deep green shade will add a splash of colour to your space and is a great canvas for layering brighter accessories and patterns to inspire creativity.'

If you're searching for colours that go with green, look to what undertones your chosen green has, and try to either match or contrast with these.

6. Tallow

'My last favourite lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours is Tallow,' explains Esme.

'Whilst bright yellows are everywhere, I am loving this muted shade. A very subtle and warm cream with yellow undertones that is perfect for bringing some subtle colour to dark spaces or for decorating north facing rooms to help maintain a feeling of warmth.'

'Speaking of bright yellow - this is a great colour to put alongside Tallow for maximum sunshine vibes!' she suggests.

7. Dix Blue

Susan Venn, Interior Designer and Founder of Susan Venn Interior Design has a few favourites when it comes to her choice of lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours.

'My first is Dix Blue is a warm green-blue that is easy to live with, but has a much more energetic feel to it. It looks gorgeous against all wood tones. We have used it in guest bedrooms but it's also great for children's rooms.'

'Next is Light Blue. It's a fresh colour but still has so much warmth. It changes from blue to green depending on the light and is a lovely colour to add subtle drama to a hallway. It looks stunning against warmer red tone accents.'

'Finally, Pigeon is a much sludgier grey green tone which works beautifully in period properties. It looks great in darker spaces and looks equally stunning paired with blue grey on the woodwork.'

8. Vert de Terre

Continuing with our list of interior experts favourite paint colours, and more specifically, their favourite lesser-known Farrow & Ball colours, Reena Simon, Designer, Author & Stylist comments. 'I often gravitate towards colours like Vert de Terre, a soft, earthy green that brings a sense of balance and connection to nature, or Shaded White, a warm off-white that feels both grounding and sophisticated. These shades work beautifully in living spaces and bedrooms, where mood and atmosphere are key.'

'In my book Scandi Rustic, I talk about the importance of colour in evoking feelings of calm and continuity. When paired with natural textures, such as linen, polished concrete, or raw wood, these colours take on a sensorial quality, creating spaces that feel restorative and inviting.'

9. Bone

'For a truly transformative effect, I suggest layering tones like Shadow White or Bone,' continues Reena.

'These softer neutrals create subtle depth without overwhelming a room and act as a perfect backdrop for personal details and tactile elements like jute rugs or wool throws.'

'Farrow & Ball’s less conventional shades encourage us to think beyond trends and embrace colours that speak to us personally, helping to design homes that feel timeless, serene, and uniquely ours.'

10. Calamine

'When we moved to a Victorian period property, for my daughters bedroom, I choose Calamine,' explains Lisa. 'I LOVED this shade, as it was not too pink, warm and subtle.'

'I decorated the living room in Cornforth White (featuring strong grey tones) which worked perfectly in the light, bright living space,' she continues.

'As someone who veers towards lighter shades, the array of Farrow & Ball whites has always worked well for me. Most recently, I used Salt from the Wearstler collaboration in our cloakroom, a sharp bright white that I teamed with Hazy from the same collection, a super muted blue.'

'Some of my top tips when it comes to choosing Farrow & Ball colours are firstly, use the F&B online colour pairing suggestions if you're worried about contrast. Secondly, you can also work with their colour cards - you can invest in the large colour fan which gives you a really good idea of tones without having to buy samples immediately. It's really helpful to work out if the shades you're leaning towards will work in your space.'

FAQS

What is Farrow and Ball’s best-selling colour?

'Last year our best selling colours were Hague Blue, our best-selling blue, our best-selling green was Green Smoke and our best-selling pink was Setting Plaster, explains Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball.

'We only ever have 132 colours in our signature collection, so each and every one has to really earn its place.'

'Joa, our brilliant Colour Curator, is the one who works with me to create new colour collections. When new colours are added, others are retired to our Archive where they are still available for purchase. We also offer collections, such as Carte Blanche, which we created alongside Christopher John Rogers.'

What Farrow and Ball colour is a warm white?

While the best white paint will all look different depending on the room size, which way it faces and how much natural light there is, Patrick O'Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball comments, 'Often, particularly in a north-facing room, a clean white will feel too chilly. Instead, consider whites that have underlying red or yellow notes through them such as Pointing or the more nuanced Joa’s White with its mellow red notes.'

