Bright paint is coming back – Farrow & Ball puts the writing on the wall

Last week’s guest post by Trend Bible mentioned a big comeback for paint in spring/summer 2012: ‘As consumers grow in confidence and use increasingly unusual and bold colours in the home, we think there will be a revived interest in using paint in place of wallpaper.’

This will make a refreshing change from the huge popularity that statement wallpaper has seen in recent years, and is the perfect platform for bold block colour in 2012. The brilliant thing about painted walls is that the colour can be changed easily, frequently and affordably. But how do we become faithfully monogamous to this style when we have been in love with the multi-coloured florals, graphics, stripes and geometric patterns that have graced wallpaper for so long? Who better to talk to than the director of Farrow & Ball, Sarah Cole:

For those of us thinking ‘new year = new wall colour’, what palette is key for 2012?

‘There is a brave and uplifting quality about decorating with a bold, unexpected shade and it is these colour combinations and colour blocking that are the key looks for 2012.

‘Strong greys are accented with warm yellows and clean blues for a really modern, graphic look, while subdued blue-greys and delicate purples remain fresh when paired with brighter colours in dynamic combinations.’

Following Sarah’s advice, you can complement grey walls with the yellow and blue graphic print seen in this Bradbury lampshade. See the Bradbury collection at mydeco.com for your own 2012 home projects or for on-trend Christmas presents.

What is a good tone to go for if you’re not used to bright colours?

‘Decorating with colour need not be daunting – it should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Colour is also very personal – it reflects our character as well as creating emotional responses and atmosphere, so it’s important that you select a palette that feels right for you.

‘Bolder colours can be introduced as an accent either on a feature wall, woodwork or accessories. If introduced in small amounts and on easily changeable accessories, this will allow you to update as you wish.’

Wallstickers, like these apple-patterned Pom wall stickers above, are great for injecting colour into a room and can be changed easily to suit seasons and colour schemes.

What advice can you give to encourage people to be braver with their decor?

‘There are many ways of decorating and how you use colour is entirely down to personal preference and your desired feel for the room. There are no strict rules but popular ways of decorating include trying coloured walls with white woodwork, lighter walls with darker woodwork, or one colour used on both the walls and woodwork.’

3D room designed by fre82

‘In larger rooms strong colours will feel much brighter so it might be better to start by restricting a bold colour to a smaller space or a room that you use less frequently. Spaces such as dining rooms, cloakrooms or hallways can be transformed with the use of an interesting jewel-like tone, such as the deep-purple Pelt, to create a warm and intimate space.’

3D room designed by cerenimo

How can people get the confidence to step out of their safety zone? 

‘Experiment! We would always recommend that people try using sample pots in the room or rooms that they are planning to decorate. Seeing the colour in-situ can really help make your mind up and, when considering how light affects colour, this will allow you to see how it looks at different times of the day.’

Are there limits to how much you should paint?

‘There are no limits and the use of paint is a quick and easy way to transform your home whether completely redecorating or updating tired looking furniture. Colour is also entirely personal and can be used to great effect in any home, however it is important that the right finish is used to ensure the best result.’

3D room designed by idesine

‘Also, different colour combinations will work in different rooms and when it comes to choosing colour, there are no strict rules but there are many factors to take into consideration. Architecture, the purpose, shape and direction of a room, and above all light, should always be taken into account as they will contribute to the changing appearance of colours.’

For people what want to paint floor to (literally) ceiling, what do you advise?

‘Using one colour on both the walls and woodwork is very popular in contemporary settings as it creates a very strong, clean look. This look can also feel extremely calm and make a room feel much bigger, as there are no contrasts to draw the eye. For example, walls and woodwork both in the bright and clean All White will create light and space, while a room painted in the stronger, darker Hague Blue will give a dramatic, yet intimate effect.

‘When considering these styles of decorating it is important to always consider the light the room has, the space available and the look you wish to create.’

Image credit: Farrow & Ball

Are there any colours you really shouldn’t juxtapose?

‘Weight of colour can be important when considering colour combinations. If you want a house to flow from room to room, you should choose paints that have the same weight of colour within them. A pale colour such as Tallow may feel unbalanced when paired with the rich purple of Pelt, which has a strong weight of colour. On the other hand, a Stone Blue hallway leading into a Rectory Red living room will work well because the weight of colour is similar.’

If bold, statement wallpaper is still your trend de jour, watch out for my forthcoming interview with mydeco.com supplier Beware the Moon, whose designs include velvet skulls and holographic girls.

Image credit: Beware the Moon

Want a splash of Farrow & Ball in your home for Christmas but don’t have an army of elves to help redecorate in time for the turkey? Get a great Christmas gift for the whole family with a Sky+ HD box designed by Farrow & Ball. Silvergate is one of their most popular wallpaper patterns and they’ve used this design on a collection of limited edition Sky+ HD boxes, to celebrate ten years of Sky+.

The limited-edition 1TB Sky+HD boxes are available to pre-order and are priced from £49 for existing Sky customers or from £149 for new customers.