Madalynn Dudley
Whether you are looking to add a light and airy feel to your room, or a darker, luxe aesthetic, the British upmarket paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball could have the exact shade to create the space of your dreams. The founders, John Farrow and Richard Maurice Ball were two former chemists, and today, the company has grown to become one of the world’s most exclusive and trusted paint manufacturers, with around 132 shades in their portfolio.
They have worked with the National Trust to match colours used in original interiors and exteriors of historic buildings and even created a shade of white reviewed by the New Yorker. Their five-colour trends are bolder than those predicted by other paint manufacturers, and they are all familiar comforting shades, promoting optimism, cheerfulness and well-being – subtle without being overwhelming, the perfect colour palettes for this year. When used as a background for abstract artwork, on feature walls or woodwork it is particularly striking, and if you place an antique or crystal vase with bright orange or tangerine floral displays in them, together the colours burst with joy. Babouche is a cheerful shade, one that heralds a return to normality – an ochre hue that intensifies when paired with crisp white accents and vibrant biophilia.
The footwear can often be found in souks in Tangiers or Marrakech, stacked in woven baskets or displayed in rows of soft leather with rounded or pointed toes. The vibrant shade sits well with Zellij style or gloss, and matt white ceramic tiles and the paint brings a sunny ambience to any room without feeling overwhelming.
Babouche works in hallways, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen areas – a happy sunshine yellow always guaranteed to make you smile. Incarnadine is a deep, dramatic rich shade of crimson that you find in aristocratic stately homes hidden behind portraits of ancestors or country landscapes in gilded gold frames. Incarnadine is a colour that exudes classic glamour, and can bring a traditional, or edgy and graphical look to any room, depending on complementing furnishings and accessories. Perfect for long tiled hallways, living rooms with original fireplaces and bedrooms seeking a boudoir ambience or colour block styling, Incarnadine is bold, energetic and is similar to the deep red used by David Hicks at Barons Court in the 1970s.
The calming blue hues always look different depending on how the light catches them and when paired with Babouche, Farrow & Ball’s Rangwali (named after powder colours used in India’s Holi Festivals) and School House White, it can be a breath-taking combination. Stone Blue works well in historic properties with long, sash or bay windows, pair with antique chandeliers and vintage wall posters or artwork for a contemporary, yet old-world salon vibe. With the trend of indoor wall panelling at an all-time high, we couldn't help but admire this neutral choice which will certainly add an edge to any boot room in the home. School House White is a timeless shade, a soft, slightly off-white colour that is fresh, pared back and familiar – a nostalgic tone, inspiration coming from the walls of old schoolhouse buildings. When paired with dark wood panelling, deep burgundy and blue shades, wingback armchairs or even monochrome artwork, the light colour really comes into its own and there’s an understated warmth that you don’t usually achieve from other tones in the white paint family. School House White works well with many of the five Farrow & Ball 2022 colours including Babouche, Stone Blue and Breakfast Room Green.
Firstly, build your dream colour palette around key furniture and accessories – these are usually statement pieces like sofas, a large dining table or armchairs. Once you have these ideas in place, you can begin to curate a delightful, tailored space where you can relax and unwind with a book, watch a movie, or an area where the entire family can come together for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Choosing the right artwork can also enhance your space and colours, it can pull your chosen look together to make it look modern, traditional, or even give it an edgy vibe.