So could any of these colours become your new fav?

It can be an almighty task to get the colour scheme of any room in the house just right, but the bathroom can be one of the most challenging spaces to pick out the best shades for – and when it comes to choosing Farrow & Ball bathroom colours the choice can be even harder given the extent of the range.

Bathroom colour schemes need not only to look fantastic in both daylight as well as under artificial lighting, but they also need to take into account the very practical nature of this space. In addition, it is important that they set the right mood –something that will very much depend on the type of bathroom you are decorating. For example, a family bathroom has very different requirements from a smart ensuite.

We reached out to the experts for their views on the very best shades in Farrow & Ball's range to finish off your bathroom walls with, whether you are aiming for a space to soothe the soul at the end of a busy day or a room in which to emerge energised to face whatever lies ahead.

How to choose Farrow & Ball bathroom colours for your space

When selecting a colour palette for your bathroom ideas, you really need to be thinking about how you envisage the space working, who will be using it most regularly, its size and the amount of natural light it receives.

You might have fallen in love with the shade of pink in your best friend's bathroom, but it may well not suit your space. Fear not though, our expert-led guide to the Farrow & Ball paint shades that work well in most bathrooms is here to help.

'We love using F&B paints in projects due to the variety of colours in the range that all work so well tonally together,' explains Ali Johnson, interior designer and director at Otta Design. 'Their archive colours add even further depth to the offering and shouldn’t be forgotten or overlooked.'

1. Pink Ground

Pinks are brilliant in just about every room of the house given that they come in so many different hues, from vibrant hot pinks that are perfect for those after small bathroom ideas to make their space come alive, to the whisper soft shades that are ultra soothing and can be paired with pretty much anything.

In addition to lending warmth and being easy to combine with other colours, pinks come with other benefits that might just help give you a little confidence boost in the morning.

'Soft pinks are beyond flattering to the complexion,' points out Patrick O'Donnell, Farrow & Ball's brand ambassador. 'So it's a win-win!'

Pink Ground is perfect. It actually started life as a wallpaper background but was so often requested as a paint colour that the company complied. It features a good helping of yellow pigment, making it super soothing. According to the experts at Farrow & Ball, it looks great combined with woodwork finished in Great White.

This bathroom has a beautiful vintage aesthetic which the Carved Louis Ivory Large Leaner Mirror from Mirror Outlet would settle perfectly into.

2. Setting Plaster

This is another pinkish hue, inspired, as the name suggests, by freshly plastered walls and absolutely perfect if you are after vintage bathroom ideas featuring a few antique pieces. That said, it looks equally at home as a backdrop for on-trend brass, bronze and burnished gold finishes, as well as matt black fittings such as this Bathroom WC Set from Mano Mano which includes a towel ring, toilet roll holder, robe hook and black square wall mount.

'Softer pinks, those without too much blue through them, can be totally flattering and a great colour choice for a small bathroom where their gentle tone will add some warmth without overpowering the space,' says Patrick. 'Think Setting Plaster in Modern Emulsion for a delicate atmosphere.'

'The majority of our projects are London-based, where space is often at a premium, particularly in bathrooms,' says Ali Johnson. 'For smaller spaces we would suggest using a lighter colour on the walls and introducing colour through the joinery, window treatments and accessories. This allows for strong accents of colour without overpowering the space or darkening the room.'

3. Calke Green

Green bathroom ideas are popular for a reason.

'Deep, but neither too dark or too verdant, greens are a wonderful friend to bathroom schemes, especially those that offer generosity in size and good natural light,' explains Patrick O'Donnell. 'They will register beautifully against your sanitaryware and make a nice alternative to the ubiquitous blue.'

Calke Green, in particular, is perfect for those who want to make a statement at the same time as creating a space that feels nurturing and restorative. It also pairs well with classic pieces of sanitaryware such as freestanding rolltop baths like the Freestanding Double Ended Roll Top Bath with Chrome Feet from Better Bathrooms, as well as high-level toilets.

4. Breakfast Room Green

Despite the name, this is not a shade reserved only for the room in which you take your tea and toast - although you may, of course, munch your way through the most important meal of the day in the bath should the mood take you.

This is such a versatile green, billed as Farrow & Ball's 'most cheerful' of all their greens meaning it would work just as well for anyone after family bathroom ideas as it would for homeowners searching for a colour to do justice to a guest bedroom ensuite.

