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Required Reading: Farrow & Ball Decorating with Colour

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Required Reading: Farrow & Ball Decorating with Colour

October 28, 2013

Farrow & Ball’s new book is an unabashed celebration of the powers of its own paints, featuring 18 case studies from a converted fur factory in Paris to a mountain cabin in Norway. Written by Ros Byam Shaw, the former features editor of The World of Interiors, with photography by Jan Baldwin, Farrow & Ball Decorating with Colour is divided into three main chapters according to style: Classical, Country, and Contemporary. Also included are 10 Decorating Principles to help readers adopt examples from the book and put them into practice in their own homes. 

We particularly like the use of color in UK broadcaster and journalist John Nicolson’s house, which is both classical and contemporary. Here’s a first look.

Photography by Jan Baldwin

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Above: Nicolson’s house in Spitalfields, London, dates to the 18th century and was built for a Hugeunot silk weaver.

Farrow and Ball Decorating With Colour Jon Nicholson Ros Byam Shaw Jan Baldwin 09

Above: The exterior woodwork–shutters, front door, and trim–are painted Green Smoke in an eggshell finish. Farrow & Ball describes the shade as “an uncertain green/blue/grey colour popular in the second half of the 19th century.”

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Above: In the below-street-level kitchen, with flagstone flooring and matchboard paneling, Nicolson used Card Room Green on the woodwork and String, an off white, on the walls.

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Above: The stair and surroundings are in a palette that could have been original to the house: Tanner’s Brown, London Clay, and London Stone on the woodwork; Stony Ground on the plaster walls, and Off-White on the ceiling. 

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Above: An Eames La Chaise (which Nicholson found in a junk shop) contrasts with the formal lines of his sitting room. The original features had been stripped and Nicolson reinstated the mantel and matchboard paneling. The walls are painted Off-White and the paneling Light Gray

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Above: In another room, Joa’s White extends from paneling to trim to door: “For devotees of Off-White, this colour, though just darker, has none of the coolness or perceived greenish nature of Off White.”

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Above: In a white attic bedroom, the fitted cupboards have been set off by several coats of Mouse’s Back

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Above: Farrow & Ball Decorating with Colour, is just out from Ryland Peters & Small; US, $45UK, £35.

Looking for more help selecting paint colors? Have a look at some of our favorite Remodeling 101 posts: 10 Architects’ Moody Paint Picks, 10 Happiness-Inducing Paint Colors, Architects’ Top 10 Gray Paint Picks, and Architects’ White Exterior Paint Picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the book 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour' about?

The book 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour' is a guide to using paint and colour in interior design, written by Ros Byam Shaw.

Who is the author of 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour'?

The author of 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour' is Ros Byam Shaw.

What kind of information can I expect to find in 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour'?

The book covers a wide range of topics related to paint and colour in interior design, including tips for choosing the right colours, advice on creating a cohesive colour scheme, and practical information on painting techniques and finishes.

Is 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour' suitable for beginners?

Yes, the book is suitable for both beginners and experienced designers. It includes helpful tips and information for anyone interested in using colour and paint in interior design.

Where can I purchase 'Farrow and Ball: Decorating with Colour'?

The book is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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