Five colour palettes to decorate your home with

Cool & considered

Middle Buff by Little Greene paired with teak furniture — Referencing many 1930s buildings, Middle Buff by Little Greene is a yellow-hued neutral that looks great alongside rich blues. When paired with teak furniture it really comes into its own. - -

To create a sense of tranquillity in your home, look no further than the colour blue. From rich navy to peppy duck egg, try layering up a range of colours from the spectrum for a scheme that feels cohesive.

‘If you’re looking for ways to bring some calm, positivity and restfulness to your interior, there’s no better place to start than looking at blue and green palettes,’ explains Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador Patrick O’Donnell. ‘They’re the colours of the outdoors – the sky, sea and fields – so remind us of our connection to nature.'

Shallows, Jack Black, Smalt and Air Force Blue, all by Little Greene. - -

A selection of blue paint colours — Middle Buff, £47 for 2.5l, Little Greene; Morocco, £44.99 for 2.5l, Vintro; Vintage Denim, £50 for 2.5l, Designers Guild; Hague Blue, £47.95 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball; Smidgen, £45 for 2.5l, Earthborn Paints. - -

Brass antiques that are complemented by a blue colour scheme — - -

Spring awakening

We’re big on pink in this blush scene, featuring the Layla sofa, starting from £899 for a small at Marks & Spencer - -

To give your home a gentle refresh, try replacing standard off-white or creamy shades with a barely-there pink to create a warm base for other ice-cream colours such as coral, yellow or powder blue. This palette will also enliven a dull room that has little natural light.

Peaceful Soul paint by Valspar as a backdrop to a black armchair — Peaceful Soul paint by Valspar is the background for this living room, displaying pops of yellow and coral, plus a statement chair in dramatic black. - -

‘Colour trends have shifted from grey tones to a more restful and cosseting palette,’ Patrick says. ‘There is a particular demand for pinks, especially at the duskier end of the spectrum. We have also noticed a revival of yellow – a previously much-ignored shade.’

Shades of pink — Ammonite, £47.95 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball; Scandinavian Pink, £21.95 per litre, Annie Sloan; You’re Blushing, £29 for 2.5l, Valspar; Mister David, £47 for 2.5l, Little Greene; Ethereal Blue, £49.50 for 2.5l, Edward Bulmer. - -

Earthly pleasures

Take inspiration from the colours of nature – verdant green, soft brown and rich red – to create a mature, soothing scheme. Here, Velvet Evening paint by Crown, £21.50 for 2.5l, creates the ideal backdrop for a chest of drawers and gilt frame. - -

The colour of life, renewal and safety, green seems like the most logical tint to turn to in these turbulent times. Opt for cool-toned greens to create a classic look that’s perfect for period homes. Or incorporate pops of contrasting earthy shades – such as clay, ochre or brown – for a twist on tradition.

Entrance hall painted in Heat and Pleat from Little Green — The bright orange of Heat makes a pleasing contrast to cool Pleat, both Little Greene. - -

‘Reaching to nature for inspiration has made sure that a wide variety of greens are becoming a popular choice for home decor,’ says Crown Technical Consultant Judy Smith, ‘from rich and calming khaki shades, through to trendy neo-mint.’

Rustic paint swatches — Orange 02, £38 for 2.5l, Lick; Oxford Gardens, £50 for 2.5l, Designers Guild; Cactus, £38 for 2.5l, Neptune; Mallard Green, £30.74 for 2.5l, Dulux; Heat, £47 for 2.5l, Little Greene. - -

Rustic, handcrafted pieces with patina — - -

The new neutrals

French Linen, £41.95 for 2.5l from Annie Sloan and cushions in Annie’s fabrics, which start at £34.95 per m. — Inspired by the natural colour of faded textiles, French Linen, £41.95 for 2.5l from Annie Sloan, is a perfect base colour. The day bed is peppered with cushions in Annie’s fabrics, which start at £34.95 per m. - -

‘There are two things to consider when choosing colours,’ explains Judy from Crown. ‘What style do you want, and what is the atmosphere?’ To create an ambience that oozes informal Scandi charm, this neutral palette is simple and sophisticated. Use a chalky white hue as your base and build other colours around it.

The Sketch Book wallpaper, £175 for three rolls, Mind The Gap. - -

‘Once you’ve chosen your first colour, think about the other shades that could work well with it. If it’s a tonal look you want to recreate, stick to the same colour family, and perhaps include a brighter touch to bring the space to life.’

Neutral hues for a considered scheme — Chalky White, £14.50 for 750ml, Craig & Rose; French Linen, £41.95 per 2.5l, Annie Sloan; Pine Forest Green, £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux; Shale, £38 for 2.5l, Neptune; Hoxton Grey, £51 for 2.5l, Mylands. - -

Pure positivity

The soft pink of Pashmina by Crown Paints, £18 for 2.5l, makes this green velvet mid-century-style sofa pop. - -

Now, let’s not forget the most important thing of all when it comes to colour – how it makes you feel. This palette of vivid green, fresh pink, yellow and teal is confident, upbeat and bang on trend – and ripe for experimenting, too. Fancy a blush pink ceiling? Go for it. Or yellow inside a cupboard door? Why not!

Bring a classic kitchen with panelling to life by offsetting Farrow & Ball’s traditional Duck Green with a slick of fresh pink, such as Setting Plaster (£47.95 each for 2.5l). A trailing houseplant and crisp white ceramics help to tie the look together. - -

‘Thinking of how everything will sit together is really important, even more so now that wellbeing is at the front of our minds,’ explains Patrick. ‘Colour plays an important part in this story; it acts as the backdrop to every scene in our home.’

Bold and bright colour palettes — Coral Flair, £29.16 for 2.5l, Dulux; Verdigris Green, £47.95 for 2.5l, Farrow & Ball; Sedum, £47 for 2.5l, Fenwick & Tilbrook; Persian, £49.50 for 2.5l, Edward Bulmer; Teal, £18 for 2.5l, Crown Paints. - -