Farrow & Ball colours for 2021: four palettes to inspire you

Farrow & Ball paint colours are a subject of intense interest for any interiors obsessive. Iconic for their instantly recognisable rich pigments – when you see Farrow & Ball , you just know – if you’re a keen decorator, there’s a good chance you’ll even know the names of all your favourite shades (we’re suckers for Stiffkey Blue!).

Here, Farrow & Ball colour curator Joa Studholme reveals the colour palettes to watch in the year ahead, and explains what they represent and how we should be using them. So read on for the ultimate guide to mixing and matching Farrow & Ball colours this year!

• Farrow & Ball alternatives: budget-friendly colour matches from Dulux, Crown and Homebase

And if you fancy bringing these tones into your home, check our out Farrow & Ball-inspired kitchen colours for 2021!

Rich and Warm

Buy Deep Reddish Brown

Buy Tanner’s Brown

Buy Preference Red

‘In challenging times, we crave warm tones that will enrich our homes and create cosy sanctuaries away from the outside world. Luxurious colours like Preference Red can be added to the most neutral of palettes by using them in rooms we use at the end of the day, when we most want to relax and be comforted.

‘Incredibly chic by day and cosy by night, they bring a grounded but luxurious atmosphere that is thought-provoking as well as soothing, particularly when paired with other hues found in the natural world.

‘All three of these chocolatey tones are particularly suited to bookshelves and library shelving when used in Modern Eggshell.

Complimentary Colours

White: Dimity

Neutral: Joa’s White

Mid: Jitney

Strong: Studio Green

Clean and Timeless Blues

Buy Pitch Blue

Buy Stiffkey Blue

Buy Ultramarine Blue

‘The blues best suited to anchoring our homes in 2021 are cleaner tones like lively Pitch Blue, fresh Ultra Marine Blue, and the darker, inkier Stiffkey Blue. These uncomplicated shades feel familiar, like memories from our childhood, so have a soothing effect in the home despite their cooler undertones.

‘For a simple but immersive colour experience, use the colour on both walls and woodwork, using Modern Eggshell and Modern Emulsion to create the perfect family environment that is wipeable and scuff-proof! If, however, you want a more formal and traditional feel, then team these blues with All White or Ammonite on the woodwork and they will sing even more, especially when used in well-lit spaces or on central kitchen islands.

‘However, when used in areas deprived of light or in evening rooms lit by table lamps, they become much richer and more luxurious in feel.’

For more inspiration, check out our guide to using blue in your living room decor.

Complimentary Colours

White: All White

Neutral: Ammonite

Mid: Purbeck Stone

Strong: Lake Red

Natural Greens

Buy Green Smoke

Buy Treron

Buy Sap Green

‘Bringing the elements of the natural world into our interiors encourages personal growth as well as evoking a feeling of calm.

‘This makes greens a particularly popular choice for use in hallways, where they cause the rooms off it to feel bigger and lighter.

‘The traditional grey undertone of Treron makes it feel as if it is part of your family, and, like the slightly bluer Green Smoke, it has an irresistibly inviting deepness and weathered familiarity. These are soft, smoky colours that embrace you on your return home.

‘The more olive-coloured Sap Green is perfect for those who want to embrace a stronger colour with a mid-century modern feel, but still stay in touch with nature and benefit from the protective and grounding attributes of using green in the home.’

Complimentary Colours

White: Shadow White

Neutral: Drop Cloth

Mid: Broccoli Brown

Strong: Tanner’s Brown

Earth Colours

Buy Jitney

Buy Dead Salmon

Buy India Yellow

‘The palette of colours we want to use in the home has expanded, and we are looking to introduce warmer tones to add personality and elegance while still remaining comfortable. Surrender to the urge to escape and find refuge in the beauty of nature by using the colours of the earth.

‘Soft, understated Jitney is the perfect base colour to build upon, and so is particularly suited to kitchens where we can layer other earth colours on units and islands, to reconnect with the elements of land, clean air, and natural light.

‘Modern Eggshell with its incredible knock-proof quality should be used on woodwork, while washable Modern Emulsion is ideal for the walls.

‘The stronger, more mushroom tone of Dead Salmon is just as subtle as Jitney and has an even more aged, earthy look, making it feel familiar and easy to live with.

‘India Yellow is somewhat stronger and moodier – the perfect colour for 2021 with its mix of aged ease and modern strength.’

If neutral and natural is your style, don’t miss our guide to using earth tones in your home decor.

Complimentary Colours

White: Slipper Satin

Neutral: Off White

Mid: Card Room Green

Strong: Mahogany

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