If your bathroom happens to have a window that benefits from early-morning light, all the better, as this is a shade that really comes into its own in the dawn light. If not, IKEA's KABOMBALED wall lamp has adjustable brightness that would allow you to tweak illumination levels to mimic this kind of light.

5. India Yellow

For a lot of people, yellow is not a colour they instantly think of for a space that needs to feel calm and peaceful, yet there are lots of ways to decorate with yellow that can result in a space that feels super warm and cosseting.

India Yellow is a lovely rich hue that looks best when paired with earthy shades, as has been done here within a bathroom scheme designed by Otta Design. The vanity has been painted in Brinjal, while the wooden finishes used further help to ground the whole look.

The green and white tiles really help to define the showering area – you could get a similar look using Prismatics Gloss Victoria Green Wall Tiles from Walls and Floors.

6. Skimming Stone

'For me, I approach the design of a bathroom the same way as I approach any other smaller room,' says interior designer Kirstin Eriksson, founder of InsideOut Interior Design. 'An all-white scheme is not the best – it's too cold and clinical. And a little boring.'

'If you're after a calm, neutral bathroom – and I think a bathroom should be a spa-like space – go for neutral tones. Skimming Stone is perfect with Moroccan tiles and patterns elsewhere.' Scintilla Black Star Pattern Tiles from Walls & Floors would pair brilliantly with this shade.

If you want a really versatile backdrop for your bathroom, this one is for you – it pairs beautifully with both crisp white as well as herby-inspired greens.

If you are after shower room ideas to make the most of a smaller space, take inspiration from Kirstin's own project here for which she wanted to create a spa-like feel.

'If I have a feature like a stone wall, I paint everything the same colour – ceiling, walls, skirting – so that the feature can really shine.'

7. Stoney Ground

Stoney Ground is everything a homeowner after a warm, comforting background shade for their bathroom could wish for. It's also ideal if you have any exposed natural materials to work with or are aiming for a country bathroom decoration scheme.

'Stoney Ground is nice for bathrooms in country properties with rustic wooden vanity units and stone walls. It's a little warm with a hint of colour,' explains Kirstin Eriksson. 'I'd never ever use just a bright white, it's so unflattering when looking in the mirror.'

The bathroom in this converted forge, designed by Kirstin, features Skimming Stone on the walls to pick up on the warm tones of the exposed stone elements.

If you are after a similar look, check out the Desirae Single Bathroom Vanity with Vessel Stone Basin from Wayfair.

8. French Grey

It is important to remember, when designing any kind of colour scheme, that it isn't just the walls that define its overall colour or mood – everything from the accessories you add to your choice of bathroom flooring contributes to its final finish.

In bathrooms, which, in some cases, can be some of the most compact rooms with the most expensive of fittings, it can be wise to highlight the features you want to stand out using colour. For example, if you have splashed out on a freestanding rolltop bath, you want to make sure it really shines.

In this space, French Gray was the perfect shade for the bath, acting not only to make it stand out, but also to warm up the otherwise cool colour scheme used on the walls and to offset the natural light that pours into the room.

The Matt Grey Double Ended Freestanding Bath with Brushed Brass Feet from Better Bathrooms offers a similar look.

10. Rectory Red and Paean Black

While you might not want to colour drench your entire bathroom in a blood red, this is a shade that can help with feelings of warmth and positivity. In a bathroom, it is easy to introduce colour in ways other than on the walls – from your choice of sanitaryware to the accessories you splash out on.

Rectory Red is a really warm and cosy shade and so works really well when used for a traditional bath such as this one from The Albion Bath Co.

Paean Black is a sooty shade with undertones of red – combining it with a crisp white will make it sing, although it pairs with many other shades too, including all kinds of pink. Consider introducing other classical elements into your bathroom if this is a colour you like – the Park Lane Traditional Colosseum Triple Bar Column Radiator from Plumbworld would look perfect.

FAQs

What paint finish should you use in a bathroom?

Areas of high humidity need a durable paint finish that will be able to withstand fluctuations in temperature as well as moisture levels – otherwise you risk your well-planned bathroom paint ideas being totally ruined.

