Farrow & Ball Nods to Nostalgic Design With Rare Release of 12 New Colors

Farrow & Ball, the premium, UK-based paint brand beloved by interior designers for its highly curated palette, is officially adding 12 new colors to its signature collection. The reason this is a big deal? The brand, which prides itself on its small range of 132 shades, rarely introduces new colors—in fact, the last time it did so was in 2022. 

Nine of the colors are totally new, and three were resurrected from the treasured Farrow & Ball Archive. According to the brand, these hues are reminiscent of “ordinary household items and foods that enhance our daily lives.” Think comforting shades of salmon, terracotta, browns, and a spectrum of greens, including one inspired by the tarnished brass of a candle snuffer. The brand explains that the palette “celebrates, illuminates, and indulges in the everyday. The hidden heroes of our fondest memories and the special touches that make a moment an occasion.” 

This return to the familiar signals a huge change of pace in design, which is often chasing the next best, new thing. Lately, there’s been a shift—we’re falling back on nostalgia and vintage paint colors are on the rise. Instead of what’s shiny and new, designers are returning to comforting classics. “These unsung heroes are all drawn from our fondest memories so they feel familiar and comfortable, particularly to those who are wary of bold tones,” says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball’s color curator. “This quieter, considered palette feels expressive without being ‘shouty,’ which suits our interiors going forward.”

But how do you work these hues, which will be available to order on February 27, into your home, especially if you’re color-shy? We asked Studholme to share how you can weave the brand’s new shades into your space.

Stick to Earthy Shades

The trend towards deeply pigmented, muted shades definitely makes it easier to break into color because these shades feel familiar. “Etruscan Red, Duster, Marmelo, Naperon, and Broccoli Brown are earthy without being overwhelming,” says Studholme. “Despite being rich, they have a quietness which sits particularly well alongside many natural materials.” This makes these colors way easier to blend into a home.

Pair Greens With Pinks

Green used to be scorned in the design world, but now it seems like interior decorators can’t get enough of the hue. For regular folks, though, it can still be a little intimidating. Studholme’s advice? Pair verdant shades with pale pinks. “We have found that green is enduringly popular, especially when teamed with soft pinks,” Studholme says. “We brought back Sap Green from our Archive because it is a true celebration of nature, and although fairly strong, like the other two greens, it has a slightly understated feel, especially when combined with Scallop on the ceiling.” 

Focus on a Small Space

If you want to truly go bold, consider coating a small space, like a hallway, powder room, or even the inside of a closet. Studholme’s tip if you really want to experiment (without going overboard), is to physically restrict color a bit within your space. “If you want to use a stronger tone, then keep it below your eyeline, like on kitchen islands, so it doesn’t feel nearly as imposing,” she says. “Don’t forget that the rooms off halls painted in strong tones like Douter or Etruscan Red will always feel lighter.”

Or Just Ignore All the Rules

Sometimes, the reason we’re afraid to delve into color is because we’re afraid of breaking design ”rules.” But according to Studholme, “There are no hard or fast rules.” Plus, by keeping its palette so small and carefully curated, Farrow & Ball makes it so you really can’t go wrong, no matter which color you choose.