How to decorate with the new Farrow and Ball colour palette
There is always a sense of anticipation when colour paint giant Farrow and Ball release their new palettes. In September 2022, 11 new colours were introduced that will influence the way we decorate our homes for years to come. Let's have a look at these beautiful colours and how they can be used.
Stirabout by Farrow and Ball
Stirabout is inspired by the nurturing porridge favoured over many centuries in Ireland. An earthy tone with just a hint of underlying grey, it’s perfect for creating a relaxed feel, which will never be too cold. Try pairing it with Jitney and natural fabrics for a laidback look.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: White & Light Tones
Complementary white: Pointing
Eddy - the gentle green
A gentle green named after the circular currents enjoyed by wild water swimmers as a natural jacuzzi. This evocative colour creates a seamless connection with nature, perfect for use in a garden room or alongside natural materials. A breath of fresh air, Eddy is also an ideal choice for calm, relaxing spaces. It is delicate in tone without crossing into pastel and sits at the lightest end of the French Gray and Treron family.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: White & Light Tones
Complementary white: School House White
Tailor Tack - the lightest of pinks
The lightest and most delicate of the Farrow and Ball pinks, this charming colour is that of the tacking thread used in Haute Couture ateliers. It may be delicate but it’s strong in character and has enough colour contrast with white. Perfect paired with vintage finds or industrial accents, this shade works well in both traditional and modern schemes.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: White & Light Tones
Complementary white: Wimborne White
Templeton Pink - a welcoming pink
A historic-feeling pink, this shade was developed for the dining room at Templeton House to offset the magnificent Wedgwood plaques made to commemorate the former owner, although it suits a contemporary setting just as well. A more intense version of Setting Plaster or Pink Ground, it creates a warm, welcoming space, particularly in low light where this shade becomes surprisingly deep.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Mid Tones | Complementary white: Stirabout
Bamboozle - The spirited red
Farrow and Ball's most spirited red, the name of this fiery hue was originally used to describe the deceit of pirates. Full of buccaneering spirit, Bamboozle brings joy and warmth to any room scheme and is easy to use in both traditional and modern homes.
It will hold its own in any light and pairs brilliantly with other strong colours, like Beverly and Wine Dark. Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Red & Warm Tones
Complementary white: Slipper Satin
Hopper Head
Sitting between the ever-popular Railings and Down Pipe, this classic charcoal colour is inspired by the attractively designed iron containers used to catch rainwater at the top of a downpipe.
Ideal for creating inviting spaces, Hopper Head works beautifully with nearly any Farrow & Ball shade or can be used exclusively across walls, woodwork and the ceiling for a dramatic space.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Dark Tones | Complementary white: Blackened
Selvedge
A lighter, less grey version of popular De Nimes, Selvedge is named after the highly prized denim woven on a shuttle loom to produce closed edges. It’s particularly good in low-light spaces, creating a familiar and friendly atmosphere, making it suited to bedrooms or rooms you spend time in, in the evening. It pairs beautifully with accents of darker colours like Inchyra Blue or Hopper Head.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Mid Tones | Complementary white: Shadow White
Kittiwake
This clean cool blue is inspired by the wings of seabirds when seen in bright sunlight. Sitting between Parma Gray and Lulworth Blue, Kittiwake has a touch more black pigment creating a warmer, more relaxed feel.
This shade is perfect for living spaces, staying truly blue in all lights. It also complements stainless steel especially well, so is ideal for contemporary kitchens. A sophisticated blue, it looks fantastic with Wine Dark and Borrowed Light.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: White & Light Tones | Complementary white: Strong White
Wine Dark
Inspired by midnight skies, this spiritual colour is named after the term Homer used to describe the sea. Our richest blue, it’s the perfect addition to our strong blue family, being more sophisticated than Stiffkey Blue and more upbeat than Hague Blue.
In low-light, Wine Dark becomes even richer, making it particularly glamorous in candlelight and perfect for creating intimate spaces.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Dark Tones | Complementary white: Ammonite
Whirlybird
For an upbeat space, try this lively green. A lighter version of Breakfast Room Green, Whirlybird is inspired by the papery winged seeds beloved by many playful young gardeners and nature lovers. It looks particularly lively in morning light and is complemented by Beverly and James White.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Mid Tones | Complementary white: James White
Beverly
This clean mid green is a dependable, uncomplicated colour, with the ability to feel even greener in bright daylight or more conservative in lower light. This shade is a beautiful addition to any home.
Recommended Primer & Undercoat: Dark Tones | Complementary white: Shaded White
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