'I'd suggest using Modern Emulsion from Farrow & Ball,' says Kirstin Eriksson. 'It is washable and has a very slight sheen.'

That said, if you are painting wood panelling, you need to take a different approach to the type of paint you use.

'Using tongue and groove is a cost-effective way to add texture and interest to a bathroom, as well as being a practical choice,' points out Ali Johnson. 'You can hide storage by also cladding cupboards in tongue and groove to blend into the walls. Always paint panelling in eggshell for a durable finish.'

Spruce tongue & groove cladding from B&Q is a great, cost-effective option.

What is the best paint shade for a bathroom?

There is no one answer to this as it will very much depend on your individual space. That said, some designers do have their favourites.

'Our favourite F&B wall colours for bathrooms are Skylight, Light Blue (see walls below), Pink Ground and Setting Plaster,' says Ali Johnson. 'We like to couple these with a warm, bold colour on the vanity unit, such as Loggia, Brinjal, Hague Blue, Vardo or Porphyry Pink (used on the bath below). Accessories such as towels and lampshades can pull the colour palette together or even be used to add a third colour to the scheme for depth and harmony.'

'I like calm spaces,' says Kirstin Eriksson. 'For me, bathrooms should feel like relaxing spas and so neutral tones work best.'

Farrow & Ball paints have an absolutely beautiful finish that it can be hard to achieve using some other paints. However, if you are after budget bathroom ideas, there ways of making savings while still enjoying the look.

'Colour matching can get quite close, but never identical,' says Kirstin Eriksson. 'I'd suggest that in your key rooms, such as the living rooms, to use Farrow & Ball's Estate Emulsion as it has a lovely chalky finish that you won't get with dupes. Of course with eggshell finishes the difference isn't as obvious.'

'In other rooms, you could get away with some cheaper colour matched paints –these can also be easier to apply.'

Pink? As decor? Groundbreaking. No, but really - many homeowners have previously steered away from the typically 'girly' shade, but it's been having a major resurgence thanks to Farrow and Ball's sulking room pink, a grown-up take on the palette. 

Previously a shade associated with childhood bedrooms, the best pink paint has come of age - and Farrow and Ball's famous Sulking Room Pink shade is the root of all envy. It's been pinned on inspiration boards across social media thanks to its dusky tone that is subtle enough to be treated like a neutral, so it won't take much persuasion to get non-pink lovers on board.  

'Sulking Room Pink is the colour that we have all been looking for,' says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's colour curator. 'An intriguing mix that sates our desire for both grey and pink. It feels both down to earth as well as a little romantic and will create a humble beauty in the home, making rooms feel soft-edged and accessible – exactly the opposite of our hard-edged, flat-screened existence.' 

What's not to love?

How to decorate with Sulking Room Pink

From pink kitchens to picture-perfect pink bedrooms, adding a splash of this on-trend shade to any space is a simple way of revamping it. Gone are the days of minimal white rooms, homeowners are now embracing colour like never before and pink is the ideal place to start - it will work with plenty of other shades and it won't be too overwhelming. 

The shade has gained an almost cult following and if you're curious as to what makes this heritage brand's paint so alluring, Farrow & Ball's Inside The Factory episode will delve into Sulking Room Pink on Sunday 25th February. 

If you're already sold but not sure where to start decorating with Sulking Room pink, or any other pink for that matter, here are our top tips. 

1. Reinvigorate a cooking space

A pink kitchen might seem like a bold (and expensive) choice when you're uncertain whether a trendy colour will stick around, but there are so many ways to bring the shade into a cooking space in a less committal way by knowing what colours go with Sulking Room Pink.

'Sulking Room Pink can be used on kitchen units particularly when combined with darks like Paean Black and Railings for a powerful look. The more darks you combine with Sulking Room Pink the more Bohemian it feels so combining it with Mahogany woodwork is a firm favourite for dramatic impact,' says Joa. 

Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, adds, 'Sulking Room Pink can work well in kitchens to upgrade cupboards, injecting a pop of colour to the room. This works especially well in brighter spaces as the colour is amplified when light bounces off it and around the room.'

2. Cosy up a living room

A living room is a space that you want to feel bright and expansive come a weekend morning when you're relaxing with a cup of tea, but warm and cosy when snuggled up for an evening in front of the TV. Paint is an important factor in how a room feels, but Sulking Room Pink can achieve both goals, depending on the natural light in the room. 

