02 Oct 2017

Charlotte Cosby at Farrow & Ball offers an industry insight into paint trends for 2018

The last 12 months have heralded the return of colour within interiors, with homeowners becoming increasingly confident in their decorating choices and embracing more dramatic, vivid hues. While the delicate neutrals and Scandi greys remain ever-popular, full-bodied colour is also finding its voice again, says Charlotte Cosby Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball.

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The paint shades people will want to use in their homes over the next year represents a continued interest in this trend, with the rich tones of Farrow & Ball Radicchio and Studio Green signalling a readiness to return to more definite colour.

Pink has been at the forefront of decorating for the last few years and there is now a natural progression towards stronger reds, with their spirit of bold optimism. Radicchio feels exuberant, romantic and sensual, rather than clean or graphic, due to its complex underlying blue tone.

The colour sits seamlessly with the harmonious greys, Mole’s Breath, Purbeck Stone and Ammonite, despite their more minimal aesthetic, to create rooms with impact and depth. Radicchio should always be the dominant force of this decorative scheme, while the greys remain an intrinsic but more recessive element, so rooms remain happy and vital.

This sense of conviction is also present in the second key colour from Farrow & Ball, Studio Green. There is something almost defiant about the use of this botanic colour on walls instead of the ubiquitous charcoal darks. It is unapologetically clubby and has a fantastically timeless old-world quality, but can be used in the most modern of rooms.

The sober colour reflects nature, especially when combined with creams such as New White, Farrow’s Cream and Pointing, all of which blend seamlessly to create rooms that feel calm and serene. Studio Green walls not only create an alluring retreat but also provide a sanctuary. They contribute to a feeling of both harmony and security, proving that the colour is both aesthetic and protective. Before starting any design project, it’s important to consider the architecture, shape and purpose of a room. Radicchio, for example, works wonderfully in areas used for entertaining to create a really dramatic and intimate atmosphere, particularly when illuminated by candlelight.

The quality and direction of light within a room is another important element to take into account. The same colour can appear quite different from room to room, at different times of the day, and even depending on the time of year. Studio Green, the darkest shade of green on the Farrow & Ball colour card, often looks black in small spaces. However, in larger and lighter rooms, the super-rich hue can be truly appreciated.

When choosing a decorating scheme it is always a good idea to use a sample pot to test the colour in-situ. Paint a piece of cardboard so that you can move it about the room to see how the light affects the colours throughout the day. This will also allow you to create your very own moodboard and compare the colour against others within your scheme.

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