Are you tired of the same old paint colors and looking for something truly unique? While Farrow & Ball boasts a stunning palette of 132 colors, many of its most captivating shades are often overlooked, overshadowed by the ever-popular Setting Plaster, Railings, and Skimming Stone. But what if the secret to a truly original and interesting space lies in these hidden gems?
We spoke with Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s esteemed brand ambassador and color expert, to uncover the underrated hues that deserve a much brighter spotlight. Moving beyond the trendiest picks for 2026 and the usual suspects can actually lead to a more distinctive and personal home. And this is the part most people miss: these less common colors can inject a surprising amount of character and sophistication.
Brassica: The Ethereal Lilac
Patrick notes a growing trend in mauves, lilacs, and mulberries within fabrics and wallpapers, yet their adoption in paint has been slower. He suggests that when used thoughtfully, these shades can add a subtle yet captivating interest, especially for those wanting to venture beyond the ubiquitous blues and greens. Farrow & Ball’s Brassica, a beautiful shade within the lavender-lilac family, possesses an ethereal quality. It’s soft rather than stark, making it versatile enough for both contemporary and traditional interiors.
While deeper aubergine and plum purples are currently making waves, softer purple tones and lilacs are less in vogue. However, this doesn't diminish their potential or suitability if purple is a color you're drawn to. Interestingly, if you're someone who enjoys decorating with birth month colors, Brassica is a perfect fit for those born in February, as purple is considered the color for that month.
Fake Tan: The Warm Embrace of Apricot
Darker, earthy terracotta shades have been incredibly popular recently, aligning with the current love for warm, nature-inspired palettes. However, their lighter counterparts often don't receive the same attention, even within Farrow & Ball's extensive range. Patrick explains that apricot pinks and faded terracottas might seem challenging at first glance but are incredibly effective at imparting warmth. Popular in the mid-20th century and seeing a resurgence in the 1980s, these hues, when applied strategically, can completely transform a less-than-ideal space. They truly shine in rooms bathed in natural light, where the apricot undertones soften and create a gentle, sun-kissed glow. Two standout shades from their archive are Menagerie and Fake Tan.
Suffield Green: The Joyful Mid-Green
While certain Farrow & Ball greens, like the popular Green Smoke, are well-loved, many other shades remain largely unnoticed. Patrick highlights a couple of his most underrated picks as Regency greens. He observes that while green is a perennial favorite, people often gravitate towards cooler, paler, or darker, moodier tones. Mid-greens – those richer, more verdant hues – can bring a joyful freshness to various rooms, from bedrooms and living areas to kitchen cabinets. They also integrate seamlessly with other colors, offering flexibility for layering textiles and artwork. Archive shades such as Pea Green and Suffield Green are lauded for their charming period elegance, particularly suited for rooms with ample space and high ceilings.
Wainscot and Dauphin: The Understated Elegance of Brown
It was surprising to learn that Farrow & Ball's Wainscot and Dauphin are considered underrated, especially given the significant popularity of brown color schemes in recent years, even prompting Farrow & Ball to introduce a new brown shade, Broccoli Brown. Patrick believes these specific shades deserve far more recognition. He describes tobacco and caramel tones as a palette often favored by confident designers but perhaps less approachable for the average DIY decorator. Yet, he argues, these colors offer understated elegance and deserve greater attention. They layer beautifully with greens, blues, pinks, and reds, consistently adding warmth for a cozy yet chic ambiance. Pairing them with a crisp white trim can create a more contemporary look, while softer, drabber neutrals lend a more settled, lived-in feel. Archive shades like Dauphin and Wainscot are Patrick's go-to choices, with Wainscot being a particularly timeless option for kitchen cabinets when combined with aged brass hardware.
But here's where it gets controversial: With so many stunning colors available, is it truly the color that makes a space unique, or is it the way it's used? Do you think focusing on 'underrated' shades is more about personal preference, or is there a genuine objective advantage to choosing less common hues?
Which of these overlooked Farrow & Ball shades resonates most with you? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts!
