Opting for rich, traditional paint colours will complement a property’s heritage, for example, Farrow & Ball’s shades such as Pelt, Eating Room Red or Railings, and will provide a striking background for fabrics, furnishings, accessories and art – bringing a theatrical quality to period houses.

Alternatively, contemporary colours can create a sense of drama in traditional surroundings. If the room you’re designing has lots of architectural features, don’t be tempted to use too much colour on them as this will detract from the very thing you are trying to enhance.

Light plays a very important part when it comes to colour schemes. If you are working on a north-facing room, choosing a cool shade may make the room feel cold so choose warmer tones, such as Joa’s White or Brinjal.

South-facing rooms are a joy to decorate because the quality of light allows the use of both warm and cool colours. Try a less ‘coloured’ palette – such as Pavilion Blue or Borrowed Light – to create an airy space.

For east-facing rooms, the light can appear to be a little blue so it’s best to work with this and choose greens and blues. To create as much light as possible but still retain some warmth, look at colours such as Pale Powder or Teresa’s Green which will really come alive in the morning sunlight.

Colours

For best results, we always recommend that colours are tested in situ and viewed throughout different times of the day.

The four key colours for home decoration in 2017 have an enduring appeal that remains comfortingly familiar despite being used in surprising combinations.

Pink has been at the forefront of decorating for the last year and there is now a natural progression to stronger reds. For example, our Radicchio feels exuberant, romantic and sensual and sits seamlessly with greys – such as Mole’s Breath, Purbeck Stone and Ammonite. Colours like Radicchio should always be the dominant force of a decorative scheme, while the greys remain intrinsic so rooms remain happy and vital.

There is something almost defiant about the use of botanic green on walls instead of the ubiquitous charcoal darks. The sober colour reflects nature and has a fantastically timeless ‘old world’ quality, especially when combined with creams – such as our New White, Farrow’s Cream and Pointing. Farrow & Ball’s green hue, Studio Green, not only creates an alluring retreat but also provides a sanctuary.

Colours such as our Hay feel soft and familiar and are understated. It is not a hot or sunny yellow – although it becomes rawer in bright light – but rather an aged, whimsical tone with an underlying green. The colour is best counterbalanced with blue hues, such as Oval Room Blue and Setting Plaster, to create life-affirming rooms reminiscent of a mid-century palette.

Non-pigment white colours create an uncomplicated feel which is naturally fresh but not stark or ‘brilliant’. The key to this look is to create a mood of stillness and calm by layering different whites – and only whites – together. Hues such as Great White, Cabbage White and Strong White can be used in any combination with non-pigment hues, such as All White, to create the perfect backdrop for both art and natural materials.

Paint finishes

Gloss is generally only used on woodwork, although recently it has been used to produce an ultra-contemporary look on plain plaster walls – especially effective as a feature wall.

We’ve noticed that customers are becoming more experimental in their use of paint finish as well as colour. Our Full Gloss has a striking effect on ceilings and walls to give a contemporary look. Walls glint and shine, creating a ‘jewel-like’ quality while having maximum durability. Try painting a stripe of Full Gloss on to an Estate Emulsion wall in the same colour to create a textured look. The high sheen gloss finish contrasts wonderfully with the chalky matt appearance of Estate Emulsion. This works wonderfully with rich, velvety colours – such as Brinjal, Radicchio and Chappell Green as well as neutrals and off-whites. It is also suitable for exterior use and is a popular choice for front doors. For elegant sophistication, you cannot beat a gloss front door in Black Blue.