Bespoke House History Research

3 Bold Farrow & Ball Colours I’ve Used in My Home (And Why I’d Use Them Again!)

I’ve surprised myself with some of the colour choices I’ve made in my home. When it comes to my wardrobe, I’m 100% a neutrals girl – black, white, beige… But step into my house, and it’s a completely different story.

One of the things I loved most about my house – and a big part of why I bought it – was its subtle nods to Edwardian history. It made sense to me to carry some of that character into the decor, including the colours on the walls.

Bold and bright can be scary. I remember walking my mum and her friend around the house, sharing my ambitious plans for colour and pattern, and being met with the classic objection: “Dark colours will make the rooms feel smaller!” But I had a vision. I wanted a mix of moods: cosy and moody, light and airy, bold and dark, bright and joyful.

In a small cottage, there’s always the risk of it feeling a bit too busy – but personally, I love that every room has its own personality.

If you’re considering going bold, my biggest advice is to invest in high-quality paint. I’ve mostly used Farrow & Ball – not necessarily because it’s the best-performing brand (let’s be honest), but because it’s accessible and offers breathable, richly pigmented colours. In my experience, colour-matching never hits quite the same.

Here are three bold Farrow & Ball colours I’ve used so far, and exactly how I’ve made them work:

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Stiffkey Blue – Dramatic but Timeless

Where I used it: Home Office

This rich, inky navy has real depth. My favourite thing about it is how it changes with the light—bright and saturated during the day, then beautifully moody and cosy as it fades into evening. It’s perfect when paired with warm lighting, natural floorboards, and wooden furniture.

I’ll admit: using such a dark colour in the home office was ambitious. It’s perfect for focus and atmosphere, but not ideal for Zoom calls once the sun goes down. I’ve solved it with a good desk light, but it was a rookie mistake not to consider lighting properly before choosing paint! That said, this was the first room I decorated—so I’ll let myself off. Honestly, I love it so much I wouldn’t change it anyway.

Bancha – Olive Green With a Heritage Feel

Where I used it: Main Lounge

This one was an easy decision. I knew I wanted to include a dark green, and Bancha offers a beautiful olive tone that feels earthy and grounding. It works perfectly with the cosy atmosphere in winter, especially when the log burner’s lit. In summer, the sun sets outside the bay window, casting a diamond pattern on the wall through the leaded glass.

I paired it with a large patterned rug and earthy-toned soft furnishings to keep the room warm and textured.

For a girly touch, I added a matching green gingham bow garland (by KedgeandCo from Etsy) to the fireplace beam.

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Sulking Room Pink – Muted Drama

Where I used it: Entrance Hall & Staircase

This was definitely a “my house, my rules” moment. I paired Sulking Room Pink with a bold floral wallpaper in the hallway – yes, it’s a lot for your first step inside the house, but it makes me so happy. Seeing pink every time I open the front door is one of my favourite things about home ownership.

I also added panelling – because if you’re going bold, why not go all in?

Originally, I’d planned to use Sulking Room Pink in the dressing room, but after testing a few shades in the hallway, this one stood out. Its dusky undertone feels soft and elegant while still making a statement.

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Final Thoughts

Going bold doesn’t have to be scary. Each of these Farrow & Ball colours has helped me bring out the character of my Edwardian cottage. Whether it’s a deep navy, a heritage green, or a dusky pink, bold colours can still feel timeless when they echo nature and tradition.

If you’re experimenting with colour in your own home, I’d love to know what you’re considering.