F&B NEW COLOUR LAUNCH
As if it wasn't difficult enough to decide which colours to choose from Farrow & Ball, the Dorset-based company has launched nine new shades for 2016.
The new additions to the 132-strong palette were officially introduced by F&B's colour-consultant, Joa Studholme, via a live web-cast earlier today.
So, let's go through them one by one...
As the name suggests, this new white is reminiscent of the soft tone created when whites are set in shade. Lighter than Shaded White but without the yellow undertones of Slipper Satin or James White, Shadow White works well in any type of room for a beautiful, understated feel.
Drop Cloth is a darker neutral and is named after the invaluable dust-sheets used by decorators. Less green than Old White but lighter than Light Gray, it sits perfectly with Shadow White in any style of room.
Described by Joa Studholme as one of the 'easy greys' Worsted sits between Purbeck Stone and the darker Mole's Breath on the colour card. The name derives from the flat woven fabric used for city suiting and the Norfolk village from where it originated.
Cromarty is the lightest shade in the blue/grey family and takes its name from the Cromarty Estuary in the Scottish Highlands that is often mentioned in the shipping forecast. Like its sister shade, Mizzle, it conjures up visions of howling gales and swirling mists.
Moving away from the neutrals Peignoir is a soft, muted pink that sits well with the bold hues of Brinjal and Brassica but is equally at home with All White for a contemporary feel. Although the name stems from the delicate chiffon garment traditionally worn by women in their mid-twentieth century boudoirs, its heavy grey tone means this is a pink that, according to Joa, is "not just for girls!"
After the hugely successful introduction of Stiffkey Blue to the palette, there is now another blue that I'm sure will prove just as popular. Inchyra Blue is a colour that was created for Lord and Lady Inchyra. It has been used on the doors of the barn at their Georgian home, Inchyra House, and is evocative of the moody Scottish skies which form the backdrop for the building.
Yeabridge Green is the freshest of all the F&B greens. It is named after Yeabridge House in Somerset where it was first discovered behind an original gun cupboard. With more yellow than Cooking Apple Green it lends a lush, botanical feel to any room.
The word 'drab' is perhaps not the most inspiring when it comes to decorating, but somehow those clever ol' sausages at Farrow and Ball manage to pull it off! Salon Drab is a rich, warm, chocolate brown with Georgian roots. Joa recommends pairing it with Arsenic and Rectory Red for a truly historic feel or for a modern look it would work well with the red-based neutrals such as Skimming Stone or Elephant's Breath.
Last but not least is the most vibrant addition: Vardo is a cheerful blue/green which takes its name from the horse-drawn Romany wagons that were so often painted in this shade. Elegant when paired with Pavilion Gray or seductive against darker shades such as Black Blue, Vardo is an extremely versatile colour. I think it would look just fabulous as a backdrop for all those brass accessories that you're going to be buying this year!
Although they never set out to make them a 'collection' per se, these nine complement each other perfectly to create a sophisticated set of colours that not only blend seamlessly with the existing hues but sit together well as a group in their own right. I wish I had a house big enough to use them all, but my favourites are Drop Cloth, Shadow White and Inchyra Blue.
Which ones would you choose?
Kx