'The shade adds warmth and character to rooms in a truly contemporary way, making it a great option throughout the home,' says Michael. 'For small rooms, this light pink shade works well as it reflects light making the walls appear to fall back and giving the illusion of a bigger, more open space. In bigger rooms, avoid overwhelming the space; instead, highlight accent walls and alcove spaces with the pink shade to create points of interest.' 

And if you're wondering what to pair it with, Michael suggests, 'darker, bold colours like Farrow & Ball Hague Blue and Farrow & Ball Bancha work well with Sulking Room Pink as well as neutral colours like nude shades such as Farrow & Ball Au Lait for a more relaxed and cosy feel.'

3. Create the perfect boudoir

A bedroom is the perfect place to decorate with pink, and Farrow & Ball's shade is one that even a pink-hating husband will get on board with. Whether you soak a whole wall in Sulking Room Pink (or the entire room, a la colour drenching) or choose an abstract paint idea to feature the colour, the result will be calming and characterful. 

'Sulking Room Pink is the perfect colour to add to a muted or neutral scheme as it sits happily with greys as well as warmer neutrals,' recommends Joa. 

4. Make a bathroom prettier

 Family bathrooms and downstairs cloakrooms alike will benefit from a splash of Sulking Room Pink. If you're a fan of spreading out lotions and potions to truly enjoy the getting ready process then using pink will make a washroom feel more glamorous. 

Alternatively, if you're apprehensive about incorporating a pink palette to your home, starting small with a lesser-seen space such as a bathroom will make it more accessible. 

Joa suggests, 'If you have opted to use an understated palette throughout your home, then start using colours in smaller areas like WCs or even just on the interior of a cupboard. It's also the perfect tone for smaller light-deprived areas which feel dull in light colours.'

Where are you featuring Sulking Room Pink first?

Farrow & Ball has rounded up its bestselling paint tester shades for 2023, and far from playing it safe, the list is filled with bold colours.

Tester pots of paint are a gateway to trying out bold and bright paint trends in your home and the Farrow and Ball bestsellers prove just that. Whether you a buying a tester paint to try out a shade, add an accent paint idea to a room or upcycle a piece of furniture, these are the trending shades shoppers can't get enough of.

Farrow & Ball’s bestselling 2023 tester paints

According to paint brand Farrow & Ball three paint shades were their most tested in 2023. There appears to be an overarching theme with all three, with their most popular options being bold, deep colours – as opposed to the safer neutral tones that have dominated homes over the last few years.

1. Bamboozle No.304

The popular paint brand shared that their most tested paint colour of 2023 was Bamboozle No.304, a bright, playful flame-red shade that looks different depending on the lighting in the room.

It was launched in 2022 and proved to be a hit with those looking to change up their decor in 2023 – and we’re not surprised, given the instant dose of warmth and homeliness it’ll add to any property. Farrow & Ball recommends pairing Bamboozle,  with neutrals such as Wimborne White or Bone. It can also complement strong shades such as Beverly and Wine Dark.

2. Hague Blue

Their second most popular colour will come as no surprise to interior lovers. Hague Blue was the next most tested shade in 2023; a regal deep blue that has endured over the years as one of Farrow & Ball’s most popular shades. 

The shade uses green undertones and will 'work in small indoor areas and outdoor spaces,' the brand says. 'Create contrast by accenting alongside Borrowed Light or emphasise the colour by pairing with Lulworth Blue.'

3. Green Smoke No.47

Farrow & Ball shared that Green Smoke No.47 was their most often tested green of the past 12 months and their third overall most popular tester colour. 

It’s easy to see why people have been keen to try out the elegant muted green; it’s bold and colourful without being too scary and intimidating but is also a calming, sophisticated way to add some life to any room, whether it be for a small bathroom idea or a larger living space.

Farrow & Ball say, 'Green Smoke adapts well in different areas, offering an inviting deepness both inside and outside of the home. Pair with a warm neutral such as Old White or amplify its richness by combining with Pelt.'

We know that Farrow & Ball paint can come with a price tag, but even if you can only afford a small tester pot, there are many things you can do with a tester pot of paint.

So if you've been inspired to try one of these bold shades, pick up a pot and have a go at a quick weekend DIY project.