These are Farrow & Ball's current 'most loved' paints – and how to decorate with them throughout the home

From deep blue to earth-toned pink, these paints are universally loved

sage green kitchen, dark blue living room. pink bedroom
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

When it comes to decorating with Farrow & Ball paints, you're most likely familiar with some of their most popular shades. From rich blue to earth-toned pink, these paints are continually embraced by interior designers and homeowners alike. 

But what are the best ways to decorate with these popular colors? To give us some guidance, Farrow & Ball's color specialist Patrick O'Donnell took to Instagram to share a video in which he talks through three of the brand's 'most-loved' colors. 

Below, we've rounded up each paint idea, sharing Patrick's color expertise to give you some ideas for decorating with some of Farrow & Ball's best sellers. Whether you want to create a moody kitchen or a restful bedroom, these ideas are absolute classics that we're sure you'll love. 

1. French Gray

sage green kitchen

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Farrow & Ball's French Gray is the first of the paint brand's most loved paint colors, and Patrick says it makes a great choice for a living room. This color leans a lot more green than it does gray and works well to create a calming scheme.

'Just team this very simply with your trim and ceiling color in Slipper Satin,' Patrick suggests. Referring to this warm white paint, Patrick explains: 'When you start playing with off-whites, they’re nicer than really sharp clean whites.'

To finish the scheme, Patrick advises incorporating a splash of red with Preference Red as an accent color. 'This could be just a fabric reference,' he says while adding that this bold hue could also be used to paint furniture. 'Those plummy reds work really well with the green,' he says.

2. Hague Blue

dark blue living room with green sofa and open shelving

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

You've most likely heard of Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue before, a popular moody shade of blue. 'Everybody loves Hague Blue,' says Patrick. You can use this bold color in many rooms, but Patrick suggests using it on kitchen cabinets for a classic look. 

To uplift this deep shade, Patrick recommends decorating with Bancha, a mid-century-inspired olive green color, in smaller doses.

'And then just to lighten everything, give a bit of relief, paint all your walls and ceilings in the lovely Shaded White.'

3. Setting Plaster

pink bedroom

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster is another of the paint company's most loved colors, which Patrick describes as 'the most flattering of earth pinks.' Again, there are many ways to use Setting Plaster, but Patrick recommends using this soft hue in a bedroom

As an accent color, Patrick recommends teaming Setting Plaster with Mouse's Back: 'They just play really nicely together, that pink and brown is such a beautiful combination.'

And for your trim and ceiling, the color expert recommends School House White to complete the relaxing bedroom scheme.

Image of Patrick O’Donnell
Patrick O’Donnell

Patrick O’Donnell is Farrow & Ball's color consultant & brand ambassador and has been with the brand since 2012. Patrick works with designers in the UK and North America, helping to bring their projects alive with the iconic, F&B color palette.


Whether you're looking to create a calming bedroom or on-trend kitchen, these expert-suggested color schemes are a great place to start. Or, if you're looking to add some more color to your home for spring, these Farrow & Ball cheerful color schemes have you covered. 

Paint & Color Editor

Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.